If I Was Moving My Family to Arlington, These Are the 5 Neighborhoods I Would Consider

Updated: November 2025

If you’re moving your family to Arlington, Virginia, the top neighborhoods to consider are Yorktown, Donaldson Run, Tara-Leeway Heights/Westover, Cherrydale, and Lyon Park. Each offers a blend of safety, strong community appeal, and proximity to D.C., making them ideal for families seeking balance between city convenience and suburban comfort.

For families moving to the D.C. area, Arlington stands out as a premier choice — combining walkable charm, top-rated schools, and beautiful homes that hold long-term value. With close proximity to downtown D.C. and a mix of historic and modern architecture, Arlington’s neighborhoods offer something for every family lifestyle.

Whether you’re searching for tree-lined streets, active community life, or easy access to commuter routes, here are five neighborhoods worth considering if you’re putting down roots in Arlington.

TLDR: Quick Snapshot

• 🏡 Top Picks: Yorktown, Donaldson Run, Tara-Leeway Heights/Westover, Cherrydale, and Lyon Park.

• 🌳 Family-friendly, community-oriented, and rich in outdoor space.

• 🚗 Easy access to D.C., I-66, and major business corridors.

• 💰 Many homes priced between $1.3M–$2.5M+, with high long-term demand.

• 🎯 Ideal for professionals who value convenience, stability, and lifestyle.

1. Yorktown

Located in North Arlington, Yorktown is one of the area’s most established and sought-after neighborhoods. Known for its wide streets, mature trees, and well-kept homes, it offers an upscale yet approachable feel. Residents enjoy easy access to Lee-Harrison Shopping Center, Greenbrier Park, and convenient routes into D.C.

Vibe: Quiet, established, and community-focused
Why families love it: Spacious homes, local parks, and proximity to shops and schools

2. Donaldson Run

Donaldson Run sits between the Potomac River and Glebe Road, known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Many homes back to wooded areas or trails leading to Potomac Overlook Park. With a strong community association and nearby recreation centers, it’s perfect for families who value privacy and outdoor living.

Vibe: Leafy, private, and nature-centric
Why families love it: Access to trails, privacy, and tight-knit community feel

3. Tara-Leeway Heights / Westover

This North Arlington pocket blends traditional charm with small-town community spirit. Families love the walkability to Westover Village, where you’ll find The Italian Store, Ayers Variety & Hardware, and the Westover Beer Garden. It’s the kind of neighborhood where you’ll see kids biking and neighbors chatting over coffee.

Vibe: Classic Arlington charm with modern convenience
Why families love it: Walkable amenities, character homes, and a friendly atmosphere

4. Cherrydale

Cherrydale offers an ideal mix of historic character and accessibility. It’s close to Clarendon and Ballston but retains a quieter, residential feel. With beautifully maintained early-20th-century homes and access to the Custis Trail, families enjoy a walkable, central location just minutes from downtown D.C.

Vibe: Historic yet convenient
Why families love it: Walkability, close commute to D.C., and classic architecture

5. Lyon Park

Situated near Clarendon, Lyon Park is one of Arlington’s most vibrant family neighborhoods. It’s known for its community center, annual Lyon Park Fair, and charming mix of bungalows, Craftsman homes, and new builds. Families appreciate the proximity to metro access, coffee shops, and playgrounds — all within a friendly, walkable grid.

Vibe: Lively, social, and walkable
Why families love it: Strong community association, events, and city-meets-suburb lifestyle

Key Takeaways

• Arlington’s neighborhoods offer a balance of walkability, community, and long-term investment.

• Yorktown and Donaldson Run provide space and privacy in North Arlington.

• Tara-Leeway Heights, Cherrydale, and Lyon Park offer character, accessibility, and active community life.

• Families can expect strong appreciation potential and high resale demand.

• The area appeals especially to professionals seeking convenience and connection.

FAQs

Q: What makes Arlington a top choice for families?
A: It offers safety, parks, walkability, and quick D.C. access, all paired with long-term real estate value.

Q: How far is the average commute to D.C. from Arlington?
A: Most neighborhoods are within 15–25 minutes of downtown D.C., depending on traffic and Metro access.

Q: Are Arlington homes competitive to buy?
A: Yes, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods. Homes in North Arlington often receive multiple offers due to demand.

Q: What price range do most family homes fall into?
A: Detached homes typically range from $1.3M to $2.5M+, with some higher-end custom builds exceeding $3M.

Q: How is community engagement in Arlington neighborhoods?
A: Strong. Many areas have civic associations, local parks, and neighborhood events that make newcomers feel welcome.

📍 Thinking about buying or selling in Arlington? Work with the Best Realtors in Arlington VA
📞 Sign up for our next FREE Home Buying Workshop
🏡 Explore Neighborhoods in Arlington
📅 Check out upcoming Arlington Events
🔎 Start your Property Search
💬 Book your free Discovery Call

Disclaimer: The Davenport Group at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty is licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. We are not permitted to provide advice or recommendations regarding schools or school districts. The information provided in this blog post has been collected from publicly available sources for general informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify all details independently and conduct their own research before making any real estate or educational decisions.