valentinosdcpulse: Enjoy Living in Top Urban Villages Ballston and Clarendon VA

Arlington, VA is home to some of the hottest and most sought after "urban villages" in the entire DC metro area. Young professionals are crazy about the area as it continues to attract more and more young people seeking a hip living area. This urban county covers 26 square miles, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.

This is a Smart Growth area teaming public transportation systems with planned economic development, which has led to booming business districts and quaint residential neighborhoods, each with a small-town feel. There is a strip of 5 major neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality. Two of the most desired of the "urban villages" in this exiting area are Ballston and Clarendon.

Some of the drawing points for the area include:

•  In 2002, the area won a national award for Smart Growth Achievement

•  In 2005, the area was ranked #1 among "walkable cities in the US" by the American Podiatric Medical Association and currently scores 95% on Walk Score (2009).

•  In 2006, CNN Money ranked the areas as the most educated with 37.7% of the residents holding graduated degrees

•  In 2008, BusinessWeek ranked it as the safest community to weather a recession.

•  Home to Wilson Boulevard-Clarendon Boulevard corridor. In 2008, this street was named one of 10 "Great Streets" in the U.S. by the American Planning Association.

Because of the commitment to transit-oriented development, residents can enjoy the convenient shops, services and transit options. Residents continue to support and participate in both political and economic development of the area. In turn because of the strong commercial tax base, the area residents here pay relatively low taxes.

Ballston, VA

Downtown Ballston is centered around Ballston-MU Metrorail station which is a major transportation hub, connecting Metrobus and ART buses with Metrorail's Orange Line. Here you can't help but feel the "bit-city downtown" atmosphere. Here you'll find taller buildings than the rest of the Arlington area. Among the busy office buildings there are numerous designer coffee shops and delicatessens that cater to the 9-5 crowds.

Just a few blocks away the busy atmosphere tapers off into residential neighborhoods with parks, schools, and single family homes. You'll also find real estate offerings including numerous apartment and condominiums that complement the skyline and offer simple studios to elegant penthouse suites with panoramic views.

Clarendon, VA

Clarendon is located between the Rosslyn area and the Ballston area. The two main road are Wilson Boulevard (one-way westbound) and Clarendon Boulevard (one-way eastbound). This neighborhood offers mid-sized office buildings near the Clarendon Metro station and safe, stable neighborhoods full of single-family homes and tree-lined streets, offering great opportunities to live, work, and play.

Clarendon is known more as the young, vibrant, and eccentric of the Arlington area urban villages. This neighborhood considered is the heart of Arlington's nightlife and dining scene.

It is often cited as an example for smart growth and transit-oriented development , the model for the term "urban village". In addition to the national chain shopping and retail scene, Clarendon is well known for its local businesses which are varied and unique.

With the laid back, safe, walkable living area so close to the Metrorail and the big city amenities, you can see why this area is so desirable.  Among the real estate offerings in Clarendon and Ballston, you can find numerous townhouses, luxury apartments, and condominiums in addition to single-family homes from which to chose. Rachel Valentino is a top specialist in the Arlington, VA area. Contact her today or check out her Atlantic Coast Connection website to look for your dream home.