Ask Adam: Looking for a D.C. View

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013 & 2014. Please submit your questions via email.

(Updated at 4:05 p.m.) Q. We are moving to the Arlington area this summer and would like to find a condo or townhouse with a view of D.C. Can you tell me where to look and how much we should expect to pay?

A. That’s one of the nice things about Arlington… we have the best views of D.C. Below is a list of the condos and townhomes I would put at the top of my list when it comes to view. I highly recommend experiencing the view in person to make sure it meets your standards as they vary significantly. You may also want to visit in the evening as some evening views can be quite spectacular. After all, you need to make sure it is worth the premium you are going to be paying.

Waterview — I’ve been in a lot of homes in the D.C. area and I have not experienced anyplace with a view of D.C. that is this stunning. Some of these homes include panoramic views of the Potomac, Georgetown and the D.C. monuments. Because of the waterfront location, you truly get a front row view of DC. Recent home sales with a D.C. view range from about $775,000 to over $3,500,000.

Memorial Overlook — This building is located just south of Arlington Boulevard near Iwo Jima. These luxuriously appointed homes boast views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the Capitol. Recent homes sales with a D.C. view range from about $1,400,000 to over $2,000,000.

Odyssey — Even though the Odyssey is located in Courthouse, it sits high enough that many of the eastern facing units have unobstructed views of D.C. The floor to ceiling windows lend themselves well to you experiencing the view. If you don’t want to pay the premium for a home with a view, you can still enjoy the best views in the building from the rooftop terrace, which is available to all residents. I’m not aware of any one-bedroom units with a D.C. view at Odyssey. The two-bedrooms with a D.C. view have been ranging from $675,000 to over $1,300,000.

Residences at Liberty Center — You may also be surprised by the views that Liberty Center has from Ballston. The rooftop terrace and the upper level, eastern facing units actually have very impressive views of DC. You are just a little farther away than some of the other options on this list. Expect to pay between $500,000 to $800,000+ for a home with a D.C. view.

Monument Place – These impressive five-level townhomes have gorgeous D.C. views from the private rooftop terraces, which you can access with your own elevator. The most recent sale was for $1,775,000 and there is a home currently available for $1,950,000.

Here are some additional condo building where you can occasionally find units with a view: Turnberry Towers, Atrium, Alta Vista, Belvedere, Clarendon 1021, Station Square, Prospect House, Eclipse and Woodbury Heights. I’m sure the commenters will help me out if I forgot any others.

Please keep me in mind for your Fourth of July party…

The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARLnow.com.