Search by City or Zip

Rooms for Rent in Arlington, VA

More Results
Looking for a roommate instead? Browse roommates in Arlington

Life in Arlington, VA

161 Rooms Available
$1129 Average Rent
250 Roommates Available
$1092 Average Budget

Moving to Arlington

Arlington, Virginia sits directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., and it might be the best-kept not-so-secret secret in the metro area. With Pentagon City, Amazon's HQ2 in National Landing, the buzzing Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, and some of the best Metro access in the region, Arlington offers big-city convenience in a surprisingly community-oriented package. This guide covers everything you need to know about making the move.

Here's what we'll cover:

Why is Everyone Moving to Arlington, VA?

Things to Know Before Moving to Arlington, VA

The Pros and Cons of Living in Arlington, VA

Moving to Arlington, VA FAQ's

Thinking About Moving to Arlington, VA?

Things to Know Before Moving to Arlington

Before moving to Arlington, VA, know that this is technically a county, not a city — but it functions like a dense, walkable urban center along its Metro corridors. The Rosslyn-Ballston corridor is the spine: Rosslyn has gleaming office towers with jaw-dropping D.C. views, Courthouse is a quieter residential pocket, Clarendon is the nightlife and dining hub, and Ballston has been revitalized with new retail and residential development. South of Route 50, Crystal City and Pentagon City (now rebranded as National Landing for the Amazon HQ2 arrival) are transforming rapidly.

Rent in Arlington is not cheap — a one-bedroom along the Metro corridor runs $1,900 to $2,600 per month. However, Virginia has no local income tax surcharge like D.C., and your take-home pay may stretch further than you expect. Splitting rent with a roommate is common and can bring your share to $1,200 to $1,600. Areas further from Metro stations, like south Arlington or along Columbia Pike, offer more affordable options in the $1,500 to $2,000 range for a one-bedroom.

The job market is exceptional. The Pentagon, defense contractors, consulting firms, Amazon HQ2, and countless federal agencies are either in Arlington or a short Metro ride away. The Orange and Silver Metro lines run through the heart of the county, and the extensive trail network — including the Custis Trail, Four Mile Run, and Mount Vernon Trail — makes Arlington one of the most bike-friendly places in the entire D.C. region.

Roommates in Arlington

Pros & Cons of Living in Arlington

Arlington offers an exceptional quality of life — safe streets, excellent Metro access, top-tier fitness and outdoor infrastructure, and a booming job market anchored by Amazon HQ2 and the federal government. The trade-offs are high rent and a social scene that can feel dominated by the young professional crowd. For anyone who wants D.C. access with Virginia's lower taxes and a more neighborhood-oriented feel, Arlington consistently ranks among the best places to live in the entire metro area.

Pros of Living in Arlington

Outstanding Metro and Transit Access

The Orange, Silver, and Blue/Yellow Metro lines all serve Arlington, giving residents direct access to D.C., Tysons, and the rest of Northern Virginia. The Rosslyn-Ballston corridor puts you within walking distance of five Metro stations. Reagan National Airport is literally in Arlington, making travel incredibly convenient. Many residents live car-free without any sacrifice.

Exceptional Safety

Arlington consistently ranks as one of the safest communities of its size in the United States. Violent crime rates are well below the national average, and the well-lit, walkable streets feel comfortable at all hours. This is one of the top reasons families and young professionals choose Arlington over D.C. proper.

Amazon HQ2 and a Booming Job Market

Amazon's decision to build its second headquarters in National Landing has supercharged Arlington's already strong economy. Thousands of high-paying tech jobs are arriving, and the surrounding infrastructure — restaurants, retail, housing — is expanding to match. Add the Pentagon, defense contractors, and consulting firms, and the employment options are extraordinary.

World-Class Bike Trails and Outdoor Access

Arlington's trail network is one of the best urban systems in the country. The Custis Trail connects to the W&OD Trail, the Mount Vernon Trail runs along the Potomac with stunning river and monument views, and Four Mile Run offers a quieter path through parks. Cycling to work in D.C. from Arlington is not just possible — it's genuinely pleasant.

Clarendon's Dining and Social Scene

Clarendon is Arlington's social center, packed with restaurants, breweries, rooftop bars, and a farmers market that draws crowds every weekend. Whether you want craft cocktails, Korean BBQ, or a casual brunch spot, it's all within a few walkable blocks. The scene skews young professional but there's genuine variety.

Cons of Moving to Arlington

High Cost of Living

Arlington is expensive. One-bedroom apartments along the Metro corridor average $1,900 to $2,600 per month, and dining out isn't cheap either. While Virginia's tax structure can offset some costs compared to D.C., the sticker shock is real for newcomers. Finding a roommate is one of the most effective ways to make Arlington financially manageable.

Can Feel Homogeneous

Arlington's population skews heavily toward young professionals in government and consulting. The Clarendon bar scene can feel like a networking event, and the cultural diversity, while growing (especially along Columbia Pike), doesn't match D.C.'s richness. If you want gritty, eclectic urban character, Arlington may feel too polished.

Limited Nightlife Variety

Clarendon has bars and restaurants, but the nightlife scene is narrow compared to D.C. Most of the action shuts down by midnight or 1 AM, and the options lean toward sports bars and cocktail lounges rather than live music venues or late-night culture. For a bigger night out, most Arlingtonians hop the Metro into D.C.

Suburban Feel in Some Areas

While the Metro corridors are walkable and urban, much of south and west Arlington is distinctly suburban — car-dependent, strip-mall adjacent, and quiet after dark. If you land in an apartment away from the Metro spine, the experience can feel very different from the vibrant Clarendon or Rosslyn lifestyle that drew you in.
Roommates in Arlington

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Arlington

Is Arlington, VA a good place to live?

What is Arlington, VA known for?

What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA?

Is Arlington, VA safe?

Thinking About Moving to Arlington?

If you're considering a move to Arlington, VA, start by deciding which corridor fits your lifestyle. Clarendon is ideal if you want walkable restaurants, bars, and a social scene. Rosslyn works for finance and consulting professionals who want to walk to work. Crystal City and Pentagon City are perfect for Amazon employees or anyone who wants newer construction and easy airport access via the Blue and Yellow lines. Columbia Pike offers more affordable, diverse options. Using Roommates.com will help you find people already living in Arlington who share your lifestyle goals and discover the best neighborhoods for your budget.

Roommates.com is the smart, simple, safe way to bring roommates together. Millions have used Roommates.com to find their perfect roommate. Sign up for free to get started today!

Why Use roommates.com?

Automated Matching

Find compatible roommates by preferences and lifestyle

Secure Messaging

Connect with others easily and safely, in one place

Personality and Lifestyle

Show off your interests, hobbies, and true self

We've been featured in:

Apartment Therapy The Boston Globe Business Insider Elle Forbes Going from Broke NBC News 6 Miami Vox Media

Our Pricing

Check out our affordable membership options today!

Free Plan

Free

Create a profile, send messages, browse profiles, explore the site! When you’re ready to take the next step, upgrade to a paid plan.

7-Day VIP Membership

$6

Less than $1 per day.
Full access to messaging, matching, and all VIP features. A full-fledged member of the site.

  • Auto-renewing
  • View Complete Profiles
  • Unlimited Messaging
  • Free ID Verification

Monthly VIP Membership

$12

Save 50% from our 7-day plan.
All VIP features + free ID verification.
Give yourself more time to find a roommate!

  • Auto-renewing
  • View Complete Profiles
  • Unlimited Messaging
  • Free ID Verification

6-Month VIP Membership

$35

Save 78% from our 7-day plan.
Save even more and get plenty of time to find the right room or roommate.

  • Auto-renewing
  • View Complete Profiles
  • Unlimited Messaging
  • Free ID Verification

1-Year VIP Membership

$49

Save 84% from our 7-day plan.
Less than $1 per week. Perfect for property owners, travelers, and value seekers!

  • Auto-renewing
  • View Complete Profiles
  • Unlimited Messaging
  • Free ID Verification

All memberships automatically renew.
You may cancel anytime.

ID verification icon
ID VERIFIED
All Monthly and higher plans get FREE ID Verification. This helps foster a safer and more trustworthy community.
Sign Up Now

Roommates Finder

Find roommates near you

Find a Roommate

Rooms for Rent

Find rooms for rent near you

Find a Room for Rent

For over 22 years, Roommates.com has been connecting people across the USA looking for someone to live with. You can easily find a roommate or browse our list of rooms for rent and in just a few steps and you’ve got a roommate.

There are lots of benefits in having a roommate including: having more money, more time and more friends. Roommates.com is fast and secure; we offer ID verification to let members prove to others they are a real, verified person. Sign up today and list your room for rent, browse rooms for rent, or find a roommate.