Welcome to Shirlington
Shirlington is a neighborhood full of surprises. It's one of a few Northern Virginia communities that has managed to fly under the radar for much of its existence. However, investment—both private and public—over the past decade and a half has helped Shirlington carve out its own identity. Young professionals and new and growing families are taking notice.
Forming the southernmost tip of Arlington, Shirlington is something of a hybrid neighborhood. Best known for its immensely popular Village at Shirlington outdoor urban mall, it's an area with a vibrant social and dining scene. Fan out from the de facto downtown, and you're met with a more low-key lifestyle—lots of trees, park space, and small, tight-knit townhome and condo communities.
Those amenities are in addition to Shirlington's standout location. I-395 curves around the community's southeast border and, along with its intersections, ensures that access to other areas is a breeze. Alexandria, Arlington, and D.C. are all 20 minutes away. As for Crystal City, home of Amazon's HQ2 development, the trip will take you less than 10 minutes.
What to Love
- 12-acre dog-friendly Shirlington Park
- Dynamic location close to Arlington, D.C., and Amazon's HQ2
- Vibrant urban village with laid-back living close by
- Standout community with year-round festivals and social activities
People & Lifestyle
Shirlington is a community on the rise. Although already well-established with a history that dates back to the 1940s, it often was lost in the shuffle of Northern Virginia's more notable communities. Modern times have seen the area grow into one of the region's trendiest places to live.
Young families and professionals make up the bulk of the neighborhood thanks to its mix of urban and trendy suburban lifestyle options. It's also an ideal landing spot for commuters who prefer short trips to the office in D.C., Arlington, or elsewhere. Looking ahead, Shirlington will be an attractive place for relocation in the coming years—it will be less than a 10-minute drive to Amazon's new Crystal City HQ2 campus.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
The Village at Shirlington is one of the most raved about shopping and dining destinations in Northern Virginia. The highly walkable outdoor mall features numerous shops, the live performance Signature Theater, an A.M.C. movie theater, the Shirlington Branch Library, and an outstanding dining and bar scene.
Some favorite eateries include the Art Deco-inspired Carlyle, the cheese emporium and wine bar Cheesetique, and the international flavors of Palette 22.
Things to Do
Owing to its lively, urban vibe, Shirlington plays hosts to several popular yearly gatherings. Two of the best include Samuel Beckett's Celtic Festival and Shucktoberfest Beer & Oyster Festival.
Music lovers will appreciate the Shirlala Music Festival, which presents live music every Thursday night in Shirlington Plaza during the summer. For a bit of culture and outstanding live theater, the Village at Shirlington features the Tony-Award winning Signature Theater.
Shirlington Park is a 12-acre green space that includes a meandering creek, fitness equipment, a portion of the Four Mile Run Trail, and the leash-less Shirlington Dog Park.
