Best of Two Worlds in Arlington: Luxury Lifestyle, Prime Location

The new Vista on Courthouse towers over the north side of Route 50 at the Courthouse Road exit in Arlington, a few minutes by foot from the Courthouse Metro station and that neighborhood's busy hub of offices, restaurants, movie theater and weekend farmer's market.

Because it sits directly at the Route 50 exit ramp, it has an unobstructed view over the highway, with no tall neighboring buildings to block the sun.

Among the resident amenities in the high-rise building are a club room, private bar for entertaining, large fitness center, viewing room/movie theater, game room and outdoor pool with spa. Units have hardwood flooring, granite counters, black appliances, pendant lighting and central islands.

The 213-unit building is part of a larger complex that also includes townhouses for rent and for sale. There are seven rental and 32 for-sale townhouses, all 2,832 square feet and four stories tall. The townhouses have either a finished basement or two-car garage. They are priced at about $1.2 million.

The land on which the property was built was formerly the site of two Quality Inns. One hotel building remains, still owned by the owner and developer of Vista, Sunburst Hospitality of Silver Spring.

Construction started in early 2007 and was completed last year. The property began leasing in October and is now about 20 percent rented. Bozzuto manages the property for Sunburst.

The building's location is the first thing residents mention.

Matteo Pedini said: "I moved from Crystal City. I was just looking for somewhere that was more of a city life, rather than Crystal City, where everything is kind of more spread out. I love the place where it located. It's not quite the middle of everything, but it's close to a couple bars, restaurants, things like that, plus shopping. And it's right at the Metro."

Being so close to Route 50 is also a plus, said Yondon Batbayar, who drives to his office at the State Department. He and his wife, Ganaa Sandag, came to the United States in September from Mongolia and briefly lived elsewhere nearby.

"We were driving past" when the Vista caught his eye, Batbayar said.

It looked as if it would be too expensive for him, he said, but he toured it anyway.

"I see it's very huge and very nice," he said. He and his wife, who are both reporters for Ulan Bator Television, found that they could afford it. The couple and their two children moved into a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in October. They plan to stay put for the rest of the three years they will be in the D.C. area.

The newness of the building was important to resident Denise Reinhart. "I like to live in places where people [haven't] lived before," said Reinhart, a Brazilian flamenco dancer who is studying for a master's degree in radiology.

But just as important was the walkability of the neighborhood. Courthouse scores high on pedestrian friendliness, and although most Vista residents have cars, it's quite easy to live there without one.

"I like to maintain my shape, so I walk," Reinhart said. In mild weather, she walks to Georgetown for classes. "The walk is nice. I like to cross the bridge," she said.

Public transportation is also easy, with Metro just up the street. "My wife is always going by Metro," Batbayar said.

"I'm always recommending this building to my friends," he said. "Some of my friends have also filled out applications."

Reinhart also said she has recommended the building to friends, for its location and newness, as well as the office staff. "I have a four-year-old daughter, and they are very nice to her. I feel like I'm at home. I feel very comfortable here," she said.