Arlington, VA, United States of America Report of what it's like to live there - 05/20/15
Personal Experiences from Arlington, VA, United States of America
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
The was our first post.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Home base was Columbus, Ohio. 7 hours by car and a little over an hour by plane.
3. How long have you lived here?
3 years (2011-2014)
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
EFM of USG employee
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mostly apartments, row house/townhouses in our area (Rosslyn). Though, there certainly are houses the farther into Arlington you are. You create the type of commute you want (and can afford). This is an area of high importance to us. My husband walked two blocks to work. I took a shuttle bus from the metro station for a 10-15 min commute. Commute can be long and miserable if you live further out. Many people choose alternate work hours to avoid rush hour and shorten commute times.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Very available. Safeway, Whole Foods, and CVS all within walking distance.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
See previous comment about eating out. Great availability of restaurants of all types. Price ranges all over the map depending on what you're looking for. We found a lot of our favorite restaurants were inexpensive ethnic restaurants a little drive further out in VA. We loves finding recommendations here: http://tylercowensethnicdiningguide.com
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None that we noticed.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
USPS, UPS, FedEX, etc.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available. Live-in would be expensive here. Many people use au-pairs for older children because it is more cost effective for them. We had a a fairly inexpensive cleaning service to clean our apartment (though word of mouth).
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There were multiple options available when were there. Gold's Gym and Fitness First were reasonably priced. Revolve for spinning and LavaBarre for barre class were more expensive but had great classes.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
As safe as anywhere else in the U.S.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Likely anything you desire.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Obviously an English speaking post.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It seems fairly accessible, though our family didn't have any specific experience with this.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Safe, but metro fares get expensive. Set up pre-tax travel dollars to be added to your metro card through work if possible.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Just about anything would be fine here if you have suitable parking. I don't think a really large or tall vehicle would've fit in our parking garage
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Available, but can be expensive. Have been away for a year, so unsure of cost now.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Very pet friendly area. Lots of vets, daycares, and boarding facilities. A few great dog parks, as well.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Yes
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Yes
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Seems to vary from business casual to suits for work. Just about anything goes in public.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
The same as an other large-ish US city. Stay out of unsafe areas and practice good awareness. We never had any issues other than stolen bikes from our parking garage. Bike theft is an issue- register your bike for the best chance of its return.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Great medical care available in the area. Many hospitals, clinics, urgent cares, and specialists. Lots of walk-in "retail" clinics with long hours.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Usual problems with pollen and pollution of larger cities. No specific concerns.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Many people seemed to complain about problems with allergies in the Spring and Fall.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Four seasons- ranging from hot, humid summer to cold and snowy winters. Winter varied from very mild to long, cold, and snowy while we were there.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
No need here. Amazing schools in Arlington. No personal experience, as we didn't have kids while living in Arlington.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Definitely available. I'm unsure of cost as we didn't have children at this post.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge. Morales just depends, like anywhere else. Everyone we knew was pretty happy. Usual complaints about paying for housing, etc.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
All the typical U.S. social activities: movies (Arlington has some really nice theaters), shopping, dining out/drinks, plenty of outdoors space. Close proximity to DC allows for watching sporting events, theater, concerts, etc.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for everyone.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, this is a great city for gay and lesbian expats. I had a few gay friends who seemed very happy and never had any specific issues living here to my knowledge.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not in my experience. Being just outside DC, Arlington is very diverse.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Completing graduate school and obtaining required practice hours to maintain my professional licensure. Creating a support system in our new "home." Easy visits from family and friends. Washington, DC fourth of July.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
We enjoyed eating out in our area. Liberty Tavern, Northside Social Lyon Hall, Screwtop, District Taco, El Chilango...and many more. Plenty of places to have coffee or a drink. So easy to walk into Georgetown from Rosslyn.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
We enjoyed living in Arlington. As an EFM I was able to complete graduate school and able to have full-time employment in my career field. It was nice to have time to make a solid group of friends at our new "home base." Plenty of time to learn the area for future domestic assignments. Less travel and very regular hours for my spouse for my husband (which I loved).
9. Can you save money?
It would be difficult to save a lot of money here. If you budget well and cook at home, saving money is possible.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
