Shirlington is known throughout greater Northern Virginia as a young professional's haven. Representing a hardy mix of culture, Shirlington features many up-and-coming restaurants and entertainment including AMC Lowes of Shirlington (offering a 7 screen multiplex), but maintains the convenience and comfort of being located just a stone's throw away from employers in the Washington and Arlington metropolis. Shirlington is also well known for its fully developed housing options, sprinkled with an eclectic grouping of condos, apartments, and traditional neighborhoods set in a quaint and relaxing environment that thousands of residents call home. Shirlington also features two live theaters. Classika Theatre presents a classic variety of plays and dramas, ranging from children's theater to more serious contemporary favorites, while Shirlington's Signature Theatre specializes in musical ensembles.

Shirlington is known for its extensive network of Metrobus routes that shuttles commuters to the Pentagon City and Crystal City Metro stations and many other destinations. The Shirlington Station is located at 2975 South Quincy Street. There are presently plans to expand Shirlington as well in order to add more commercial and residential space. With a nice mix of leisurely activities and great housing as well as an outstanding public transit system, Shirlington is yet another unique neighborhood that Arlington has to offer.