Fun fact: Arlington’s most desirable neighborhood for millennial and Gen-z renters isn’t really a neighborhood at all. National Landing, a mixed use community of over 26,000 residents, is comprised of three of the city’s most lively and diverse neighborhoods: Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard. Together, they form an area ripe with public and private investment, job opportunities, arts, culture, and easy access to everything millennials and gen-z renters look for in a place to call home.
Proximity to Washington D.C.
There are endless benefits to making your home in a city as beautiful and busy as Washington D.C, but alongside ultimate urban living, you’re bound to find a few significant barriers, too. While there are plenty of affordable ways to live in D.C, the cost of living can still be prohibitively high, with an average one bedroom apartment renting for $2,344/month. As a result, many of the people who work in D.C choose to live outside of the city in neighboring states — maintaining proximity to work, while getting to enjoy more of their disposable income and a quieter pace of life.
One of the most popular areas for D.C. commuters is National Landing. Located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C, National Landing is only a 15 minute drive or 20 minute Metro ride into the city. That makes it easy for millennials and gen-Z renters to experience the benefits of city living, like great jobs, nightlife, and entertainment, without the high cost.
Job opportunities
In 2018, Amazon announced that National Landing would be the site of their next HQ2, subsequently bringing 25,000 jobs and investing $2.5 billion into the area over the next decade. Alongside Amazon, Virginia Tech also began building its $1 billion innovation campus with the goal of “building the most diverse graduate tech program in the country.” Not only will both new projects bring increased activity and investment into National Landing, but it furthers the area’s reputation as a great place for tech workers. National Landing is also located near the Pentagon and Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Walkable and bikeable
For millennials and gen-z looking to save money on car insurance and gas — a huge expense if you’re just graduating college or starting a new career — National Landing makes it easy to get everywhere you need by walking or bike. In fact, National Landing is Arlington’s most walkable downtown area. Whether you’re grabbing fresh produce at the farmers market or heading to a new restaurant with new friends, you can easily arrive by foot, bike, or even scooter.
If you’re a more serious biker, or just enjoy a scenic ride, you’ll love Mount Vernon Trail. Winding along the Potomac River with views of the D.C skyline, the trail is 18 miles of pure biking bliss.
Something for everyone: fitness, culture, and community
Aspiring yogis, live music fanatics, rise-and-grind hustlers, theatre appreciators, and foodies all have one thing in common: there’s something for them to see, explore, and enjoy at Common at National Landing on a regular basis. Sometimes even for free!
In the summer, remote workers can bring their laptops over to Summer House, a pop-up installation with free WiFi and events like happy hours, outdoor games, and crafts. It’s a great way to meet new people and break out of the WFH-rut. Fridays at the Fountain, a free concert series, has also returned to National Landing with an incredible lineup. And for fitness enthusiasts, National Landing offers both yoga AND Zumba in the park.
National Landing is also home to Synetic Theatre, an avant-garde yet accessible physical theatre company, several galleries, and the area’s largest climbing gym, plus so much more.
Convenient housing
National Landing offers renters a wide variety of housing options, depending on your budget, family size, and individual needs. At Common at National Landing, our coliving home just around the corner from Crystal Drive, renters looking for convenient, attainable, and community-driven housing can rent either a room in a fully-furnished shared coliving suite or their own private apartment.
Alongside everything that National Landing has to offer, renters also have access to amenities like a shared kitchen, movie room, lounge, and gym! The best part: rent starts at just below $1,000/month, making it one of the most attainable options in the area. Book a tour today!