Choosing the Best Arlington Condo Near Metro Stations

If shaving minutes off your commute matters, living near an Arlington Metro stop can change your daily routine. The challenge is knowing which station area fits your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans. You want clear guidance, not guesswork. In this guide, you’ll learn how the Orange, Silver, Blue, and Yellow line stations differ, what to look for in buildings, and a step-by-step plan to build a smart shortlist. Let’s dive in.

How the Metro shapes Arlington

Arlington sits on two key Metro corridors that connect you to DC and major job hubs. The Orange and Silver lines run through Rosslyn, Court House, Clarendon, Virginia Square, and Ballston. The Blue and Yellow lines serve Rosslyn, Pentagon, Pentagon City, and Crystal City, which is part of National Landing.

For exact travel times and transfers, use the WMATA trip planner. Test your typical commute times during peak and off-peak hours.

Rosslyn

Rosslyn gives you some of the quickest cross-river access to downtown DC. You’ll find high-rise condos with skyline and Potomac views, often with full-service amenities. It fits buyers who want the fastest hop into the city and strong bus connections.

Court House

Court House blends older mid-rise buildings with newer development. It is dense and pedestrian friendly, with county services nearby. If you want a short commute and a quieter feel than Clarendon, this area is worth a look.

Clarendon

Clarendon is Arlington’s retail and dining hot spot with strong walkability. Buildings tend to be mid-rise with a mix of ages and styles. It suits buyers who want an active scene and daily needs within a short walk.

Virginia Square and Ballston

Virginia Square offers calmer pockets near the George Mason University campus. Ballston is a major mixed-use node with varied condo ages and floor plans. If you want more space for the money compared to Clarendon, this corridor can deliver.

Pentagon City and National Landing

Pentagon City and Crystal City form part of National Landing, a fast-evolving area with significant investment and newer high-rise options. You get quick access to DC on the Blue and Yellow lines and easy connections to Reagan National Airport. This area fits buyers who value new construction, amenities, and proximity to major employers.

Compare neighborhoods by housing types

• Rosslyn, National Landing, Pentagon City: High-rise towers from the 1980s to 2000s, plus newer luxury options. Expect concierge, fitness centers, and garage parking in many buildings.
• Clarendon, Court House: Mid-rise and low-rise buildings, from mid-century to newer infill, with shops and restaurants nearby.
• Virginia Square, Ballston: Mid-rise and newer mixed-use projects. You often see larger one-bedroom plus den or two-bedroom layouts.
• One to two blocks from stations: You may find converted garden-style condos with simpler amenities and lower HOA fees.

Price and amenity tiers to expect

• Entry level: Smaller one-bedrooms in older mid-rise or garden-style buildings a bit farther from the core stations. Verify parking and any special assessments.
• Mid-range: One to two bedrooms near Clarendon, Court House, Ballston, and Pentagon City with good walkability and balanced amenities.
• Higher end: Larger floor plans or full-service towers in Rosslyn, National Landing, or newer luxury buildings in Ballston and the Clarendon core.

For current numbers, compare recent solds and price per square foot using your agent’s MLS feed. Prices and inventory shift month to month.

Commute, walkability, and daily needs

Your daily rhythm matters as much as the condo itself. Evaluate the first and last mile and your everyday errands.

• Commute: Use the WMATA trip planner to test door-to-destination time, including the walk from building to station.
• Walkability: Audit a 5 to 10 minute radius for groceries, pharmacies, gyms, and parks. Check neighborhood scores on Walk Score, then verify by walking the area yourself.
• Airport and highway access: Blue and Yellow line hubs make Reagan National Airport and I-395 access simpler if you travel or drive often.

Budget and total monthly cost

Do not judge affordability by price alone. Focus on your full carrying cost.

• Mortgage and taxes
• HOA dues and what they cover
• Special assessments and reserve contributions
• Utilities and insurance

Ask for a clear monthly estimate before you fall in love with a building. Small HOA differences can change your budget by hundreds per month.

Building health and HOA due diligence

The building’s finances and maintenance history drive your long-term costs and resale strength. Request the condo resale packet early and read it closely.

• Documents to review: Current budget, reserve study, insurance certificate, bylaws and rules, rental policy, meeting minutes for the last 6 to 12 months, and any special assessments or litigation.
• Questions to ask: When were roof, elevators, façade, and HVAC last replaced? What percent of units are owner occupied? Are there rental caps or parking waitlists?
• Independent checks: Confirm tax and permit history through the county’s GIS Real Estate viewer.

Red flags to watch

• Low reserves or recent special assessments for major repairs
• High owner delinquency rates
• Pending litigation against the HOA
• Strict rental caps if you plan to rent in the future
• Insurance gaps or exclusions
• Repeated water intrusion or façade issues in older towers

A simple shortlist workflow

Use this repeatable process to compare buildings around your favorite stations.

1. Set hard constraints: price range, bedroom count, parking needs, pet and rental goals, and target commute time.
2. Map your search by station radius: 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mile. Filter for condo, parking included, HOA fee range, and year built if it matters.
3. Verify daily needs with Walk Score and a personal walk audit.
4. Test commute windows using the WMATA trip planner, both peak and off-peak.
5. Request resale packets for top buildings and review reserves, assessments, and meeting minutes.
6. Visit at different times: morning, evening, and weekends. Note elevator waits, foot traffic, and noise.
7. Line up a home inspection and have a real estate attorney review condo documents during the contract period.

Where to start: quick picks by profile

• First-time buyer on a budget: Side streets near Court House or Clarendon, fringe areas of Ballston within a half-mile walk.
• Move-up buyer wanting nightlife: Clarendon core or a short walk to Court House.
• Newer construction and amenities: National Landing and Pentagon City towers, plus newer Ballston buildings.
• Fastest cross-river commute: Rosslyn or Court House.
• Airport and Pentagon access: Pentagon City and Crystal City in National Landing.

Schools and boundaries

If school boundaries are part of your decision, confirm assignments and program options through Arlington Public Schools. Boundaries change over time, so verify during your search and again before closing.

Plan your next steps

• Narrow to two corridors that match your commute.
• Build a station-radius search and flag three buildings per station.
• Pull condo documents and compare total monthly costs and reserves.
• Walk each area during your typical commute.

When you are ready to move, work with a local specialist who knows the buildings, HOA dynamics, and station-by-station tradeoffs. If you want a hands-on plan tailored to your budget and commute, connect with Bobby Pichtel to start your Arlington condo search near Metro.

FAQs

What are the fastest Arlington stations for DC access?

• Rosslyn and Court House often provide the quickest cross-river connections, with Clarendon, Virginia Square, and Ballston a few stops farther. Use the WMATA trip planner to test your exact route.

How close is close enough to Metro for daily commuting?

• Under 0.25 mile feels like a 5-minute walk, 0.25 to 0.5 mile is usually acceptable, and beyond 0.5 mile you may want bus or bike options. Always test the walk in person.

How do HOA dues and special assessments affect my budget?

• HOA dues can cover utilities, amenities, and reserves. Special assessments add temporary costs. Always compare total monthly carrying costs, not just list price.

Are older buildings a bad idea compared to new towers?

• Not necessarily. Older condos can offer lower prices and larger layouts. The key is strong reserves, documented maintenance, and a clean assessment history.

How can I verify a building’s condition and finances?

• Review the resale packet, reserve study, and meeting minutes, and confirm tax and permit records via the county’s GIS Real Estate viewer. Consider legal review of condo documents.