Arlington County
Arlington Ridge and Aurora Highlands
South Arlington on the hill above the Pentagon and National Landing: established single-family streets with river views, minutes from three Metro stations and the airport.
On the hill above the Pentagon and National Landing sit two established South Arlington neighborhoods: bungalows and older single-family houses within walking distance of three Metro stations, five minutes from the airport, and — from the ridge — with views across the Potomac.
The neighborhoods
Arlington Ridge runs along the crest with houses looking east toward the river and the District. Aurora Highlands sits immediately west of Pentagon City with bungalows and older single-family houses. Addison Heights and Oakcrest are smaller pockets on the slopes. East, Virginia Highlands runs toward the towers and the park.
About the views
They are among the best residential views in the county, and they vary sharply within a short distance depending on elevation and what stands in front. The National Landing construction is actively changing some of them.
If a view is part of what you are paying for, find out what is approved to be built in the sight line before the offer. This is the single most avoidable mistake in this market.
Living beside the change
National Landing brings walkable Metro, restaurants, retail, and employment minutes away — and sustained construction for years. The single-family streets themselves are stable; their surroundings are being rebuilt. Look at what is approved on the adjacent blocks, not the district plan.
The airport
Reagan National is about five minutes away, and aircraft noise is present. It varies substantially by street, elevation, and flight path. Stand in the garden of a specific house and listen — no general answer is worth anything here.
Long Bridge Park
An Arlington County park between the neighborhoods and the river, with playing fields, an aquatics and fitness center, and esplanade paths connecting to the Mount Vernon Trail. It sits on formerly industrial land, which is why this stretch of waterfront became available at all.
Schools
Arlington Public Schools, generally the Wakefield pyramid, with option and immersion programs available. Confirm the current attendance area for a specific address with APS.
Getting around
Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Pentagon stations each within roughly five to ten minutes, with VRE at Crystal City. I-395 and the Parkway immediately adjacent.
Buying or selling here
Buyers get single-family living inside a genuinely transit-rich area, which is scarce and priced as such. Do the view diligence and the noise check personally. Sellers should name the walk to Metro in minutes and, if the view is protected, be able to show why — that is what justifies the number.
Communities in Arlington Ridge and Aurora Highlands
- Arlington Ridge
- Single-family houses along the ridge with views east toward the Potomac and the District, some of the best in the county.
- Aurora Highlands
- An established neighborhood of bungalows and older single-family houses immediately west of Pentagon City.
- Addison Heights and Oakcrest
- Smaller established pockets on the slopes below the ridge.
- Virginia Highlands and Pentagon City edge
- The eastern side toward the towers, the park, and the Metro.
- Long Bridge Park and the waterfront
- Parkland and playing fields between the neighborhood and the river.
Schools
Arlington Public Schools serves the area, generally through the Wakefield High School pyramid, with option and immersion programs available. Confirm the current attendance area for a specific address with APS.
Commuting
The Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Pentagon Metro stations are each within roughly five to ten minutes, with Crystal City also a VRE stop. I-395 and the George Washington Memorial Parkway are immediately adjacent, Reagan National is about five minutes, and the Mount Vernon Trail runs along the river.
Market
These are established single-family neighborhoods of bungalows and older houses on modest lots, immediately adjacent to National Landing's towers and everything happening there. Prices reflect the location — walking distance to Metro, minutes from the Pentagon and the airport, and views from the ridge — and the smaller houses are regularly replaced with larger new ones. Buyers here get single-family living inside a transit-rich area, which is scarce and priced accordingly.
Common questions
What are the views like from Arlington Ridge?
From the ridge itself, east across the Potomac toward the District — among the best residential views in the county. Views vary sharply within a short distance depending on elevation and what stands in front, and the National Landing construction is actively changing some of them. Confirm what is approved to be built in the sight line before paying for a view.
How does living next to National Landing affect these neighborhoods?
It brings walkable Metro, restaurants, retail, and employment minutes away, and it brings sustained construction. The single-family streets themselves are stable, but the immediate surroundings are being rebuilt over a period of years. Look at what is approved on the adjacent blocks. See the [National Landing guide](/neighborhoods/national-landing/).
Is the airport noise significant?
Reagan National is about five minutes away and aircraft noise is present, varying substantially by street, elevation, and flight path. It is a genuine consideration and an entirely individual one — stand in the garden of a specific house and listen before deciding.
What schools serve the area?
Arlington Public Schools, generally the Wakefield pyramid, with option and immersion programs available that are not tied to neighborhood boundaries. Confirm the current attendance area for a specific address with APS.
What is Long Bridge Park?
An Arlington County park between the neighborhoods and the river, with playing fields, an aquatics and fitness center, and esplanade paths, connecting through to the Mount Vernon Trail. It is a substantial amenity and it sits on formerly industrial land, which is why this stretch of waterfront became available at all.
Current Arlington Ridge and Aurora Highlands listings are available through my search site.
Last updated 2026-09-08.