South Arlington means the entire southern region of Arlington as far as many are concerned, but here we’re talking more the 22204 zip code that is the majority of the Columbia Pike corridor and includes well known communities such as Barcroft, Columbia Forest, Alcova Heights, Arlington Heights, Penrose and Columbia Heights to name a few. The Columbia Pike corridor is becoming more and more the place to establish your Arlington roots. Most love South Arlington’s Columbia Pike for a location that can’t be beat, it’s delightfully convenient to so many nearby places like Clarendon, Crystal City, Shirlington, Alexandria and practical things like 395, Route 50, but it has its own cool vibe and hot spots so you don’t HAVE to go up the street to Clarendon for a great meal or nightlife options. Detached home prices are on the more affordable end than some of the northern Arlington zip codes, which is a huge appeal to many looking to establish some Arlington roots.

Here’s just a highlight reel of what this area has to offer….the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse provides an awesome combination of movies, food, and drinks with great prices.  Two great farmers markets to choose from each weekend. The Arlington Mill Farmers Market is open Saturdays May-Oct. The Pike Park Farmers Market is open Sundays all year round. During the warmer months of the year, this area has a bunch of great parks to enjoy such as Penrose Park, Monroe Park, Alcova Heights Park, and Jennie Dean Park. Yearly events along the Columbia corridor include Columbia Pike Fall Festival and the outdoor summer movie series starting in June at Arlington Mill and Penrose Square.  For more recreation option check out the Arlington Mill Community and Senior Center features a full-size gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, a basketball court, a game room, public access computers and wireless access.

Who’s hungry? There’s an endless list of great food options up and down Columbia Pike. Lost Dog Cafe, Bangkok 54 and Bob & Edith’s diner are hotspots for consistently great food and service.

Columbia Pike is one of the oldest thoroughfares in Arlington and the “Pike” itself dates back to 1810. The sense of history that still exists is one of the many reasons people settle here. They are not looking for new and shiny, but a neighborhood with great access to the DC region, tons of nearby parks, housing that is actually affordable and some great places to eat.