Location
Arlington County is located in northern Virginia -- adjacent to the independent city of Alexandria to the south, Fairfax County to the west and north, and bordered by the scenic Potomac River to the east. Our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., and the state of Maryland are just a mere 6.5-mile drive east, across the Potomac River. There are no towns or cities within the urban county. 

Geography/Terrain
Arlington County overlooks the beautiful and scenic Potomac River. The urban county centrally located adjacent to the diverse and thriving independent city of Alexandria and the large, urban county of Fairfax. Just a 6.5-mile drive away, Washington D.C., the nation’s capital, is just a hop, skip and a jump away.  

Arlington County is the smallest county in the nation, encompassing only 26 square miles of land, with only .35% of its area being water.  

Distance to 3 closest major cities
Arlington County is just a 6.5-mile drive across the Potomac to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Another close major city is Baltimore, Maryland which is an hour’s drive northeast of Arlington County, or 44 miles. Other nearby major cities include Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is 105 miles southwest, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 142 miles northeast. 

Jobs
Arlington County, like the rest of northern Virginia and southern Maryland, has been shaped by its proximity to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Most residents are tradesmen or professionals working for the federal civil service, the federal government, the military, or one of the many contract support companies established in the area. The Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located within Arlington County itself, is the largest employer of the county. The top 5 private employers in the county are the Virginia Hospital Center, Verizon, Science Applications International Corporation, Marriott International Inc., and US Airways. The job market is competitive, but employment is on the rise as the metropolitan area gained 60,400 jobs since 2005.

Housing
There are a variety of housing options in Arlington County -- cozy condos and apartments, to modern single and multi-family homes. If you are looking to relocate your business or for a real estate investment opportunity, there is a wide array range of commercial spaces available -- from the traditional office setting to a retail store front. Arlington County has much to offer. 

Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf
Well-known for its urban attributes, one of Arlington County’s best kept secrets is its 121 lush, green parks and open spaces totaling over 1,100 acres. So, enjoy a picnic with the family in the charming, private gazebo area at Big Walnut Park. Or take advantage of the facilities at Dawson Terrace Community center and Park Grounds including their basketball and volleyball courts. Breathe in the fresh air while enjoying a stroll through Fort Bennett Park along the Palisades Trail. Whatever your fancy, Arlington County parks can accommodate. 

In addition to its parks, Arlington County has 14 community centers to enjoy. The Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center features a multi-purpose gymnasium, fitness room, wellness studio, boxing training gym, and an observation deck for interested onlookers. The Fairlington Community Center offers a large art studio, basketball courts, an outdoor field, and a fitness trail. As you can see, each community center offers services and amenities unique to its location. 

In Arlington County, there are a total of 4 area golf courses, with 67 more within a 20-mile radius -- all with breathtaking views overlooking the Potomac River. Visit one of the 6 neighboring award-winning golf courses: the Chevy Chase Club offers an 18-hole course featuring 4,800 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 69; the Columbia Country Club offers an 18-hole features 6,545 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70; the Congressional Country Club offers two 18-hole courses featuring 7,245 yards of golf from the longest tee for a par of 70, and 6,588 yards of golf from the longest tee for a par of 70 respectively; the Bethesda Country Club offering an 18-hole course featuring 6,674 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70; the Woodmont Country Club offering an 18-hole course; the Country Club of Fairfax offers a challenging 18-hole course featuring 6,639 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. 

Special Attractions/Events
Arlington County is the proud home of the Arlington National Cemetery. Established during the American Civil War, this longstanding cemetery has served to honor the veterans who died defending our country since the American Revolution in the 1700s. The cemetery opens up to visitors at 8am, 365 days a year -- receiving almost 4 million visitors annually. 

Arlington County is also the proud home of The Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. It is one of the world’s largest office buildings -- the building itself is over five times larger than the whole of Washington D.C. The Pentagon was built in just over one year’s time at the beginning of World War II, successfully consolidating the War Department during an important period. While the Pentagon is open to the public for group tours year-round, tours are often booked up to 3 months in advance. 

The county of Arlington has great historical and cultural value which has been meticulously preserved for generations into the future to enjoy. Visit such historic sites as the Arlington Historical Museum, a Virginia historical landmark; Fort Myer, a preserved military post during the Civil War; Theodore Roosevelt Island, part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway conserved in honor of the late president – to name a few! 

Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places
Arlington County is the smallest county in the nation. It was once part of the District of Columbia, but was ceded to the state of Virginia in 1846. 

Arlington County has no towns or cities, but there are state-designated “urban villages” and several neighborhoods each with a designated title. The urban villages include: Ballston, Clarendon, Columbia Pike, Courthouse, Crystal City, Lyon Village, Pentagon City, Rosslyn, Shirlington, Virginia Square and Westover. 

Arlington County is home to the Pentagon and the Arlington National Cemetery.  

Famous people either born or raised in Arlington County include actor Warren Beatty, media personality Katie Couric and actress Shirley MacLaine. 

Arlington County has 3 sister cities: Coyoacan, Mexico, Aachen, Germany, and Reims, France. 

Arlington County is the birthplace of the internet.