Shirlington Condos, Houses And More: Arlington, VA, Guide
Updated August 2021
There’s a lot to be said about why homes for sale in Shirlington, VA, are so popular. This community in Arlington is less than five miles from the capital and packed with amazing restaurants, shopping, and amenities in the immediate area.
Whether seeking a Shirlington condo with one or four bedrooms, there is a variety of great options to explore. Learn more about this part of Arlington today to discover if this is the right part of Virginia for you and your family to call home!
Living In Shirlington, Virginia
Shirlington is a growing community in Arlington, Virginia, that has become very popular among people seeking real estate in the area. Located less than 5 miles from Washington D.C. via Arlington Boulevard, this neighborhood is also conveniently located minutes from Interstate 395.
Locals who prefer other methods of transportation are happy with the nearby Metro station, which provides access to bus and train service all along the Washington corridor. Residents with disabilities are satisfied with the MetroAccess curbside service.
Shirlington was established back in the 1940s and faded into relative obscurity for a time, but renovation of the area in the early 2000s has put the Shirlington real estate market back on the map. Shirlington continues to grow and expand, bringing in more homes and businesses at the request of locals.
Purchasing Property: Shirlington Real Estate Offerings
Shirlington Real Estate - Available for Sale
Shirlington is a bustling community of condos and townhomes surrounded by lush landscaping and nice-sized yards.
The best way to find the perfect property in Shirlington is to connect with a local real estate agent like the ones on our team! We can help you keep an eye out on listings for the perfect property. Call us at 703-462-0700! Until then, use these questions to guide you in your search for prime Shirlington real estate:
#1: How Much Space Do You Need, And How Much Do You Want To Spend?
Shirlington has around 40 condominium complexes of various sizes located within just four city blocks. Studios as well as units with anywhere from one to four bedrooms can be found throughout the area.
The size of your desired unit and the amount you wish to spend will determine where you should begin your search for real estate for sale in Shirlington. A nice walk through town will quickly show you what sort of properties are available in the Shirlington real estate market.
#2: Are You Looking For Older Condos?
A gorgeous two-story, contemporary townhouse-style condominium community on Quincy Street offers three-bedroom homes. Built in 1976, these homes are as popular today as when they were built over 40 years ago. These renovated units are open, airy, and filled with natural light. They are also close to I-395 and the Village at Shirlington.
#3: Are Brick Buildings Part Of Your Dream?
Are you looking for a traditional brick home like so many throughout Virginia? The Windgate of Arlington, Fairlington Green, Fairlington Meadows, and Fairlington Village all are charming, multi-story, red-brick condo communities with properties for sale in the Shirlington area. Valley Heights is among the most affordable places to live if you love brick facades.
#4: Seeking High-Rise Condos In Shirlington Village And Valley Heights?
Built in 2006, the Shirlington Village Condos rise high over the area. This 11-story building features 159 homes of various sizes. Large picture windows give upper floor residents spectacular views of the cities and countryside below. Open floor plans, sunrooms, lofts, dens, and balconies or terraces are just a handful of the wonderful features of this stunning high-rise complex.
#5: Want To Know More About Renovated Units?
Renovated in 2006, the West Village Of Shirlington is a large 528-unit community composed of townhomes, two-bedroom cottages, and condominiums.
Once known as the Shirlington Overlook Apartments, these spacious homes located in the heart of the Shirlington real estate market have open floor plans that maximize both space and light. With so many units, there is surely a condo design to fit everyone’s lifestyle.
Closer to Fairlington are townhomes and mid-rise condominiums that were once apartments. Built after WWII, these homes were all renovated throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. Everyone loves this area for Shirlington real estate as it is close to freeways and other major roads.
#6: Do You Want To See Newer Communities?
Shirlington Crest is a new townhome community on 11 acres of land. Most of these homes were built in 2008, and some are still being built today.
These modern homes have an amazing rooftop terrace, which provides residents with panoramic views of the greater Shirlington/Arlington area. These spacious homes are considered the premium homes in Shirlington for people who work in Washington D.C. or any of the nearby federal buildings.
Adding to this mixed-use community, the IO Piazza and Windsor, both located close to the Village, are newer condos designed to attract more young professionals to the area.
These homes are conveniently located in easy-to-access areas. Their locations close to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues is also a big draw for people exploring the Shirlington real estate market.
Arlington, VA, Property Taxes
If you purchase real estate in Shirlington, you will be subject to paying Arlington property taxes. On average, these taxes are typically higher than the state averages but lower than the national averages. On a property that costs $250,000, you can expect to pay around $2,300 in taxes.
Schools In Arlington, VA
Children in Shirlington attend elementary, middle, and high schools that are part of the Arlington County School District. The schools have a variety of classes and support programs.
Looking to buy or sell a home in Northern Virginia?
Contact me. Tel. (703) 462-0700
Things To Do In Shirlington
Most people who buy real estate in Shirlington choose this part of Virginia as home because of the charming, low-key atmosphere. The fact that a simple walk brings them to fantastic restaurants, nightclubs, and other entertainment is a plus for hardworking people wanting to unwind after a day at work.
Shirlington lies in the valley of the Four Mile Run, which is a 9.4-mile stream with commercial, residential, and retail establishments to the south of it.
In the center of the community lies the Village of Shirlington, a series of buildings along Campbell Avenue that consist of retail, service, and residential complexes. Shirlington Village, formerly known as the Shirlington Shopping Center, opened in 1944 and was one of the earliest suburban shopping centers in the United States.
It has since been remodeled several times to fit the ever-changing community and still provides most of the town's retail shopping. It has numerous restaurants such as Subway, Johnny Rockets, and the Bonsai Grill, to name a few. The village is also home to Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The UPS store in Shirlington, and the Hilton Garden Inn.
Shirlington Entertainment
For entertainment, those who purchase real estate in Shirlington can visit the Tony Award-winning regional theater called the Signature Theater.
The mission of the Signature Theater is to produce contemporary plays and musicals, develop new work, reinvent classic musicals, and offer educational and outreach opportunities for the community. Beneath the theater is the Shirlington Library, a 15,000-square-foot facility.
Residents also enjoy the hip atmosphere and variety of fun things to do in Shirlington throughout the year. Wags and Whiskers, a dog and cat festival, takes place in August; the Celtic Festival takes place in September; Oktoberfest is celebrated in October; and the Shirlala live music and wine tasting takes place on Thursdays during the summer.
Shirlington Restaurants
Locals enjoy getting together at the Shirlington Busboys and Poets restaurant, which also serves as a local community center and is a great place for freelance writers to work. While Busboys is a quiet, laid-back place, Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub is a louder, more happening place.
Dining out is an easily accessible international treat when you choose real estate in Shirlington. With more than 800 restaurants to choose from, there is going to be something to please everyone's taste buds. Fast food restaurants are found throughout the area. Want burgers and fries, or simple tacos? How about a nice homemade sandwich on fresh-baked bread? Fried chicken? Simply find your favorite fast food joint and chow down.
International Cuisine Options
For those with choosier taste buds, your dining experience can be any cuisine you’re craving: Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Korean as well as fusions of these cuisines can be found at a wide variety of restaurants close to home. Ping by Charlie Chiang's is located in the Village at Shirlington. Sushi is sold at some of these restaurants, but to get the best sushi in town, one needs to go to Iciban Sushi & Ramon.
Italian restaurants also abound, selling everything from homemade pizzas and pastas to the best lasagna in the universe. Meals are often served with fine Italian wines. Menu selection is so varied that those wanting a specific Italian dish are sure to find it in one of the many restaurants in town.
Southwestern and Mexican cuisine can also be found in many restaurants in Shirlington, from fast food to first-class dining. Locals are especially fond of Guapo's Restaurant. This establishment prides itself on its homemade sauces and authentic Mexican and Southwestern dishes.
Other cuisines that can be found close to your new home in Shirlington include Indian, Irish, and Greek. Those on a gluten-free diet can enjoy a nice meal out at Palette 22.
Close-To-Home Dining
If you’re craving authentic soul food, head straight to Margaret's Soul Food & Catering Services. Although this is not a sit-down restaurant, one can order take-out for fine southern dining at home. Located in a small strip mall, Margaret's is somewhat of a hidden gem, but once found, it becomes a favorite for many.
Not to be outdone, the number of restaurants that cater to the American taste buds is staggering. With so many to choose from, it’s nice to know that Carlyle is ranked as the #1 restaurant in Shirlington. Carlyle offers guests a warm, modern dining experience with great food and great service. Their varied menu means there is going to be something to please every palate. Locals flock to eat at Carlyle's, knowing they will always get great food and “to die for” decadent desserts.
Whatever your dining pleasures, you can be sure there is a restaurant near your new home in Shirlington that will satisfy that desire. Dining truly is an international experience, and one can spend weeks “traveling around the world” eating at various restaurants so close to home.
Culture And History Around Shirlington
WETA-TV (where PBS News Hur and Washington Week are filmed) is located here, and Shirlington is also home to the WETA-FM classical music radio station. Another great thing about owning Shirlington real estate is its proximity to the nation's capital.
The town is located only about 5 miles from the Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and numerous other historic sites. Those who want to learn about the history and politics of the United States can spend years exploring the many archives in Washington D.C.
Those who are interested in learning more about the past can also find interesting sites closer to home if they buy real estate in Shirlington.
Virginia is filled with an abundance of museums, memorials, and other artifacts related to the Civil War, and Arlington is home to a few of its own historic gems. History buffs who purchase real estate in Shirlington are rewarded for their wise choice by the sheer number of places they can explore nearby.
Outdoor Activities
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the area is bike-friendly and has trails like the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail and the Four Mile Run trail. There is also beautiful Shirlington Park, which encompasses 29 acres and was named the best dog park in 2009 by Washington Express.
The nearby Jennie Dean Park offers residents a host of trails where they can walk, jog, or ride their bike. There is a tennis court, two baseball fields, a playground, and a pond. Although the playground is not open to the public while school is in session, there is plenty of open green space for children to run and play. The resident ducks in the pond are always a big draw for children of all ages.
Shirlington, VA, Community FAQs
Where did Shirlington get its name?
As a part of Arlington County Virginia, the name Shirlington is a combination of Shirley Highway (now known as Interstate 395) and Arlington. Clever, right?
When was Shirlington first built up?
This part of Virginia was first developed into the base of its modern form in the 1940s. The region started with a shopping center, and this center of arts and entertainment spread from there. Different phases of development were approved throughout the years until Shirlington reached the point where it is today.
What kind of amenities can be found in Shirlington real estate?
No matter where you choose to buy real estate in Shirlington, your home and property are going to be clean and ready to live in. Many condos have large yards in which residents can play and relax safely.
Most communities offer their residents a swimming pool as a basic amenity, and some even have grills and picnic tables available for residents to enjoy. Locals looking for more space to play can head to any of the nearby parks. Pet lovers can safely walk their dogs in the nearby dog park.
Amenities such as state-of-the-art fitness centers can be found at West Village of Shirlington and at the Shirlington Village Condos. Both of these complexes also have libraries available for all residents.
Are there monthly fees in Shirlington condos?
All condos and townhomes for sale in Shirlington will require monthly fees. If this is a concern, shop around while looking at Shirlington real estate. Some complexes have lower fees, while others are quite high. Newer condos will have the higher fees, but they offer a wider range of amenities than some of the older, renovated properties.
Are pets allowed in Shirlington, VA, condos?
The specific rules about whether or not pets are allowed will vary from management company to management company. In the Delancey at Shirlington Village apartments, for example, up to two pets (cats or dogs only) are permitted with additional pet rent.
If you want to know more about the pet policy, ask your broker or agent to help you contact the building management.
Is there a dog park in Shirlington?
Yes, there is a dog park that is around ¼ mile long in Shirlington, VA. This is a great place to exercise dogs as this is a community where there aren’t always yards or ample space for your pet to explore. There are also other dog-friendly parks in the surrounding area, so you can easily visit these locations as well.
Shirlington Condos And Beyond!
Once you’ve taken a closer look at the options available in Shirlington Village and the surrounding areas, it’s not hard to see why so many people want to move into this community. To have the best chance of snagging great Shirlington real estate, browse the most recent property listing data right now at the top of this page.
Though condos in this region are great, there isn’t a large number of detached single-family homes. If you’re interested in finding that in other communities around Northern Virginia, explore all condos available across the region today! Work with an agent to attend an open house and start your search.
Looking to buy or sell a home in Northern Virginia?
Contact me. Tel. (703) 462-0700
