The Hazel and Azure apartment towers at 3030 & 3130 S. Potomac Avenue (staff photo by Dan Egitto)
Though down month over month and year over year, Arlington’s apartment-rental market remains the priciest in the nation outside California, according to one analysis.
The median apartment-rental cost in Arlington was $2,575 in October, according to figures reported by Apartment List. That represents a drop of 0.9% compared to September and 0.7% compared to a year before — both relatively in line with national trends.
Halloween decorations and leaves in front of homes in the Clarendon area (staff photo)
Robbery Near Yorktown HS — “Three juvenile male suspects approached two juvenile female victims, all in their teens, at Chestnut Hills Park and engaged them in conversation. Suspect One then stole cash from Victim One’s hand before all three suspects ran towards the parking lot. The victims ran after the suspects and confronted them, during which Suspect One and Suspect Two shoved the victims and Suspect Two subsequently displayed what appeared to be a pocketknife before all three suspects fled the scene.” [ACPD]
Another Crash in EFC — “This might look familiar. There was another red light runner crash at Langston and Fairfax early today.” [Dave Statter/X]
E-CARE Coming Soon — “Arlington residents can gather their old electronics, household hazardous materials (HHMs) and other hard-to-dispose-of items for drop-off at the County’s free fall Environmental Collection and Recycling (E-CARE) event on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain or shine) at 1425 N. Quincy Street.” [Arlington County]
Long Bridge Project Video — “The Long Bridge Project will expand rail capacity across the Potomac River, improving reliability and efficiency for both passenger and freight trains traveling between Virginia and Washington, DC. This animation illustrates the planned new two-track rail bridge that will run parallel to the existing Long Bridge, as well as related improvements between Arlington and DC.” [Va. Passenger Rail Authority/YouTube]
Police Toy Drive Underway — “It’s the season of giving! The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is proud to once again host the Fill the Cruiser Toy Drive—now in its 11th year—benefiting children in need across Arlington. Help make the holidays brighter by donating new, unwrapped toys at one of our collection events or convenient drop box locations!” [ACPD]
Rotarian Named ‘Service Leader of Year’ — The Inter-Service Club Council of Arlington has named Liz Nohra of the Rotary Club of Arlington as its 2025 Service Leader of the Year. Nohra will be celebrated at a Nov. 19 luncheon, receiving an honor that has been bestowed since the 1950s. — Scott McCaffrey
It’s Monday — The weather will transition from mostly cloudy to sunny, reaching a high of around 62°F. Calm winds will shift to the west at 5 to 7 mph during the afternoon. Monday night will be clear, with temperatures dropping to about 44°F. Expect a northwest wind at around 10 mph and gusts up to 18 mph. [NWS]
Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has been in an Industrious office for years and we love the convenience — you get to focus on your work rather than worrying about brewing your own coffee or keeping the copy machine stocked. Industrious has several Metro-accessible coworking locations in Arlington.
Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll 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.
Many of you have asked about best practices when it comes to buying a new condominium. Some of us only want new and are willing to pay a premium for the best in current design. There are several recommendations and insights here that will help you get what you want.
First decide what type of condominium you need… size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, parking needs, or separate office, followed by a list of wants such as level of building service, amenities on-site, space for dining for six, balcony, open floor plan, and natural light. (Here she goes again.) Not to be sexist about it, but females generally are better shoppers and come with a preconceived set of non-negotiables.
Identify the areas you would consider living, such as Arlington or Old Town… but not wanting to go as far as Tysons, Reston, or DC. People don’t buy condominiums in places they aren’t familiar with or already spend time in, unless relocating entirely. Many upcoming communities put up signage and a website first which makes early interest hyperlocal. Register as a VIP on the website early and you will get regular communication, time to consider the offering, and learn when pre-sale will begin.
Once open, come early in pre-sale. You’ll get the pick of the litter. This is particularly important if you want something larger and are interested in the best views. Prospects are smart and pick the best floorplans first. If you have some idea of your ideal size and price point it makes good use of everyone’s time. Once you make a selection, expect to leave a 10% deposit as this is pretty standard in the industry. The developer generally has their own contract and it’s written much in their favor but not unreasonably so. Pricing this early is usually not negotiable… the price is the price. But you can purchase with some confidence since all buyers are getting the same terms and the developer has a shared interest in protecting values through delivery while sales are ongoing.
You do not need to be fully qualified for financing to come out and look but it’s wise to have some idea of what you can afford. Most builders give incentives for paying cash or using their title company and lenders. Often your contract might even offer a short financing contingency in exchange for considering them.
Once firmly under contract, a buyer might have 12- 18 months to prepare for the move. How blissful. This is one of the best parts of buying early in pre-sale. Moving is daunting, especially if you have been in your current homes for 30 years and the thought of moving seems excruciating. Decide what to take, sell/donate, and hire a proper interior designer to space plan and create a unique home that reflects your tastes. All with the time to do it properly.
Something to note. Finishes have gotten more high end, brands carry weight, and there is less customization offered these days. Gone are the days of going to a design center. If you know you are getting a Sub Zero refrigerator included you probably won’t ask if there are other options available. (more…)
Expect sunshine and a high of around 61 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 7-10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with a low temperature near 43 degrees, and calm winds. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to post it as a letter to the editor on our new forum. 👋
Virginia’s Democratic-led General Assembly advanced a proposed constitutional amendment on Friday that could pave the way for redistricting in the state ahead of the 2026 congressional elections. That measure still needs another round of legislative approval early next year before it can go to voters.
The proposed constitutional amendment would let lawmakers temporarily bypass a bipartisan commission and redraw congressional districts to their advantage. The Senate’s approval Friday followed House approval Wednesday.
Great music, scripture, and prayer mingle together in this ancient evening service as we celebrate Pride and the all-embracing love of God. Join us for this 45 minute service in the beautiful Saint George’s sanctuary. The prelude begins at 3:45 pm and the service is followed by a festive reception. Everyone is welcome at Saint George’s.
Ken Schellenberg performs "I Want to Hold Your Hand" on keyboards (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
The hallways of Arlington Mill Community Center resounded with Beatles songs on Monday afternoon.
But instead of John, Paul, George and Ringo, it was Ken, Judy, Sherry and Cameron performing hits — and a few obscurities — from the 1962-69 period when the Fab Four dominated the airwaves.
The Arlington Wrestling Club is now officially certified as a non-profit organization (courtesy of Arlington Wrestlsing Club)
In existence since 2008, the Arlington Wrestling Club now has more growth potential after officially becoming a certified nonprofit organization in August.
“We needed to set up the club this way to follow more guidelines and make it [easier] to operate,” said club director John Leinberger, also the head wrestling coach at Wakefield High School. “This gives us opportunities for expansion and fundraising, and wrestlers can practice, work out and improve year-round.”
The state meet is Saturday, Nov. 8 on the Oatlands Plantation course in Leesburg. Yorktown’s runners will be coming off two successful competitions, having earlier won the Liberty District meet on the same 2.98-mile Burke Lake Park course where the region meet was held.
Bonfire at Madison Manor Park (courtesy bonfire organizers)
An annual Halloween bonfire scheduled tonight (Friday) in Madison Manor will represent a passing of the torch for the four-decade-old community tradition.
Hundreds are expected to turn out for this year’s blaze, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at Madison Manor Park (6225 12th Road N.). It will be the last hurrah for organizers James Riley and Brice Henderson, who have been hosting the fires since 1984.