If you’re among the 27% of Arlingtonians over 50 and enjoying all that our community has to offer, you won’t be surprised to learn that this year’s AARP Livability Index finds Arlington County to be the country’s most livable city in the large-communities category (populations of 100,000-499,999). Falls Church ranks sixth on the list of most livable small cities with populations of 5,000-24,999.
The AARP Livability Index scores neighborhoods and communities in all 50 states and D.C. to identify locales that are senior-friendly. The data set taps into more than 50 local, state, federal and private sources to measure each community against 61 indicators of livability and quality of life for people as they age. The index incorporates scores for housing, transportation, neighborhood safety, environmental quality, health services and community engagement.
Arlington County earned an overall score of 67 in this year’s index, with especially high marks (84 points) for health, including a high rate of patient satisfaction (72%) among patients at area hospitals and a low rate of smoking (8.4%). The index noted that virtually every Arlington resident enjoys access to exercise opportunities, which is not surprising for the nation’s fittest city. That metric looks at the percentage of people who live within a half-mile of parks and within 1 mile of recreational facilities. (Read here to learn more about the county’s sizable catalog of programs and resources for residents 55 and older.)
Arlington also racked up points (78 each) in the categories of transportation and civic engagement. The study notes that almost 92% of public transit stations and vehicles are accessible, with a robust number of hourly buses and trains. The county offers an abundance of ways for people to get involved in their community, and a high rate of social involvement, which AARP defines as the “extent to which residents belong to groups, organizations, or associations, see or hear from friends and family, do favors for neighbors, or do something positive for their community.”
The county’s lowest score (47), for housing, noted Arlington’s high housing costs, with the average household spending $2,646 a month on housing (versus $2,012 per month in 2015), and compared with national median of $847. “The platform accounts for housing costs (including taxes, rent, mortgage fees, and utilities) that existing residents pay to help users compare the costs of living in different neighborhoods. It does not reflect the market rate price to rent or buy in the current local housing market,” according to AARP.
Multifamily units make up 66% of Arlington’s housing stock, up slightly from 63.4% in 2015, although dozens of multifamily housing projects are now on hold after a court decided late last month to overturn Arlington’s Expanded Housing Option ordinance.
In addition to multiple affordability metrics, the housing score also considers factors such as accessibility, elder-friendly design and covenants that allow for alternative housing types such as accessory dwelling units on private property.
Falls Church, which U.S. News and World Report recently named the healthiest community in America, also posted its highest score (82) for health. Like Arlington, the Little City provides widespread exercise opportunities to 100% of its residents, and 79% of patients at local hospitals report feeling satisfied with their health care. Like Arlington, Falls Church also earned its lowest score (37) for housing affordability and access.
Other Northern Virginia communities scored well on the index, too. Alexandria came in eighth for large cities, and Fairfax County took ninth for very large cities with populations of more than half a million. Washington, D.C., ranked 19th among cities in the very large category.
The 2024 index shows that although many Virginia communities have improved access to health care, transportation and civic engagement, all of them face challenges. Affordable housing shortages notwithstanding, the top-ranking also communities have room to grow in the categories of clean air and water, as well as inclusion, which the survey defines as the opportunity for residents to have an equal chance of earning a living wage and improving their well-being.
“The AARP Livability Index website underscores that all communities in Virginia must continue to innovate and adapt to become more inclusive for people of all ages,” AARP Virginia State President Joyce Williams said in a statement. “AARP Virginia remains dedicated to collaborating with residents, advocates and policymakers to ensure that our communities thrive for individuals at every stage of life.”