Westgate Neighborhood Overview
Westgate is a quiet, residential neighborhood located in the northeastern corner of Fort Myer, Virginia, a small, independent city surrounded by Arlington County. The area is characterized by its mature tree canopy, gently rolling hills, and a strong sense of community. Its location offers a serene, suburban-like atmosphere while being just minutes from the bustling urban corridors of Arlington and the Pentagon, with easy access to Washington, D.C. via major arteries like Washington Boulevard (Route 27) and Columbia Pike.
The neighborhood's history is deeply intertwined with the adjacent U.S. Army post, Fort Myer itself, which was established during the Civil War era. While Westgate is a civilian neighborhood, its proximity to the base means it has long been home to military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, and contractors. This connection fosters a distinct character of patriotism and transience, balanced by a core of long-term residents who cherish the area's peace and convenience. The architectural styles and development patterns reflect its mid-to-late 20th-century growth.
Housing & Real Estate
Westgate's housing stock primarily consists of detached single-family homes, many built from the 1950s through the 1970s, featuring classic Colonial, Split-level, and Rambler styles on well-sized, landscaped lots. There are also some townhouse clusters and low-rise apartment buildings, particularly along the neighborhood's edges, providing a mix of housing options. The real estate market is consistently strong, driven by the desirable location, excellent schools, and stable demand from military and government-related professionals.
Home prices in Westgate are typically in the upper ranges for the Fort Myer area, reflecting its established status and prime location. The market is predominantly owner-occupied, though there is a segment of rental properties, often catering to military families on temporary assignment or professionals seeking proximity to the Pentagon and D.C. Recent trends show steady appreciation, with homes often receiving competitive offers due to limited inventory, and many buyers investing in thoughtful renovations and updates to the classic homes.
Schools & Education
Westgate is served by the highly regarded Arlington Public Schools system, a major draw for families. The neighborhood is zoned for specific schools that are consistently ranked among the best in Virginia. Students typically attend Long Branch Elementary School, Gunston Middle School, and Wakefield High School, all of which are known for strong academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and significant resources.
In addition to the excellent public schools, residents have access to a variety of nearby private and parochial school options in Arlington and Falls Church. The community also benefits from its proximity to major educational and cultural institutions in the wider D.C. metro area. For higher education, Marymount University and several satellite campuses of other universities are within a short drive, offering continuing education and graduate programs.
Parks & Recreation
Westgate is renowned for its access to green space and recreational facilities. The neighborhood is adjacent to the expansive Fort Myer Heights Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas, serving as a central hub for community gatherings and youth sports. The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad Regional Trail, a paved 45-mile trail ideal for cycling, running, and walking, runs nearby, providing a direct route for outdoor enthusiasts to explore Northern Virginia.
Further enhancing the recreational offerings, the neighborhood is just a short distance from the amenities of the Fort Myer military post itself, which some residents may access through affiliations, including fitness centers, pools, and additional sports fields. For nature lovers, the larger Arlington County park system, with destinations like Bon Air Park and the Bluemont Junction Park, is easily accessible, offering more trails, gardens, and community events throughout the year.
Local Dining & Shopping
While Westgate itself is primarily residential, its commercial needs are met by a cluster of convenient local businesses and nearby shopping districts. Residents frequent the Westgate Shopping Center, anchored by a well-stocked grocery store, for everyday essentials. The center also includes a mix of useful services such as a pharmacy, dry cleaner, and several casual eateries, creating a practical and neighborhood-oriented retail environment.
For a wider array of dining and shopping, residents have quick access to the vibrant Columbia Pike corridor, known for its incredible international cuisine, from Ethiopian and Vietnamese to Salvadoran and Thai. The bustling shopping centers of Ballston Quarter and the Village at Shirlington are also just a few minutes away by car, offering everything from major retailers and boutique shops to a diverse spectrum of sit-down restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues like movie theaters.
Who Lives Here
The population of Westgate is a distinctive blend of career military officers and senior non-commissioned officers from the adjacent base, alongside civilian professionals employed by the federal government, defense contractors, and private sector firms in the D.C. metro area. This creates a well-educated, culturally diverse, and often globally experienced community. The neighborhood also attracts established families drawn by the top-tier school system and a stable, quiet environment for raising children.
The community vibe is one of quiet pride, neighborliness, and respect for the area's military connection. There is a tangible sense of order and civic engagement, with residents actively participating in neighborhood associations and local events. People are drawn to Westgate for its perfect balance: a tranquil, family-friendly retreat with a strong identity, situated within a stone's throw of some of the region's most significant employment centers and urban amenities.
Top Real Estate Agents in Westgate, Fort Myer
3 agents met the full merit gate for Westgate, Fort Myer, VA, selected from over 65,000 licensed Virginia professionals.
Contact
Phone: (760) 574-2560
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.bradysandahl.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/tonye23322
Why selected: Selected for his active community and industry engagement in Hospitality Recognition and Professional Development Programs. He is further distinguished by and recognition across multiple major real estate platforms.
Community & Leadership
participant at Hospitality Industry Recognition Programs[6]
participant at Professional Development Programs[6]
Notable Achievements
Licensed Real Estate Professional
5-star client rating
Perfect Review Rating
Five-Star Client Rating
Multi-platform recognition
5-Star Client Rating Performance
214 Five-Star Reviews
Verified Specialties
Property Management, Vacation / Short-term Rentals, Investment Properties, Rentals, client advocacy, honest representation, ethical real estate practice, ethical practices, transaction negotiation, buyer representation, seller representation, ethical practice, negotiation, luxury real estate, ethical transactions, client satisfaction, transaction management[4]
Cities Served
Rancho Mirage
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (818) 903-4705
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.jazzshorealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Shoshana%20Kliman
Why selected: Her expertise is further validated by citations in prestigious legal and academic publications.
Notable Achievements
Extensive Industry Experience
Perfect Client Satisfaction Rating
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, New Construction, land use, development consulting, full-service representation, residential real estate, land use consulting, real estate development, investment properties, full-service consultation, marketing, technology solutions, development, full-service consulting, private sector real estate, public sector real estate, consulting[4]
Cities Served
Los Angeles
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (760) 578-3866
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://annealexander.equityunion.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Anne%20Alexander
Why selected: Selected for her career and, demonstrating exceptional client service. Her deep mortgage and transaction expertise provides clients with comprehensive guidance.
Community & Leadership
President at Rampart Theater Project Inc[6]
Secretary at Mulholland Tennis Club[6]
Cfo at Laurel Canyon Association[6]
Notable Achievements
34+ Years Industry Experience
35+ Years in Real Estate
5-Star Client Rating
35 Years Industry Experience
Perfect Client Rating
35+ Years Real Estate Experience
35-year Real Estate Career
Real Estate License
74 Five-Star Reviews
Early Career Start
Top Producer Recognition
Early Career Achievement
GCAAR Recognition
Verified Specialties
Staging, mortgage lending, loan processing, underwriting, financing, residential sales, mortgage industry expertise, Residential Real Estate, Loan Processing, Mortgage Industry, Gated Community, Golf, HUD, REO, Residential Specialist, mortgage processing, loan officer services, comprehensive real estate transactions, buyer representation, short sales, foreclosures, pricing strategy, mortgage services, comprehensive transaction services[4]
Cities Served
Rancho Mirage
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).