Penrose

Penrose, also known as Central Arlington due to its location, is a fantastic place to live for those who want to be near the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, which forms the eastern border. South Walter Reed Drive is along the western edge of the neighborhood. Its location makes this an ideal place to call home to those who work at the Pentagon or need access to Crystal City or the rest of D.C. Plus, it's easy to get to Rosslyn and Clarendon from this area.

While location is important, Penrose has much more to offer. Most of the homes are single-family homes, including townhomes and condos, but small apartments and high-rises exist as well. A more urban area, it's a busy community with kids playing outdoors and people catching the Metro to work. Residents have access to Arlington County Public Schools, though a few private schools are nearby.

There's lots to do here, from exploring Penrose Park to getting a drink at the Celtic House Irish Pub. Parks, lots of walking trails, and tree-lined streets dominate this area.

Arlington Heights

Located in the central portion of Arlington, Arlington Heights is one of the more historic neighborhoods, which is evident from the architectural beauty of the homes here. It's located just to the west of Arlington National Cemetery and between South Glebe Rd and S. Walter Reed Drive. Its location makes it perfect for those who want a quick drive to the Pentagon or Ballston Common Mall. It's also close to the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Many single-family homes can be found here, including Tudor and Colonial Revivals. Though there are plenty of historic properties, it's easy to find the beauty in the newer, remodeled homes too. Most homes are larger, with multiple stories and 3,000 or more square feet.

The Arlington Heights community is part of the Arlington County Public Schools, with the Arlington Career Center and Thomas Jefferson Middle School within the neighborhood itself. Residents can easily enjoy the amenities at Thomas Jefferson Community Park, as well as the restaurants, bars, and shops located throughout the area.

Alcova Heights

Alcova Heights, in the central part of Arlington, sits between Arlington Blvd, Columbia Pike, Glebe Rd, and S. George Mason Drive. It's mostly a residential community with a mixture of modern homes and apartments. The homes are not as large as in other communities, but they tend to be more affordable. This is also a more densely populated area, with over 2,500 people calling it home. Much of its initial development began around 1920, but new homes were quickly built in the 1980s to meet demand, and limited new construction is possible.

Although Alcova Heights is part of the Arlington County School District, its schools are outside its borders, with Thomas Jefferson Middle School nearby. The area has a few parks, including Alcova Heights Park, home to a small pond, walking trails, and densely wooded space. It's also home to the National Guard Bureau. There are also a few restaurants nearby, including Pike Bolivian Restaurant and The Boiler.