Rosslyn Real Estate
Rosslyn Virginia
Rosslyn is located directly across the Potomac River from DC and is home to a collection of sky rise buildings. Although it has primarily been known as a work a day community, there is an increasing number of residential and commercial options. Outsiders oftentimes mistake Rosslyn for DC because of its urban and “downtown” appearance. Overall this neighborhood is a thriving community with easy access to DC or northern Virginia suburbs.
History of Rosslyn, VA
Rosslyn has a surprising history and has come a long way since its initial development during the Civil War period. Rosslyn was home to Fort Corcoran which was built high on a hill overlooking the Potomac River. Shortly after the war, Rosslyn became known as a disreputable area full of brothels, bars, and gambling parlors. The route that leads up Lee Highway from Rosslyn was even known as “Dead Man’s Hollow” and local merchants had to travel with armed convoys to ensure they could get their goods to market. The electric rail service was built in the early 1900s and continued expansion up until the mid 20th century and helped to grow the suburbs outside of Rosslyn. This service was needed as the influx of workers from the New Deal program brought many new people to the DC area. The riots of 1968 in DC caused many DC residents to leave and was one of the reasons for Rosslyn’s growth during this time frame. In 1977 the metro arrived in Rosslyn and a decade later I-66 was expanded through Rosslyn. These events helped to build Rosslyn into what it is today, a thriving urban neighborhood which is constantly developing.
Rosslyn’s Vibe
Rosslyn almost has a mid-town Manhattan feel with numerous skyscrapers overlooking DC, metro access, and thousands of people who commute here to work. There is great public transportation, dining options, entertainment, and a strong community atmosphere. Rosslyn is home to several corporations and attracts professionals from all over northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Although it has been mostly known for its office buildings, Rosslyn has had numerous residential developments over the years and many more are in the works. There are also entertainment options like The Artisphere which has created a more diverse Rosslyn.
Shopping options in Rosslyn VA
Rosslyn does not have the greatest shopping in Arlington but luckily you are just a minute or two drive from Pentagon City Mall. Many of the community initiatives have involved diversifying the retail sector of Rosslyn and plans are underway for bringing more shopping options to the area. Right now it has numerous Dry Cleaning and Breakfast Cafes which makes sense because of all the people who work there.
Recreation and Parks in Rosslyn VA
Even though Rosslyn is an urban area, there are numerous parks, plazas, biking, and walking trails. Dark Star Park is the most recognizable park and is located in the heart of Rosslyn with large public art displays in the form of interesting cement shapes and a fountain. Another popular park is Rosslyn Highlands Park which has a basketball court and playground. There are several urban plazas located throughout Rosslyn which are great for enjoying a lunch, people watching, or taking in all that Rosslyn has to offer. If you are looking for walking or biking trails, there are several within Rosslyn’s vicinities. Be sure to take a visit down to the famous Iwo Jima Memorial in Rosslyn as well.
Rosslyn VA Real Estate
Rosslyn has a growing number of residential options to live including townhomes, condos, apartments, and some older single family homes. Over the last decade, developers have been building brand new buildings including the popular Turnberry Tower and Gaslight Square. The presence of a metro stop, proximity to DC, and the thousands of people that work in Rosslyn have attracted DC’s most notable residential developers to the area. It is hard to walk around without seeing a construction site.
Transportation options in Rosslyn, VA
Transportation in Rosslyn is great because you are directly across the river from DC and a short drive away from major highway routes. The highways in the vicinity are Lee Highway, George Washington Parkway, I-66, and Route 50. Additionally, there are several metro bus lines, a DC Circulator, and several buses that can take you up to New York City. There is a metro stop in the heart of Rosslyn along the orange line. Walking is another option and you can easily walk across the Key Bridge into Georgetown if traffic is bad or you just want to take a walk.
Rosslyn, VA Boundaries
Rosslyn lies along the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor and is directly across the Potomac River from DC. To the east, Rosslyn is bounded by I-66, Rhodes Street to the West, to the north is Lee Highway to the south is North Marshall drive and 12th Street.
Entertainment and Restaurant options in Rosslyn, VA
Rosslyn is home to a growing number of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Artisphere is a popular place to experience a show, concert, or exhibit. Some of the dining options include Pho 75, Ray’s Hell Burger, Roti, or Chop’t, which is a great place for a healthy salad. Rosslyn does have a neighborhood favorite farmers market which is open seasonally and offers a variety of fresh goods.
Conclusion
Rosslyn is a booming area that shows no signs of slowing development. There is a unique history to this neighborhood which only adds to its charm. Developers like JBG and Abdo Development are bringing much needed residential projects to Rosslyn as the neighborhood becomes more than just a downtown office area. There are great condos and townhomes currently available in Rosslyn, some which have spectacular views of the Potomac River and DC. Overall Rosslyn is a dynamic area that is attracting developers because of its proximity to DC and dense urban neighborhood.
