Once known mainly as a major commuting pathway from Northern Virginia to Washington, DC, Columbia Pike has developed into one of Arlington’s most vibrant neighborhoods. As commercial space along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor became more expensive over the past decades, many of the funky businesses that made those neighborhoods so special headed to the Columbia Pike area in search of more space and lower costs. With the plethora of parks, schools, restaurants, nightlife and shops, it’s easy to see why Columbia Pike is attracting so much attention from investors and residents alike. 

Columbia Pike on a Map

The 200-year-old community of Columbia Pike begins just about a mile south of Route 50, bordering Alcova Heights to the northwest and Penrose to the northeast. Columbia Pike is centered on its namesake, also known as Route 244, a major artery of Arlington and Northern Virginia that runs from Annandale all the way to The Pentagon. Beginning on the west end of the neighborhood, Columbia Pike starts at the intersection of Columbia Pike and S Oakland Street, continues north up S Oakland Street, east on 9th Street S, south on S Wayne Street, down Columbia Pike again to S Cleveland Street, then back west on 12thStreet S at the intersection of Columbia Pike and S Monroe Street.  

Homes for Sale in Columbia Pike

Similar to many of the urban villages of Arlington, Columbia Pike’s housing stock consists mainly of condominiums and townhomes, with a diverse combination of older homes and brand new developments. The Barkley is one of the older condo buildings in the community, but still has all the amenities that condo buyers look for, including an outdoor pool. Columbia Place is a new boutique development constructed by Evergreene Homes that has a mix of 22 stylish townhomes and condominiums. Another exciting new development is Pike 3400. This community includes 15,000 square feet of retail and 44 luxury 4-level townhomes with tons of outdoor space, including private roofdecks. There are also some single-family homes dotted on the southern edge of what’s considered Columbia Pike. 1940s Cape Cods and mid-2000s to recently built single-family-style townhomes are the main types of homes in the area.

Things to Do in Columbia Pike

Take a stroll down Columbia Pike and you’ll be able to see how the community has taken shape over the years, with older favorites like the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse and Bob and Edith’s mixed in newcomers like William Jeffrey’s. The Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse has long been an entertainment spot for Columbia Pike residents. This historic cinema plays both recent films and the classics, hosts comedians and provides full restaurant service to its patrons.

Just steps outside of Columbia Pike are many parks and recreation options. Walter Reed Community Center and Park is just two-and-a-half blocks south of the community and has basketball courts, a playground, tennis courts, and a Capital Bikeshare hub. Another huge perk of the community is its proximity to the brand-new Arlington Mill Community & Senior Center, which has basketball courts, a fitness facility, playground and a game room.

The community gets residents involved with events and happenings, including a weekly farmers market, summer movie screenings,and live concerts. Events like Restaurant Week, the Columbia Pike Blues festival, and Hike the Pike mean that Columbia Pike residents always have something cool to check out.  

Making Your Home in Columbia Pike

Columbia Pike is undergoing an exciting transformation. Pricing is competitive, but more and more homebuyers are taking notice of this Arlington gem. This area is sure to be the next popular urban village in Arlington and has all the makings of a great investment.