Arlington, VA, United States of America Report of what it's like to live there - 10/04/09
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?
First experience away from hometown (NYC).
2. How long have you lived here?
Seven years 2002-2009.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse of U.S. Government employee.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing consists of great little post-WWII homes, garden apartments, townhouses and apartments. There's something for everyone. Don't be afraid to venture into South Arlington. The housing is more affordable, the buses are reliable and the schools are just as good as in N. Arlington.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries and household supplies are available and reasonably priced. This is a bustling suburb of DC so you'll find no cheap options here, but you will find great farmer's markets and almost any kind of grocery product you desire.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All fast food is available in Arlington, but you're better off grabbing amazing tacos, kabob or fresh pizza. Who needs McDonalds when you can can anything and everything?
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes in summer.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through the US Postal Service.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and expensive. We never had a maid because we couldn't afford one!
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, there are several gyms in Arlington, along with public pools and a YMCA.
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?
Use them anywhere, safely.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, all.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need English to function here. Although, I'm certain that with a few exceptions, you can find a small community from your home country here.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
None, although some neighborhoods have no sidewalks.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, safe and affordable.
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?
Any kind of auto would be fine here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, we paid about $100 a month for cable, high speed internet and home phone (Verizon Fios).
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I used Sprint for years and had an excellent signal and service.
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?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Great vets here. We used Caring Hands in South Arlington and loved them.
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?
Definitely. If you are allowed to work here, there's a lot of opportunities here. DC is a major city with lots of different industries.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Depends on where you work. Generally, conservative, suits and ties and suits for women.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Very healthy.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
Just the usual.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Arlington is a safe town, but you should take care to lock your car, home and be aware in the street. It's a suburban paradise with some instances of muggings and exposure on the bike trails.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
None. The quality of health care is fantastic.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot during the summer months (June-August), beautiful and mild spring and fall, cold winter with little snow.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The Arlington County public schools are some of the best in the country. My older daughter attended a Spanish immersion program in N. Arlington, which we were happy with. In retrospect, she may have been happier in our smaller, neighborhood school, but only because she did not thrive in an immersion setting. I've heard nothing but positive things about each school in Arlington.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Arlington can accommodate any and all special needs. Parents must, of course, advocate for their kids. I've heard of situations in which schools push back on requests for IEPs, maintaining that some problems are medical (i.e. ADHD). Once you get an IEP, the schools offer excellent support.
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?
Pre-schools are plentiful and of generally good quality in Arlington. There's something for everyone: all-day pre-school, cooperative schools, morning-only. The Arlington Public School system also has montessori classes for three and four year olds, which they fill through lottery.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, many through the school as well as through the YMCA.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Tremendous.
2. Morale among expats:
Great!
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Great. DC is a thriving city. Although DC in general tends to be more conservative city (think government employees), there's something for everyone.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's a great post for everyone.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Bike trails, parks, trips into DC, museums, ice skating, movie theaters, short trips out to the country, cafes, the zoo, great ethnic restaurants, everything and anything.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
9. Can you save money?
Nope.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Thoughts of saving money.
3. But don't forget your:
ATM card.:)
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Arlington is a safe town, great for families and singles alike.
