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Columbia Forest

Columbia Forest

Neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia

Arlington County 22204

Neighborhood Reviews
4.0
$434,702 Average Value
$329 Average Price per Sq Ft
22 Homes For Sale

Columbia Forest was initially developed by the Army Corps of Engineers

Columbia Forest’s tree-filled area, 10 miles from Washington, D.C., has a vast, slightly hilly landscape with residential homes. Columbia Heights was built in 1941 to house Pentagon officials during WWII. Most single-family homes remain in the Columbia Forest Historic District. The Defense Housing Corporation directed the Army Corps of Engineers to build many original dwellings. After the government’s housing needs subsided, the neighborhood’s initial residents built a community from the original development. From 1942 until 1969, developers erected duplexes, townhouses, high-rise condos and apartment complexes in Columbia Forest’s outer neighborhoods, providing housing options while preserving their attractiveness. “It’s a small little area with older builds,” says Samson Properties’ Kerri Griffiths Ralston. She has sold Northern Virginia properties for 6 years and lived in Northern Virginia her whole life. “There are many brick homes and modern craftsmen. All neighborhoods are eclectic.”
Stop by this snow cone stand to beat the summer heat in Columbia Forest.
Stop by this snow cone stand to beat the summer heat in Columbia Forest.
Cozy townhomes can be found throughout Columbia Forest.
Cozy townhomes can be found throughout Columbia Forest.
Stop and smell the flowers in Columbia Forest.
Stop and smell the flowers in Columbia Forest.
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Lots in the area carry a lot of value

Colonial revival single-family homes with basements predominated. Homes lie on 5,660-square-foot lots. This allows for a yard, a raised bed for gardeners and a child play space. “Lots are valuable — land is at a premium,” says Ralston. Some residences are built on terraced sites to navigate Columbia Forest’s slopes. Streets were designed to fit the neighborhood’s gently undulating hills and two natural waterways, Four Mile Run and Bailey’s Branch. Separate streets allow the neighborhood’s canopy of trees to flourish and reduce automobile traffic. Walkable sidewalks, crosswalks and streetlamps make the area feel tiny and comfortable. Midcentury modern and colonial revival homes cost $199,000 to $812,000. Overall, housing costs are between $164,000 and $1.1 million. There are also HOA costs for some, roughly $600 monthly. This includes 15 different perks like all utilities, sewer and snow removal. Lots are around 5,6660 square feet and home sizes are 1,440 square feet. Nearly 60% of the homes are rented and the CAP Index scores the crime in the area a 3 out of 10. The neighborhood is also considered bikeable. There are also nearly 120 places of worship close to the area.
Inviting homes with lush green yards are among the sites that you will see in Columbia Forest.
Inviting homes with lush green yards are among the sites that you will see in Columbia Forest.
High rise condos are available in Columbia Forest.
High rise condos are available in Columbia Forest.
Columbia Forest features homes large and small for different lifestyles.
Columbia Forest features homes large and small for different lifestyles.
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Two area parks provide a natural green-spaced retreat from the city

Bailey’s Branch Park, a collection of trees on almost 2 acres between a fork in 10th Street, feels like a natural refuge in suburban areas. The park also has a small playground and tot lot attracts neighborhood kids. A paved mixed-use route through Columbia Forest, the Four Mile Run route in Arlington County was cut from former Washington and Old Dominion rail tracks.
Welcome to Bailey's Branch Park!
Welcome to Bailey's Branch Park!
Bailey's Branch Park offers a small play place for toddlers.
Bailey's Branch Park offers a small play place for toddlers.
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Wakefield High School is in walking distance

Columbia Forest youngsters will also attend school outside the community, but not far away. Claremont Immersion and Wakefield High are public schools within a few miles. Elementary children can start at Abingdon Elementary. Niche.com gave the school a B. The second stop for students is B-plus Kenmore Middle School. Students finish at Wakefield High School, which most can walk to. Niche rates the school A-minus. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)—Alexandria campus, 4 minutes or 2 miles; George Mason University, Arlington, 10 minutes or 4 miles; Marymount University, 13 minutes or 5 miles; and Georgetown University, 15 minutes or 7 miles—are near Columbia Forest.

Columbia Forest has a thriving and vibrant art scene

The Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies (NVLAA) coalition offers seven free courses for artists and arts groups. The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington hosts many annual exhibitions. Arlington has “a lot of arts and culture,” Ralston says. Farmers markets and kickball leagues abound, she says. “The area is very community-focused,” she explains.

Lots of commuting options exist

Public transportation in Columbia Forest is very accessible. Five Metrorail stations, all on the Orange and Silver lines are within 3 to 5 miles. Additionally, there are 5 VRE commuter rail stations within 4 to 15 miles. There are also two local bus stations. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 6 miles from the community; Washington Dulles International Airport is a 25-mile trip. Interstates 495, 395, 295, 95, 695 and 66 surround the region.

Shopping and eateries are very close

Columbia Pike has few commercial establishments, mostly 7-Eleven and auto repair shops. Some home-based, private firms operate in communities, but you may have to leave Columbia Forest for employment or shopping. Giant Supermarket and Target are in Bailey’s Crossroads’ Crossroads Place retail complex and Leesburg Pike Plaza. Leesburg Pike Plaza, Columbia Pike Plaza, and Crossroads Place are all within 10 minutes or 1 mile. “Georgetown’s trendy shopping and eating district is right across the river as well,” Ralston says. “The area has tons of bars and restaurants.”
Stop by 7-Eleven in Columbia Forest for the essentials.
Stop by 7-Eleven in Columbia Forest for the essentials.
When hunger strikes, residents of Columbia Forest have plenty of options for food and drinks.
When hunger strikes, residents of Columbia Forest have plenty of options for food and drinks.
From restaurants to grocery stores Columbia Forest offers a short drive to all of them.
From restaurants to grocery stores Columbia Forest offers a short drive to all of them.
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Older part of Columbia Forest is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places

Columbia Forest’s Historic District is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. More than 200 original two-story homes were given to young officers and ranking officials in the military. With nearly 20 hospitals nearby, health care is accessible. The EPA warns that particle pollution, such as dust and dirt, is moderate in the region and the agency recommends that those affected by this should limit their time outdoors.
Robb Crocker
Written By
Robb Crocker
Anna Cheng
Photography Contributed By
Anna Cheng
Edward Pokoj
Video By
Edward Pokoj

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michael Schaeffer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl

13 min drive

Bus

S Frederick St Nb & 11th St S Ns

Bus

Columbia Pk & S Four Mile Run Dr (E)

Bus

S Frederick St Sb & 11th St S Ns

Bus

S Frederick St Sb & 12th St S Ns

Bus

S Jefferson St & Columbia Pike

Bus

S Frederick St Sb & 10th St S Ns

Bus

Columbia Pk & S Columbus St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.0 11 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
9/11/2020 Niche Review
Lovely area! Everyone is very kind and welcoming! Never had a bad experience in this neighborhood. Arlington as a whole is amazing!
3.0 Niche User
7/18/2016 Niche Review
Arlington is okay, it's a decent area, there are a lot of poorish people and middle class businesses but is getting a lot of remodeling and is slowly getting to a higher quality of living
4.0 Niche User
7/29/2016 Niche Review
I personally have never had a problem with the crime and safety aspect of this area. There have been those spare stories that I have heard that make crime and safety a little iffy, but overall it seems fine.
Are you familiar with the Columbia Forest neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Columbia Forest US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Columbia Forest Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$274,500
Median Sale Price
$267,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$779,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$700,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$374,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
68
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$329

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,461
Number of Homes for Sale
22
Median Year Built
1947
Months of Supply
3.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,459
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,629
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,083
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
823
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
561
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    12 - 2pm

    5104 Columbia Pike Unit 6, Arlington, VA 22204

    $260,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 835 Sq Ft
    • 5104 Columbia Pike
    • Unit 6
    • New 1 day ago

    Don't miss this large, well maintained two bedroom, one bath condo in Arlington at such a great price! So close to shops, restaurants, schools, parks, biking and hiking trails, public transportation, and everything else the bustling Columbia Pike has to offer! You will love the freshly painted open and airy living space with updated kitchen and brand new LVP flooring throughout. There is great

    Anne Cronin Corcoran McEnearney

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  • Saturday, Jun 14
    1 - 3pm

    4600 S Four Mile Run Dr Unit 526, Arlington, VA 22204

    $235,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 881 Sq Ft
    • 4600 S Four Mile Run Dr
    • Unit 526
    • New 2 days ago

    Move right in and start living the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of!Perfectly positioned on the corner of the 5th floor, this freshly painted Carlton residence offers sweeping views of S. Four Mile Run Creek, the community pool, and lush gardens—creating a serene backdrop just minutes from it all. Abundant natural sunlight pours through the large windows, enhancing the home’s inviting and airy

    Kristen Schifano RLAH @properties

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  • Sunday, Jun 15
    11am - 1pm

    1506 S George Mason Dr Unit 22, Arlington, VA 22204

    $279,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 844 Sq Ft
    • 1506 S George Mason Dr
    • Unit 22
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome Home! 1506 S GEORGE MASON DR #22 is located Arlington’s desirable community of George Mason Village! This beautifully designed home offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, making it an ideal choice for the first-time homebuyers or savvy investors! This stunning 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and serene living. Step into a light-filled,

    Lisa Barber Samson Properties

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michael Schaeffer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,410
Median Age
37
Population Density
33 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$112,841
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$141,161

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.9%
College Graduates
59.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.3%
% Population in Labor Force
82%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

47 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

54 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

60 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Columbia Forest