Hello dear ARLnow readers, we at FireWorks have been busy since our ownership change discussing internally how we wanted to involve the community in our required rebranding.
The fantastic team at ARLnow was a natural fit for our passion for local journalism and our Arlington community. Please find below our short list of possible names for our store. We hope you will help us decide what should be our future name and then join us under our new banner as we rebrand, renovate, and improve our store to better serve our community.
The poll below is our short list of names but our full list is:
Address:2820 Franklin Road Neighborhood: Lyon Village Type: 4 BR, 3 BA single-family detached – 2922 sq. ft. Listed: $2,295,000
Noteworthy: Timeless charm meets everyday comfort in the heart of Lyon Village
Nestled beneath a stunning canopy of mature trees, this inviting 1928 Four-Square beautifully blends classic craftsmanship with thoughtful modern updates. Offering four bedrooms and three baths, the home is rich in character, showcasing stacked crown molding, beveled glass windows, elegant ceiling medallions, period-inspired fixtures, an original staircase banister, and gorgeous 3-inch oak floors throughout. A charming flagstone and brick walkway leads to the solid wood front door with an antique brass knocker, setting the tone for the warmth and timeless appeal found inside.
The gracious formal living room centers around a fireplace with a detailed white wood mantel and tiered corbels, creating a welcoming place to gather. French doors open to a private home office, while the formal dining room comfortably accommodates gatherings large and small. At the heart of the home, the sun-filled kitchen blends timeless style with everyday functionality, featuring crisp white cabinetry, sleek black countertops, and rich hardwood flooring. The kitchen opens seamlessly to the expansive family room and casual dining area, creating an effortless flow for daily living and entertaining.
A glass door leads to a private patio and beautifully landscaped backyard, ideal for quiet mornings or alfresco dining. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite offers a peaceful retreat with a spa-like bath featuring a soaking tub and separate shower. Three additional light-filled bedrooms and a well-appointed hall bath complete the upper level. A walk-up attic, lower-level recreation room, wine room, and detached garage with an EV charger complete this exceptional Lyon Village home.
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Janice Chen, Esq., and Victoria Khaydar, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.
Asylum is not granted as a matter of routine. To qualify for asylum, you have to have an objectively reasonable, subjectively genuine fear of persecution if returned to your home country; and, moreover, that fear must be based on a limited number of ‘protected grounds’ – race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group. On top of that, even if you do have the aforementioned fear of persecution based on a protected ground, you still have to qualify for asylum as a matter of discretion.
In previous administrations, discretionary denials of otherwise qualifying asylum claims were extremely rare. In the new Trump Administration, of course, all bets are off.
The purpose of this article is twofold: (1) to inform asylum applicants about these new ‘discretion’ questions so they can think carefully about how to answer them, and (2) to inform our fellow citizens about what the current Administration is doing in their name.
Immigration attorneys report that new questions are being asked at asylum interviews which touch on anti-Semitism, anti-Americanism, an asylum applicant’s poverty, health conditions, and wealth, and the applicant’s engagement in the community. Some of these questions aren’t unreasonable, but some are completely bonkers. Here are some of the topics and reported questions for each topic.
Anti-Semitism
Do you hold any anti-Semitic views?
Have you held anti-Semitic views in the past?
Do you plan to hold any anti-Semitic views?
Have you or your family expressed anti-Semitic opinions on Social media, at home, in public or private? (more…)
Welcome to the new column, Kami’s Korner, where we will take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.
I’d like to share some market insight. Let’s begin with a brief overview of the three upcoming Arlington condominium projects in the planning stages for Arlington…
One Rosslyn: Approximately 70 units, Average Size 1800 sq ft, 1 Bed + Den – 3 Bed
1501 Langston Blvd: Approximately 90 units, Average size 1700 sq ft, 1-3 Bed
Potomac Overlook (Formerly Key Bridge Marriott): 100 units+, Average Size 2000 sq ft, 1 Bed + Den – 3 Bed+
All three projects will have the benefit of the extended building height afforded in Rosslyn over DC and the rest of Arlington, and therefore will be built in concrete and boast Potomac River/DC views.
Concurrently, the target market for many of these includes urbanized singles and couples as well as downsizing empty nesters. The baby boomer generation has raised their children in Northern Virginia and they want to be rid of the suburban house. They would have done it years ago but there wasn’t a for-sale option that suited due to the interruption of COVID-19. Arlington has everything they want, and they don’t have to uproot their personal or social lives to make a lifestyle change. They have significant equity in their homes, have built financial wealth, and are essentially unaffected by interest rates. They can pay cash for what they want.
Condominiums designed for this luxury group are some of the only condominium projects that work in today’s market due to several converging factors. The first is that construction costs are up 30%+, and concrete is one of the most expensive components. They skyrocketed after COVID-19, and although they are no longer rising as steadily, they are stubbornly elevated. Most existing condo stock in Arlington could not be built today for what they are currently selling for in the marketplace. (more…)
Address:414 N Monroe Street Neighborhood: Ashton Heights Type: 5 BR, 5 (+1 half) BA single-family detached Listed: $2,695,000
Noteworthy: Better-Than-New Custom Craftsman: Ashton Heights Dream Home
Exceptional quality meets like-new condition in this 2023 custom-built Craftsman in Ashton Heights. This meticulously maintained home is in flawless, move-in-ready condition with virtually no wear, offering the rare combination of custom construction & a home that feels brand new. A 10-minute walk to Virginia Square & just 15–20 minutes to Clarendon & Ballston puts Arlington’s best restaurants, shops & parks right at your doorstep. Spanning 5,370 sqft across 3 finished levels, the home was thoughtfully designed for everyday living & entertaining — enhanced after completion with an automated irrigation system, wrap-around paver walkways, a spacious patio & a custom shed with electricity. The main level sets an the tone of quality with wide-plank white oak floors & elegant wainscoting. A chef’s kitchen anchors the heart of the home, featuring a 6-burner gas range, dual sinks, a generous island & a breakfast area that flows naturally into a grand living room. A dining room, private office & mudroom with built-in storage — leading to an oversized 2-car garage. Step outside to a screened-in porch overlooking a serene, fully fenced backyard & patio. Upstairs, 4 generous bedrooms each offer en-suite baths. The primary suite features vaulted ceilings, dual walk-in closets & a spa-caliber bath with a soaking tub & oversized walk-in shower. A well-appointed laundry room completes the level. The light-filled walkout lower level features a spacious rec room with wet bar, a bonus room , a guest suite, a full bath & ample storage. Rare opportunity: 2023 custom construction in an A+ Arlington location. No punch-list, no projects — just move in.
The JoGo Project performing at Jazz @ Met. Photos by Bruce Buckley.
Jazz @ Met returns to Met Park on select Thursdays, May-June. Photos by Bruce Buckley.
Photos by Bruce Buckley.
Enjoy the return of jazz at Metropolitan Park with a free concert series co-presented by the DC Jazz Festival and National Landing BID. Listen to live stylings from Go-Go to bossa nova across the four-part series, from 5-7PM on select Thursdays: May 7, May 21, June 4, and June 18.
Art Activity: “Even Colors Dance (Synesthetic Watercolor)” | Led by David Ignacio, current Resident Artist at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington’s main museum
Art Activity: “Day Inking with JD” | Led by JD Deardourff, recent Resident Artist at MoCA Innovation Studio.
For transportation and Met Park information, visit nationallanding.org/met-park/faqs. Met Park is a five-minute walk from the Pentagon City Metro.
Jazz @ Met is presented by DC Jazz Festival and National Landing BID, sponsored by Amazon. Additional support for performances is provided by The Galena-Yorktown Foundation and The Leonard and Elaine Silverstein Family Foundation.
Last week, Arlington welcomed more than 20 global technology companies for the Arlington Tech Launchpad, a three-day immersive business program connecting global firms with the region’s innovation, talent and business networks, led by Arlington Economic Development.
These companies came from 10 countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Canada, Latvia, Estonia and Argentina, bringing diverse perspectives, cutting-edge technologies and a shared ambition to establish or expand a U.S. presence.
Throughout the program, founders and executives engaged with Arlington-based leaders, entrepreneurs and academic partners, exchanging ideas shaped by different industries, cultures and lived experiences, the kind of cross-sector collaboration that fuels both innovation and business growth.
Over the three days, participants met with leading organizations including Amazon and Amazon Web Services, SAIC, RTX, Safran, Hanwha and FedTech, as well as academic institutions like George Mason University, Marymount University and Virginia Tech. These interactions weren’t just introductory, they were intentional and strategic, designed to spark partnerships, unlock opportunities and accelerate pathways to commercialization and local expansion.
Programs like the Tech Launchpad are more than short-term recruitment efforts. They are long-term investments in Arlington’s economic vitality and regional competitiveness, positioning Arlington at the forefront of global innovation while ensuring that growth translates into local jobs, office demand and community impact. (more…)
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose prices have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!
Please note: The properties featured here may be listed with other brokerages– but that doesn’t limit your options. Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to represent you, arrange showings, analyze value, and negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf. We understand the neighborhoods, pricing trends and market timing — and we usethat knowledge to your advantage.
As of May 4, there are 179 detached homes, 43 townhouses and 230 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 41 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.
May is National Pilates month, which means you’ve officially run out of reasons to keep saying “I’ve always wanted to try that.”
VIDA Pilates at Ballston makes it easy to start. Just steps from the Metro — with validated parking in a dedicated garage — getting here is the least of your worries. Our small group reformer classes are low impact, surprisingly challenging, and genuinely fun, whether you’re brand new or just looking to shake up your routine. No membership required. Just book a class and show up.
You’ll build strength, improve flexibility, and start moving better in ways you’ll actually notice. And when you’re done? Sauna, steam room, smoothie in hand… not a bad way to wrap a workout.
This regularly scheduled column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at[email protected].
Question: How common is it for a home sale to fall through once it’s under contract?
Answer: According to a recent study, 70% of sellers fear that buyers will back out of the deal before it closes. How often do real estate transactions actually fall apart?
Arlington, Northern VA Buyers Are Committed
Since 2019, less than 10% of real estate contracts fell through in Arlington, compared to 26.3% in Prince George’s County.
Just 11.4% of Northern VA real estate contracts didn’t make it to closing, as opposed to 13.8% in Montgomery County MD and 15.2% in Washington DC.
Spring Buyers Are More Committed
Homes that go under contract during the spring market are more likely to close than those that sell later in the year.
In Northern VA, just 9.6% of homes that go under contract in April fall through, but December contracts fall through 12.8% of the time; 12% more than average.
This pattern of fall-through rates follows a similar pattern of best and worst times to go to market for sellers. February through May often produce the best results for sellers in speed and price metrics, it also gives sellers the best chance at getting to the closing table.
Seasonal fall-through rates across the entire DMV market follow a similar trend as Northern VA, but the average fall-through rate increases 4-5% when you include DC and Maryland suburbs. (more…)
Tucked into the rolling hills of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival blends world-class music with small-town charm and breathtaking scenery. Held at historic Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, this beloved summer tradition has brought live performances to the region for over six decades.
Each summer, audiences gather under the stars at the Festival’s open-air pavilion, surrounded by mountain views and fresh country air. As the sun sets over the Blue Ridge Mountains and the first notes rise, the setting becomes as memorable as the music.
The Festival offers a diverse lineup, from country and classic rock to Americana and symphonic performances, featuring nationally recognized artists in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
This season’s lineup includes:
July 17 – Little River Band
July 18 – The Four Tops
July 24 – Diamond Rio (with special guest Voth)
July 25 – The LSO Big Band: A Big Band Birthday Celebrating America’s 250th
August 7 – Original Beach Boy Al Jardine & The Pet Sounds Band: A Tribute to Brian Wilson
August 8 – The Bacon Brothers: People In The World Tour
September 5 – Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute
September 6 – Hot Strings & Cool Breezes Americana Minifest, featuring:
Address:1815 N Highland Street Neighborhood: Lyon Village Type: 5 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached – 3866 sq. ft. Listed: $2,295,000
Noteworthy: Beautifully preserved 1929 Lyon Village Spanish Bungalow
A Lyon Village gem! Step into the charm and character of this beautifully preserved 1929 Spanish Bungalow, offering 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and just under 3,900 square feet of inviting living space. Rich in architectural detail, the home showcases classic white stucco walls, a red terracotta tile roof, graceful arched doorways, and elegant ornamental ironwork, creating a warm, timeless ambiance from the moment you arrive.
Inside, exquisite craftsmanship blends seamlessly with thoughtful updates. The welcoming living room features soaring 11.5-foot ceilings, dramatic Palladian windows, and a stunning kiva-style fireplace, while a gracious formal dining room sets the stage for memorable gatherings. The cozy family room with custom built-ins opens through French doors to a private patio, perfect for effortless indoor-outdoor living.
At the heart of the home, the spacious kitchen offers top-of-the-line appliances, an expansive island, abundant storage, a pantry, and a charming breakfast area framed by a bay window and arched entry. The main level also includes two bedrooms—one ensuite—providing flexible living options, along with a stylish powder room.
Upstairs, the serene primary suite features a fireplace, walk-in closet, and spa-inspired bath with soaking tub, glass-enclosed shower, and double vanity. Two additional bedrooms—one with a delightful window seat—share a Jack-and-Jill bath, and a whimsical hidden playroom adds character. A conveniently located laundry room completes the upper level.
Additional highlights include hardwood floors, new carpeting, a terracotta-tiled lower level with ample storage, a two-car garage, and a private, landscaped yard—just blocks to Clarendon’s shops, dining, Metro, and more.
