It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Netherlands Carillon gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Arlington, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers!”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia.”
“Hi, Please know my Five Stars rating is very real & very honest! I reached out”
“My family has used Always Best Care for about five months now. We are grateful”
“Scott and his staff were excellent to work with. We quickly needed all night”
“My mother required some post-surgical assistance as she was healing from a knee replacement procedure.”
“Scott Maquire, owner is helpful and will work with you to develop a plan that”
“I had caregivers for my elderly mother from Always Best Care for close to three”
“Finding Always Best Care was a game changer for me and my mom (after trying”
“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and”
“Our family was delighted to have found Always Best Care Senior Services, having been recommended”
“With my wife bed bound and I the only caretaker, I was soon exhausted. Scott”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother was in hospice care and needed”
“Scott and his team provided excellent companion care for Mom as her dementia progressed. They”
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my mother transitioned from one memory care to another. She needed a little extra support during this big change and we were referred to Always Best. The owner Rashid, is one of the most professional, kind, knowledgable and detail oriented people I have ever worked with. We have used 2 other home care companies in the past, and the customer service Rashid provided was absolutely above and beyond. He was very communicative and updated me every step of the way to ensure a seamless transition for my mom. He made sure we had the appropriate care professionals who could fit our specific needs as well. His care team was top notch and we were thrilled with the care my mom received during this time. Ms. Monse, Ms. Judy, Ms. Aisha, Ms. Ling and Ms. Esther were all wonderful and made a valiant effort to keep my mom on her routine throughout the day while also keeping her stimulated. We are so thankful we found Always Best Home care services and would 100% wholeheartedly recommend Rashid and his team.”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of Always Best Care Senior Services. For those individuals facing the challenge of taking care of an elder relative, Always Best Care is more than just a nursing / care service - they are a support network. I wanted to make a special call out to Ron, Shanti, and Mary for their hard work and dedicated care for my mother. I truly appreciate all your help during these challenging and stressful times. Sincerely, Todd”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the family feel safe and secure. Dr. T Talbert”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients and truly does all he can to make them and their loved ones happy. I highly recommend using Always Best Care to care for anyone in need of care.”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home care for my father following a recent surgery. Rashid and his team were responsive, caring, extremely communicative, and super flexible with our evolving needs and schedule changes, helping us navigate a challenging time with grace and support. We are really grateful and would highly recommend them to others in the area.”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her insurance to provide me time to do things I needed to do. We have had the same caregivers for the past 3 years and we love them!! Brenda C. is absolutely terrific!! Jeanine is fabulous!! From the start, they have worked with and around our schedules, especially when we have had changes. Working with Scott M. the original manager/owner, and now with Rashid F., the new manager/owner has been really easy and enjoyable. Everyone as been easy-going and helpful.”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological condition that affects my movement and balance. My caregiver has helped me make doctor appointments and attend weekly yoga. My caregiver is always punctual. I highly recommend the company.”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was so worried about how he would manage, especially since I couldn’t always be there due to work, but he was in amazing hands. The caregivers were compassionate, attentive, and made his recovery process so much easier. Knowing he was well cared for gave me peace of mind. I highly recommend their services!”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful with taking me to doctor's appointments, to the pharmacy, and entertaining my free time by playing cards. Rashid, the owner, has been so helpful, so understanding, and so kind and has helped me tremendously in my caring. I would recommend Always Best Care of Fairfax!”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses Medicaid, but they were very kind and helpful in connecting us with another agency who accepts Medicaid, and followed up with us to make sure we had reached the other agency.”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers! From the first day the emphasis was always on our father and how they could meet his needs and keep him comfortable. They took care of our dad as if he was a member of their family. The caring starts at the top with Rashid, who is amazing. He knew my father well and visited him often, always keeping us informed. He would be at the house to orient new care team members and introduce them to our father including weekends and shift change at 8 pm. When we could not be with our father, we knew he was in great hands. We were so fortunate to have found Rashid and his wonderful team of caring and empathetic caregivers, they were a blessing to us during a very difficult time.”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia. She has received in-home services from Always Best Care for several years. Her home care aide, Brenda, helped my friend with things like organizing her files, paying bills, finding and keeping track of her things, canceling subscription items bought online and then not remembered, medication management, etc. She was kind, patient, and highly flexible. The company owner has also been wonderful to work with; kind, patient, flexible and responsive. I highly recommend ABC Senior Services!”
“Hi, Please know my Five Stars rating is very real & very honest! I reached out to Always Best Care S.S. (Fairfax County VA) & received the best customer service from Rashid after 11 exhausting calls. What I actually needed at that time they did not offer, but Rashid still proceeded to assist me. Rashid showed caring concerns and patience. Rashid even reached out on my behalf to others in his field of work as well provided me with further resources outside of his own practice! Not only did Rashid provide other resources, Rashid followed up with me the next day!! Mind you I missed the call/phone tag & Rashid still returned my call until we connected! That’s above beyond…. I was relieved of a lot of burden & false hope. The resources ended up being a huge success. So I want to highly recommend Contacting Always Best Care S.S. And have the pleasure I experienced with Rashid an awesome person, very professional top notch customer service for your needs. Rashid Farrell thank you for being you???? Octavia”
“My family has used Always Best Care for about five months now. We are grateful for the help and advice we have received. The home health aide sent to us has been outstanding and Scott Maguire has always been available for advice. We recommend ABC to anyone who needs its services.”
“Scott and his staff were excellent to work with. We quickly needed all night companions at the hospital and home for more than two months. Scott responded to our needs and provided some wonderful people. Highly recommend.”
“My mother required some post-surgical assistance as she was healing from a knee replacement procedure. Scott was very helpful in arranging a dependable and compassionate caregiver for the time which we needed the assistance. I could confidently attend to my work schedule knowing that my mother was receiving the help she needed for medication reminders, meal preparation, exercise prompts and having a supportive ear during the convalescence from Sue. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services very highly.”
“Scott Maquire, owner is helpful and will work with you to develop a plan that works best for your situation. My mom loves here caregiver and I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for peace of mind,”
“I had caregivers for my elderly mother from Always Best Care for close to three years, and I would unreservedly do so again. It took a little bit to find providers who were right for my mother’s particular needs (besides becoming increasingly frail, she had severe anxiety), and for my schedule (my mother was living with me), but owner Scott Maguire was extremely accessible and responsive, and ultimately we established an arrangement that worked well. The caregivers were honest, reliable, caring, and responsive to my feedback, and communication via daily logs and in-person reporting ensured I was aware of anything I needed to know. I found the advantage of working with a small company whose owner I never had trouble reaching or getting to understand my needs a huge factor in what made this agency work for me.”
“Finding Always Best Care was a game changer for me and my mom (after trying several other companies). Scott was professional and responsive. He found the perfect companion for my mom (Kendall). She was reliable, flexible, thoughtful, kind and an excellent communicator. Within a short time, my mom began asking when that "nice Kendall" was coming again. I cannot recommend ABC Senior Services highly enough. I will always be grateful for their services.”
“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and billing was easy.”
“Our family was delighted to have found Always Best Care Senior Services, having been recommended by another senior care agency. They quickly responded with excellent experienced care givers who were terrific in caring for my father, giving him the attention he needed. The personal attention given by the owner was terrific. The nursing consultation was also appreciated. I highly recommend this agency.”
“With my wife bed bound and I the only caretaker, I was soon exhausted. Scott and Always Best Care came to my rescue by providing me with the help I needed to get through this ordeal. The young lady that came 7 hours a day was a Godsend to me. She was attentive and caring and made my wife's life so much better, no to mention my own. I would not have made it through without her. Scott dealt directly with the insurance people saving me from having to manage any record keeping and payment issues. That also relieves a lot of stress. I would strongly recommend Always Best Care to anyone in need of such services.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother was in hospice care and needed help and companionship and I couldn’t be there 24/7. Always Best Care sent providers to be with her and I can’t say enough good things about them. They were compassionate and skilled, and always there when I needed them. I could relax knowing that my mom was in good hands.”
“Scott and his team provided excellent companion care for Mom as her dementia progressed. They ran errands with her, provided meals for her and Dad, and generally kept her engaged and entertained during the pandemic. Scott was a wealth of knowledge and always available to help us navigate the disease and it’s effects. I highly recommend him and his team!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Long Bridge Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Green Pig Bistro or visit Arlington House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Arlington, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Arlington, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Arlington, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The county earned top scores for personal health, community and environment in the annual ranking by the American Fitness Index.Arlington is once again the fittest city in the U.S., according to researchers with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Elevance Health Foundation. It’s a title the county has held for eight years running....
The county earned top scores for personal health, community and environment in the annual ranking by the American Fitness Index.
Arlington is once again the fittest city in the U.S., according to researchers with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Elevance Health Foundation. It’s a title the county has held for eight years running.
The cities occupying the other top three spots are also repeats from last year: Washington, D.C., was again ranked No. 2, Seattle took third and San Francisco held strong in fourth.
One notable change for Arlington this time around is that the county earned the top spot in both of the main categories in the 18th annual American Fitness Index, released July 22. The index evaluates the nation’s 100 largest cities using 35 indicators across two overarching categories: personal health and community/environment.
Whereas Arlington came in fourth for personal health in 2024, improved health behaviors and health outcomes contributed to its rise in the rankings this year. Higher numbers of county residents reported meeting aerobic activity guidelines (65.7%), meeting aerobic and strength activity guidelines (33.4%), bicycling or walking to work (6%), and using public transportation (16.9%). There were also decreases in rates of asthma (6.2%), heart disease (1.2%) and diabetes (6.3%).
Arlington held fast to its No. 1 spot in the community and environment category, which looks at food security, walkability and parks. This year, ACSM added trail miles and splashpads to its built environment indicators, and updated its metrics on tennis courts to include pickleball and dual-use courts.
“Ideas are brought to our committee,” says Stella Volpe, chair of the Fitness Index Advisory Board and ACSM past president. “This year, we added those three knowing that the popularity of [pickleball has grown] and the importance of things like trails should be considered in our indicators.”
She attributes Arlington’s continued dominance in the rankings to consistency in areas such as walkability, safety and public access to recreational facilities. Though the county did not make the top 10 for trail miles or splashpads, it came in sixth for tennis, pickleball and dual-use courts.
“We know it’s a great, walkable community,” Volpe says. “We know it’s a fairly safe community and we know that the city planners and [county board] have the ability to invest and have the resources to maintain what you already have.”
In the area of personal health, Arlington ranked highest in several indicators, earning an overall health score of 88, compared a nationwide average of 50.5. Arlington had the highest percentage residents getting more than seven hours of sleep per night (76.4%) and the lowest percentage of smokers (3.3%). It’s also home to the greatest share of residents in excellent or very good health (67.2%).
Neighboring Washington, D.C., earned the highest marks for the percentage of residents who eat two or more fruits per day (37.9%).
Nationwide, the index found that more Americans are meeting aerobic activity guidelines—59.5% in 2025, compared with 50.9% in 2024. Many cities saw an increase in both aerobic and strength activity, with 89 of the 100 cities averaging a 7.6% increase. Those guidelines call for 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity five days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous activity three days a week, plus strength training at least two days a week.
Any activity helps, Volpe says. “It doesn’t take people running marathons to make them active or to make them healthy. Research shows that if people accumulate activity throughout the day, including things like walking, gardening, going up and down the stairs in their house…those things add up more than people actually realize. Any activity is always better than none.”
Not all the news from the latest index is good. Nationwide, several indicators trended lower this time around, including air quality, although the report notes that last year’s Canadian wildfires had a significant—and hopefully short-lived—impact.
Scores indicating access to healthy food were also troubling, with 99 of the 100 cities in the study reporting an increase in food insecurity. Volpe says the change may stem, in part, from the sunsetting of pandemic-era programs such as the Child Tax Credit. But she’s concerned that massive cuts to social services such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) might worsen the problem in the months ahead. The Urban Institute estimates that 22.3 million families could lose some or all of their benefits.
“That’s worrying me because we [already] went up maybe 2% in food insecurity,” Volpe says, “and that was pretty significant. In some of these cities, we have food deserts and so their food insecurity may have gotten a bit worse.”
ARLINGTON, VA — Free summer musical performances are returning this Friday to National Landing Water Park.The weekly Fridays at the Fountain outdoor concert series takes place every Friday, 5:30-8 p.m. through Aug. 29, at ...
ARLINGTON, VA — Free summer musical performances are returning this Friday to National Landing Water Park.
The weekly Fridays at the Fountain outdoor concert series takes place every Friday, 5:30-8 p.m. through Aug. 29, at National Landing Water Park, 1601 Crystal Drive in Arlington.
"Guests can grab a drink and a bite to eat from one of National Landing Water Park’s beloved food stalls, bring a lawn chair or blanket, or enjoy the sounds of summer throughout the food hall’s public seating areas," according to a release.
2025 Fridays At The Fountain Music Lineup:
Although each concert is free and open to the public, RSVPs encouraged at Eventbrite.
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ABOUT NATIONAL LANDING:
National Landing is one of the D.C. region’s most exciting transformation stories. The thriving, urban core of Northern Virginia, National Landing is comprised of three distinct neighborhoods: Crystal City, Pentagon City and Potomac Yard. Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., National Landing is home to an innovation and business ecosystem—with major anchors like Amazon HQ2 and Virginia Tech Institute for Advance Computing, tech start-ups, hotels, and a booming local restaurant scene. With $4.5 billion in transportation investments, National Landing delivers unparalleled access via Metro, train, biking, and pedestrian trails, all adjacent to National Airport. Already a destination for city living, the area features a dozen parks, hundreds of cultural and community events each year and a growing residential population with over 10,000 new housing units in the pipeline. To learn more, visit nationallanding.org and follow @nationallanding.
Sip your way through the end of summer with frozen martinis, coladas, margs, daiquiris, frosé and boozy milkshakes.Top off the summer season and chill out with creative frozen cocktails. Scroll on, sweet tooths and fruit fans, for the area’s best takes on coladas, daiquiris, margaritas and the almighty frosé. Cool your heels with these slushy sippers.Burgers and shakes go hand in hand, but this local chainlet puts a little extra in some of its blends. Creamy options include the Maker’s Mark S’mor...
Sip your way through the end of summer with frozen martinis, coladas, margs, daiquiris, frosé and boozy milkshakes.
Top off the summer season and chill out with creative frozen cocktails. Scroll on, sweet tooths and fruit fans, for the area’s best takes on coladas, daiquiris, margaritas and the almighty frosé. Cool your heels with these slushy sippers.
Burgers and shakes go hand in hand, but this local chainlet puts a little extra in some of its blends. Creamy options include the Maker’s Mark S’mores Shake and Captain Morgan’s Apple Pie Rum Spice Shake. Want something fruity? Go with the frozen Dragon Fruit with Hornitos Tequila or the Blood Orange Strongarita. 4401 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston); 4251 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington); and 1336 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Sure, the name makes you think tacos, but what goes great with carne asada? Frozen margaritas. Or a Frosé, a combo of frozen rosé and blended strawberries. Of course, you can always get both in the form of a Swirl. For something different, spring for the Mangonada. It comes with with chamoy, a tajin rim and a tamarind stick. 3165 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
There’s nothing fishy about pairing a seafood meal with a frozen drink. At this Ballston spot, enjoy a Frozen DC Crush (vodka, triple sec, orange and DC Brau Orange Crush spiked seltzer). Or try the Frozen Del’s Shandy, which has vodka, lemon and Narragansett Del’s Shandy beer. 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
The farmer-owned local chainlet has two frozen drinks on the menu this summer. The Chi Chi Colada, made with vodka, pineapple and coconut cream, comes in a fun Polynesian-style cup. The refreshing frozen gin and tonic has dry gin, house tonic and fresh lime. 1800 Tysons Blvd., Tysons (Tysons Corner)
Wendy Buckley’s Clarendon wine bar knows its way around frozen drinks. Try a Frozen Aperol Spritz with a sparkling wine floater or the obligatory (for a wine bar) and delightfully refreshing Strawberry Frosé. 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Plop down at the rooftop bar and garden terrace and ask for something slushy. They’ve got a Frozen Espresso Martini (vanilla vodka, coffee and simple syrup) and a Sawtooth (spiced rum, apple cider, triple sec and lemon juice) that are bound to keep you cool. 2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Serving up piles of steamed Maryland blue crabs since 1979 in Arlington’s Fort Myer Heights neighborhood, this spot offers more than tasty crustaceans. Pair your platter with a frozen lemonade or marg in strawberry, raspberry or peach. Frozen daiquiris are offered in the same flavors, plus banana. The bar also presents specialty drinks like the rum-based Tarzan or Miami Vice (half strawberry daiquiri and half pina colada) for when you just can’t decide. Pro tip: Save room for the key lime pie. 1200 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington (Fort Myer)
Owned by Florida natives David and Rebecca Tax, the restaurant with beachside vibes and none of the annoying sand has no shortage of frozen beverages, including fresh watermelon margaritas, sandia coladas (watermelon coladas) and Pain Killas (Myers dark rum, light rum and a frozen coconut/pineapple mixture topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg). Tip one back during District Trivia on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. or Drag Bingo on the third Sunday of the month at 6 p.m. Check the beachy cantina’s live entertainment schedule. Bonus: Dogs are welcome on the patio. 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Sitting atop the The Perch at Capital One Center, this spot offers outdoor sipping with a view. Choose from five frozen, spike-able drinks, including a Lava Flow (lemonade and strawberry daiquiri swirl) and Miami Vice (strawberry daiquiri and pina colada). Make a day or night of it: The bar is conveniently situated alongside Perch Putt, an 18-hole mini golf course, and there are porch swings, an outdoor amphitheater and the Sky Bark Pup Park. 1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons
Conjure the spirit of old Havana while nursing a frozen daiquiri, made with rum, strawberry, lime and corn husk syrup. Not quite 5 o’clock? Get it without the rum. NoVa locations of this fast-growing tropical restaurant are great for people-watching and strolling, too, on a warm night. 2811 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon); 244 19th St., Arlington (National Landing); and 2920 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Cocktails but make them dessert. With more than a dozen options here, you’ll be sure to find something with an extra kick to go with your burger or other American fare. Choices include the Peppermint Junior with Peppermint Schnapps, the Tipsy Toast Crunch with RumChata and Fireball, and the Cookie Dough with cookie dough whiskey. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston), and 2911 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Go for a spin at the Arlington County Fair, see a Shakespearean comedy recast as a musical and refresh your game stash with a puzzle swap.Summer may be winding down, but there’s still fun to be had. Catch a magic show, standup act or reimagined Shakespeare comedy; chat with chefs; and participate in a puzzle exchange. Plus, free outdoor concerts, ...
Go for a spin at the Arlington County Fair, see a Shakespearean comedy recast as a musical and refresh your game stash with a puzzle swap.
Summer may be winding down, but there’s still fun to be had. Catch a magic show, standup act or reimagined Shakespeare comedy; chat with chefs; and participate in a puzzle exchange. Plus, free outdoor concerts, free workout classes, rooftop bars, mini golf, kid-friendly wineries and outings with youngsters are still going strong.
Aug. 6 marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which gave voting rights to Black Americans. In honor of that milestone, Arlington Public Library will host exhibits Aug. 1-Nov. 4 that tell the stories of activists, change-makers and everyday people in Northern Virginia who fought for voting rights. On Aug. 2, 1-4 p.m., the newly reopened Arlington Historical Society museum will share artifacts chronicling the county’s voting history. Learn more at an opening reception Aug. 6, 5-6 p.m., at Central Library. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington (Virginia Square)
The popular character is stopping at Westpost on Aug. 2, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. It’s one of two trucks that travel the country spreading cuteness. Grab some merch in celebration of the cat’s 50th anniversary or a decade of the truck, such as patches, shirts, plushies and cups. And true to the café part of the name, you can buy macarons, cookies, madeleines or a giant cookie. Find it near DSW. 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington (National Landing)
Shark fans will have plenty of incentives to cross the (thankfully shark-free) Potomac on Aug. 2, 5-8 p.m. and head for the Wharf’s Transit Pier for a free event celebrating all things shark-related. Play “Pin the Fin on the Shark,” compete in a shark-themed doughnut-eating contest or ride a mechanical shark named Bruce while wearing a free shark hat. All the while, groove to tunes by the 7 Deadlies Band. 760 Maine Ave., SW, Washington, D.C.
Ever wonder how card sharks pull it off? Join the award-winning, sleight-of-hand entertainer at The Birchmere for insights into the underground world of cheating at cards—and how to win in Vegas. Tickets are $65 for the show on Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
As part of a national community-building effort aimed at neighborhood safety, this annual event aims to strengthen ties among community residents and law enforcement. Neighborhoods throughout Arlington will be participating in Aug. 5 cookouts, ice cream socials and block parties featuring meet-and-greet opportunities with first responders and Arlington County officials. The Mosaic District in Fairfax is hosting an event, too.
Chef Chris Morgan, a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, welcomes other award-winning chefs to this Persian restaurant’s patio for a series of chef-driven dinners. An Aug. 6 event brings Amy Brandwein of Centrolina to Tysons, and an event on Aug. 20 features the talents of Thip Khao chef Seng Luangrath. Each dinner ($125 per person) will feature five curated savory courses, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the James Beard Foundation. 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna (Tysons)
The Arlington Artists Alliance and Arlington Weaves Etc. will teach crafty participants how to weave on a tabletop loom during this free event at The Crossing Clarendon. The instruction will focus on plain weaving, foundational to all weaving techniques, plus other styles. The Aug. 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., event is open to all ages. 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Signature Theatre is reenvisioning Shakespeare’s comedic Twelfth Night as a lighthearted musical set in 1930s Harlem. The show, which debuts Aug. 12 and runs through October, features a syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Check the website for show times and ticket prices. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Ready for some good, old-fashioned summer fun? The annual county fair returns to the Thomas Jefferson Community Center Aug. 13-17 with live musical performances and activities aplenty at the Family Fun Spot Up Top, including interactive games, coloring, and a foam party on Aug. 16 and 17. Admission to the fairgrounds is free, but for Midway carnival rides, you’ll need to buy tickets ($1.25 each or 72 for $60). Feeling competitive and possibly hungry? Enter a contest. The lineup includes pie-eating in partnership with Livin’ the Pie Life, pizza pounding with Troy’s Italian Kitchen and a burrito buster with Los Chamacos. 3501 Second St., S., Arlington (Arlington Heights Historic District)
Love is still in the air following the recent wedding at Arlington Public Library. Continuing its “Share the Love” theme, the library is hosting a Q&A session with bestselling rom-com author Casey McQuiston, who stops by to chat about her latest, Red, White and Royal Blue, on Aug. 14, 6:30-8 p.m. Admission is free. Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington (Glencarlyn)
Wolf Trap Opera presents the tale of free-spirited Carmen’s seductive charm and the destructive horror it wreaks on the sultry streets of Seville. Tickets start at $39 for the show on Aug. 15, 8 p.m. 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
A familiar face from the 2024 season of America’s Got Talent, the comedienne will be here Aug. 22 and 23, staging standup acts each night at 7 and 9:30 p.m. She’s also been on Late Night with Stephen Colbert, Modern Family and Veep. Tickets are $24. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike)
Chill with an evening of indie-electronic house music by Teddy Beats at Vienna’s favorite intimate music venue. The DMV native returns home to play a show Aug. 22, 7 p.m., having released a new album, i made this all for you. Tickets are $20.40. 227 E. Maple Ave., Vienna
Arlington artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (MoCA) artist-in-residence David Amoroso will talk about his work in conversation with MoCA’s Amanda Jirón-Murphy during this free event Aug. 23, 2-3 p.m. Amoroso’s “NostalgiArt,” which blends pop culture icons and nostalgic elements using bright colors, will be on display through Sept. 6. He’ll also lead a creative workshop called “Groovy Buddha Block Prints” on Aug. 2, 2-4 p.m. 14th St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
Amazon is partnering with MoCA Arlington and Toby’s Handmade Ice Cream to celebrate this sweet holiday Aug. 25, 3-5 p.m. Get a scoop and then go to Amazon’s banana stand for that key ingredient plus toppings. Museum staff will lead family-friendly crafts, and there will be live music. Met Park, 1400 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Puzzling over what to do with all the puzzles you’ve completed and conquered? Swap them for new-to-you ones at this event Aug. 27, 7-7:30 p.m. Just make sure the sets you’re bringing to trade have all the pieces. 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington (East Falls Church)
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack hosts King Bullfrog on Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The “kindie rock” trio promises high-energy tunes to get littles and adults alike jumping out of their seats. Tickets are $14.64. 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church
For a face-to-face with the perky pink pig with the delightful British accent, bring the kiddos to CAMP at Tysons Corner Center. The entertainment spot inside the mall is hosting a party to welcome Peppa’s new baby sister, Evie. Your 50 minutes of fun starts with a ride on Miss. Rabbit’s Train, a stop at Dinosaur Park and a splash at the Duck Pond. Tickets start at $24. This event is designed for kids ages 2-7. 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean (Tysons)
Whether it's acoustic mood music or a rollicking rock and roll cover show, these eateries and bars are all kinds of amped up.Want to hear local musicians while enjoying a craft cocktail, bar munchies or even a three-course dinner? Look no further than these Arlington-area restaurants and watering holes, all of which host live tunes. Whether you’re in the mood for a chill acoustic set, a raucous dueling piano night or a boisterous cover band, you’ve got options.In addition to its monthly ...
Whether it's acoustic mood music or a rollicking rock and roll cover show, these eateries and bars are all kinds of amped up.
Want to hear local musicians while enjoying a craft cocktail, bar munchies or even a three-course dinner? Look no further than these Arlington-area restaurants and watering holes, all of which host live tunes. Whether you’re in the mood for a chill acoustic set, a raucous dueling piano night or a boisterous cover band, you’ve got options.
In addition to its monthly open mic night and weekly Singo (musical bingo), Ballston Local hosts double-header shows on Saturdays. Order a burger with skinny fries or a New York-style pizza and find your jam with acts ranging from D.C. cover band Two Car Living Room to the Arlington dad band Manther. You can keep tabs on happenings through the restaurant’s website. 900 N. Glebe Road (Ballston)
The bar may be German-style, but the performances here run the musical gamut. Check the calendar to see who’s taking the stage on any given night. Upcoming musicians include Mackenzie Ryan, an acoustic artist who covers rock, pop and country songs, and Howling at the Earth, a three-piece alternative/indie rock band with Midwest emo influences. Fridays bring a special treat—Shake Rattle & Roll, an all-requests dueling piano performance. All of the lineups pair well with a blue crab pretzel or sausage and Brussels sprouts pizza and a crisp lager. 4100 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Stop by this friendly pub on the Pike for live music on Friday and Saturday nights, plus traditional Irish session music on Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. All the happenings are listed on the bar’s website, which also lists a menu of Irish eats, such as corned beef and cabbage and shepherd’s pie. Who says these things are just for St. Paddy’s Day? 2500 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike)
Known for its fish tacos, orange crushes, fried gator and shrimp baskets, David and Rebecca Tax’s tropical bar gives summer vibes all year long. The ever-evolving music lineup includes everything from blues outfits and mellow acoustic sets to cover bands. Check the website to see who’s up next on the colorful cantina’s indoor and outdoor stages. 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church
This Little City pub has live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, plus the first Tuesday of each month, when Tyler Goldstein performs as part of Dogwood’s Rockin’ Raw Bar. Find your groove with an order of oysters, the French Onion Burger or Virginia Ham Mac & Cheese. Stay current on the lineup on their website. 132 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Freddie Lutz’s glittering cabaret is many things, but rarely is it quiet. The “gay, straight-friendly” bar on Crystal City’s 23rd Street Restaurant Row is known for karaoke and kitsch, but it also hosts plenty of other music-centric events each week, including drag shows, Saturday Dance Night and a jazz brunch. Check the Facebook page for details. 555 23rd St. S., Arlington (Crystal City)
Their motto is “ageless charm without yuppie bastardization.” That about sums up the vibe of this longtime (75+ years) establishment on Route 50 near Seven Corners. Feed your appetite with homey options like pork chops, meatloaf and strawberry-rhubarb pie while jammin’ to live blues, country and rock and roll. Keep an eye on the music calendar on their website for the latest. 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Chef David Guas introduced this bewitching McLean restaurant as a neighborhood place to gather and relax, and quickly added a Sunday Jazz Brunch in support of that goal. Les Quatre Boulevardiers keeps the mood classy while guests dig into pecan sticky buns and chicken-fried steak and sip strawberry-mint spritzers on Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 6641 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Visit the Merrifield location of this friendly tavern to catch acoustic performances by singer-guitarist Spike Burton (Aug. 2) and other DMV artists. The wide-ranging menu includes all manner of bar munchies (including a dozen kinds of wings), entrees (filet tips pasta, anyone?) and salads, plus proper cocktails, beer and wine. 8100 Lee Highway, Falls Church
You may hear a bit of actual ragtime at this New Orleans-style barroom, but you can also catch plenty of other genres, including Americana and blues. Bookmark the calendar to check out who’s on deck, as the schedule is packed four or five days a week. A sister restaurant of music-centric Dogwood Tavern, William Jeffrey’s Tavern and Rhodeside Grill, Ragtime also hosts a Bourbon Street brunch on weekends. 1345 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington (Courthouse)
For proof that this come-as-you-are bar is into music, look no further than its built-in 20-foot stage, which welcomes cover bands and original artists from the DMV and beyond on weekends and select weeknights. See who’s up next on their website, and save your appetite for globally inspired bar snacks ranging from Filipino-inspired lumpia to Jamaican jerk chicken. 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
The menu’s got Irish classics, but the entertainers bring a range of musical of genres to this Shirlington pub. Put your listening ears on for guitarist Rocky Guttmann and the bluesy Lenny Burridge. Find out who’s playing each month on their website. And if you work up an appetite, order the shepherd’s pie empanadas or ribeye meatloaf. 2800 S. Randolph St., Suite 110, Arlington (Shirlington)
This Merrifield microbrewery offers plenty of tasty suds, including the Sweet Scoville Sting, a honey jalapeño ale, and the signature Dry Hopped Kölsch. It’s also home to a weekly open mic night and other fun events, such as Music Bingo on Fridays. Follow the brewery’s Facebook page for details on upcoming shows. 2822 Fallfax Drive, Falls Church
The musical guests are as eclectic as the beer in this intimate outdoor performance space adorned with picnic tables and twinkling lights. Grab a pint of whatever is on tap (you’ll find 10 options inside and another six in the garden proper), pair it with one of 11 sandwiches and rock out or chill out. For the latest lineup, check their website. 5863 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover)
703-463-9462
