Clarendon Real Estate
Arlington VA’s Clarendon Neighborhood
Clarendon is a fantastic bustling community and was designed to feature the best elements of an urban city while still feeling like a suburb. This neighborhood is just a few metro stops away from DC and has some of the best elements of the city, such as convenience without all the city traffic. Clarendon has a wide range of housing options with the apartments located closer to the orange line and single family homes extending into the neighborhoods beyond. There are plenty of entertainment options including live music, great local restaurants, and many nightlife options. Overall Clarendon combines a friendly, walkable neighborhood with the convenience of an urban city and an unbeatable location next to Washington DC.
Clarendon Virginia’s History
Clarendon first became a popular neighborhood back in 1896 when streetcars turned Clarendon into a downtown destination. With the introduction of the automobile and the effects of the Great Depression these street car lines all but vanished, but that had little effect on Clarendon. Soon large retailers such as J. C. Penney and Sears came to Clarendon and the area became a popular retail spot. By the mid-1970s several Vietnamese grocery stores and restaurants were opened in Clarendon and it became known as “Little Saigon.” Many of these stores have since moved elsewhere, yet Clarendon still has a unique, eclectic identity. Ever since the Metro came to Clarendon in 1979 the neighborhood has been a model for urban development. The area has managed to grow consistently while still being pedestrian friendly. Building officials all across the country hail Clarendon and the orange line development as one of the most successful examples of “smart growth.” After the metro was built, developers, realizing the potential that Clarendon had being so close to DC began building around this metro stop and Clarendon took off. One of the bigger and more recent projects, The Market Common at Clarendon, energized the community and brought a massive mixed use development which includes dining and shopping options for a wide spectrum of tastes. Clarendon is now home to a variety of bars, small and corporate chain restaurants, boutique yogurt shops, live music venues and an interesting mix of stores.
Clarendon’s Vibe
Clarendon is home to people of various ages, background, professions and ethnicities. Many of the residents are 20 somethings who have just moved to the area, and are just starting their careers. Some are slightly older young professionals and are buying up the condos that come available in Clarendon. People are attracted to the nightlife, convenience of living so close to the city and the numerous singles that move to Clarendon. Additionally, people come from all over Northern Virginia to experience Clarendon whether its for a night at the bars or a more intimate dinner at one of Clarendon’s upscale restaurants. Other people that live in Clarendon moved there a long time ago when prices were less expensive and have held on to their property while the neighborhood has developed. The biggest draw to Clarendon is the proximity to the commercial district which is just blocks walking distance from quiet single family homes. Although Clarendon is urban, it developed in a way that allowed for several large parks throughout the neighborhood where you can play basketball, frisbee, or other types of recreation on their fields. There are all types of people here from younger professionals to retirees to everybody in between who love this unique neighborhood.
Where do people live in Clarendon?
As you get closer to the Clarendon metro, more condos and apartments are available. As you walk just one or two blocks from the metro the neighborhood leads into single family houses on safe and relatively quiet streets. Lyon Park and Lyon Village, two areas within Clarendon, are home to older houses most notably brick colonials. Many of these older houses are being replaced by larger, impressive craftsman style houses. Prices can get high in this neighborhood as it has become extremely popular in recent years. With great schools, walkability, and a pleasant neighborhood many people are attracted to all that Clarendon has to offer.
Transportation options in Clarendon
Clarendon is located on the Orange line and the station is walking distance from almost all areas of the neighborhood. It is also services by several bus lines including the 38B and the ART 41, 42, and 77. If metro or buses do not suit your tastes Clarendon has bike lanes throughout the neighborhood and even hosts a community favorite bike race once a year. Driving and parking is not as bad as DC but can get congested during prime hours, however there are several large public parking lots available. One of the favorite modes of transportation is walking and the neighborhood is set up for a pedestrian-friendly experience, which many people actually prefer over driving.
Claredon’s Boundaries
Clarendon’s boundaries are often mixed with Courthouse and Virginia Square yet according to Urbanturf the borders are “Lee Highway to the north, Kirkwood Road and Irving Street to the west, Route 50 to the south and southeast, and Barton and Veitch Streets to the east.”
Entertainment & Restaurant options in Clarendon
Clarendon has restaurants and dining and shopping for everybodys tastes. One of the most popular Clarendon restaurants is El Pollo Rico, a Peruvian style chicken place which is packed no matter what time you go. Another Clarendon favorite is Liberty Tavern, which even hosted President Barack Obama. Clarendon is a hotbed for dining and includes cuisines such as American, Greek, Japanese, Moroccan, and Brazilian. According to Century 21 Redwood Realty agent Dan Lesniak “Clarendon is a trendy urban village with an endless amount of places to shop, eat and drink.” If you are looking for a great local wine bar and coffee shop check out Northside Social. For shopping you can check out the Market Commons, which has an Apple Store, a Barnes and Noble, an Eastern Mountain Sports store and many more.
Clarendon Nightlife
The nightlife and live music scene draws people from across the region. Some of the popular local bars include Whitlows, Clarendon Ballroom, and Spider Kellys. For live music Iota and Galaxy Hut are great places to experience local bands up close. In addition to the live music many people come to Clarendon on the weekends to bar hop and then take a cab or metro back home.
Conclusion about Arlington’s Clarendon Neighborhood
Clarendon’s vibrant mix of restaurants, bars, and stores has made it a destination for those of all ages and tastes. The neighborhood is pedestrian friendly and also has easy access to a metro stop. Century 21 Redwood Realty agent Sandra Leiva sums it up best with “Clarendon is an exciting neighborhood for all ages, the vibe is electrifying, from morning to night. It is a good mix of urban and suburban living.” As far as housing goes, there is everything from older single family houses to luxury brand new apartments and everything in between. This neighborhood has something for everybody and above all it just has an amazing, friendly, and exciting vibe that can be felt as soon as you come to Clarendon.
