Arlington, VA, has long been recognized as one of the best-planned urban environments in the U.S., thanks to its Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) strategy. Instead of sprawling highways and strip malls, Arlington focused on creating walkable, mixed-use communities centered around public transit. The result? A thriving real estate market, vibrant neighborhoods, and a model that cities across the country are trying to replicate.

A Vision That Started in the 1960s

Arlington’s transformation wasn’t accidental—it was a bold choice made decades ago. In the 1960s and 1970s, as the Washington Metro system was being planned, many suburban areas pushed for highways to accommodate cars. Arlington, however, took a different approach.

Instead of allowing Metro stations to be placed along Interstate 66 (which would have encouraged car-dependent development), Arlington planners negotiated to place stations underground along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. This decision allowed for:

✅ Compact, high-density development around stations.

✅ A walkable urban core, while protecting surrounding single-family neighborhoods.

✅ A strong, transit-reliant economy, reducing congestion and pollution.

The Rosslyn-Ballston corridor—with five Metro stations (Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Virginia Square, and Ballston)—became the poster child for smart urban planning. The Pentagon-Crystal City corridor followed a similar model, and today, with the rise of Amazon HQ2, this strategy continues to pay off.

Contrast the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor metro stops with the Orange Line further out - East & West Falls Church, Vienna, etc. where the line runs down the middle of I-66. 

What Makes Arlington’s TOD Model Unique?

Many cities have built rail systems, but few have integrated transit with urban development as successfully as Arlington. Here’s why Arlington stands out:

🚇 High-density near Metro stations, lower-density further out – Arlington carefully concentrated development within a quarter-mile radius of Metro stations, keeping single-family neighborhoods intact.

🏢 A mix of housing, offices, and retail – Unlike some transit hubs that become office-only districts, Arlington embraced mixed-use zoning, making it easier to live, work, and play in the same area.

🚶 A pedestrian-first approach – Streets were designed with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and parks, making Arlington one of the most walkable communities in the region.

💰 Sustained property value growth – Arlington condos near Metro stations consistently outperform the broader market in terms of appreciation and resale value.

TOD’s Impact on Arlington Real Estate

For buyers and sellers, Arlington’s TOD strategy has created one of the most stable and attractive real estate markets in the country.

🏡 For Condo Buyers:

• High resale value – Properties near Metro stations tend to hold value better.
• Convenience & lifestyle – A car isn’t required to enjoy restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
• Strong rental demand – TOD areas attract young professionals, making condos great for investors.

📈 For Condo Sellers:

• Faster sales – Walkability and transit access are top priorities for buyers.
• Higher prices – Buyers are often willing to pay a premium for TOD properties.
• Less market volatility – Arlington condos remain in demand even during market shifts.

Arlington as a National Model

Today, urban planners from across the country study Arlington’s approach as cities like Denver, Atlanta, and Los Angeles attempt to replicate its success. Even Washington, DC itself has adopted similar principles, with new developments focused on walkability and transit access.

As Arlington continues to evolve—especially with the redevelopment of National Landing and Amazon HQ2—its transit-first approach ensures long-term real estate value and a high quality of life.

For condo buyers, sellers, and investors, Arlington’s TOD model is proof that smart growth works—and that living near transit isn’t just about convenience; it’s an investment in the future.