Relocating to Arlington on a tight timeline? You have options, but the choices can feel overwhelming when you also need to start a new role, enroll kids, or navigate a new country. You want a clear plan that balances commute, lifestyle, and budget without guesswork. This practical guide walks you through lease vs. buy, condo vs. single-family, commute hubs, documents, and a realistic 90-day move plan tailored to executives and international transferees. Let’s dive in.

Arlington at a glance

Arlington sits directly across the Potomac from Washington, DC. It is compact, connected, and built along walkable, transit-rich corridors. You will find high-rise living near Metrorail, as well as townhomes and single-family streets with quick access to major routes. Explore county services and local rules on the official Arlington County website.

Transit is a standout strength. Multiple WMATA Metrorail maps and schedules cover the county, and frequent buses, bike lanes, and trails support car-lite living. If you fly often, Reagan National Airport is minutes from Crystal City and Pentagon City.

Families often factor public schools into their housing choice. Arlington Public Schools provides enrollment and boundary details on the APS website. School boundaries can influence leasing or purchase timing, so confirm assignment and documentation requirements early.

Arlington’s commute patterns differ from many suburbs. A higher share of residents use transit, walk, or bike, which can reduce daily drive times. For a quick demographic and commuting snapshot, see U.S. Census QuickFacts for Arlington County.

Lease or buy first

When leasing makes sense

Leasing is common for executive relocations, especially if your stay is uncertain or you need fast occupancy. Furnished corporate housing and professionally managed apartments can often be secured within days, and standard leases typically finalize within 30 to 60 days from offer. Leasing also helps you avoid bidding timelines, appraisal risk, and mortgage-rate surprises while you learn the market.

If you are arriving from overseas, leasing can be simpler. It generally requires less documentation than a mortgage and buys you time to build U.S. credit history or finalize immigration paperwork.

When buying fits your plans

Buying can be more cost-effective if your expected stay is three to five years or longer. Ownership offers stability, the ability to customize your home, and protection from annual rent increases. Arlington’s enduring demand near federal and corporate employment centers has supported long-term value historically, although future performance is never guaranteed.

If you are weighing the mortgage process, start early. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s homeownership resources explain loan types, rates, and closing steps so you can plan with confidence.

International finance basics

If you are a non-U.S. citizen or new to U.S. credit, expect additional documentation and, in many cases, a larger down payment. Lenders may ask for a passport, visa, employment letter, pay stubs, bank statements, and either a Social Security Number or an ITIN. Some banks offer foreign national or portfolio programs with varied terms. Review buyer protections and general guidance from HUD’s buying a home page, then consult a lender experienced with international borrowers.

Condo vs. single-family

Condominium advantages

Condos cluster around Metro stations in Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Ballston, Crystal City, and Pentagon City. You gain walkability, on-site management, and amenities like fitness centers, package rooms, and pools. For busy executives, lower maintenance is a major plus, and some buildings allow flexible leasing if your plans change.

Condo considerations

Monthly association fees are part of the equation, covering shared utilities, amenities, insurance for common areas, and reserves. Boards may levy special assessments for capital improvements. Some lenders apply extra review criteria to condo buildings, so project approval can affect your financing.

Single-family and townhomes

Single-family homes and many townhomes offer more space, yards, and private parking. You will find a broader selection away from the densest transit corridors, often in north and west Arlington. Maintenance is your responsibility, and purchase prices for land and larger homes can be higher. Walkability and transit access may be lower than in condo hubs, so factor driving or bus connections into your commute.

Parking and commute tradeoffs

Confirm whether parking is deeded, assigned, or street-permit based, and review any homeowners association rules that affect vehicles. Proximity to Metrorail and frequent bus routes can reduce or eliminate daily driving. If your role includes frequent DC or airport trips, being within a short walk of a station can save time and support resale appeal.

Commute hubs and areas

Here are the main nodes executives consider first, each with different strengths:

• Rosslyn: Major transfer point for Blue, Orange, and Silver lines with direct access to downtown DC and I-66. A mix of luxury condos and high-rise offices.
• Courthouse, Clarendon, Ballston: Orange and Silver Line stops with dense dining, retail, and newer office and residential towers. Ballston is a growing tech and office hub.
• Crystal City, Pentagon City, National Landing: Served by Blue and Yellow lines, near Reagan National Airport, and home to major employers. Learn about ongoing development at National Landing and broader economic context via Arlington Economic Development.
• Pentagon and surrounding areas: Highly convenient for Department of Defense and contractor offices.
• Arlington Ridge and nearby corridors: Quick river crossings to DC and access to Pentagon City and Crystal City amenities.

Your commute time depends on time of day and mode. Transit door-to-door trips to downtown DC or the riverfront often range from about 20 to 45 minutes depending on origin and transfer. Driving is sensitive to peak congestion on I-66, I-395, and the George Washington Parkway. If your office is outside DC, check reverse-commute patterns.

90-day move plan

Fast-track renting

• Week 1: Define your budget, lease length, and must-have features. Prioritize proximity to Metro or office.
• Week 1 to 2: Shortlist buildings and arrange virtual tours. Corporate housing can be secured quickly if you need immediate occupancy.
• Week 2 to 4: Submit rental applications, complete approvals, and schedule move-in.

Standard buying timeline

• Weeks 1 to 2: Get lender pre-approval and gather documentation. Review mortgage basics using the CFPB’s guidance.
• Weeks 2 to 8: Tour target neighborhoods, compare condo vs. single-family options, and make offers.
• Contract to close: Plan 30 to 60 days for inspections, appraisal, title, and final underwriting.

Pre-arrival checklist

• Confirm start date, relocation benefits, and housing allowance with your employer.
• Engage a local agent with corporate relocation and international experience. Ask about multilingual support or interpreter access.
• Choose a temporary vs. permanent housing strategy. If buying, begin lender conversations and clarify documentation.
• Assemble leasing paperwork: employment letter, income verification, passport and visa, landlord references. For buying, add bank statements and tax records as applicable.
• Identify 2 to 3 target areas aligned to your commute and lifestyle. Request floor plans and virtual tours.

0 to 30 days in Arlington

• Finalize your lease or focus your purchase shortlist with in-person tours.
• For leases: negotiate move-in date, inclusions, and any furniture or utility arrangements.
• For purchases: schedule inspections and lock financing steps.
• Set up essentials: Virginia ID, vehicle registration if applicable, E-ZPass for tolls, utilities, and internet.
• If you have school-age children, confirm documentation and assignment with Arlington Public Schools.

30 to 90 days

• Move into your lease or close on your purchase. Coordinate movers and deliveries.
• Get oriented: groceries, healthcare, childcare, gyms, and parks near home.
• For owners: set up insurance, review HOA rules, and schedule any immediate repairs.
• If renting but planning to buy later, monitor listings and attend open houses to maintain market awareness.

Documents and rules

Leasing documents

• Passport and visa documentation.
• Employment letter noting role, term, and salary.
• Proof of funds or pay stubs.
• Landlord or professional references.
• Security deposit and any move-in fees.

Buying and mortgage documents

• Passport and visa; SSN or ITIN if available.
• Income and asset verification such as employment letters, pay stubs, and bank statements.
• Down payment documentation and source-of-funds details.
• Consult tax and immigration advisors for cross-border implications. Review buyer protections through HUD’s guidance.

Common friction points

• Limited U.S. credit history: Work with lenders experienced with foreign nationals and provide robust documentation.
• HOA restrictions: Some buildings limit short-term rentals or require owner occupancy. Verify before you buy.
• School enrollment: Assignment depends on residence. Using a temporary address can complicate placement, so confirm requirements on the APS site.
• Parking and permits: Street parking in many areas requires permits and some condos assign or deed spaces. County resources on Arlington County’s site can help you prepare.

Multilingual consults that speed decisions

Clear communication reduces risk and saves time. Multilingual consultations help you understand contract terms, financing steps, and HOA rules without misunderstandings. They also streamline DMV visits, school enrollment, and utility setup if English is not your first language.

A smart process is simple: complete pre-arrival virtual tours, e-sign offers and leases, group in-person showings into focused blocks, and bring in interpreters for critical documents. This approach shortens your shortlist and increases your odds of securing the right home on schedule.

Ready to simplify your move? The Graciela Haim & Heinen Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty offers a boutique, white-glove experience with multilingual support in English, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Japanese. If you want a calm, efficient path into Arlington, let’s talk about your timeline, commute, and housing strategy. Graciela Haim & Heinen Group of TTR Sotheby's International Realty can help you get started.

FAQs

How long should I lease before buying in Arlington?

• If your stay is under about three years or your plans are uncertain, start with a lease; consider buying when your horizon is three to five years or longer and you have financing ready.

Will I need a car to live in Arlington, VA?

• It depends on neighborhood and commute; areas near WMATA Metrorail and bus routes support car-lite living, while single-family areas may favor driving.

How fast can I move into housing in Arlington?

• Furnished corporate rentals can be available within days; standard apartment leases often take two to six weeks, and purchases typically require eight to twelve weeks or more.

Which Arlington neighborhoods work for executives vs. families?

• Transit-oriented corridors like Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, and National Landing suit quick commutes; many single-family areas in north and west Arlington offer more space and neighborhood amenities.

How do Arlington schools and enrollment work for relocations?

• School assignment is based on your residence; review enrollment, boundaries, and documentation on the Arlington Public Schools website before you sign a lease or contract.