Source: halbergman / Getty
Arlington, VA has been recognized as one of the best cities to live in the United States according to Niche’s 2025 Best Cities to Live list. Ranking #4 overall, Arlington shines as a vibrant and highly livable community known for its exceptional quality of life. Here’s why this Northern Virginia city deserves its stellar reputation.
Top-Tier Public Schools
One of Arlington’s strongest assets is its outstanding educational system. The city boasts highly rated public schools, making it an ideal place for families. With dedicated teachers and rigorous academic programs, Arlington schools provide students with a strong foundation for success. The emphasis on education reflects the community’s commitment to fostering a bright future for the next generation.
A Hub of Amenities
Arlington offers a rich variety of amenities that cater to all ages and interests. From bustling urban areas like Ballston and Clarendon, filled with trendy restaurants and local shops, to serene green spaces such as Theodore Roosevelt Island and Potomac Overlook Park, there’s something for everyone. Residents enjoy access to cultural events, farmers’ markets, and diverse dining options, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment in this dynamic city.
Active Lifestyle and Convenience
The city’s walkable neighborhoods, accessible public transportation, and proximity to Washington, D.C., offer unparalleled convenience. Commuters appreciate the efficiency of the Metro and bike-friendly streets. Arlington also promotes an active lifestyle with its extensive network of hiking trails, fitness classes, and recreational centers.
A Welcoming Community
Arlington’s diverse population and inclusive atmosphere create a strong sense of community. Former residents often highlight how welcoming and friendly the city feels, whether you’re attending a local event or relaxing in its beautiful parks. This sense of connection adds to the city’s charm, making it a place where people feel at home.
With its blend of top-notch schools, modern amenities, and a thriving community spirit, it’s no surprise that Arlington has been named one of America’s best cities to live in. Whether you’re raising a family, jumpstarting your career, or enjoying everything life has to offer, Arlington is a place where you can truly thrive.
2025 Best Cities to Live in America
Arlington, VA Named One of the Best Cities to Live in America was originally published on ronewbt.staging.go.ione.nyc
1. Naperville, Illinois
Source:Getty
Aerial View of the Chicago Suburb of Naperville, Illinois color image,photography,horizontal,usa,nature,vacations,outdoors,water,beauty,cloud – sky,travel,city,cityscape,flood,extreme weather,history,street,architecture,old,green color,illinois,tree,river,environment,famous place,wood – material,cloudscape,downtown district,autumn,romance,tourism,town,suburb,garden,accidents and disasters,covered bridge,bridge – built structure
2. The Woodlands, Texas
Source:Getty
Views of the The Woodlands in Texas, just North of Houston. color image,no people,photography,horizontal,usa,outdoors,water,day,city,cityscape,texas,houston – texas,built structure,sun,architecture,sky,building exterior,gulf coast states,glass – material,tree,river,tranquility,the woodlands – texas,landscape – scenery
3. Cambridge, Massachusetts
Source:Getty
Cambridge Massachusetts summer skyline with Charles River. Western Avenue Bridge. color image,no people,photography,horizontal,usa,outdoors,day,travel,nautical vessel,built structure,architecture,building exterior,summer,sunny,american culture,river,kayak,weather,environment,tower,famous place,massachusetts,tourism,new england – usa,town,cambridge – massachusetts,sailing,urban skyline,bridge – built structure,kayaking,charles river,eastern usa
4. Arlington, Virgina
Source:Getty
Rosslyn, Arlington, Virgina, USA downtown city skyline on the Potomac River at dawn. no people,photography,horizontal,usa,outdoors,water,business,travel,city,cityscape,travel destinations,skyscraper,reflection,modern,dusk,architecture,washington dc,building exterior,morning,american culture,viewpoint,river,dawn,capital cities,hotel,famous place,downtown district,the americas,district,tourism,apartment,town,arlington – virginia,human settlement,potomac river,financial building,urban skyline,office building exterior,mid-atlantic – usa,virginia – us state,bridge – built structure,eastern usa,rosslyn – virginia
5. Irvine, California
Source:Getty
Afternoon sun shines on a palm framed view of the downtown skyline of Irvine, California, USA. color image,no people,photography,horizontal,usa,california,outdoors,leaf,business,day,travel,economy,city,cityscape,skyscraper,architecture,springtime,building exterior,tree,tower,palm tree,downtown district,irvine – california,southern california,urban skyline,finance and economy,orange county – california
6. Plano, Texas
Source:Getty
Aerial View of the Plano, Texas Business District during Summer Sunset color image,photography,horizontal,usa,outdoors,window,aerial view,travel,city,cityscape,texas,history,street,architecture,sky,event,fun,brown,gulf coast states,tree,sunset,art,famous place,panoramic,food and drink establishment,agriculture,town square,brick,north,district,farm,town,suburb,mill,harvesting,drone,scenics – nature,frisco – texas,plano – texas,rooftop
7. Columbia, Maryland
Source:Getty
Columbia is a census-designated place in Howard County, Maryland, United States, and is one of the principal communities of the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area. color image,no people,photography,horizontal,usa,outdoors,cityscape,reflection,downtown district,autumn,waterfront,lake,lush foliage,pond,columbia – maryland,urban skyline,mid-atlantic – usa,maryland – us state,autumn leaf color
8. Overland Park, Kansas
Source:Getty
Morning light shines on the buildings of the downtown city skyline of Overland Park, Kansas, USA. color image,no people,photography,horizontal,usa,outdoors,business,day,travel,economy,city,cityscape,street,architecture,sky,springtime,building exterior,summer,morning,sunny,city street,downtown district,kansas,urban skyline,overland park,finance and economy
9. Bellevue, Washington
Source:Getty
Bellevue Downtown Washington color image,no people,photography,horizontal,usa,outdoors,business,city,cityscape,skyscraper,modern,architecture,sky,building exterior,tower,city street,city life,downtown district,urban skyline,office building exterior,bellevue – washington state
10. Berkeley, California
Source:Getty
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 31: A general overall aerial view of California Memorial Stadium on the campus of University of California, Berkeley on December 31, 2023 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images) color image,photography,horizontal,usa,sport,california,aerial view,university,stadium,campus,ncaa college football,december,ncaa,california memorial stadium,college american football,drone point of view,2023