Notable Neighborhoods: Arlington, Virginia

The most affordable condominiums on the Orange Line.

Arlington's Orange Line area has become extremely popular - and expensive. We think Arlington Oaks provides an opportunity to live live near the Metro at a reasonable price.

Arlington's Orange Line (stretching from Rosslyn to Ballston) is very popular. The area’s booming array of restaurants, shopping, entertainment, recreation and an excellent nightlife, along with it’s easy access to downtown DC, have contributed to the area’s draw. But hold on to your pocketbook – prices have skyrocketed here in the last 10 years, and 1 bedroom condos regularly sell for the high $400,000s. Two new condominium units under construction will feature many units at multi-million dollar prices.

For buyers on more modest budgets who still want to be in the thick of things, we like Arlington Oaks. It’s an older condominium located a few blocks from the Ballston Metro. It may not have the style or amenities of the newer luxury high-rises in the area, but it offers great space in buildings that have stood the test of time. The community is garden style – a plus for buyers who don’t like high rises. And although it is older, many of the units have been renovated in recent years. Interestingly, while many older condominiums don’t permit washers and dryers in individual units, Arlington Oaks permits unit owners to install the necessary plumbing to accommodate washers and dryers.

Two bedroom units typically sell in the $300,000 to $400,000 range.