Section: NVA Neighborhoods
Author: Susan Isaacs, Washington DC Real Estate Strategist
Cherrydale is a peaceful, urban-adjacent burb with a housing stock and gardens you’ll gush over.
Cherrydale Neighborhood
Cherrydale is a North Arlington neighborhood centered on the Five Points intersection. The neighborhood took root in 1893 around Dorsey Donaldon’s cherry tree orchard, and it has been flourishing ever since.
About Cherrydale
Cherrydale embraced growth, both residential and commercial, in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Large tracts of land were subdivided into residential developments through the mid-1950’s, creating 1225 homes.
The Cherrydale Historic District boasts 887 residences; 829 single-family homes, 27 multi-unit properties, four churches, a school, 22 commercial buildings, two service stations, a fire station and a meeting hall. The majority of the residences are owner-occupied. Architectural styles include Bungalow, Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Victorian, Queen Anne, Cape Cod, Italianate, Gothic Revival, Art Deco, Tudor Revival, Classical Revival, and occasional Spanish Revival, and Moderne. A number of Sears Kit homes were built in Cherrydale, as well as at least one porcelain-enamel Lustron home.
Cherrydale’s earliest homes date from the late 19th century to the 1910s and feature late Victorian-era details like multi-gabled roofs, wrap-around porches, stained glass windows and projecting bays.
The thing I notice first when I visit Cherrydale are the beautifully landscaped and maintained yards, and inevitably, there are at least two people working in their gardens and sharing tips over the hedges. This community is really dedicated to gardening! Cherrydale homeowners are active participants in local horticultural activities. The Cherrydale Garden Club bring neighbors together to promote sustainable gardening practices and expand green spaces within the community. Members meet regularly to socialize, share gardening tips, and learn about native plantings. The club is also committed to promoting more tree plantings to enlarge the area’s tree canopy, working toward a greener and more beautiful Cherrydale... if that’s even possible.
The combination of historic homes with generous yard space, a community culture that values green initiatives, and accessible local resources like the Cherrydale Hardware (and garden) store fosters a congenial environment that never stops blooming.
The Cherrydale neighborhood boasts many parks, including Cherry Valley Park, Stratford Park, Cherrydale Park, Oakgrove Park and 18th St N and N Lincoln St Park.
Cherrydale’s commercial corridor winds along Lee Highway.
Cherrydale History
The Cherrydale neighborhood took shape in the late 1800s and early 1900s as large tracts were subdivided for residential development. Its name is traditionally associated with Dorsey Donaldson’s cherry orchard.
The Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department dates to 1898 and is Arlington’s oldest volunteer fire department. Its 1919 firehouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has long served as a neighborhood landmark and community gathering place. The department has historically sponsored community events such as parades, dances, and kids’ activities.
Cherrydale Schools
Glebe Elementary School Public Grades PK-5
Dorothy Hamm Middle School Public Grades 6-8
Washington-Liberty High School Public Grades 9-12
Cherrydale spans multiple APS planning units, and assignments can vary at neighborhood edges. School attendance zones change and may include street-by-street exceptions. Always consult the official APS School Boundary Locator provided by Arlington County GIS.
Disclaimer
We are not attorneys, legal experts, investment counselors, or CPAs. The content on this channel is presented for informational purposes only and derived from reliable sources, but should not be considered legal, financial, investment, transaction or real estate practice advice. Susan Isaacs and Compass, their principals and/or representatives, do not guarantee or warrant its accuracy, completeness, or applicability to any specific real estate transaction. Homebuyers should read applicable D.C. law and code as part of their due diligence, and seek help from licensed, qualified professionals for interpretation and application to their specific transaction.