Although Arlington County considers Ballston and Virginia Square to be separate Urban Villages with N Quincy Street as the dividing line, recent growth has made the neighborhoods indistinguishable. Its mix of office buildings, residences, nightlife, restaurants and retail make it one of the top destinations for people looking for Arlington real estate.

Ballston-Virginia Square Borders

Heading west from Clarendon on Wilson Boulevard, the transition into VA Square comes when Wilson Boulevard splits into three roads: Fairfax Drive, Washington Boulevard and the continuation of Wilson Boulevard on the far left. After this confluence, the Virginia Square-Ballston area stretches west to George Mason Drive. From a vertical perspective, the neighborhood works its way north from Arlington Boulevard to Rte. 66. 

Homes for Sale in Ballston-Virginia Square

Ballston-Virginia Square real estate includes the most condo buildings and generally the highest density of any other neighborhood along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. While one would think that this larger supply would make it a little easier to find a condo in this area than Clarendon, which only has four major condos, it can still prove to be difficult, given Arlington’s robust and lively real estate market. Most of these condominiums sit along Wilson Boulevard and Fairfax Boulevard, intermixed with popular retail, restaurant and nightlife options.

Townhome housing options dot  the map in Ballston-Virginia Square. Between Fairfax Drive and Washington Boulevard, a wide variety of townhomes with anywhere from two to four levels are interspersed with other buildings and generally referred to as “Ballston Area Towns.” Within this mix is the Bromptons at Ballston. Built in 1998, these luxurious townhomes were outfitted with two-car rear-load garages and up to 3100 square feet of space.  Cathcart Springs is a green-filled cluster of townhomes in southwest Ballston, with unique three-level townhomes right across N George Mason Drive from Lubber Run Park.

On the north side of Washington Blvd and to the south of Wilson Boulevard, there is a wide variety of single-family homes. These homes are just as distinct as the residents with Arts & Crafts, Cape Cod, Craftsman, Colonial, Farm House, Bungalows, and more.

Things to Do in Ballston-Virginia Square

Ballston has long been an area known for its happy hour specials and nightlife. A-Town, Carpool, World of Beer and Front Page attract Arlington residents from all over the corridor for drinks and good times. There also is a bustling restaurant scene in the area. Eateries that have gotten the stamp of approval from residents include Rustico and Grand Cru Wine Bar & Bistro. Ballston has also become a center for foodies, hosting the annual Taste of Arlington, showcasing the best Arlington restaurants and providing entertainment for the whole family.

Shopping in the Ballston area is largely centered in and surrounding The Ballston Common Mall. With ample retail, a Regal Cinemas movie theater, and the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, this shopping center provides not only a haven for locals on rainy days, but also convenience with a Sport & Health gym, quick chain eateries, and more.

Enjoying the Outdoors in Ballston-Virginia Square

Although Ballston-Virginia Square may have an urban foundation, parks and trails are just as common in the area as residences and office buildings. Quincy Park has a mix of adult and kid fun, including four acres of space, six tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground and a sand volleyball court. Another cool recreation activity you can find in the area is exploring Ballston Beaver Pond. To newcomers (and even longtime residents), this hidden nature habitat for wildlife and plants may be hard to find, located in between I-66 and the beginning of the commercial development on N Fairfax Drive.

Getting Around Ballston-Virginia Square

This neighborhood is accessible to not only DC, but also to Tyson’s Corner and Fairfax. Twin Metro stations make it easy to get into Washington, DC to the east, and west to Falls Church and Vienna on the Orange line and Tysons Corner, Reston and eventually Dulles Airport/ Ashburn on the new Silver line. With the ART, Metrobus, DC Circulator lines and four Capital Bikeshare stations, other transportation options are also easily available for residents. Being on the edge of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor also gives residents quick access to I-66 and 120 to get out to Tysons Corner and to other Virginia towns to the west.

Making Your Home in Ballston-Virginia Square

Ballston-Virginia Square is a force to be reckoned with. The Ballston BID and Ballston-Virginia Square Civic Association work on making the community a great place to work and live.  Recent years have seen Liberty Center replace a metro bus yard with great mix of residential office and hip restaurants across both sides of Fairfax Drive. That’s just the beginning of what this neighborhood has planned for the future, making it a perfect time to create your home in Ballston-Virginia Square