Claridge House of Arlington

Pros

• The facility is excellent for senior citizens.
• It has an ideal location in Pentagon City and is accessible to the metro.
• The staff are professional and socially engaging with the senior residents.
• Claridge House is described as a great place where the staff treated the family like their own.
• They would recommend Claridge House to others.

Cons

• The manager on duty would not let them visit the 90-year-old mother who had been ill over the holidays.
• She was ready for an altercation.
• The reviewer felt the staff could have been more lenient under the circumstances.
• The misspelling of the building name was noted.

Review

Claridge House of Arlington is best suited for seniors who want an independent-leaning assisted living experience in a walkable, transit-accessible location. The Pentagon City setting offers easy Metro access and convenient city amenities, and the community reads as an apartment-style option where staff are described as professional and socially engaged. For residents who prize daily opportunities to connect with peers and a sense that care comes from a devoted, neighborly team, this is a practical, reliable choice. It works especially well for those who can function well with standard policies and appreciate a familiar, community-oriented atmosphere.

Prospective families should also be aware that not all experiences line up with the ideal picture. A New Year’s Day incident highlights a potential rigidity in policy enforcement around visitors and pets: a staff member reportedly blocked a visit because necessary paperwork for a family dog wasn’t in order. The reviewer framed that moment as a missed opportunity for leniency given the circumstances. That note matters for families who value flexibility in special situations or who must navigate pet or guest arrangements in urgent or emotionally charged moments.

Location and cadence emerge as the most dependable strengths. The Arlington site earns consistent praise for its prime spot and accessibility to public transit, which translates into less stress when arranging medical appointments, social outings, or spontaneous trips into the city. The staff are frequently described as professional and socially engaged, creating a climate where residents stay connected rather than isolated. A longstanding, family-like sense of care is underscored by memories from former residents, such as a mom who lived there for 14 years and was said to be treated like family, imparting a credible reputation for stability and warmth. A practical note for readers: the building is sometimes misspelled in commentary, but the correct reference is Claridge House at 1500 South Fern Street.

Despite the clear positives, the community shows a mix of experiences. The overall rating sits around 3.4, with a spread of high marks and several low ones, signaling that policy execution and interpersonal tone can vary from visit to visit. Some critiques point to inflexibility in handling delicate situations, which can feel at odds with what families expect when seeking peace of mind for an aging loved one. These variance points aren’t about safety or cleanliness; they concern how policies translate into everyday interactions and whether the staff consistently tailors responses to individual family needs.

Even so, the core advantages tend to offset the potential downsides when aligned with the right resident profile. The location reduces transportation friction, enabling easier regular physician visits, social excursions, and participation in activities without the burden of long commutes. The professional, socially oriented team cultivates ongoing engagement, helping seniors maintain routines, friendships, and a sense of belonging. The anecdotal evidence of long-tenured residents and families who felt cared for over many years adds practical credibility to the notion that consistent, compassionate care is achievable here when expectations fit the environment.

Bottom-line guidance: Claridge House is a solid choice for families prioritizing an Arlington location with easy transit access, a clearly community-minded staff, and an environment where residents feel known and included. It is less well-suited for those who require highly flexible visitors and pet policies or who demand a higher level of medical oversight or specialized memory care. Prospective buyers should schedule a tour with a clear checklist: confirm current guest protocols, revisit pet policies, and ask how exceptions are handled in practice. If these elements align with the elder’s needs and preferences, Claridge House warrants serious consideration; if not, it is prudent to explore alternatives that promise more consistent policy flexibility and broader clinical support.

Located in Arlington, Virginia, this area offers convenient access to various amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a comfortable and accessible living environment. With multiple pharmacies within a few miles, including CVS and Walgreens, residents can easily access their medication needs. The neighborhood also boasts a variety of dining options such as McDonald's, Shake Shack, The Salt Line, and Dacha Beer Garden, ensuring seniors have plenty of choices for meals. Additionally, the proximity to parks like Long Bridge Park and Gravelly Point Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For healthcare needs, there are reputable physicians nearby such as the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and The Centers For Advanced Orthopaedics. And with theaters like AMC Georgetown 14 within reach, seniors can enjoy entertainment options close to home. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded and convenient lifestyle for seniors seeking a vibrant community in Arlington.

Transportation

• Crystal City Metro Station (0.3 miles)
• American Airlines Admirals Club (0.7 miles)
• Pentagon Metro Station (0.7 miles)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metro Station (0.8 miles)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) (0.8 miles)
• Terminal 2 (0.9 miles)
• Delta Sky Club (0.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Shake Shack (2.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)
• The Salt Line (2.8 miles)
• Dacha Beer Garden (2.8 miles)

Parks

• Long Bridge Park (0.7 miles)
• Gravelly Point Park (1 miles)
• East Potomac Park (2 miles)
• West Potomac Park (2.1 miles)
• Huntley Meadows Park (2.4 miles)
• Southwest Duck Pond (2.4 miles)
• Georgetown Waterfront Park (3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Junction Bakery & Bistro (2.7 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (2.8 miles)
• Slipstream (3.1 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (3.2 miles)
• Philz Coffee (3.2 miles)
• Dolcezza (3.3 miles)

Physicians

• American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (2.3 miles)
• The Centers For Advanced Orthopaedics (3.3 miles)
• One Medical (3.5 miles)
• One Medical (3.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Georgetown 14 (3 miles)
• Regal Gallery Place & 4DX (3.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Peter's School on Capitol Hill (3.4 miles)