Full list of reciprocal libraries here

If Metro is taking too long to get you from Ballston to Pentagon/Pentagon City, check your preferred maps/GPS for the ART 42 bus times.

If Metro is running on-time, there's probably not much in the way of time saving. But if they're delayed or doing track work it's a convenient alternative.

Same with clogged storm drains!

The best taco truck is not tacos el chilango—it is tacos el torito a block up Pershing from Glebe.

When you stay at home you save a lot of money

They do lock the door between the metro and the mall at night but maybe you aren't out late much. That said, I agree - it's very convenient

> Borrow some kids if you don’t have your own

Do any of the library systems give out loaners?

The View of DC …located next to Rosslyn Metro. One of the best views around and usually nobody is there. Also free for residents

Bring an empty Macy’s bag into Pentagon City Macy’s as you validate your parking ticket. They’ll think you just shopped there and you get two hours of free parking!

If you report potholes the city will fix them in like a week and you’ll get a message when it’s done. It’s amazing.

Walking straight through Pentagon mall to the metro. I did reconnaissance and bought a condo once I knew it was always open for the walk thru.

Gravelly Point park gives you a pretty good free show

If you’re over 55, you can get a membership to the community center gyms for $5 a month (except Long Bridge).

You can get a library card for all DC-adjacentish counties (and the Falls Church Mary Riley Styles Library) with an ID card and a piece of mail with your address. I think there are 8 reciprocal counties? Gives you very different audiobook libraries for Libby. Free storytimes and activities at each branch too. Good for entertaining babies.

The best parks I have ever seen. Borrow some kids if you don't have your own so you have an excuse to try some of these climbing contraptions.

The CAPP is reasonably decent for licensing paperwork so you don't need to go in. (Pet, rental, business license, etc) They are really responsive about merging/updating accounts by email (think minutes during business hours).

Free mulch. You haul or pay a small delivery fee to have it dumped in front of your house.

There's a yearly open house at the city works yard near Shirlington so you can sit in an excavator, garbage truck, etc.

The sketchy BBQ cart by Shirlington is pretty decent.

Alcoholic drinks to-go in Shirlington businesses.

Thought of another one:

Long Branch Nature Center (and the other nature centers) has an indoor reptile and amphibian zoo and a playroom with dress-up and activities. It's free.

Well, when my plants are overgrowing their pots, I take my portable saw and cut them down.

Thank you all for your responses, my situation is a kinda of an emergency. I am still trying to do my due diligence In researching the area.

Thank you, I definitely will need to get a job before. My situation is kinda of an emergency.

Generally it is best to find the job - then find housing. You can always visit Arlington & nearby environs. But you will want to minimize the time you spend in traffic and the amount you spend on housing. And live near the best schools you can afford- close to your work.

I live in Arlington and love the car free living BTW. But can't imagine living without a car for a family of four.

Arlington is an amazing place to raise children, especially if you don't want to spend a lot of time in a car. There's a high density of public parks, playgrounds, and schools.

What field do you work in?

In Arlington proper, renting is a lot more affordable than buying — at least in my income bracket/home needs. A decent house for a family of four in the area is close to a million dollars, if not more. Townhouses on my block go for 1.5 million. The housing market is high and frustratingly stable.

We love it here. There’s a lot to love. I’ve said it on this sub before, but you do want to think long and hard about whether you want the “city” version of Arlington or the suburban experience.

City life would mean living along Wilson/Clarendon between Rosslyn and Ballston. It’s walkable, with great access to busses, metro, bike lanes, and e-scooters. Great restaurants, fast access to DC, fun parks, nice people, and overall a solid little city feel without feeling too congested or overwhelming. You’d be renting an apartment/townhouse, buying a condo, or buying a single family home in Lyon Village or Lyon Park for $2mil. You’d have a similar experience in Old Town Alexandria.

The other side of life in the area would be like a Fairfax/Falls Church - prices are still high, just not quite as high. Schools are good, and there are great restaurants, etc. But, to me, the downsides are real: congestion, tiny parking lots, crowded everything, traffic, and just kind of ugly main drags. Takes longer to get into the city, so most people I know who live out there don’t go in very often. That means they’re paying city prices and dealing with city traffic without enjoying the culture and experiences DC offers. You can go toward McLean/Great Falls where things are prettier, but many of the same suburban problems exist. You can go out further to a Reston or Sterling, but that is a true suburban life and, imho, not worth the money unless you have a good job out there.

Back to your actual question: I find Arlington Neighbors Helping Each Other (Facebook group) to be a solid resource.

Hope some of that helps - feel free to ask follow up questions!

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lol okay

Arlington has like 20 elementary schools, but sure, no families here

But, OP, do NOT move here without a job lined up. Arlington is incredibly expensive, you need to be making six figures to live here

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i rented it out to someone that convinced me that she would treat it gently. I was about to hire a realtor; that guy said I was $400 underpriced and I shouldn't offer to pay utilities.

I learned that the FB sublet groups are not the way to go...mostly college students. But there are a lot of established professionals that appreciated the location, furnishings, etc.

Also learned that sublets get rented at the very last minute...

The price isn't terrible, but being fully-furnished really cuts down on the potential renters.