Arlington, Virginia sits directly across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, and it is among the jurisdictions buyers and sellers in the DMV market often ask about and compare carefully.
Matt Cheney covers Arlington regularly as part of his Northern Virginia coverage area, and in a recent short-form video he broke down five facts that come up again and again when buyers ask about the area. Below, those five points are expanded with additional context and current data, along with what they mean for anyone considering a move to Arlington.
1. Arlington Functions Like a City, Even Though It Is Legally a County
One of the most common points of confusion about Arlington is its official status. Arlington is legally organized as a county, not a city, and it is the only jurisdiction of its kind in Virginia: it has no incorporated towns within its borders, and its county government functions the way a city government would elsewhere. Because of that structure, many residents and visitors describe Arlington as feeling like a city even though it carries “county” in its name.
By land area, Arlington is often cited as the smallest self-governing county in the United States, covering roughly 26 square miles. That compact footprint is part of why Arlington feels so dense and walkable compared to many of its Northern Virginia neighbors, with Metro access, retail, and housing packed closely together rather than spread across a large suburban area.
2. Arlington’s Population Has Been Climbing
Arlington’s population has grown steadily over the past several years. The 2020 Census recorded 238,643 residents. According to Arlington County government estimates published for January 1, 2025, the most recent official figure available at the time of writing, the county’s population had grown to approximately 243,760 residents. Readers should check Arlington County’s website for any updated estimates.
That is a meaningful increase packed into a jurisdiction of only 26 square miles, and it is one reason housing demand in Arlington has remained strong even as other parts of the region have seen slower growth.
3. Arlington Is Home to Two of the Nation’s Most Visited Landmarks
Arlington’s national profile is tied closely to two landmarks located within its borders. Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for hundreds of thousands of servicemembers and veterans, draws millions of visitors annually and remains one of the most solemn and recognizable sites in the country. The Pentagon, headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, is also located in Arlington and anchors a significant share of the county’s federal and defense-related employment base.
Buyers relocating for defense, government, or federal contracting work often prioritize proximity to the Pentagon when evaluating Arlington neighborhoods.
4. National Landing and the Amazon HQ2 Story So Far
Amazon selected Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard, collectively rebranded as National Landing, as the site of its second headquarters in 2018. The first phase of that project, known as Metropolitan Park, opened in June 2023 and includes two 22-story office towers along with retail space and a public park. The second phase, PenPlace, was approved by Arlington County in 2022 and includes a distinctive spiral-shaped building known as the Helix. Buyers researching National Landing should verify the current status of PenPlace directly with Arlington County or Amazon’s public announcements, as timelines may have been updated since this post was written.
Buyers researching National Landing should treat Metropolitan Park as an established, occupied campus and PenPlace as a longer-term, not-yet-underway phase of the project.
5. Arlington Was Once Part of Washington, DC
Long before it became known for the Pentagon or National Landing, the land that is now Arlington County was originally part of the District of Columbia. It was ceded back to Virginia in 1846 through a process known as retrocession, largely driven by residents on the Virginia side of the Potomac who wanted their property rights, courts, and representation restored under Virginia law. That piece of history is one of the more surprising facts long-time DC-area residents may not know, and it explains some of the older boundary lines and place names still found in the area today.
What These Facts Mean for Arlington Homebuyers and Sellers
Beyond trivia, each of these points has a practical angle for anyone buying or selling in Arlington. The county’s compact size and city-like density mean walkability and Metro access can carry weight in property values, depending on the specific home, location, and market conditions. Population growth may signal continued demand across price points, though no specific result is guaranteed. The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery contribute to a steady defense- and government-adjacent employment base that has historically supported housing demand. National Landing remains a market to watch, with Metropolitan Park now fully operational and PenPlace representing a longer-term phase of the project rather than an immediate catalyst. No specific result is guaranteed, and buyers and sellers should consult current market data before making decisions.
Buyers and sellers who want current, neighborhood-specific data for any of these areas are encouraged to contact Matt directly for a current market analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington, Virginia
Is Arlington, Virginia a city or a county?
Arlington is legally a county, but it has no incorporated towns within it and functions administratively much like a city. This structure is unique among Virginia’s counties.
How big is Arlington County?
Arlington covers approximately 26 square miles, making it one of the smallest self-governing counties in the United States by land area.
What is National Landing?
National Landing is the collective name for Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard, the area Amazon selected for its second headquarters (HQ2). The first phase, Metropolitan Park, opened in 2023.
Was Arlington ever part of Washington, DC?
Yes. The land that became Arlington County was originally part of the District of Columbia and was returned to Virginia in 1846 through a process called retrocession.
Matt Cheney is happy to answer questions about any Arlington neighborhood, current market conditions, or the latest on National Landing’s development timeline. Readers considering a move to Arlington or the broader DMV market are encouraged to contact Matt directly for current, verified figures.
About Matt Cheney
Matt Cheney is a top-producing real estate advisor with Compass in Washington, DC, guiding buyers and sellers across DC, Maryland, and Virginia through high-stakes moves, from luxury sales to estate settlements, downsizing, and divorce-related transactions. With over $780 million in career sales volume and 23+ years of experience, Matt is ranked in the Top 1.5% of agents nationally by RealTrends America’s Best. He is known for calm, strategic guidance and a straightforward approach to complex and sensitive real estate situations.
Matt Cheney | Compass Real Estate is committed to the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. All real estate services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
Real estate considerations related to divorce or estate matters involve legal and financial complexities. Consult a qualified attorney and financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.