This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Rosslyn resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: What are the five things Arlingtonians can be most thankful for?
Answer: Okay, I cheated. Nobody actually asked the question, but it’s the time of year to step away from our insanely busy lives (statistically, we’re THE BUSIEST), take inventory of all we’re thankful for, and appreciate our family, friends, and selves. I thought it’d be fun to come up with my own top five list of things Arlingtonians can be thankful for, and I would love to hear your top five. I’m dishing non-existent awards for 1) most creative, 2) most sarcastic, and 3) most comments generated.
#5: Walkability
Arlington is a model for urban planning with walkable communities all over, including Shirlington, Crystal City, Columbia Pike, Rosslyn-Ballston, Cherrydale, and North Arlington.
#4: (Reagan) National Airport
If you live in Arlington, you’re within a 15-minute drive and most are within 5-10 minutes. I’ve gone door-to-gate in under 25 minutes and give thanks every time they add a new Southwest route!
#3: Diverse (and Delicious) Food
With so many people from so many parts of the world, there are few cuisines you can’t find within a short drive. Our world-famous El Chilango taco truck ranks #58 in Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the entire country! If you haven’t fully enjoyed Arlington’s culinary diversity, spend some time over the holidays at Thai Square (Thai), Pho 75 (Vietnamese), Mele Bistro (Italian/Mediterranean), Bob & Edith’s (Diner), Rays the Steaks (Steak), and the brand new Secret Chopsticks (Chinese tasting menu) and let me know what you think.
#2: Access
The nation’s capital in a few minutes, vineyards and the Bay in under an hour, the Appalachian Mountains in 90 minutes, and numerous beaches in under 3 hours. Fun evenings, relaxing getaways, and great vacations are at our doorstep.
#1: Strong Housing Market (c’mon, it’s a Real Estate column, I had to)
Relative to most of the country, we fared well during the recession, bounced back quickly, and have seen strong growth since due to our reliable, well-paying employers anchored by the Pentagon and large public consultancies.
What are your top 5 things to be thankful for this year in Arlington?
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column, please send me an email at [email protected]. To quickly read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at http://www.RealtyDCMetro.com.
The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARLnow.com.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, 202-518-8781.