Carlin

Pros

• The lobby is nice.
• The place is very clean, nice, and comfortable.
• The Carlin offers modern 1-bedroom units with in-house laundry and social activities.
• It provides independent living options and has a social worker on staff to assist if needed.
• Ms. Gladden is an extremely knowledgeable and helpful property manager.
• The building is wonderful, clean, bright, and staffed by courteous management.
• The application process is smooth with regular updates from the manager.
• Moving in is a breeze with staff going out of their way to help.
• The grounds are beautifully maintained with a front desk concierge and resident amenities.
• The location is highly walkable to amenities and has easy access to the metro and airport.

Review

The Carlin in Arlington presents a welcoming and bright first impression, with a lobby that reviewers repeatedly describe as nice, clean, and comfortable. The space feels light and inviting, setting a positive tone for what residents and their families can expect from the building. Multiple readers note that the overall ambiance is warm and appealing, making a good impression as soon as you step through the doors.

Inside, the community caters to independent living while offering practical amenities that ease daily life. The 1-bedroom units come with in-house laundry, a feature that many reviewers appreciated for convenience and self-sufficiency. The property also fosters social interaction through organized activities, helping residents stay engaged and connected. Importantly, there is a social worker on staff to assist if needed, providing an extra layer of support for residents who may require it.

The experiences with management stand out as a defining aspect of life at The Carlin. Several reviewers highlight Ms. Gladden, the property manager, as exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful in understanding needs and navigating the steps required to obtain a unit. Her guidance is described as smooth and thorough, contributing to a notably positive move-in process. In addition, another manager, Ms. Maxine, is mentioned as someone who keeps residents and families updated at every step during the application process. The consensus is that moving in is a breeze, with staff deliberately going out of their way to assist, creating an atmosphere of attentiveness and care.

Beyond the move-in, the grounds and on-site amenities reinforce a sense of comfort and practicality for 55+ residents. The grounds are kept beautifully, and there is a front desk concierge to assist with daily needs. The property offers a library/computer room, a multi-purpose room, an outdoor garden, and an on-site laundry facility - amenities that support both everyday living and social engagement. Reviewers appreciate that their loved ones can remain active and comfortable in a setting that feels well maintained and thoughtfully designed for older adults.

Location adds another strong layer of appeal. The Carlin is described as being in an extraordinary area, rich with options for entertainment, dining, hospitality, and various services. Everything needed appears to be within walking distance, including grocery stores, Target, diners, coffee shops, and banks, with the town center nearby. Proximity to the metro and a short drive to Ronald Reagan National Airport further enhance convenience for residents and visitors alike, making access to the broader Washington, DC area easy and practical.

Overall sentiment from the reviews is consistent and highly favorable. People describe the community as a wonderful, cozy, and clean building where seniors seem happy and pleased to live. The staff is repeatedly called super-nice and incredibly helpful, contributing to what many perceive as a five-star experience for families seeking an affordable, supportive home for a parent on a fixed income. The combination of well-kept facilities, proactive management, comprehensive amenities, and a prime location makes The Carlin a compelling option for 55+ residents.

In sum, The Carlin emerges as a well-regarded, thoughtfully managed senior living community in Arlington. Prospective residents and their families are drawn to the blend of independent living with supportive services, the convenience of in-house amenities, and a location that offers both everyday practicality and access to a vibrant surrounding area. The overall impression is one of outstanding care, cleanliness, and a welcoming, neighborly atmosphere that aligns well with the needs and expectations of 55+ residents.

This part of Arlington, Virginia offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and bustling neighborhood. With several pharmacies in close proximity, accessing medications and healthcare needs is easily accessible. The abundance of cafes and restaurants provide ample dining options for residents to enjoy a meal out or grab a coffee with friends. Furthermore, the nearby parks offer opportunities for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. For medical care, there are reputable hospitals and physicians within a short distance from this area. Additionally, the proximity to transportation options such as metro stations makes it convenient for seniors to navigate around the city. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with a range of resources to support senior living needs.

Restaurants

• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.2 miles)
• Medium Rare (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• Northside Social Coffee & Wine (0.9 miles)
• Lebanese Taverna Market (1.5 miles)
• Italian Store (1.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)

Transportation

• Ballston-MU Metro Station (0.3 miles)
• East Falls Church Metro Station (2.5 miles)
• Pentagon Metro Station (3.2 miles)
• Crystal City Metro Station (3.5 miles)
• Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station (3.7 miles)
• American Airlines Admirals Club (4 miles)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metro Station (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.4 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (1.3 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (4.3 miles)
• Junction Bakery & Bistro (4.9 miles)

Parks

• Bluemont Junction Trail (0.5 miles)
• Glencarlyn Park (1 miles)
• Georgetown Waterfront Park (3.2 miles)
• Long Bridge Park (3.5 miles)
• West Potomac Park (3.6 miles)
• Huntley Meadows Park (3.8 miles)
• Gravelly Point Park (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Georgetown University Hospital Pasquerilla Center (3.1 miles)
• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (3.1 miles)
• Sibley Memorial Hospital (4.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Georgetown 14 (3.2 miles)

Physicians

• Foxhall Pediatrics (4.2 miles)
• The Centers For Advanced Orthopaedics (4.2 miles)
• One Medical (4.3 miles)
• American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (4.5 miles)