Arlington’s Colonial Village community is the best place to live in America, according to new rankings.
The neighborhood next to Rosslyn and Courthouse is home to nearly 3,000 people and a historic, garden-style apartment and condo complex.
According to the ranking website Niche, which just updated its rankings for 2024, it’s the best neighborhood in the entire country.
Colonial Village, which has lower housing costs than other nearby neighborhoods, received high marks for schools, nightlife, diversity, proximity to jobs, health and fitness, outdoor activities, commute and being good for families. It’s easily walkable to two Metro stations and to numerous stores and restaurants.
Another nearby Arlington neighborhood made Niche’s top 10: Radnor/Fort Myer Heights ranked No. 8 in the U.S., for similar reasons as Colonial Village.
The county as a whole, meanwhile, was ranked by Niche as the No. 4 on its “Best Cities to Live in America” list.
“Living in Arlington offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes,” Niche wrote. “In Arlington there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Arlington and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Arlington are highly rated.”
Last year, Arlington was No. 2 on the “best cities” list. While the county fell on the list, Colonial Village moved up, from No. 2 to No. 1 on the neighborhoods list. Radnor/Fort Myer Heights also moved up, from No. 23. Ballston/Virginia Square, which was No. 21 last year, did not make the top 25.
The top 5 on both lists is below.
2024 Best Cities to Live in America:
- Naperville, IL
- The Woodlands, TX
- Cambridge, MA
- Arlington, VA
- Plano, TX
2024 Best Places to Live in America:
- Colonial Village, VA
- Carmel, IN
- Chesterbrook, PA
- Uptown Tampa, FL
- Cinco Ranch, TX
Hat tip to Rob S.