Crime continued to increase in Arlington last year, according to police department stats, with notable upticks in reported assaults and shoplifting incidents.
The overall number of more serious “Group A” offenses increased 11% between 2023 and 2024, according to the Arlington County Police Department’s annual report released today (Tuesday).
An Ace Hardware is coming to Crystal City.
Jeff Smith is opening Arlington’s second Twins Ace Hardware on the ground floor of The Zoe apartments at 2051 S. Bell Street. It’s expected to open this fall, developer JBG Smith announced in a release today (Tuesday).
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…)
Arlington’s slow process for approving and permitting new development came under fire from County Board candidates, including the incumbent, at a recent forum.
“It’s a problem, no question about it,” incumbent Board Chair Takis Karantonis said at the event hosted by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.
The kids aren’t even out of school yet and we’re enjoying 80 degree temperatures for the first time in a while.
So why is ARLnow trying to get you to think about fall?
It’s because the best local advertising campaigns are those planned well in advance, with a target customer, a seasonal time-and-place context, and your marketing goals in mind.
So yes, early June — just three months out from Labor Day — is the time to start planning your campaigns for what promises to be a busy fall season.
And ARLnow’s team is here to help. Use the form below, email or call — [email protected] or 703-348-0583 — and we’ll walk you through the options.
Internationally acclaimed pianist Carlos César Rodríguez joins NCE for a luminous performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, “Elvira Madigan,” celebrated for its elegance, lyricism, and timeless appeal. Artistic Director and violinist Leo Sushansky takes center stage in Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, a cornerstone of the violin repertoire, offering a deeply personal and passionate interpretation of its sweeping romantic lines.
The program is further enriched by Florence Price’s Adoration, a work of profound beauty and spiritual warmth, and Johan Svendsen’s Romance, cherished for its lyrical charm and expressive simplicity.
An acclaimed Italian restaurant in Falls Church has almost completed a refresh of its patio and is seeking community suggestions to name the space.
Thompson Italian’s new outdoor dining area at 124 N Washington Street features picnic tables, yard games and a vintage trailer bar. The restaurant is now hosting a naming contest with prizes as it decides what to call the patio.
A 28-year-old reportedly trying to pass classified documents to a foreign government last week is the latest episode in a long history of espionage-related cases in Arlington.
Nathan Vilas Laatsch, an IT specialist for the Defense Intelligence Agency, was arrested on Thursday after allegedly arranging to hand sensitive records to an undercover FBI agent in an Arlington park.
A former substitute teacher at Washington-Liberty High School was indicted last week for allegedly engaging in a two-year sexual relationship with one of his students.
An Arlington grand jury indicted Timothy Thomas McGhee, 47, on a charge of taking indecent liberties with a minor.
Arlington’s unemployment figures remained high in April after a surge the previous month, new data shows.
Preliminary jobless figures for April, released last week, indicate a sizeable 64% year-over-year increase in Arlington’s jobless claims. A total of 4,862 residents were looking for work that month, compared to 2,972 in April 2024.
Stepped Up Patrols at Synagogues — From an Arlington County police spokesperson, in response to an ARLnow inquiry: “Our officers are on duty conducting proactive patrols throughout Arlington and have been conducting increased patrols near synagogues in the County since last month’s shooting at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC… There are currently no known threats in Arlington County.”
Fed Cuts Impact Local Nonprofit — “Aspire’s story provides a glimpse of the actual impact of such cuts. On Monday, April 28th, Aspire was notified that its funding was cut, and that it needed to cease its AmeriCorps program effective immediately (yes, immediately).This required the immediate termination of the 17 AmeriCorps members who served their students every day — students and their families who rely on Aspire for a safe place to be after school, with academic support.” [FCNP]
‘Shipwreck on the Potomac’ — “This “Shipwreck” has been next to Reagan Airport for months. Who is responsible for its removal and disposal?” [Reddit]
Stabbing in Pentagon City — “A stabbing [Friday] afternoon at the Pentagon City Metro Station. It was a leg wound that is not reported to be serious. Police described it as a fight between two people who may have known each other.” [Dave Statter/X]
Va. DMV Warns of Scam — “Did you get a text about an overdue traffic ticket charge? It’s likely a scam. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is alerting customers about a new text scam where fraudsters pose as Virginia DMV and falsely claim you owe money for unpaid fines.” [Press Release]
Rosslyn Office Swap — “A century-old trade association has signed for a full floor at Beacon Capital’s recently acquired The Towers in Rosslyn, paving the way to move from one tower to the other and a chance to custom design a new space. The Aerospace Industries Association, a tax-exempt industry advocacy group, inked a 15-year lease for the 26th floor, about 20,500 square feet, at 1100 Wilson Blvd., the western tower.” [WBJ]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies today, with highs reaching near 83 degrees and winds turning west at around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tonight, the skies will remain mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 62 degrees and a gentle south wind blowing at about 6 mph. [NWS]
