Aurora Highlands

National Airport may be over 80 years old, but the roots of its adjacent neighborhood predate it. Between 1886 and 1930, three separate neighborhoods formed, eventually converging in the 1950s into the current Aurora Highlands we know today.

Located a mile and a half from the Potomac River, Aurora Highlands is a neighborhood comprised of nearly perfect grid pattern of streets, with many homes built in the 1920s and 50s and others less than a decade old. The term “planned community” is an understatement here: even lot spacing, neat streets and similar home styles, Aurora Highlands has a comfortable, familiar feel just four miles from the action of the Capitol. “There are unique single-family homes surrounded by commercial and urban living,” Arlington resident and Realtor Geva Lester of Varity Homes says. Amazon’s HQ2 project has led to “a lot of development happening with new builds,” attracting home buyers.

Home lots from 16th Street to 26th Street are nearly symmetrical, averaging 6,000 square feet. With such even lot sizes and spacing, home buyers can let style influence their decision. Four squares, cape cods and bungalows are the most common, generally comprised of brick or vinyl siding. Slightly rarer are homes with slanted roofs reminiscent of a Tudor, or postmodern facades with mostly glass. Pricing in this neighborhood generally begins at $800,000, with 4- and 5-bedroom homes often breaking the $1 million mark.

Kids attending school in Aurora Highlands are introduced early to values like respect and anti-discrimination. Oakridge Elementary’s MOSAIC program is a celebration of diversity and an education on anti-bias, squashing harmful stereotypes. Gunston Middle Schoolers can enroll in the Spanish Partial Immersion Program, encouraging inclusivity. They also have access to highly qualified faculty with 84% of Hornet teachers holding a master’s or doctoral degree. By the time they reach Wakefield High, students of Aurora Highlands are ready for their pick of 30 different, challenging AP courses.

The heart of Aurora Highland’s greenery and amenities is the Virginia Highlands Park. At its south end sits the Aurora Hills Library, whose website has an interactive online catalogue to keep readers alert of new arrivals and changing collections. This Library hosts multiple story time events for kids to attend each month. As you move north through the park’s abstract shape, you’ll pass tennis courts, basketball courts and baseball diamonds. A unique feature is the park’s sprayground, a seasonal way to beat the summer heat. No matter the season, it’s the place to be for all the best activities, because “there’s been a lot of programming with the park as far as movie nights and games on the lawn,” Lester says. Well-behaved furry friends are also welcome.

After exploring the park, drive out to the plentiful restaurants at Crystal City Shopping Center. There are Metro stations for the blue and yellow lines in both Pentagon City and Crystal City, but travel by car is ideal for getting to the shops. The strip has familiar favorites like Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A, as well as local staple The Freshman. This spot doesn’t just serve small plates, it also has coffee and cocktails available. Think of lattes with foam designs and mixed drinks you’d almost rather stare at, and that sums up The Freshman. Don’t worry about weekend shopping because Costco and Whole Foods are just up the road. If you prefer trying things on in person instead of browsing clothes online, there’s also a Macy’s and Nordstrom.

Despite its long-standing presence, Aurora Highlands is growing constantly with new homes and businesses, not to mention its proximity to nearly everything. As the adage goes, it’s location, location, location.

Written By

Malcolm Longerbeam

Photography Contributed By

Anna Cheng

Video By

Nathan Allen