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Columbia Forest

Columbia Forest

Neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia

Arlington County 22204

Neighborhood Reviews
4.0
$431,655 Average Value
$332 Average Price per Sq Ft
20 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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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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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.

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.

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.

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 Bob Mathew, 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

Columbia Pike & S Jefferson St

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

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

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$280,000
Median Single Family Price
$779,450
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$374,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$250,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$332
Number of Homes for Sale
20
Last 12 months Home Sales
69
Months of Supply
3.50
Median List Price
$294,725
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-9%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,460
Median Year Built
1947
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,456
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,609
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,082
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
823
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
561
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    4600 S Four Mile Run Dr Unit 1203, Arlington, VA 22204

    $360,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,280 Sq Ft
    • 4600 S Four Mile Run Dr
    • Unit 1203
    • New 8 days ago

    OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2-4PM. Spacious 3 bedroom and 2 full bath on the 12th floor with great views and lots of light. Floor to ceiling windows and a specious balcony. The Carlton is located in a prim spot that has access to trails, airport, public transpiration, shopping athletic fields, community centers and so much more. A list of amenities includes swimming pool, community center, workout

    Omar Sherzai Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    4600 S Four Mile Run Dr Unit 1216, Arlington, VA 22204

    $305,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,078 Sq Ft
    • 4600 S Four Mile Run Dr
    • Unit 1216
    • New 9 days ago

    Rarely available! Spacious and immaculately updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-parking space condo on the top floor of the Carlton! This is a must-see! The kitchen and both bathrooms are completely updated with tasteful appeal. Stylish new LPV flooring installed throughout living area and bedrooms. You’ll love the beauty and utility of the built-in cabinets/ bar in the dining area. From the sliding

    Keri Shull EXP Realty, LLC

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 2pm

    4500 S Four Mile Run Dr Unit 204, Arlington, VA 22204

    $420,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,150 Sq Ft
    • 4500 S Four Mile Run Dr
    • Unit 204

    Original listing price reduced over $25,000. Presenting unit (#204) located in the lovely "The Brittany", Columbia Forest neighborhood in Arlington. Rarely will you find this sought-after floor plan (end unit) boasting an outstanding 1,150 sq. ft. of total living space. This unit is truly a must-see, #204 offers 2 beds, 2 baths, 2 secured garage reserved parking spaces (516 & 517), a spacious

    Sanford Booth Keller Williams Capital 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 Bob Mathew, 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
Bob Mathew
MXW Real Estate
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