Arlington Virginia’s Lyon Park neighborhood

Lyon Park is a beautiful and serene enclave of Arlington located just a few blocks from downtown Clarendon.  It is a residential community yet is within just minutes walking or diving from all the commercial amenities you could want.  This historic neighborhood has an active community association with numerous events going on throughout the year.  There are all types of people that call Lyon Park home.  The neighborhood is almost exclusively single family homes and has a unique mix of older properties as well as impressive brand new homes that blend in with the neighborhood.  There are several parks in Lyon Park, all within walking distance.  Lyon Park’s convenience to Clarendon and DC make it a popular, in demand neighborhood. 

History of Lyon Park, VA

This neighborhood developed in the mid 20^th century as more people began working at the Capitol in DC and needed nearby housing.  Developer and lawyer Frank Lyon directed the development of the neighborhood which was centered around Lyon Park Community Center, which is still there to this day.  Many of the early homes in Lyon Park were mail ordered Sear’s Homes that still exist to this day.  The neighborhood has stayed almost completely residential and the creation of the Clarendon metro stop in the early 1980s has made Lyon Park a highly sought after neighborhood. 

Lyon Park’s Vibe

Lyon Park is a serene neighborhood just a few blocks away from the bustling downtown of Clarendon.  It has great access to transportation including metro, driving, bus, biking, and walking.   The community is very active and is always sponsoring various events throughout the year.  Neighbors are very friendly here and the neighborhood watch program has been effective in keeping crime almost nonexistent in Lyon Park. This neighborhood has a quiet, historic charm to it and is home to people of all ages, families, professionals, and more. 

Shopping in Lyon Park, VA

Lyon Park is just a short walk away from all the shopping that downtown Clarendon has.  Market Commons has many chic stores like Ethan Allen, Williams-Sonoma, Lululemon Athletica, and an Apple Store.  If you prefer to drive then Pentagon City Mall is just a quick drive down the street and attracts people from far and wide. 

Recreation and Parks in Lyon Park, VA

This neighborhood has several parks including the original Lyon Park, Clay Park, and Fillmore Park.  Lyon Park includes a community center, field, and children’s playground.  Every year there are various events that take place there including the annual Halloween Bonfire, Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, and the Spring Fair which has been going on for over 80 years.  The Turkey Trot is a neighborhood favorite and is a 5k run/walk which cuts through Lyon Park and attracts thousands of people.  The community center also routinely holds dinner parties, wedding receptions, anniversary parties, and more. Clay Park is another great park just two blocks away from Lyon Park and has a basketball court, recreation field, playground, and a gazebo.  Fillmore Park is a great option as well and has a jogging/bike path, baseball field, playground and a picnic area.   

Lyon Park Real Estate

Lyon Park is mostly made of single family homes but there are also some townhomes, apartments and condos.  The neighborhood is known for its historic mail order “Sears houses” which were built in the 1930s and give Lyon Park a unique vibe.  Many of the homes are brick cape cods and colonials yet recently there have been builders developing craftsmen style homes. 

Mickey Simpson and other builders have built impressive houses recently that blend in well with Lyon Park’s historic nature.  In addition to a myriad of house styles there are some apartments, townhomes, and newer boutique condo developments that have come on the market.   

Transportation options in Lyon Park, VA

Transportation in Lyon Park is one of the draws to this neighborhood.  Not only is there a metro stop walking distance from the neighborhood in Clarendon but you are also just minutes away driving into DC.  Lyon Park is very pedestrian and bike friendly as well as you can see in this walking tour.  If you need to take a trip out of town there is an airport, Ronald Reagan National Airport less than ten minutes away. 

Lyon Park, VA boundaries

Lyon Park is bounded by 10^th Street to the North, Arlington Boulevard (Route 50) to the East and South, and Irving Street to the West.  

Entertainment and Restaurants in Lyon Park, VA

Lyon Park has several restaurants and is walking distance to all the dining options that Clarendon has.  Tallula Restaurant is a great place for modern and  locally inspired dining experience and has several hundred wines available.  El Charrito is another neighborhood favorite and offers inexpensive, authentic Latin American food.  The coffee shops are all located in Clarendon including a Starbucks, Le Pain Quotidien, and Northside Social. 

Lyon Park’s Nightlife

Lyon Park is walking distance to the Clarendon nightlife strip.  Clarendon Ballroom, Spider Kelly’s, Whitlows, and Mister Days are all popular bars nearby.  For live music venues there are several including Galaxy Hut and Iota which feature local and national bands. 

Conclusion

Lyon Park has always been one of Arlington’s most popular neighborhoods because of its quiet, historic nature while being right next to downtown Clarendon.  It has access to numerous amenities like restaurants and dining.  The commute for Lyon Park residents is minimal and there is a strong sense of community here.  Homes in Lyon Park range from historic Sear’s houses to brick colonials, to brand new extravagant masterpieces.  Overall this neighborhood has everything you could want and is conveniently located just minutes from Clarendon and DC.