Giving up on North Arligton... Is South Arlington going to improve?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ummm... What were you saying about Shirlington?

http://www.arlnow.com/2015/05/14/two-more-shirlington-restaurants-closing-businesses-blame-landlord/

eh, Curious Grape has been replaced already, and there is that new artsy place coming in where the other Italian place used to be. Whether the rent is too high, or the businesses were not well run, it is not like there are not many successful businesses in Shirlington.

I do miss curious grape! It was always busy so I wonder why it closed. Bonsai grill was good too, so I am sad to see it closed, but it didn't do much business compared to the trendier Japanese restaurant a few stores down. Bloomers and periwinkle were speciality stores that sold not so awesome women's clothes and undergarmets. Not really the type of stores that cater to families or individuals on a date (which is what shirlington is full of). Cakelove noted they are closing to scale up production of their cakes in a jar, whatever that means. I assume it means they realized that cupcakes are no longer as trendy as they once were and now they need to make other stuff.

Anyway, small businesses come and go on a regular basis. I don't think it means much in this case. Stores seem to close in clarendon on the regular.

As much as people romanticize shirlington as some awesome south arlington place, I have friends who can't get rid of condos down there for less than they paid. It's a real problem and all the offices moved out causing terrible vacancies.

Yeah... Condos ... Not always a great investment.

+1 I think the condo market and the sfh market to two different beasts. Unless my plan was a long term rental property or I could get one for a steal, I'd never buy a condo here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ummm... What were you saying about Shirlington?

http://www.arlnow.com/2015/05/14/two-more-shirlington-restaurants-closing-businesses-blame-landlord/

eh, Curious Grape has been replaced already, and there is that new artsy place coming in where the other Italian place used to be. Whether the rent is too high, or the businesses were not well run, it is not like there are not many successful businesses in Shirlington.

I do miss curious grape! It was always busy so I wonder why it closed. Bonsai grill was good too, so I am sad to see it closed, but it didn't do much business compared to the trendier Japanese restaurant a few stores down. Bloomers and periwinkle were speciality stores that sold not so awesome women's clothes and undergarmets. Not really the type of stores that cater to families or individuals on a date (which is what shirlington is full of). Cakelove noted they are closing to scale up production of their cakes in a jar, whatever that means. I assume it means they realized that cupcakes are no longer as trendy as they once were and now they need to make other stuff.

Anyway, small businesses come and go on a regular basis. I don't think it means much in this case. Stores seem to close in clarendon on the regular.

As much as people romanticize shirlington as some awesome south arlington place, I have friends who can't get rid of condos down there for less than they paid. It's a real problem and all the offices moved out causing terrible vacancies.

Yeah, i could see that with condos. Then again, i feel like I don't know anyone who hasn't lost money on a condo lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ummm... What were you saying about Shirlington?

http://www.arlnow.com/2015/05/14/two-more-shirlington-restaurants-closing-businesses-blame-landlord/

eh, Curious Grape has been replaced already, and there is that new artsy place coming in where the other Italian place used to be. Whether the rent is too high, or the businesses were not well run, it is not like there are not many successful businesses in Shirlington.

I do miss curious grape! It was always busy so I wonder why it closed. Bonsai grill was good too, so I am sad to see it closed, but it didn't do much business compared to the trendier Japanese restaurant a few stores down. Bloomers and periwinkle were speciality stores that sold not so awesome women's clothes and undergarmets. Not really the type of stores that cater to families or individuals on a date (which is what shirlington is full of). Cakelove noted they are closing to scale up production of their cakes in a jar, whatever that means. I assume it means they realized that cupcakes are no longer as trendy as they once were and now they need to make other stuff.

Anyway, small businesses come and go on a regular basis. I don't think it means much in this case. Stores seem to close in clarendon on the regular.

As much as people romanticize shirlington as some awesome south arlington place, I have friends who can't get rid of condos down there for less than they paid. It's a real problem and all the offices moved out causing terrible vacancies.

Well, thats cause they probably overpaid and their condos are outdated since they didnt realize that significant condo development would hit that area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's " people" I think there is one or two persons who troll these boards. If I had to guess, they are just being contrary for the sake of it. Most upper middle class homeowners that live in North Arlington seem to have no real thoughts about south Arlington, or if they do, would most likely enjoy more revenue from higher property taxes elsewhere in the county.
If you've spent any amount of time in the southern part of the county, especially around Shirlington and Penrose, the changes are undeniable.

Yeah, I hope this is the case. I was getting frustrated at that post about the 1.1 million dollar house in S. Arlington. People seem very intent that it is not changing and never will. Yet I actually live in S. Arlington (and live near Shirlington) and have seen house after house in my neighborhood snatched up by upper class families or builders with new builds at triple the price of the original house. Things are changing, I don't know why folks want to dispute that. But I have said on here before, apparently if the area isn't 100% white and 100% rich it isn't worth living in.

I think you all are mixing apples and oranges the other thread $1.1M went off topic about some poor guy's assessment ($1.35M, lol at calling it poor). Basically, S. Arlington is getting alot better and N. Arlington is out of hand with significant amount of home inventory b/w $1.3M-$1.7M. Bottom line the original $1.1M house that was referenced will not catch that amount due to the hoarder neighbor. I was considering making an offer but that neighbor was a huge turnoff.

But back on topic, yes South Arlington can only continue to improve while N. Arlington has somewhat peak until we got some more schools and stop with all the teardown activity. If S. Arlington like Shirlington/Penrose had metro walkability I would have bought their as opposed to Bluemont.

It seemed like the OP in the 1.1 million S. Arlington house post, just seemed shocked that a house could cost that much in S. Arlington, but maybe I am a big sensitive since it gets frustrating to have folks put down your area time and time again. I don't know how fast S. Arlington is going to change, but I also don't think it is currently as bad as a lot of posters make it seem. At least from the prospective of someone that lives there and is very happy (and never had a neighbor ask me for money )

The $1.1M house is solid just dumpy neighbor and really close to Randolph school which is a con for me.

I tell you this we have multiple panhandlers on Glebe Rd/Lee highway, Glebe Rd/Washington Blvd, etc. I cant recall many bums in S. Arlington.

I live in the neighborhood with the 1.1+ home. In fact I walked my dog over there yesterday, because I wanted to see the neighbor's house... Yeah... It's pretty dumpy. We have more than our fair share of those in this neighborhood. I will say this, and it's something to consider as a perspective buyer- this neighborhood has had a high rate of turn over in the last 6 years I've lived here. I wish I had taken a panoramic pic of my street when we first moved in. I wish I could show you a split screen! I have new neighbors on both sides. Both sides have renovated/fixed up and relandscaped. I would also say that it encouraged a general spruce up along the street.
Of course , the elementary school isn't going anywhere. I'm guessing you are worried about traffic? I sort of like being near a school, but that's just me.

I was PP, I know why are urban living but the school is literally 3 houses away. Just wouldn't want to deal with noise and lite traffic.
For me the deal breaker though was to walk to Columbia Pike and not have a bus stop nearby since I dont ever plan to drive to work unless I absolutely have to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ummm... What were you saying about Shirlington?

http://www.arlnow.com/2015/05/14/two-more-shirlington-restaurants-closing-businesses-blame-landlord/

eh, Curious Grape has been replaced already, and there is that new artsy place coming in where the other Italian place used to be. Whether the rent is too high, or the businesses were not well run, it is not like there are not many successful businesses in Shirlington.

I do miss curious grape! It was always busy so I wonder why it closed. Bonsai grill was good too, so I am sad to see it closed, but it didn't do much business compared to the trendier Japanese restaurant a few stores down. Bloomers and periwinkle were speciality stores that sold not so awesome women's clothes and undergarmets. Not really the type of stores that cater to families or individuals on a date (which is what shirlington is full of). Cakelove noted they are closing to scale up production of their cakes in a jar, whatever that means. I assume it means they realized that cupcakes are no longer as trendy as they once were and now they need to make other stuff.

Anyway, small businesses come and go on a regular basis. I don't think it means much in this case. Stores seem to close in clarendon on the regular.

As much as people romanticize shirlington as some awesome south arlington place, I have friends who can't get rid of condos down there for less than they paid. It's a real problem and all the offices moved out causing terrible vacancies.

Well, thats cause they probably overpaid and their condos are outdated since they didnt realize that significant condo development would hit that area.

That always the problem with condos.... There will always be newer condos, and there is limited ability to renovate/ improve. However, if you hate yard work- it can be a worthy trade off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's " people" I think there is one or two persons who troll these boards. If I had to guess, they are just being contrary for the sake of it. Most upper middle class homeowners that live in North Arlington seem to have no real thoughts about south Arlington, or if they do, would most likely enjoy more revenue from higher property taxes elsewhere in the county.
If you've spent any amount of time in the southern part of the county, especially around Shirlington and Penrose, the changes are undeniable.

Yeah, I hope this is the case. I was getting frustrated at that post about the 1.1 million dollar house in S. Arlington. People seem very intent that it is not changing and never will. Yet I actually live in S. Arlington (and live near Shirlington) and have seen house after house in my neighborhood snatched up by upper class families or builders with new builds at triple the price of the original house. Things are changing, I don't know why folks want to dispute that. But I have said on here before, apparently if the area isn't 100% white and 100% rich it isn't worth living in.

I think you all are mixing apples and oranges the other thread $1.1M went off topic about some poor guy's assessment ($1.35M, lol at calling it poor). Basically, S. Arlington is getting alot better and N. Arlington is out of hand with significant amount of home inventory b/w $1.3M-$1.7M. Bottom line the original $1.1M house that was referenced will not catch that amount due to the hoarder neighbor. I was considering making an offer but that neighbor was a huge turnoff.

But back on topic, yes South Arlington can only continue to improve while N. Arlington has somewhat peak until we got some more schools and stop with all the teardown activity. If S. Arlington like Shirlington/Penrose had metro walkability I would have bought their as opposed to Bluemont.

It seemed like the OP in the 1.1 million S. Arlington house post, just seemed shocked that a house could cost that much in S. Arlington, but maybe I am a big sensitive since it gets frustrating to have folks put down your area time and time again. I don't know how fast S. Arlington is going to change, but I also don't think it is currently as bad as a lot of posters make it seem. At least from the prospective of someone that lives there and is very happy (and never had a neighbor ask me for money )

The $1.1M house is solid just dumpy neighbor and really close to Randolph school which is a con for me.

I tell you this we have multiple panhandlers on Glebe Rd/Lee highway, Glebe Rd/Washington Blvd, etc. I cant recall many bums in S. Arlington.

I live in the neighborhood with the 1.1+ home. In fact I walked my dog over there yesterday, because I wanted to see the neighbor's house... Yeah... It's pretty dumpy. We have more than our fair share of those in this neighborhood. I will say this, and it's something to consider as a perspective buyer- this neighborhood has had a high rate of turn over in the last 6 years I've lived here. I wish I had taken a panoramic pic of my street when we first moved in. I wish I could show you a split screen! I have new neighbors on both sides. Both sides have renovated/fixed up and relandscaped. I would also say that it encouraged a general spruce up along the street.
Of course , the elementary school isn't going anywhere. I'm guessing you are worried about traffic? I sort of like being near a school, but that's just me.

I was PP, I know why are urban living but the school is literally 3 houses away. Just wouldn't want to deal with noise and lite traffic.
For me the deal breaker though was to walk to Columbia Pike and not have a bus stop nearby since I dont ever plan to drive to work unless I absolutely have to.

That's legit.

[Anonymous]

And another restaurant is already taking over one of the closed Shirlington resturants. - http://dc.eater.com/2015/5/14/8606261/hula-girl-shirlington-opening

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And another restaurant is already taking over one of the closed Shirlington resturants. - http://dc.eater.com/2015/5/14/8606261/hula-girl-shirlington-opening

Wow! That's great news!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did and moved into Barcroft. The elementary in Barcroft is really stressed right now because of the low income housing and the city won't expand the school or shift anything around. Hate to hurt my own property values by saying that....

I have not heard one bad thing from Wakefield parents, their kids are thriving. And man, I got a lot more for my money in S. Arlington.

The pike is not so good, but honestly, go a couple blocks off the pike and the neighborhoods with sfh are lovely. Barcroft is really nice, fabulous neighborhood I have to say. Some old with renovations and expansions, and some new. Amazing to me that hte Barcroft school is like 70% latino because the local non-pike neighborhood is not.

We love it!

We looked in Barcroft a couple of years ago and loved it. So peaceful and beautiful But just couldnt believe the school situation. Do most families in Barcroft send their kid to the local school or do they start at privates? Its a shame that a better balance can't be achieved at that school

[Anonymous]

A lot of Barcroft parents spend their kids to Claremont or ats if they can. But claremont just removed a class so even fewer spots. Honestly, things were going ok at Barcroft until this last year when the new wave of kids moved into a new affordable housing building. A ton of kids showed up that the school was not expected. As a result, the school lost most of its title I funding and school board didn't make up for it. More development is planned in the school boundary zone, both affordable housing and market rate, so things will not improve. There seems to be concern by anyone in our county government to halt the pending educational disaster in the westen pike.

I had planned to put my house on the market this year but my realtor told me to hang tight because families are not moving into Barcroft now until something changes. Houses are worthless and generally not moving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Barcroft parents spend their kids to Claremont or ats if they can. But claremont just removed a class so even fewer spots. Honestly, things were going ok at Barcroft until this last year when the new wave of kids moved into a new affordable housing building. A ton of kids showed up that the school was not expected. As a result, the school lost most of its title I funding and school board didn't make up for it. More development is planned in the school boundary zone, both affordable housing and market rate, so things will not improve. There seems to be concern by anyone in our county government to halt the pending educational disaster in the westen pike.

I had planned to put my house on the market this year but my realtor told me to hang tight because families are not moving into Barcroft now until something changes. Houses are worthless and generally not moving.


Did you mean to write that county does not seem concerned?

[Anonymous]

The Affordable housing being crammed onto the western end of the Pike is of huge concern to all of the nearby neighborhoods.
If you live in Alcova heights, Douglas Park, Columbia Forrest, Nauck, Barcroft, Clarmemont etc... You need to make your voices heard.
There is a community meeting of the Concerned Citizens Group meeting on May 27, 7:30pm at Arlington Mill Community Center.
There is another meeting at Rappanhanock Coffee on June 1 at 10am.
Time is running out for us to voice our opinions and concerns. There are decisions being made that will impact our schools, property values and quality of life for decades to come. I urge people to make the time to be there.

[Anonymous]

Sorry to tell you this, but a there are enough people supporting more affordable housing to keep the local communities from doing or vocalizing anyhing. Best of luck. Too many south arlingtons moved here knowing about the low income housing and philosophically beleive it is the right thing to do and the schools will deal with it. it is a mindset.

[Anonymous]

Those who do not support affordable housing move to north arlington. Those who do stay in south arlington. Very simple.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Those who do not support affordable housing move to north arlington. Those who do stay in south arlington. Very simple.

I disagree. There are many of us who have remained silent because we thought the county would stand by the plan they put in writing 4 years ago. They committed to geographic diversified affordable housing. They have since decided to scrap that and just stick it where it is easiest. Barcroft school is an example of poor planning. You will start hearing the displeasure of the sfh owners in these neighborhoods now.