The Ballston/Virginia Square neighborhood is located at the western end of the Arlington Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, one of Northern Virginia's hottest neighborhoods. It is one of the most desirable places to live in the region. Niche.com rates Ballston/Virginia Square as one of the Best Places to Live in America in 2026. You can walk to two different Metro stops, countless restaurants and shops, and nearby hiking and biking trails in minutes.

There is a lot more to the Ballston/Virginia Square neighborhood than there appears at first glance. This summary attempts to paint a more detailed picture of the neighborhood than its name alone would suggest.

Location and Getting Around

For those who prefer to take public transportation, the neighborhood has two Metro stations, Ballston-MU and Virginia Square-GMU, both served by the Orange and Silver lines. For those who do need to get on the road, Ballston and Virginia Square are easily accessible by car. Ballston is situated near I-66 and Route 50, with Glebe Road and Fairfax Drive running through the neighborhood.

What's Nearby

  • Ballston Quarter: A redeveloped mall with open-air restaurants, stores, a food hall and a movie theater.
  • MedStar Capitals Iceplex: The Washington Capitals' practice facility, which offers public skating and more for ice hockey enthusiasts.
  • George Mason University's Arlington campus and the Arlington Central Library at Virginia Square.
  • Quincy Park and Bluemont Park, with fields, courts and lots of green space for playing.
  • A large concentration of employers, including federal agencies, contractors and technology companies.

Homes in Ballston and Virginia Square

Most properties in Ballston and Virginia Square are high-rise or mid-rise condos. There are also some townhomes, and a handful of single-family homes at the edge of the corridor.

  • Condos: Typically 1-3 bedrooms in a luxury, full-amenity building. Many buildings feature gyms, rooftop decks with great city views, concierge service and garage parking. We have created individual area pages for units for sale at The View at Ballston Metro and the Ballston Center condos.
  • Townhomes: Luxury townhome communities, such as Ballston Row, with garages and large rooftop terraces.
  • Single-family homes: These homes can be found in Ashton Heights, Bluemont and Waverly Hills in North Arlington, which are all within walking distance of the Metro in Ballston.

Who Ballston Tends to Fit

Ballston and Virginia Square are a strong match for buyers who want:

  • A car-optional lifestyle with two Metro stations
  • Amenity-rich condo buildings
  • Restaurants, groceries and fitness within walking distance
  • A shorter commute to Rosslyn, Crystal City, Tysons or DC

You may also want to look at single-family homes in North Arlington or just over the Fairfax County line and compare them to the space you could get for your money.

Tips for Buying a Condo in Ballston

  1. Look beyond the purchase price. Condo fees can include amenities such as a pool, fitness center or concierge service. Find out exactly which services and utilities the fee pays for. (See our guide to buying a condo in Northern Virginia.)
  2. Look into the parking. Will you have space for a car? Will it be a deeded garage space or an assigned space?
  3. Check out the resale information. In Virginia, you have a short window after receiving the resale disclosure package to review the condo association's documents, including the budget, the amount in reserves, and any special assessments that are due or planned.
  4. Research the building's resale history. Prices for units in the same building can vary widely based on floor, view and level of renovation.

Explore Ballston Homes for Sale

Our team keeps an extensive list of homes currently for sale in Ballston and can compare many different buildings side by side. Contact us today to speak with a Ballston expert about buying or selling a home in the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.