The Workhouse Arts Center is mounting an exhibition of works by several well-known African-American artists.  The Center is located in Lorton on the site of the defunct prison.

Sully Mansion in Chantilly, built in 1799, offers guided tours which highlight the lives of its early 19th century owners, tenant farmers and slaves, whose original quarters have been preserved.

Guides at Mount Vernon Estate emphasize the lives and contributions of the resident slaves.  Be sure to visit the gift shop for further materials highlighting the African American experience in America in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Attend gospel music concerts, movies and cultural celebrations in Arlington County.

Visit the website of the Arlington County Publc Libraries for a list of exhibits, programs, brochures and suggested readings in Black History.

Check out the Alexandria Black History Museum at 902 Wythe Street.  Its collection includes documents related to the first public schools for African Americans, records of Civil War exploits by black soldiers, a large collection of historic photographs and even some African artifacts.  The Robert H. Robinson library was originally established in 1940 because the Alexandria public libraries were segregated.  The museum and library also have their own adjacent park.  Then take a walk through beautiful, historic Old Town.

Finally, cross the river to celebrate the life Frederick Douglass--abolitionist, businessman and journalist.  Frederick Douglass House is located on the banks of the Anacostia River.  On February 14 historians will celebrate Douglass' birthday with readings, tours, films and music.

For people who want to own a home, the premium to buy---the spread between what they’d spend to rent and what they’d pay for a mortgage---is much lower than the 15-year average in many cities.

To determine what cities are smart buys, Forbes magazine computed the premium and also identified locales where economists predict home prices will go up the most over the next five years.

Here are the top 10 cities the magazine chose as the best places to buy right now.

1. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Mass.
2. Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, N.C.-S.C.
3. Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Ill.-Ind.-Wis.
4. Cincinnati-Middletown, Ohio-Ky.-Ind.
5. Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, Colo
6. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minn.-Wis.
7. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pa.-N.J.-Del.-Md.
8. Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Ore.-Wash.
9. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif.
10. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C.-Va.-Md.-W.V.

Source: Forbes, Francesca Levy (01/21/2010)

Get out and do something! Even though it's cold outside, there is always something to do in Arlington, Virginia. Below is a list of five fun, local, and free or low-cost events in Arlington that anyone can enjoy!   

1) Children's Theatre Festival

Event: Children's Theatre Festival

Date/Time: Saturday, January 16, 11 am-5 pm

Location: Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent Street, Arlington, VA 22209

Event Description:
The Children's Theatre Festival is a full day theatre event including exciting live performances, workshops, theatre activities and more. The theatre lobby will be filled with activities for children such as painting, drawing, and storytelling beginning at 11 am. There will be a performance of The Cat and the Seagull at 12 pm and again at 4pm. This theatre performance is based on The Story of the Seagull and the Cat Who Taught Her How to Fly, by Luis Sepulveda. At 1 pm there will be additional performances by Los Quetzalitos, the Children's Mexican Dance Group, and Las Lunitas.

Contact and Other Info:
Admission to The Cat and the Seagull is $10.00. All other activities are free. Free Parking in the building garage. Food and drink will be available for sale throughout the festival. Call 703-548-3092 for more information or visit http://www.teatrodelaluna.org.

2) Painting Class for Beginners

Event:  Painting Class for Beginners

Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 20, 10 am – 12 pm 

Location: Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 16th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204 

Event Description:
Learning how to paint is easier and more fun than ever! Longtime art teacher Blanche Kirchner is opening her painting class on Wednesday morning to help people who are new to the wonderful world of art creation and painting. Blanche will consult new artists on what materials they should bring and discuss the options of different media. This event will get anyone interested in art on the road to their own creative expression!

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is $24 for 4 sessions. Call Nelly Urbach at 703-228-0955 for more information. Sessions run Jan. 20 - Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 - March 10. Event website can be located at:  http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centerwalterreed.aspx.

3) Comedy Club

Event:  Comedy Club

Date/Time:  Friday, January 22, 10:30 am - 11:30 am 

Location: Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 18th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202

Event Description:
Come to laugh and relive the classic comedy of times past at Aurora Hills. Guests will enjoy video and audio selections of The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Bill Dana, and Burns and Allen. Later, guests can take a stab at sharing their own funny stories together. The event will be led by Mike Bloom, comedy book author and former write for Walt Disney pictures.

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is free. Contact Julie Albers at 703-228-5722 to register. The Comedy Club meets monthly on Fridays. The event website can be found at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centeraurorahills.aspx.

4) Under the Ice 

Event:  Under the Ice 

Date/Time:  Saturday, January 23, 2 pm-3 pm 

Location: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207

Event Description:
Bring children ages 6 and up to a winter wonderland in the Gulf Branch Nature Center pond. Children will learn what's lurking in that cold dark water and then go outside and discover what can be hauled up from its depths. The nature centers is nestled in lovely park setting and the event will be staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people who are there to help you and your family learn more about the great outdoors. This interactive event is an environmental education programs for both children and adults. Registration is required.

Contact and Other Info:
A fee of $3 will be due upon registration. Event is for children ages 6 and up, registered children only. Call 703-228-3403 or 703-228-4747 for more information or visit the event website located at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/nature/parksrecreationscriptsnaturegulfbranch.aspx.

5) Sudoku Mental Exercise Class

Event:  Sudoku Mental Exercise Class

Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 27, 1 pm – 3 pm 

Location: Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 Culpeper Street. Arlington, VA 22207

Event Description:
Challenge yourself and learn to work Sudoku puzzles in your head using the systematic approach developed by instructor Nort Beckerman. This two-hour class will build brain function and cognitive abilities, including memory, while teaching strategies for solving Sudoku puzzles. The class is fun and stimulating. Guests must be registered for the event.

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is free. Contact Eva Mayor at 703-228-5321 to register for the event. Event website is located at:
http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centerlangstonbrown.aspx.

The Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden is located at the corner of North Lexington and Wilson Boulevard, at 850 North Lexington Street in Arlington, Virginia. This scenic and serene rose and botanical garden occupies approximately one acre of land and features over 135 different rose varieties and houses 2,500 plant species as well. Featured roses include Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora, Floribunda, and miniature roses. The garden also hosts the latest All-American roses annually, showcasing the newest variety of roses at least one year before they become commercially available.

Bon Air Memorial Park also features an azalea garden, a shade garden, a sun garden, and an ornamental garden. Other amenities include picnic tables, charcoal grills, a babbling spring stream, a paved walking trail, tennis and basketball courts, an additional children's playground. Cultural advice and guidance for the rose garden is provided by the Arlington Rose Foundation. Call (703) 358-4747 for more information.

This beautiful and fascinating garden is a brilliant and colorful local resource that truly proves Virginia is for lovers! Whether you are a botanical aficionado or an individual who simply wants to stop and smell the roses, the Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden is a must see this spring in Northern Virginia. Park hours are from Sunrise until half an hour after Sunset throughout the year. 

Upton Hill Regional Park, located at 6060 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, offers local residents and visitors alike a versatile, wooded recreational commons in the heart of one of the most densely populated areas of Northern Virginia. The park features an outdoor swimming pool complex that includes a lap pool, a full-sized recreational pool, a separate kiddie pool, multiple water slides, and a children's water house with a huge bucket that fills up with water and empties out onto everyone in its path!! The park also features a deluxe miniature golf course as well as batting cages that include baseball and softball both.

Although the park facilities are presently closed for the winter season, the park itself remains open every day for hiking, picnicking, and playing on the playground. The batting cages and mini-golf facilities will reopen for the season in March of 2010. The water park and swimming pool complex will reopen Memorial Day weekend. In addition, Upton Hill Regional Park hosts and annual Easter Egg Hunt in early March and welcomes the whole family to come and join in the festivities. Children can enjoy hunting for eggs filled with candy as well as a moon bounce, coloring, and other games. The Easter Egg Hunt is recommended for children ages 2 through 10 and reservations are required. Call 703-534-3437 for more information or to make reservations.

Located between the Arlington and Fairfax County line at the intersection of Patrick Henry Drive and Wilson Boulevard, Upton Hill Regional Park is a great venue with a wide range of activities that provide fun for the whole family! In 2007, the Park's facilities underwent a $2 million renovation as part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's effort to attract local residents and visitors to an innovative, public facility representative of both the area and the local governments' commitment to its community.  

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The Waterford House Condominiums are located at 1200 Crystal Drive in Arlington, Virginia, at the North end of Crystal City. Built in 1986, the Waterford House maintains 68 condo units with only 4 units per floor, offering its residents the epitome of privacy along with an ideal location. The Waterford House provides easy access to Washington D.C., Reagan National Airport, the Pentagon, Arlington and Alexandria. The building features a concierge, a gym, extra storage, a clubroom, and a parking garage; however, the Waterford House does not allow pets.

The most unique element of the Waterford House is that its residents can enjoy an underground, pedestrian walk-way to access the Metro and the Crystal Mall, which means that transportation, shopping, dining and entertainment are all within minutes of this luxury community. Between the convenient location, dramatic views, and the ease of access the Waterford House is one of the best condominium locations in Northern Virginia! 

Rosslyn is just across the Potomac from Washington DC, couched between Georgetown and Arlington National Cemetery, with easy access to the Memorial Bridge, Key Bridge and Roosevelt Bridge. Here are few highlights from the condominiums you'll find here:

• Atrium -- A contemporary design with striking floor-to-ceiling glass.
• Astoria -- All-brick condos that consistantly rank as one of the area's most desirable addresses
• Belvedere -- A landmark structure just off Rt. 50. The Belvedere overlooks the monuments and the Iwo Jima Memorial
• Bromptons -- 10 foot ceilings and nearly brand new structure
• Turnberry Towers --- Twenty-five stories tall and loaded with luxury
• Waterview --- The name says it all? No, but it gives you a good starting point.
• Wooster & Mercer Lofts --- Luxury in loft-style condos

Crystal City is located mostly just east of Jefferson Davis Highway (US Rt 1) in Arlington County south of I-395 and the Pentagon. Crystal City has an enviable location between Old Town Alexandria and uptown Arlington/Rosslyn.

Crystal City is highly metro accessible via both the Blue and Yellow Lines, and is well-served by several bus lines. Crystal City was never a bad place to live, but is even better with the addition of several upscale restaurants that have contributed to the renewal of this part of town. Click Crystal City for a map of the area and a list of condos and homes for sale here in Crystal City . If you are looking for a condo for sale or a home in Crystal City, our team of realtors suggest checking though some of the following communities:

• Aurora Highlands -- Also known as Aurora Hieghts and Aurora Hills, this incredibly convenient neighborhood near Crystal City features single family homes with traditional stylings.
• Bella Vista -- From high-end luxury to small condos, Bella Vista offers high-rise living just west of Crystal City.
• Crystal Gateway -- One of Crystal City's namesakes, Crystal Gateway offers amenities, location and ample proportions.
• Crystal Park -- Another Crystal City original.
• Eclipse at Center Park -- New condos at the National Gateway, offering the convenience of Harris Teeter in the building.
• Pentagon City -- Crystal City's sister village, just west of Crystal City near the Pentagon City Metro.
• the Representative -- On Arlington Ridge Road overlooking the Potomac and all of Crystal City.
• Southampton -- Highly desirable, hard to find townhouses between Pentagon Row and Crystal City.
• Waterford House -- Luxury condos at the northern end of Crystal Drive.

The Astoria Condominiums in Arlington, Virginia, is a stately Victorian condo building in the Rosslyn area of Arlington. Located within a ten minute walk of the Rosslyn Metro on the Orange Line and within blocks of Georgetown in Washington D.C., the Astoria condominium community features 240 homes where residents enjoy a unique lifestyle with a host of convenient amenities as well. Such amenities include a swimming pool, a library, a tennis court, a club house, an exercise room, and a garden plaza. The Astoria also features 24 guest parking spaces for overnight guests, and private, reserved parking for residents. The Astoria is a mid-rise condominium situated conveniently for commuter access to many major thoroughfares including I-66, Lee Highway, the George Washington Parkway and the Key Bridge.

With a rich and long history in the greater Arlington Area, the Astoria was included as one of the "Best Address" buildings in the Smithsonian's book entitled Best Addresses: A Century of Washington's Distinguished Apartment Houses. The Astoria is located at 2100 Lee Highway in Arlington, Virginia. Between the Astoria's ultra-convenient location and its all-inclusive amenities, the Astoria caters to the economically savvy resident seeking a high-quality condominium with a hassle-free commute.   Click here for a map of the Astoria with properties listed for sale.

Service	Company	Phone
Electricity/Gas	Dominion	1-888-667-3000, 1-800-552-4015
Electricity/Gas	Washington Gas - Virginia Division	(703) 750-1000, (703) 750-7975
Fire	Fire Department	(703) 228-3362
Phone Local/Long Distance	Verizon	(703) 954-6222, 1-800-826-2355, 1-800-564-0999
Police	Police Department	(703) 228-4040
TV Cable	COMCAST	(703) 841-7700
TV Cable	Verizon	1-866-788-3814
Water/Garbage	Department of Environmental Services	(703) 228-6570, (703) 228-4611

Located at 12th North Court and Courthouse Road in Arlington Virginia, the Vista on Courthouse are townhouse condos stacked in a duplex-style that feature 213 condo units in a building that was originally known as Abingdon Heights. The condo units feature 2, 3 and 4 bedroom floor plans, as well as a host of specialized amenities such as spacious outdoor private terraces, hardwood floors, 9 foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, and ultra-luxurious soaking tubs in the bathrooms. In addition, the units feature granite vanity countertops in the bathrooms, two-toned interior paint, recessed, energy-efficient lighting and pendant bar lighting, as well as granite kitchen countertops and other high-end advancements. The Vista on Courthouse condos also host a private fitness center, a theater ad game room, a ground-level pool with sun deck, a grand courtyard plaza entrance, as well as beautifully landscaped grounds and park-like recreational green spaces rowed by community sidewalks. Some of the townhouses are as large as 3,200 square feet and offer private terraces. The duplex-style homes are just over 1,700 square feet in size.

The Vista on Courthouse is perfectly suited for the busy professional because of the buildings convenient location, just two blocks from the Arlington Courthouse Metro, and because there is a wide-array of businesses, restaurants, and shopping centers easily accessible within a one mile radius of these fantastic homes. This pet-friendly and community centered residence brings the best of Arlington to your front door and serves as the ideal for contemporary condo living in Arlington's urban Courthouse neighborhood.

Located at 12th North Court and Court House Road in Arlington, Virginia, the Vista on Courthouse are townhouse condos stacked in a duplex-style that feature 213 condo units in a high-rise building that was originally known as Abingdon Heights. The condo units feature 2, 3 and 4 bedroom floor plans, as well as a host of specialized amenities such as spacious outdoor private terraces, hardwood floors, 9-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, and ultra-luxurious soaking tubs in the bathrooms.

In addition, the units feature granite vanity countertops in the bathrooms, two-toned interior paint, recessed, energy-efficient lighting and pendant bar lighting, as well as granite kitchen countertops and other high-end advancements. The Vista on Court House condos also host a private fitness center, a theater and game room, a ground-level pool with sun deck, a grand courtyard plaza entrance, as well as beautifully landscaped grounds and park-like recreational green spaces rowed by community sidewalks. Some of the townhouses are as large as 3,200 square feet and offer private terraces. The duplex-style homes are just over 1,700 square feet in size.

The Vista on Court House is perfectly suited for the busy professional because of the buildings' convenient location, just two blocks from the Arlington Court House Metro, and because there is a wide-array of businesses, restaurants, and shopping centers easily accessible within a one mile radius of these fantastic homes. This pet-friendly and community-centered residence brings the best of Arlington to your front door and serves as the ideal for contemporary condo living in Arlington's urban Court House neighborhood.

Both exclusivity and a coveted locale are just two of the benefits of owning a condo home at the Residences at Lyon Hill in Arlington, Virginia. Located at 2801 Lee Highway, near the Spout Run Parkway and Lyon Village Shopping Center, the Lyon Hill condo community offers immediate access to downtown Washington via the Roosevelt or Memorial Bridges, and to Georgetown via the Key Bridge. In addition, the condos are located conveniently close to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Interstate 66, Route 50, and the Courthouse and Clarendon Metrorail as well.

The Residences at Lyon Hill feature 18 unique condo homes that together and individually can be characterized as luxurious, elegant, and stylish. The exceptional design quality of each unit is complemented by the modern and innovative feel of the building itself, which features an all brick facade exterior. The floor plan for each of the units vary, but include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, walk-in closets, sun rooms and sitting rooms, as well as a washer and dryer in each. Other amenities include gourmet kitchens, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, controlled access underground parking, indoor visitor parking, and a concierge.

The exclusivity and individuality of the Residences at Lyon Hill are well suited for those who expect convenience, quality, and luxury from their condo home as well as the safety, security and community-oriented setting for which Arlington is best well known.   

The Hyde Park Condominiums of Arlington, Virginia, are located at 4141 North Henderson Road and boasts that they are the Ballston communities' first condominium. After over a decade of discussion and debate regarding land use near the Ballston Metrorail's Orange Line, the Ballston Sector Plan was finally established in 1980; which ultimately set the framework for what is now the Ballston urban metropolis. Today, the Hyde Park Condominiums serve as an attractive and important gateway into Ballston's North Glebe Road intersection where the condos are conveniently located between both North Quincy and North Henderson Street. The Hyde Park condos can be conveniently accessed from Interstate 66 and Route 50 and are located directly next to a Harris Tetter grocery store and the Ballston Commons Mall.

The Hyde Park condos are a luxurious 12 story high-rise community located four blocks from the Ballston Metro on the Orange Line plus one lower level floor for commercial use which was built in anticipation of Ballston's thriving urban growth. The condos feature 24-hour security and secretarial services, a night time security guard, a swimming pool, washers and dryers on each residential floor, and an award-winning plaza that reflects the spirit of the original Hyde Park itself.

A newly renovated feature that residents of the Hyde Park condos can enjoy is the new 3-level, enclosed parking garage. In addition, residents may arrange for daytime or overnight parking in the garage for their guests.

Between both the ease of access to the Hyde Park Condominiums and the convenience of the nearby Metro, grocery stores, and Ballston Commons Mall, the Hyde Park condos capture the urban feel of the Ballston community while maintaining the ideal comfort and safety of a residential neighborhood.  

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We can all agree that there are two things we all want: a little more money and a little better environment. With that in mind many communities, especially condominium complexes, are working harder than ever to--- literally--- make money grow on trees.

Better than a hybrid ...

A mass study of recent recycling and envori-friendly residential communities found that people who move into compact areas have a lower carbon footprint than folks living in outlying areas. The study refers to metropolitan residents as “green living" because folks who walk to the metro, to shops and to work have a much reduced impact on the environment. Common sense tells us that condo residents in compact areas will use less fossil fuels than outliers who buy even the most efficient hybrid vehicles.

Market research and personal experience indicates that the majority of future housing demand will be found in houses, townhouses and condos where jobs and activities are close by. People need and want homes where public transportation is easily accessible. Simply by living in highly compact neighborhoods such as Rosslyn, Courthouse, and Clarendon residents contribute greatly to the cause of protecting our natural environment through reduced fossil fuel emissions. .That's right, even in extremely urban areas such as metropolitan Northern Virginia, you can do your part to keep our environment clean and green.

Recycle!

In Arlington, Virginia local ordinances require condominium properties and business to recycle. The goals of the Arlington County are basic but important and their aim is to:

• Make it easy in Arlington to recycle at home, work and play.
• Reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Exceed Virginia's mandatory recycling rate.

Outside of Arlington, it's rare to find condominium communities in Northern Virginia that don't offer recycle bins. The economic benefits of recycling programs within a condominium community can really help our environment and our bottom line. Recycling:

• Keeps condo fees down;
• Reduces trash disposal;
• Rebates some trash fees to those who haul the recycled material;
• Reduces manufacturing costs;
• Fuels the U.S. economy --- both jobs and sales are created by recycling.

Want to help our environment? Get involved.

So for all you concerned condo owners who would like to get involved and make a difference in your community, here some basic information for residents of condos regarding what you can do right now:

• Get involved and begin by telling others who live in your condo or any multi-family property how easy it is to set up recycling systems for newspapers, glass bottles and jars, and metal food and beverage containers. Knowledge is power!
• When preparing materials for recycling, residents should follow property manager instructions or use a guide such as the one available on the Arlington county website.
• Establish and maintain a recycling program for residents to recycle and reuse all required recyclable materials. Here, the recycling collection system must be separate from trash/ refuse collection. Properties are encouraged to include additional recyclable materials such as plastic bottles and jugs, magazines, mixed paper, and corrugated cardboard.

By demonstrating environmental leadership you can publicly show your commitment to the environment by raising the recycling bar to your condo communities' recyclable goods facility by adding mixed paper, cardboard, and yard waste to your recycling program. Your personal conviction to save to environment will increase community interest in recycling participation and because going green is the new black, you don't even have to be a tree-hugging hippie to make both your social status and the planet a little cleaner.

If you're looking for a green condo in Northern Virginia, some new developments like 900 N. Washington have a environmental conscience. Contact me for details.

Yet another one of Arlington's premier and ultra-luxurious condo properties featuring generous amenities and the epitome in location, the Odyssey Condominium is located at 2001 North 15th Street in Arlington, Virginia. Developed by Monument Realty and Lehman Brothers, the Odyssey Condominium features units ranging from studios to three-bedroom floor plans. The condominium is set in the heart of Arlington, within two blocks of the Courthouse Metro Station, as well as an outstanding proximity to numerous shops, restaurants, and theaters. The architecture is stark but striking, with a high-end and polished look, and includes on-site amenities and services both. The prime location to both entertainment and the Courthouse Metro community combine to make the Odyssey one of the most attractive condo developments in Northern Virginia.

The Odyssey is a 274-unit property which also features a limited series of Platinum Penthouse Suites that offer expansive floor plans, premium finishes and appliances, and exceptional views of the Potomac River. Building amenities include a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, resident club room, landscaped plaza, underground parking, and 6,586 square feet of street-level retail.

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If you'd like to learn more about Waterview click here?

Check what's available now.

Here's a price report based on the last two years of sales and rentals.

Unit Type	For Sale	Rental
One Bedroom	460,000-740,000	1900-3500
Two Bedroom	754,000-2,000,000	3500-6800
Three Bedroom	2,344,000-2,535,000	NA

Waterview is located at 1111 19th St NArlington, VA near I-66, GW Parkway, and the Rosslyn Metro Station. Waterview is a 5 minute commute to D.C.

Amenities include:

• 24 hour Concierge
• Rooftop observation, highest in the area
• Gas Heat included in condo fee
• Controlled Access
• Garage Parking
• Span & Health Club

---

About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo 1 Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.

Located at 3625 North 10th in Arlington Virginia, the Monroe was completed in 2007 and is located in the heart of Arlington's Ballston community; inset among several high-rise condos located a 1/2 block from the at Virginia Square Metro Station on the Orange Line near the Ballston Common Mall. The Ballston community in Arlington is an urban landscape that is home to a gamut of modern apartment and condominium complexes, the Ballston Common Mall, the Ballston business district, and a hip (if not commercial) variety of restaurants and bars to boot.

Fitting in with the cityscape, the Monroe is a high-rise condominium building that has 79 units, some as large as 1,800 sq feet, and includes amenities such as a gym, a library and community room, rooftop deck, a courtyard, concierge and a full-time front office staff. The units have hardwood floors, granite kitchen countertops, balconies, stainless steel appliances, and the option for additional storage rooms. With respect to convenience and locale, this contemporary and attractive condo is across the street from some handy must-haves including a Starbucks, 7-Eleven, Bank of America, Bruegger's Bagel and Marvelous Market.

The Ballston community also hosts several nearby parks and open outdoor spaces. These features as well as its proximity to the Metro have led to many young condo owners and professionals to call Ballston home and the Monroe at Virginia Square is a prime example of how Ballston has become a model of residential, transit-oriented development and smart growth today.

Click here for map.

Of the thousands of condominiums located throughout Arlington Virginia, the Turnberry Towers stand apart as an ultra-luxurious, 25-story high rise condominium in the heart of downtown Rosslyn. The Turnberry Towers feature cutting edge security and privacy, direct entry elevators, a multi-level garage, and even private garages for cars and motorcycles both. The amenities at Turnberry Towers also set a new standard for condo dwellers in luxury, class and style.  These in vogue facilities include a cafe, a surround sound entertainment media room, multiple social rooms, private spa and fitness centers with an indoor swimming pool and a 24-hour valet, as well as a 24-houe concierge. Finally, Turnberry Towers boasts outdoor balconies, gourmet kitchens, 10 foot ceilings, custom made hard floors, fireplaces, generous closet space, and secondary entrances on some units.

All of the units represent the trend setting standards of this well-established neighborhood in Rosslyn. The Towers are located 1820 North Fort Myer Drive in Arlington, Virginia and are a 2 minutes of the Orange Line Metro Station in Rosslyn. Between the location and the high-end convenience and facilities of this condo high-rise, Turnberry Towers sets the bar as the epitome of opulence. Check here for information about condos for sale at Turnberry Towers.

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The condominium homes of Clarendon 1021, located at the cross streets of North Garfield and North Filmore in Arlington, Virginia, were built in 2005 and comprise of 419 condo units in a 9-story high rise style building. The condos of Clarendon 1021 capture the exciting and vibrant feel of the surrounding neighborhood by featuring large, private balconies and wall-to-wall windows that flood each unit with light. By combining urban chic with a comfortable and low-key sensibility, the condos of Clarendon 1021 are an ideal living community.

The property features stainless steel appliances, high ceilings, hardwood floors, and the condos are located minutes away from the Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro stations as well as a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants, outstanding retail shopping and everyday business services such as a drycleaners, a nearby gas station, and a shoe repair store. The feel of the surrounding neighborhood is upbeat, active, and professional. The condos as Clarendon 1021 are perfectly positioned at the hub of the Courthouse business community and are located only minutes away from many of the major highway and mass transit routes. In addition, Arlington is known nationwide as an up-and-coming urban community that was originally part of a 10 mile parcel of land surveyed in 1791, and has since become a major metropolis in its own right located just outside of the Nation's Capital. Geographically, it is known as one of the smallest self-governing counties in Virginia and yet it maintains a largely urban feel with a highly active community which combine to the Clarendon 1021 condos a rich and prosperous locale to call home.

The Wooster and Mercer Lofts located at 1600 Clarendon Blvd. in Arlington, Virginia, feature 87 condo units with a flair for the dramatic yet also accentuate minimalism and are one the most sought after condominiums in the Arlington community. The concrete, brick facade buildings feature 10-foot high ceilings, open and spacious living rooms with clean lines and an arid atmosphere, a mezzanine level that can be accessed via floating stairs, and massive windows that let in an abundance of natural light. The penthouses of the Wooster and Mercer Lofts feature 21-foot tall living spaces as well as a private roof terrace.

The Wooster and Mercer Lofts also include a large courtyard with an outdoor swimming pool, an expansive sunning terrace, and a private green or recreational space perfect for children, picnics, and football games. The lofts also include a concierge desk, a fitness room, and a club room. Other amenities include private underground parking and bike storage, luxury bathrooms, and innovative lighting systems. Featured as one of the Washington Business Journals' Best Real Estate Deals of 2007, the Wooster and Mercer Lofts are an exceptional place to call home.

The Clarendon Metro Station is located in Arlington, Virginia between the Rosslyn and Ballston Metro Stations and runs both the Orange and Blue Metro lines. The Clarendon Metro Station totals 212 acres of land and includes a mixed-bag of single and multi-family homes, apartments, condos, office buildings, and commercial and retail businesses. There are multiple established residential neighborhoods located near the Clarendon Metro Station that combine to create an urban village, a notion that was the central concept in the design and development of the Clarendon neighborhood.

One of the major focal points near the Clarendon Metro is the Olmstead Building and standing at 213,000 square feet, the Olmstead Building is the largest office space in Clarendon. More recently completed in 2003, the Hartford Office Building is another front runner contending for the largest office space and encompasses almost 207,000 square feet. In December of 2004, there were over 64,545 square feet of office space, 25,615 square feet of retail space, and 887 residential units under construction. Presently, there are many other condominiums being built near the Clarendon Metro Station which include the Phoenix Condominiums and the Views of Clarendon condos.

Finally, the area surrounding the Clarendon Metro Station hosts several exciting, local events each year including Arlington's Neighborhood Day Parade and the Mardi Gras Parade. The largest and most notable event of the year is Clarendon Day, usually held on a Saturday in mid-October, and features live music, local restaurant and eatery booths, clothing, jewelry, antiques, games and rides for children, and an ice cream eating contest. Additionally, a farmer's market is held at Clarendon's Central Park on Wednesday afternoons from Memorial Day through Labor Day and features organic produce and baked goods.

See condos for sale

The Eclipse Condominiums in Center Park is located at 3600 and 3650 South Glebe Road in Arlington, Virginia.  The sky high, two-tiered condominium development provides breathtaking views of the D.C. horizon and the Potomac River. The unique layout of the grounds and the livelihood of the Eclipse residents combine to make this condo community one of the most exceptional and exclusive places to live in Arlington.
 
Featuring an on-site Harris Teeter grocery store and pharmacy, a number of retail stores and restaurants, as well as several convenient services such as a dry cleaners and additional storage, the Eclipse is a condo community that has it all. Including amenities such as an outdoor pool, a fitness facility, a party and social room, a 24-hour concierge and a community center; the Eclipse condominiums are a community unto themselves. Finally, the Eclipse is a pet friendly community with immediate access to the Crystal City Metro, Regan National Airport, and is only minutes from Old Town Alexandria and Washington D.C. Between the many included amenities and the ultra-centralized location, the Eclipse in Crystal City is one of the premiere condo communities in Arlington, Virginia. 

Located at 1111 North 19th Street in Arlington, Virginia, the Waterview Condominiums are among the area's most desirable and luxurious residential condo communities. Last year, the Waterview Condominiums were rated one of Arlington County's top 12 condominium facilities; and with the Hotel Palomar located directly below the condo units, Waterview residents can enjoy all of the perks that this particularly convenient locale has to offer. Residents have access to the Hotel Palomar's conference rooms and business centers, as well as the Hotel bar and restaurant.

The Waterview condos feature a 24-hour concierge, a private residents-only lounge, a rooftop observation deck with some of the most breathtaking and panoramic views in the area, an outdoor terrace located 100 feet from the Potomac River, a spa and fitness facility, and a reserved parking garage. Individual condo units feature hardwood and parquet floors, floor to ceiling glass windows, and imported granite countertops.

Apart from the obvious luxury of the Hotel and the condominium building, the location of the Waterview is superbly positioned for the Washington Metro commuter. Located in the epicenter of Rosslyn and less than five minutes away from greater Washington D.C., the Waterview offers easy access to Reagan National and Dulles airport as well as downtown Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia.

Located at 1530 Key Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, the Atrium Condominiums sit on a hill just between the Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro stations in the heart of Arlington. Appropriately blending into the cityscape of nearby Rosslyn, the Atrium can easily be mistaken for a hotel at first glance. The sky-high, glass enclosed front entrance of the building and the grandiose lobby and foyer area are at once noticeable and are the result of extensive renovations done to both the interior and exterior of the building in 2006. The Atrium features a 24-hour gym, a hot tub, an on-site dry cleaning service, private tennis courts, and breathtaking views of Washington D.C. and the Potomac River. 

One of the major highlights of the Atrium Condo community is the location. Featuring an Arlington shuttle bus stop directly in front of the building, the Georgetown metro bus across the street, a Pentagon City shuttle one block away and situated directly in between both the Orange and Blue Metro lines, the Atrium is a Washington commuter's safe-haven! In addition, the Atrium is located minutes away from Safeway, CVS, and wide range of restaurants including Cafe Asia and Ray's Hell-burger. The location and convenience of the Atrium is by far the most attractive feature of this well-kept condo community. 

The Brittany is a condominium community located in Arlington, Virginia, at 4500 South Four Mile Run Drive. The condominium features 408 units in a high-rise style that is just tall enough to break over the skyline along Four Mile Run in South Arlington.

This particular community has a pleasantly surprising range of amenities and features including two private tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center which provides an indoor running track, a fully-equipped media center and conference room, a club house with billiards, and an enclosed parking garage.

While the Brittany has moderately convenient access to Washington D.C. and the Arlington Court House Metro Stations, what differentiates these condominiums from others in more heavily trafficked parts of Arlington such as Rosslyn are their suburban, tucked away feel. The Brittany is closely located to the Old Dominion hiking and biking trails, and sits in a slightly more clandestine part of Arlington County. 

The Pentagon, headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, is located right in Arlington, Virginia. The Pentagon is home to 23,000 employees and military and 3,000 non-defense support personnel. The Pentagon is the biggest office building in the world.

In addition to many defense offices from all branches of the military, the Pentagon houses services visitors and employees with numerous fast food operations. The Pentagon has a Subway, MacDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, Panda Express, Starbucks, KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell and many others. (All food services are managed by the Navy Exchange.) The Pentagon also has a fitness center open civilian and military employees.

Getting to the Pentagon is fairly easy. MetroRail's Yellow or Blue Lines both stop at the Pentagon. If you are driving the Pentagon, street parking is hard to find and far from the entrance. But the Pentagon is a ten minute walk from the Pentagon City's Shopping Mall via pedestrian tunnel. Paid parking is available in the mall's garage. Numerous bus routes converge on the Pentagon as well.

Because the Pentagon is easily accessed through multiple commuter routes, residents looking for homes near the Pentagon have many choices. Homes in Arlington including Crystal City and Rosslyn are the most obvious, because they are so close. Alexandria including Old Town, the West End and Arlandria are very close as well. Although not as close as other parts of Alexandria and Arlington, Ballston and Clarendon in Arlington have easy access to the Pentagon via Metro. Shirlington is a few exits away down Interstate 395.  While some of these homes have a heavy premium for proximity to the Pentagon and DC, some of these neighborhoods are surprisingly affordable.  Check with your Condo Alexandria expert to find the home that's best for you.

New Resident Checklist

Arlington Residients are now able to choose from several competitors for broadband, electric, gas, telephone (both local & long distance) and television service. Ask your local utility distributor about what choices are available to you.

Cable TV

Comcast of Arlington
Phone: 703-841-7700

Verizon
FIOS TV in Virginia : 866-788-3814

Electricity

Dominion Virginia Power provides the regulated delivery (distribution) of electricity to your home or business. Ask your local utility about what electricity supplier choices are available to you.

Dominion Virginia Power
Apply for service by calling 1-888-667-3000/(TTY 800-552-4015)

Gas

Washington Gas delivers natural gas to your home or business and responds to any emergency involving your gas service. Ask your local utility about what natural gas supplier choices are available to you.

Washington Gas
Phone: 703-750-1000/ (TTY 703-750-7975)

Pets

Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed with Arlington County. Phone: 703-228-3081

Schools

Student Registration: Parents should enroll school-age children as soon as they arrive in Arlington County. Register your child at the school he or she will attend. To determine the appropriate school(s), call 228-7600 and then call the Intake Center at 228-7663 to make an appointment. More information is available at the Arlington Public Schools website.

Taxes and Bills

Learn the local tax rates on personal property and real estate as well as filing requirements for personal property such as vehicle, motorcycles, and boats.

Telephone

Verizon provides and maintains the telephone network to which your home or business is connected. Several competitors provide telephone service (both local and long distance).

Verizon
Phone: 703-954-6222 for residential service. 1-800-826-2355 for business service. (TTY 800-564-0999).

Trash & Recycling/Sewer/Water services

Call the Arlington County Utilities Services Office 228-6570 (TTY: 703-228-4611). Homeowners, and possibly renters, need to establish a County utilities account for these services.

Vehicle Registration,

State of Virginia: New Virginia residents must register their vehicles within 30 days after becoming a resident in Virginia. Immediately upon registration a vehicle safety inspection is required; there is no grace period. In addition, an emissions inspection is required before the vehicle can be registered. The Arlington branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office is located at 4150 S. Four Mile Run Drive. You may title your vehicle in Virginia, register for state license plates, and apply for a Virginia driver's license there. Title and registration services are also offered at the DMV Select office in Courthouse Plaza. For complete details, visit DMV online or telephone them at 1-866-368-5463 (TTY 800-272-9268).

Vehicle Registration, Arlington: After you complete DMV registration, the next step is to register your vehicle in Arlington County. New Arlington residents must register their vehicles with the County within 60 days after moving to Arlington or immediately upon display of permanent Virginia state tags. To register your vehicle with the County, fill out the online form or simply bring your state registration papers to the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 218. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Your first County windshield decal will cost $24.00. With this registration, you are automatically registered on the County's personal property tax rolls. For more information, telephone (703) 228-3135.

Voter Registration

If you are a new Virginia resident, you must register in order to be able to vote in Virginia. If you moved to Arlington from another Virginia jurisdiction, you must transfer your voter registration to Arlington County. Both tasks may be accomplished at the Office of Voter Registration, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 320. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Or, you may register to vote when you register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Registration forms also are available in Arlington Public Libraries and Arlington Public Schools. You must register at least 29 days before a primary or general election or 14 days before a special election. Telephone 703-228-3456.

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.

The Court House Metro Station is located in Arlington, Virginia at Wilson Boulevard and Uhle Street. The Court House metro is located on the Orange Line, in between the Rosslyn and Clarendon metro stations, and services the greater Courthouse neighborhood. The metro station began service in 1979 and is scheduled to be on the Silver Line by the start of operations in 2011. Located in the epicenter of Arlington, estimates project that sum 14,000 people enter and exit the station on an average weekday.

The area surrounding the Court House metro station represents a wide-range of residential, commercial, government and retail buildings. Colonial Village, for example, located just north of the metro station, is one of Arlington's first garden apartment complexes and part of the complex has been designated as a Historic District by the Arlington County Board. By contrast, the metro stop is also surrounded by the Court House Plaza buildings, which include almost 600,000 square feet of office space. In 1993, the Arlington County Board adopted the Court House Sector Plan Addendum which envisions the Court House metro station area as an urban government center with an eclectic mix of numerous, high-capacity office and commercial properties coexisting with and in preservation of the nearby local and residential neighborhoods.

If you're looking for a home on the Orange Line, you might find the following links useful:

• Rosslyn --- At the center of the world: many homes here have views of Washington monuments, Iwo Jima Memorial
• Courthouse --- Walk to everything with a condo or home near Courthouse Metro Station
• Ballston --- Map includes Ballston Metro and Virginia Square/GMU on the Orange Line in Arlington VA
• East Falls Church Metro --- Metro station located near I-66
• Dunn Loring / Merrifield --- Homes and properties near and inside the Beltway
• Vienna --- First/last stop on the Orange Line in Virginia

Located on D.C. Metrorail's Orange Line, Rosslyn is the last stop in Arlington before entering the District and, compared to its more suburban-feeling counterpart neighborhoods such as Courthouse and Clarendon, Rosslyn has a distinctly urban feel. In large part, this is due to the corporate and commercial businesses occupying the area, including nationally known companies like Price Waterhouse Coopers, the Boeing Company, and several major hotel chains such as Marriott and Hyatt.

A mix of culture and community, Rosslyn offers a gamut of local activities such as the Rosslyn Spectrum Theater, a vibrant performing arts venue featuring live music and theater in the evenings, or the Arlington History Bike Tour. Rosslyn is also home to an annual jazz festival each September. Although it is known as one of Arlington's most urban villages, Rosslyn also provides a home to those who seek to live outside of the District, and many of the residential apartment complexes offer a serene view of the Potomac River and the streets are often calm by the end of the evening.

For those seeking real estate in Arlington here are a few links and suggestions along the Orange Line:

• Rosslyn --- At the center of the world: many homes here have views of Washington monuments, Iwo Jima Memorial
  • Atrium -- stunning condos enclosed in glass
  • Belvedere -- luxury at the center of the everything near the Rosslyn Metro
• Courthouse --- Walk to everything with a condo or home near Courthouse Metro Station
• Ballston --- Map includes Ballston Metro and Virginia Square/GMU on the Orange Line in Arlington VA
• East Falls Church Metro --- Metro station located near I-66
• Dunn Loring / Merrifield --- Homes and properties near and inside the Beltway
• Halstead at the Metro --- Newly built brick garden-style condos on the Orange Line at Dunn Loring Metro
• Wilton House and Westbriar -- High-rise condos and garden style condos at Dunn Loring
• Vienna --- First/last stop on the Orange Line in Virginia

Catch a movie. Bring the kids to take part in the annual Halloween trick or treating all throughout the mall. If you have a lazy teen who will be going off to college soon why not send them over to Ballston Common Mall yearly college fair. Or you can simply shop in over 200 of their stores.

Ballston Common Mall has something for every single person for the family. If your looking to kick back and enjoy a good laugh then the Comedy Spot is just the hangout spot for you. If you’re treating your self to hair and nails you can choose from four beauty salons. Or if you want to keep the kids busy with something fun and energetic you can always send them over to the nearby Kettler Capitals IcePlex for ice skating or to play hockey. Something that the whole family can enjoy is the Ballston Common Mall big movie theater! As you can see this mall offers a diverse mix of services and goods. From their CVS Pharmacy to their Cyber Star Services they cater to every person's wants.

The mall's main features are their Macy's, Macy Furniture Gallery, Ballston's Regal Cinema and the Sport & Health Club. Ballston Common Mall stretches out over 1.3 million square foot piece of land, it has four levels and is located at the corner of Glebe Road and Wilson Boulevard only four miles from Washington D.C in Arlington Virginia. Ballston's mall is quickly becoming the new "downtown" of Arlington.

Some folks describe Pentagon City as one of Arlington's freshest and most fashionable neighborhoods. Pentagon City is a place of shops, restaurants and homes just paces from the Pentagon. Pentagon City well known for the the Fashion Centre , a multi-floored shopping mall, but there is a lot more to this little community.

There is plenty of hourly parking for the mall and around Pentagon City, but many visitors arrive via the Pentagon City Metro station---an underground stop on the both Yellow Line and Blue Line. Exiting the underground passage to the street Pentagon City sparkles with new construction and well-kept structures.

There are crowds of busy young adults who live work and play in Pentagon City, but the broad sidewalks and open walkways never feel crowded. Pentagon City residents amble paths and walkways that traverse expanses of finely-manicured lawns and landscaping. These walkways lead to public transportation as well as many retail services.

Life in Pentagon City is centered around the Pentagon City Metro and the shops and restaurants of Pentagon Row and the Fashion Center. Together with several other retail destinations Pentagon City provides a collection of some of the best shopping and dining in Northern Virginia. Pentagon City has everything from 24-hour grocery stores to trendy restaurants and happening bars. The Fashion Center alone has more than 150 shops and restaurants with Macy's, Nordstrom's, and Abercrombie & Fitch among the favorites of the sky-lit mall's more than 150 shops and restaurants including Macy's, Nordstrom's, and Abercrombie & Fitch and many others.

Nearby Virginia Highlands Park provides a pleasant break from Pentagon City's urban lifestyle. Virginia Highlands Park offers playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, footpaths, and a soccer field. Pentagon City's neighbors have some of the most desirable real estate in Northern Virginia: Crystal City, Aurora Highlands and Arlington Ridge Road. 

To see a map of Pentagon City and homes for sale in Pentagon City click Pentagon City.

The Belvedere Condominium located on North Oak St. in Arlington, Virginia near the Rosslyn Metro.  The Belvedere is a European-inspired luxury condominium built by renowned developer IDI. The Belvedere has two towers connected by a central lobby. Most condos at the Belvedere have dramatic views of Washington's monuments and the Potomac River. Condominiums at the Belvedere feature glass-enclosed balconies.

The Belvedere has the following amenities:

• 24-Hour Front Desk
• 3 Hot Tubs, Saunas
• 525 Units
• Activities Room
• Built in 1989
• Convenience Store
• Elevator
• Exercise Room
• Extensive Health Club Facilities
• Extra Storage
• Library/Party Room
• Monument Views
• Outdoor Pool
• Party Room
• Rosslyn Metro - 3 Blocks
• Two Tennis Courts

Residents of the Belvedere are permitted one pet per unit. There is no weight limit on the pets. The Belvedere located at 1600 North Oak Street, Arlington, VA 22209. To take a closer look at units for listed for sale, click Belvedere.

The Observation Deck has a pillared structure that frames intriguing views of nearby site. From the Observation Deck, one can easily watch the planes come and go from Reagan National Airport. On most days both the Washington Monument and the US Capitol are plainly visible and much more obvious than they might seem in the picture below.

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The social room at the Eclipse has a great billiard table and theater style seating in the media room.Click the Eclipse to see prices and listings of homes for sale at the Eclipse.

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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

 

The Representative Condominium is about an 8 minute walk from both the Yellow and Blue Metro Lines. It was built in 1976 and has 12 floors with a total of 206 units.

The balconies provide views of Rosslyn, Crystal City, Fort Meyer and other parts of Arlington. The back side of the building has excellent views of the Pentagon, the Potomac and the landmarks of Washington D.C.

These luxury condos are supported by street and surface parking as well as three levels of garage parking. Each floor has a laundry room and there are no fees to use the laundry.

There is a pool behind the building. The building has an excellent party room / meeting room facility. Each unit has supplemental storage space.

The Representative is located where Arlington Ridge Road terminates. The road here makes a hairpin-turn on a promintory overlooking I-395, Crystal City, Arlington, the Pentagon and Washington DC. This location gives the Representative superb views of the Potomac and Northern Virginia and put the Representative near the heart of the action, and at the same time a little off the beaten track.

In the summer the trees and foliage fill the view with greenery and add to the charm of the Representative. If you've never seen the Representative, you need to put it on your list if you're shopping near Crystal City, Fort Meyer, Rosslyn and Pentagon City.

The lobby is enormous, covered in marble appointed in grand style.

The building's unique architecture and floor plans provide many interesting curves and corners. Click The Representative for a list of homes for sale and a map of the area.

The Representative condo community is located at 1101 Arlington Ridge Road in Arlington VA. The Representative overlooks Pentagon Row, the Pentagon and Crystal City. It features a unique architectural style that mixes angles and curves to present interesting angles and shadows.

One of the features that I find intriguing at the Representative is this custom wood trim. The trim is a solid wood and features a tooled pattern that is much more difficult to create than the standard milled pattern. In the picture below this trim is used as a base with a solid ogee trim above and below the featured trim. The base doesn't actually touch the floor but rather, it caps a carpeted base, providing a one-of-a-kind style that is impressive and appealing.

As you can see this trim was carried over onto all the entry doors. The doors have a matching wood stain and the handles of the doors are also solid wood. The units themselves do not disappoint. For those who can afford the price tag, the Representative offers one of the premier residences in Northern VA.

National trends may be continuing to decline, but in Alexandria, Arlington, and nearby parts of Northern Virginia real estate is showing two signs of a comeback.  According to an MRIS Press Release: "Selling prices remain flat metro wide in the Greater Washington DC region, but the central jurisdictions---DC, Alexandria, and Arlington and Montgomery counties---continue to buck the trend."

John McClain, Senior Fellow at George Mason University's School of Public Policy, was quoted by them as saying, "Prices continue to rise in the central jurisdictions. They're in a much better price position due to their premium location."

The most dramatic is an increase in prices of home sales, but equally important is the shortening of time properties are on the market.  These two combine to reduce the available inventory available to buyers.  Waiting can be a shortcut to loss, so holding off in anticipation of falling prices can leave you kicking yourself for missing good deals.

 

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About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo 1 of Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.

 

Several parks are located near and in the neighborhoods of Aurora Highlands and Crystal City.

• Nina Park --- pre-school age playground, no pets allowed
• Eads Park --- multi-use field, school age playground
• Nelly Custis Park --- school age playground
• Virginia Highlands Park --- lighted artificial turf soccer field, lighted baseball fields (locked - accessible by permit only), multi-use fields, school age playground, pre-school age playground, lighted tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, and volleyball court

Crystal City is an urban village in Arlington County Virginia. Crystal City is home for numerous defense contractors, the United States Department of Labor, Public Broadcasting, the EPA and many satellite offices for The Pentagon. While Crystal City only has more than 6,000 residents, more than 60,000 people work a normal business schedule in Crystal City.

Crystal is not a "planned community", in the sense that developers did not design and follow a master plan. Nonetheless, Crystal City is a community with a plan. In the middle of the last century, the area now called Crystal City had few residents. The area east of Aurora Highlands had several motels which served National Airport (which later came to be known as Reagan National Airport). Many train-tracks served the busy Potomac Yard station (now a shopping center) and warehouses were located in the vicinity.

But in 1963 things began to change with the construction of several office buildings and condominiums. One of the first of these condos was Crystal House, so named for an ornate crystal chandelier in the lobby. Subsequent buildings followed with similar names such as Crystal Gateway and Crystal Park. It only made sense to call the new urban village Crystal City.

The builders at Crystal City largely followed a pattern of building that was considered avant-garde at the time. These structures feature the grand sweeping curves of textured concrete with plenty of glass. The proportions of the lobbies and common areas are large and airy and the buildings themselves seem to flow along the city streets and complement the abundant landscaping details.

Crystal City is bounded by some of the busiest commuter arteries of Northern Virginia. While the buildings here are both residential and office, the broad circulating avenues of Crystal City allow traffic to flow through Crystal City and at the same time encourage underground pedestrians to shop by foot. In Northern Virginia's 100 degree summers, the rains of spring and the icy cold of winter, this is a big benefit to residents of Crystal City.

While the underground shops and passages of Crystal City remain, today Crystal City is slowly being redeveloped into a more traditional urban feel. Restaurants and shops are starting to open at street level. Arlington County is encouraging the redevelopment by change some traffic patterns to make streets like Crystal Drive function as city streets, rather than as circulating roads.

Even with these changes, today it is still easy for residents each of Rt. 1 along the Crystal Drive corridor to walk from the north side of Crystal City almost all the way to the Eclipse at Center Park entirely underground. Crystal City together with nearby Aurora Highlands and Pentagon City is an ultra convenient place to live for folks who work in Arlington, the Pentagon or Washington DC. Contact us today to learn more about this neighborhood and its many unique advantages.

 

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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

 

Cinema

The Old Town Theatre serves up arty, independent and off-beat cinema as well as blockbuster hits in Old Town. The Old Town Theatre has great ambiance and is one of the few area theaters that sells alcholic beverages.

The AMC Theatre at the Hoffman Center, Kingstowne 16 and Regal at Potomac Yard hosts blockbusters and mainstream movies in modern movie houses.

Theatre

Capitol Steps

Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them.

In the years that followed, many of the Steps ignored the conventional wisdom ("Don't quit your day job!"), and although not all of the current members of the Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers, taken together the performers have worked in a total of eighteen Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience.

Arena Stage

The core purpose of Arena Stage is to produce huge plays of all that is passionate, exuberant, profound, deep and dangerous in the American spirit. Arena has broad shoulders and a capacity to produce anything from vast epics to charged dramas to robust musicals. Our focus is on theater of the Americas; we produce American classics, premieres of new plays and contemporary stories. Our Arena is a forum, a coliseum, a place for audiences to argue, discuss and meet each other over the theatrical divide. At the center is art; all other programs thrive in concentric circles supporting the art.

Wolf Trap

As America's National Park for the Performing Arts, Wolf Trap plays a valuable leadership role in both the local and national performing arts communities. Through a wide range of artistic and education programs, Wolf Trap enhances our nation's cultural life and ensures that the arts remain accessible and affordable to the broadest possible audience.

Nissan Pavilion

Nissan Pavilion at Stone Ridge is an outdoor live performance amphitheatre with a 25,000 fan capacity, the largest in the Washington Metropolitan area. The Pavilion is located in semi-rural Prince William County which is approximately 35 miles west of our neighborhood.

Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center, located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., is America's living memorial to President Kennedy as well as the nation's busiest arts facility, presenting more than 3,000 performances each year. Touring Kennedy Center productions and its television, radio, and Internet broadcasts reach millions around the world. As part of the Kennedy Center's Performing Arts for Everyone outreach program, hundreds of free performances are offered each year featuring national and local artists; these include early-evening concerts on the Millennium Stage, dozens of performances during the annual Open House Arts Festival, and daily concerts of seasonal music in December as part of Holidays at the Kennedy Center. Since 1999, the Millennium Stage performances have been broadcast live over the Internet and digitally archived on the Kennedy Center's website.

The Shakespeare Theatre

Since its founding in 1985, The Shakespeare Theatre has endeavored to be the nation's leading force in the presentation and preservation of classic theatre. Our core mission is to present classic theatre in an accessible, skillful, imaginative, American style that honors playwrights' language and intentions while viewing their plays through a 21st-century lens. With the formation of the Harman Center for the Arts---which includes the new Sidney Harman Hall and the existing Lansburgh Theatre---the Shakespeare Theatre Company will become a national destination theatre offering a broad range of works to audiences in the greater-Washington area and across the nation.

Fords Theatre

Fords Theatre is a live, working theatre located in downtown Washington, DC. As a national historic and cultural site welcoming visitors from across the nation, Ford's Theatre blends its rich history with performance excellence in serving as a living tribute to President Lincoln's love of the performing arts. When Ford's Theatre re-opened its doors in 1968 - after having been closed 103 years - it truly was reclaimed as a national treasure for all Americans, and those of us who work here are mindful of that legacy and grateful that Ford's Theatre once again is a vibrant showcase for the performing arts that President Lincoln so appreciated.

Other Venues

Warner Theatre , The Smithsonian and the The MCI Center are nationally renown venues for theatre, sport and entertainment.

Summer concerts are found all over Northern Virginia and it's just one of the many benefits of life inside and near the Beltway. Keep in mind that outdoor concerts may be canceled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice.

City of Alexandria

In the City of Alexandria, concerts are coordinated by the City's Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities Special Events Office. Although Alexandria has many parking garages and lots, the City of Alexandria encourages visitors to historic Old Town to use the Metro rail. Both the Yellow and Blue metro lines stop at the King Street Station in Old Town. From there, visitors can hop on a Metro or DASH bus, but the King Street Trolley is free and fun. Alexandria offers:

The Lunch Brunch Concerts

These concerts are at Canal Plaza in Alexandria VA which is located at 44 Canal Center Plaza. Music starts at noon.

• June 24, 2009     La Tanya Mari (Jazz Vocal)
• July 8, 2009         Legend of Lummy Hallin (Original & Classic Pop/Rock)
• July 22, 2009       2nd Story Band Duo (World Beat Blues)
• August 5, 2009   Chemistry (Jazz)

For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.

Music At Twilight Concerts

Music at Twilight is at Fort Ward Park Amphitheater. Fort Ward Park is located at 4301 West Braddock Rd. Music usually begins at at 7:30 pm.

• July 16, 2009       Ebenezer Baptist Church Evangelical Women's Choir (Choral)
• July 23, 2009        Alexandria Harmonizers (Barbershop)
• July 30, 2009        Irish Breakfast Band (Traditional Irish) Music starts at 7 pm.
• August 6, 2009    All Scottish Night featuring the No.Va. Branch, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and the Alexandria Pipes & Drums (Traditional Scottish) Music starts at 7 pm.
  

For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.

Ben Brenman Park Concerts

The concerts begin at 7 pm at Ben Brenman Park at the amphitheater. Ben Brenman Park is located near Cameron Station at 4800 Brenman Park Dr. Alexandria VA.

• July 15, 2009      Wes Tucker & the Skillets (Folk Rock)
• July 29, 2009    Steve Smith & the Meteors (Original Blues)

For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.

Arlington County

Rosslyn Music & Farmer's Market

The Farmers Market at Wilson Boulevard & N. Oak Street in Rosslyn VA features lunchtime concerts on Thursdays from May through September 24th. The music begins at a quarter till noon and ends at 1:30 in the afternoon.

• July 2, 2009           Texas Chainsaw Horns    Five Funky Horns & an attitude
• July 9, 2009             Sandra Y. Johnson    Jazz Vocals 
• July 16, 2009           Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter Mealy    Original Folk
• July 23, 2009           Robert Jospe    World Beat
• July 30, 2009           Andrew Acosta & the New Old-Time String Band   Folk/Bluegrass
• Aug. 6, 2009           Annie Sidley    Pop/R & B
• Aug. 13, 2009          Magpie   Folk/Swing/Ragtime
• Aug. 20, 2009          Steve Wolf & Swingspeak   Upbeat & Jazzy
• Aug. 27, 2009          Dixie Power Trio     New Orleans Gumbo
• Sept. 3, 2009           Coleman's Cross    Celtic Fusion
• Sept. 10, 2009         Vaughn Nark & Panorama     Contemporary Jazz
• Sept. 17, 2009         The Lovejoy Group   Jazz & Latin Rhythms
• Sept. 24, 2009         David Bach Consort    Smooth Instrumentals

Pentagon City

Pentagon Row in Pentagon City also offers exciting outdoor events, including a 10-week Summer Concert Series.

• July 2, 2009 Fools & Horses rock and roll combined with British pop
• July 9, 2009 Gonzo's Nose 80's and 90's cover band
• July 16, 2009 King Cadillac retro rock and roll
• July 23, 2009 Sloth Loves Chunk high energy rock and roll
• July 30, 2009 Shane Hines and the Trance pop/rock
• August 6, 2009 The Justin Trawick Group singer/songwriter
• August 14, 2009 Brother Shamus bluesy rock
• August 20, 2009 Taylor Carson singer/songwriter

Fairfax County

Not to be outdone, Fairfax County boasts a full schedule of summer concerts.

Spotlight by Starlight

Spotlight by Starlight is at the Mason District Park Amphitheatre located at 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale VA.

• The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra's Dixieland Band July 01, 2009
• Dead Men's Hollow July 03, 2009
• NOVA Annandale Symphony Orchestra July 05, 2009
• Sandra Y. Johnson Quintet July 08, 2009
• Ganga July 10, 2009
• The United States Army Band Blues Jazz Ensemble July 12, 2009
• Knockout King & Bruce Ewan July 15, 2009
• Debi Smith July 17, 2009
• The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Summer Band July 19, 2009
• David Bach Consort July 22, 2009
• Little Red & The Renegades July 24, 2009
• The Capitol Steps July 26, 2009
• Natty Beaux July 29, 2009
• Eastern Standard Time July 31, 2009
• Tonic & Gin A Cappella August 02, 2009
• Tom Principato August 05, 2009
• Andrew Acosta & Speedy Tolliver String Band August 07, 2009
• Falls Church Concert Band August 09, 2009
• The Oscillators August 12, 2009
• Ruthie and the Wranglers August 14, 2009
• The Winstons Band August 16, 2009
• MSG - The Acoustic Blues Trio August 19, 2009
• The United States Navy Band Commodores August 21, 2009
• Jennifer Cutting's Ocean Orchestra August 23, 2009
• City of Fairfax Band Saxophone Quartet August 26, 2009
• Squeeze Bayou August 28, 2009
• Kings Park Band August 30, 2009

For detailed information on any of these concerts check here. For information about last minute performance cancellations due to rain or inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

Lee District Nights

Lee District Nights happen on Wednesday nights at at Lee District Park Amphitheater near Kingstowne and Franconia in Alexandria.

• Rick Franklin & His Delta Blues Boys w/ Mike Baytop July 01, 2009
• King Teddy July 08, 2009
• Alexandria Kleztet July 15, 2009
• The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Summer Band July 22, 2009
• The Nighthawks July 29, 2009
• The United States Army Band Blues Jazz Ensemble August 05, 2009
• Pietasters August 12, 2009
• John McCutcheon August 19, 2009
• The Irish Breakfast Band August 26, 2009

Braddock Nights

Braddock Nights is spread over several venues. The following concerts are at the Lake Accotink Park on Friday nights.

• Hot Society Orchestra of Washington July 03, 2009
• Falls Church Concert Band July 10, 2009
• The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Summer Band July 17, 2009
• NOVA Annandale Symphony Orchestra July 24, 2009
• National Concert Band July 31, 2009
• Patty Reese Band August 07, 2009
• The United States Navy Band Sea Chanters August 14, 2009
• Kings Park Band August 21, 2009
• City of Fairfax Band Alte Kameraden German August 28, 2009

For detailed information on any of these concerts check here. For information about last minute performance cancellations due to rain or inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

Braddock Nights is also at Ossian Hall Park on Sundays

• HBlues Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) July 05, 2009
• Filipino-American Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) July 12, 2009
• Hawaiian Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) July 19, 2009
• Indonesian Cultral Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) July 26, 2009
• Taiwanese Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) August 02, 2009
• Indian Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) August 09, 2009
• Russian Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) August 16, 2009
• Chinese Cultural Heritage Night (at Ossian Hall Park) August 23, 2009
• African Cultural Heritage Nights (at Ossian Hall Park) August 30, 2009

On Fridays Braddock Nights is at Royal Lake Park.

• Mike Seeger July 03, 2009
• Reggie Wayne Morris July 10, 2009
• Robbie Schaefer July 17, 2009
• The Taters July 24, 2009
• Maggie Sansone & Friends July 31, 2009
• Honor By August August 07, 2009
• Night Music August 14, 2009
• Nero August 21, 2009
• Luke Brindley August 28, 2009

For detailed information on any Braddock Night concerts check here. For information about last minute performance cancellations due to rain or inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

Jennie Dean Park is part of the Arlington County Parks system. Jennie Dean Park is located near Shirlington at 3630 27th St. S. Arlington, VA 22206. A stream runs through the park. The park has restrooms open year round and two water fountains. In addition to picnic tables, Jennie Dean Park offers a small picnic shelter which may be reserved for events. Charcoal grills support the shelter and picnic tables.

For activities and play the park has a school-age playground, two baseball fields, two tennis courts and a basketball court. The baseball fields include one adult field available by permit only with lights, dirt infield, bleachers and a dugout; as well as one youth field (also available by permit only) with lights, dirt infield, bleachers and a dugout. The tennis courts and basketball courts are lighted. There is also a large open green space for sports without a permit.

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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo 1 Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

 

Crystal Park

A view from a balcony at Crystal Park.

Crystal Park is located in the heart of the Crystal City business district this unit provides sought after amenities-close in location, easy access to mass transit , and  Reagan Airport.   Crystal Park is across the street from the recently redeveloped restaurant and shopping areas, this west facing afternoon sunlight filled unit offers underground parking, gym, sauna, pool and 24/7 security/desk agent. 

Crystal Park condominiums are the perfect location for a frequently traveling executive or out of town executive needing an investment on-site residental unit.  Crystal Park condos are less than a mile from the Pentagon. Excellent schools and libraries nearby.  Crystal Park residents enjoy the ease of shopping at Pentagon City Mall. 

Crystal City and Crystal Park are just a a few miles north of the historic Old Town Alexandria area, or a few miles south of Arlington Cemetery.

Crystal Park offers free living at its best.

 

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About the Author --- Brian Brooks is an experienced agent for Condo 1 Alexandria. He specializes in Northern Virginia inside the Beltway.

 

Crystal Gateway condominium community is located at the north end of Crystal City in a remarkably convenient location. Crystal Gateway has easy access to Washington DC, the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, Arlington VA and Alexandria VA via connecting thoroughfares such as I-395, Rt. 1 and Rt. 110. Crystal Gateway is networked into the passages that connect Crystal City to Crystal City Metro.

Units at Crystal Gateway are spacious with impressive balconies. The community features an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness facilities, meeting rooms, media rooms, card rooms and more. What follows is a quick and random pictorial study of Crystal Gateway. For a closer look at Crystal Gateway or for more information about pricing and availability click Crystal Gateway.

There is a balcony off nearly every room at Crystal Gateway.

Here is a look down Crystal Drive from Crystal Gateway.

The curved design of the building offers pleasant architectural vistas.

The pillars out front are designed to imply strength and give a modern spacious feel to the building.

The indoor pool is available year-round.

The original cabinetry is high-quality but many residents have replaced the countertops and appliances.

The landscaping is well-maintained with a friendly splash of color.

The lobbies offer many points to sit and have an impromptu meeting with friends and guests.

The ceilings on the first floor are very high.

This media room is one of several nicely appointed meeting rooms reserved for residents of Crystal Gateway.

This was just before Memorial Day as they made preparations for the coming pool season.

Hardwoods and a view to Crystal City. What's not to like?

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo 1 Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Crystal City is located in Arlington County Virginia between the Potomac River and the neighborhood of Aurora Highlands.

In many ways, Crystal City is a transportation hub. Crystal City well served by mass transit with easy access to the metro at the Crystal City Metro stop and many bus stops in the area. In addition to land transportation, Crystal City is served by Reagan National Airport. Jefferson Davis Highway / Rt. 1 is a main artery here, as is I-395.

In addition to Jefferson Davis Highway, one of the main thoroughfares in Crystal City is Crystal Drive. Crystal Drive runs parallel to Rt. from north to south through Crystal City. Many of Crystal City's most desirable homes are found on Crystal Drive including Crystal Gateway and Waterford House. The Shops of Crystal City are accessible from Crystal Drive and from many other locations in Crystal City.

Crystal Drive is generally uncongested and offers a wide choice of restaurants and shops.

One of the nicest things about Crystal City is the abundance of greenery in this urban setting. Crystal City manages to be convenient, metro accessible, full of high-rises, shops and restaurants, but home to many trees and parks.

Crystal City is connected by a network of tunnels and shops both below grade and indoors that make Crystal City a walker's paradise.

These passages network the shops of Crystal City to Crystal Drive and the Crystal City Metro Stop and more.

Pleasant sidewalks follow alongside the broad avenues of Crystal City.

From the skyline of Crystal City to the shops in the heart of Crystal City, this is a pleasant and convenient place to work and live.

Even the shops below-grade are well-lit and feel open and friendly. Crystal City is a well-planned community.

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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo 1 Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

The oldest school building in Arlington County houses the Arlington Historical Museum. The Arlington Historical Museum is owned and operated by the Arlington Historical Society, a group of concerned local citizens that conduct research and to preserve and disseminate knowledge relating to the history, archaeology, material culture, and geographical and socio-economic development of Arlington County, Virginia.

I recently stopped by the Arlington Historical Musuem and took a quick tour of the exhibits therein. The museum is located at 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road. The location is relatively close to the Pentagon City and Crystal City metrorail stations but sits up on the ridge overlooking Crystal City. The setting is very pleasant and the views here toward Crystal City are very pleasant.

The building itself was the Hume School, named for Frank Hume who gave some of the property for the school. The museum features a working classroom as it might have appeared when the building was used as a school. The building is designated a Virginia State Historical Landmark and is also on the National Register of Historic Sites.

The museum is open to the public only on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 - 4 p.m. If you enjoy local history this is a worthwhile stop. The society's phone number is 703-892-4204.

I didn't take any pictures inside the building ... for a reason. I wanted to tempt you to come in and take a look around. As I was about to leave one of the members of the historical society invited me to ring the school bell before I left! I can proudly say that I have rang the bell at the Hume School.

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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo 1 Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Are you looking for a home near the metro on the Orange Line?  If so, these maps with condos, houses and townhouses for sale along the Orange Line in Arlington, Falls Church and Fairfax County may prove useful

• Rosslyn --- At the center of the world: many homes here have views of Washington monuments, Iwo Jima Memorial
• Courthouse --- Walk to everything with a condo or home near Courthouse Metro Station
• Ballston --- Map includes Ballston Metro and Virginia Square/GMU on the Orange Line in Arlington VA
• East Falls Church --- Metro station located near I-66
• Dunn Loring / Merrifield --- Homes and properties near and inside the Beltway
• Vienna --- First/last stop on the Orange Line in Virginia

Condo 1 Alexandria is now posting updates from the Arlington County governmental website. For the latest releases check out http://www.condo-alexandria.com/arlington-news.asp

You'll find news about the ART (Arlington Regional Transportation) Buses, library news, free film presentations, and authors who are visiting the area. Here are a few headlines

ART to Replace Metrobus Routes and Add a New Route Contrary to earlier reports by some media, Metrobus services in Arlington will not be cut. Metro has proposed dropping some routes in Arlington and Arlington Transit (ART) plans to pick them up. ART plans to add two new bus routes and expand service on a third. -- March 27, 2009, ArlingtonTransit.com

Free SmarTrip(R) Card Exchange for Seniors, Disabled If you are a person with a disability or a senior citizen using a regular SmarTrip(R) card, you could save 50% on your bus and rail fares. Exchange your regular SmarTrip card for a Senior SmarTrip card or a Reduced Fare SmarTrip card for FREE at Metro Headquarters, April 8, April 15, or April 22. -- March 27, 2009, CommuterPageBlog

Commuters Increasingly Seek Public Transportation A smaller share of Washington-area residents are car pooling to work even as local roads have grown more congested, according to a household survey of travel habits. -- By Kytja Weir, March 18, 2009, Examiner

Barcroft Park is 65 acres of highly-maintained family oriented recreational facilities. Barcroft supports a variety of sports and family activities. Barcroft is the home for several baseball leagues as there are 5 baseball diamonds with bleachers here. Four of these fields are for youth; one is for one adults. There is a batting cage to support the baseball community.

Barcroft has a a lighted rectangular playing field for sports like soccer, football or rugby. This field has a synthetic surface, concession stand, restrooms, and goals. Other sports are also supported by:

• a basketball court;
  
• two new tennis courts (opened in 2007);
• a volleyball court;
• a handball court;
• and horseshoe pit.
  

At this location, Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center has a gymnasium to support several indoor sports. The gymnasium has everything needed for a boxer to train. This includes a boxing room with speed and punching bags, sparring ring, and floor exercise area. The gym can also host basketball, floor hockey, and indoor soccer. Onsite, there are a variety of classes such as

• aerobics,
  
• boxing/kick boxing,
  
• and gymnastics.

For the benefit of picnickers and visitors the park has three water fountains, a rental picnic shelter, picnic tables, charcoal grills. There is also a paved path throughout the park to walk, jog or bike. That path has a bridge, and stream.

Hours for the park are sunrise to on half hour after sunset except on lighted facilities. The facilities are open Tuesday, Thursday and weekends.

4200 South Four Mile Run Drive
Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 228-0700

Park Map (PDF)

As the name implies, Arlandria is at the border of Alexandria City and Arlington County. Arlandria is just north of Del Ray at terminus of Mount Vernon Avenue. Some residents also call this neighborhood Chirilagua. Arlandria has many small shops and restaurants. As Arlandria approaches Four Mile Run, Potomac Yards and Crystal City the area takes on chic and urban feel with new high-rise and other construction.