When Niche released their 2026 Best Places to Live in America rankings, a little known neighborhood within North Arlington ranked near the top of the list of best places to live in America: Colonial Village. Located within a few blocks of Courthouse and Rosslyn, this beloved neighborhood has been a favorite of home buyers for decades looking for somewhere with real character to live just a short walk to the Metro.

Where Colonial Village Is

Colonial Village is located in North Arlington, on Wilson Boulevard, just west of the Rosslyn neighborhood and within walking distance of the Courthouse Metro stop (Orange & Silver lines). Lyon Village, Courthouse and Radnor/Fort Myer Heights are all neighboring neighborhoods to Colonial Village.

It is easy to also get around by car. There are several major roads in the area including Route 50, I-66 and the Key Bridge to get to Georgetown.

A Neighborhood With History

Colonial Village, one of the most historically significant neighborhoods for housing in the country, is a late 1930s rental complex of low-rise brick buildings surrounding courtyards with trees, designed as a model for the then-new garden-style apartment for rental housing. Many units in the original complex have since converted to condominiums to become Colonial Village condos for sale.

This small neighborhood is notable because of its history. Built in the late 1930s, Colonial Village was the first large-scale rental housing project to be insured by the Federal Housing Administration. It has since become a prototype of the garden-type apartment project for the country. Part of the original Colonial Village complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Homes in Colonial Village

Most of the homes for sale in Colonial Village are one- and two-bedroom condos in two- and three-story brick buildings. Many of the homes feature hardwood floors, classic architecture, and plenty of windows to let in natural light. The homes look out onto the courtyards and green spaces between the buildings instead of directly out to the street. Colonial Village condo owners pay a monthly condo fee that typically covers exterior maintenance and grounds.

  • Hardwood floors and large windows in many original units
  • Courtyard and green-space views rather than busy-street frontage
  • Condo fees that typically cover exterior maintenance and grounds
  • A price point that is often more attainable than newer high-rise condos nearby

As these are older buildings, ask the condo association for a copy of their current reserve study as well as any capital projects that are scheduled to occur within the next year or so (such as a roof replacement, new windows, etc.) and make sure there is enough money in the reserve fund to cover the expenses of these projects. (Learn more about HOA and condo fees in Northern Virginia.)

What Daily Life Looks Like

Colonial Village is highly desirable because of its superb location near:

  • Clarendon's restaurants, bars and shops
  • Courthouse's farmers market on Saturdays and the Arlington County government center
  • Rosslyn's office towers, hotels and Gateway Park
  • The Custis Trail and Mount Vernon Trail for running and biking

It is a neighborhood where many residents rarely need a car during the week.

Is Colonial Village Right for You?

Colonial Village tends to appeal to buyers who want:

  • A short commute to DC, Rosslyn, Clarendon or Ballston
  • Historic architecture and green courtyards instead of a glass tower
  • An entry point into North Arlington homeownership

The trade-offs are similar to other older condos: smaller kitchens, less storage, and few modern features like gyms or concierge service.

Thinking About Buying in Colonial Village?

Homes for sale in Colonial Village are few and far between, so don't count on having too much time to make a decision on a well-priced condo. We work throughout the North Arlington neighborhood and can show you homes for sale in other nearby Arlington neighborhoods such as Courthouse, Clarendon and Rosslyn. View all current Colonial Village condos for sale on our website. Contact us to schedule a tour of any home you like.