Arlington is home to some of the most beautiful new and older real estate in America. Situated on the historic Patomic River south of the nation's capital, Arlington's residential neighborhoods are some of the most desirable in the county. The city and region have recently been ranked some of the best to live in the United States by several national magazines. It is a world-class city comparable with such metropolitan hubs as London, Sydney or Toronto.

When compared with the residential surroundings of a city like the Greater Toronto Area, many similarities and differences can be found that will help you to valuate real estate opportunities in Arlington. Similar to newer homes for sale Lorne Park outside of Toronto, most of Arlington's development in the past thirty years has been focused around the region's Metrorail stations. Many of Arlington's single family homes and underdeveloped properties have been replaced with larger homes and row housing.

Each neighborhood has something different to offer and will appeal to most residents. The county considers a number of these neighborhoods, especially those in and around Metrorail stations, to be "urban villages" and the center points of commercial activity. For the first-time buyer, you will find a number of great options for both a starter house or condo. As with new and upcoming lofts for sale in Toronto, the areas of Yorktown, Forest Hills and Aurora Hills have amazing industrial spaces that have been converted into condominium units beginning at $150,000.

The county has a focus of preserving and creating affordable homes for new families and residents who fall below the area median income level. As with the Toronto lofts, because of the city's initiatives to revitalize older, industrialized areas, the construction of many newer developments were subsidized by the municipality, bringing costs down for first time buyers. As a result, lofts and condos that would otherwise cost $300,000-$400,000 can be found for half that amount.

A large array of Arlington's residential areas and bigger, garden-style apartment buildings are registered and designated as historic homes. Much like what one would find with Montreal or Red Hook real estate, you will find red brick townhouses, brownstones and courtyard tenement complexes available for sale starting at around $250,000. Neighborhoods to consider are Maywood, Claremont, Lyon Village, Ashton Heights, Colonial Village, Penrose, Arlington Village, Westover and Cherrydale.

Much like the war era developments in demand in today's Mississauga property listings, there are a number of Sears Catalog Homes in Arlington that were originally sold from 1908 to 1940. There are considered by many to be the best quality properties and are pursued by numerous home buyers. Listings for some of these homes, in areas such as Fairlington and Lyon Park, start at around $280,000 and average about $420,000. Arlington is also home to some of the best and first examples of garden style apartments from the post war era.

Arlington has a lot to offer every home buyer. With a little effort, investigation and exploration, you are sure to find a house or condo that meets your needs and wants in this amazing, historic county.