Rosslyn is great, gets a bad reputation from the snobs that think they're better for living in the city but it's safe, there's lots of good food nearby and everything is close and convenient. If you're more relaxed and not big into always going out or wanting to be surrounded by movement I would definitely recommend living here in Rosslyn than directly in DC. American University isn't very close though, it's normally like a 10 minute Uber or a 45 minute metro.
As a Georgetown student, the location can’t be beat...especially at this price. Less than 10 min scooter from campus. Metro station a few blocks away.
However, this has been a business district for ages. There is very little going on around here and many of the restaurants don’t even open on the weekends. But, that’s changing. So stay tuned!
(Also, I like living in Virginia because my vote counts for more here!)
It's a great area as someone who is looking to live somewhere with easy access to popular sites but without having to live with the noisiness in the "center of it all." It's an easy walk to Clarendon (it's about 0.35 mi walk to Whole Foods, 0.7 mi walk to Trader Joes) and a quick stroll to the metro station (only about 0.2 mi walk). It's a mix of residential apartments and corporate offices, and is quieter but still with a strip of restaurants, coffee, medical offices, and nail/hair salons.
I loved living in Arlington (so much so that we're moving back after our lease is up in DC). The exact location of the apartment was not ideal - we were about a 15-20 minute walk to the nearest metro. If you could be right in Rosslyn (near the metro) I think it would be a great area for professionals. We will be moving out to Clarendon next - an area that is great for couples and young families.
I love it - it is right by Clarendon, which is a central area for bars and restaurants in Arlington. It is about 12 minute walk to the Rosslyn GUTS bus and a short uber into the heart of DC. About 1 minute walk to the Courthouse metro which is only one stop from Rosslyn and 2 stops from DC. Great restaurants and bars nearby, plus a ton of good shopping in the area. Great place to have a family and experience both DC and Arlington.
GU student notes: There are two shuttles that run through this area, one that runs 1x a hour around Arlington during rush hours, and one that runs every 10min during rush hour and 20 during off hours. There is no easy access to campus on the weekends so be prepared to UBER.
If you have long legs, renting a bike is an option. If you are like me and 5'1'', renting a bike is an option for downhill rides.
There is a lot within walking distance in Rosslyn (think 20 min average from my apt): Barnes and Noble, shopping, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's (also on the Arlington loop shuttle from GU), public libraries, CVS, Target, Safeway, lots of restaurants.
Also close to dense populations of immigrant communities if you like Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean food.
The area is very safe and close to many stores and restaurants but the community is defined by white privilege. There is not much character to the area and it is difficult to find interesting people around. I absolutely LOVE that I'm within walking distance of a Trader Joe's. I wish there was more interesting cuisine and nightlife though. Nightlife in the area is an extension of immature fratty college life.
Pros: Close to Metro station with three metro lines, new Target nearby, close to several jogging and biking trails and parks, walkable to Georgetown restaurants
Cons: Neighborhood shuts down after 5pm. Few restaurants in the neighborhood itself (this is getting better though). Concrete canyon effect because of the skyscrapers. Closest grocery store is an expensive Safeway.
