Arlington is an urban county located directly across the Potomac River from Washington DC.

Arlington is centrally located in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Its ease of access by car and public transportation, and its highly skilled labor force have attracted an increasingly varied residential and commercial mix.

About 43% of Arlington's residents are African- American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino or multi-racial. More than one-quarter of residents were born outside the United States. Arlington County public school children speak more than 60 different languages. Arlington residents are among the most highly educated in the nation. In 2000, over 60% of adults, age 25 and older had a bachelor's degree or higher and 30% had a graduate or professional degree.

Although perhaps best known to visitors as the home of the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington boasts high quality residential neighborhoods. Residents are actively involved in the community. Arlington has 57 civic associations, dozens of citizen boards and commissions, and over 100 community service organizations. There are almost 200 public parks and playgrounds, 86 miles of biking/jogging trails, 14 community centers, 5 theaters, and 8 libraries in Arlington for residents and visitors to enjoy.