Donaldson Run: A Gem of Arlington, VA

Just six miles outside of Washington, DC sits the flourishing green oasis that is Donaldson Run. This upscale Arlington neighborhood is nestled in the area of Vacation Lane, North 25th Street, and North 26th Street to the south,  the Potomac River and Beechwood Circle to the north and east, Vernon Street, Old Dominion Drive on the south and west, and the Washington Golf and Country Club on the north and west. This highly desirable neighborhood offers picturesque hills and wooded areas along with an easy commute to the District. The idyllic setting of this neighborhood has a secluded feel even though it is just minutes from the bustling city. 

House Styles

Most of the houses in Donaldson Run were built between 1941-1960 and showcase a wide variety of house styles. The most common house style is the rambler also known as a ranch-style house. Classic colonial style houses are also common in this peaceful neighborhood. Included in the diverse architecture are townhomes, split level homes, contemporaries, and Cape Cods. Single-family homes sit on wooded hilltops with billowing trees and offer large green front yards and fenced backyards with wooden patios. The Donaldson Run Stream travels through the paradisal neighborhood from Marymount University to Potomac Overlook Regional Park and the Potomac River. Typically homes range anywhere from half-a-million to just over two million. The average sale price in 2019 was $1,101,00

Parks

The appeal of this small, blissful community is further enhanced by several parks offering a variety of activities. Lee Heights Park, Zachary Taylor Park, Donaldson Run Nature Area, and George Washington Memorial Parkway provide a tranquil area where visitors can be outside enjoying nature. Zachary Taylor Park is home to a winding stream with shade following the pathway. Occasionally, guests will spot a deer. Donaldson Run Nature Area is a secluded 4-acre park with a nature trail and paved paths. All the parks are very popular for picnicking, dog walking, and hiking.

The Potomac Overlook Regional Park is the king of parks in Donaldson Run. The 67-acre park hosts summer concerts, an organic garden showcasing native plants and insects, and a nature center featuring live animals and exhibits. Camp Overlook is for children in Kindergarten through 10th grade. The summer camp explores stream hikes, live animal care, storytelling, campfires, scavenger hunts, and aquatic studies. The majestic park features close to 2 miles of breathtaking hiking trails with connecting access to the Potomac River. The trails are generally easy and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. 

Shopping

Donaldson Run is primarily residential with the closest shopping center being the Lee Harrison Shopping Center. Lee Harrison Shopping Center is home to businesses such as Harris Teeter Neighborhood Food and Pharmacy, Duck Donuts, Chin Na Ree Thai, and Elevation Burger. For a more extensive shopping and dining experience, residents can drive to nearby Market Common Clarendon that features shops from Barnes and Noble to the Apple Store and LuLulemon to Pottery Barn. This beautiful outdoor shopping mall also includes Cheesecake Factory and Whole Foods. 

The Donaldson Run Civic Association

The Donaldson Run Civic Association is an active civic association that is run by community volunteers and has goals such as promoting information that affects the Donaldson Run neighborhood, supporting a sense of community, keeping the neighborhood safe, and enhancing and preserving the assets of the neighborhood. Among the many goals of the Donaldson Run Civic Association is preserving the high quality of the environment and the green space of the neighborhood. Donaldson Run is named after the stream that runs through the charming neighborhood. The association engages in projects such as the Donaldson Run Stream restoration that prevents erosion of the community stream and pollution of the Chesapeake Bay. The main goal of the neighborhood association is to ensure the health, beauty, and safety of the community. 

This quaint neighborhood of Arlington has much to offer. In addition to the strong sense of community, Donaldson Run reports an almost nonexistent crime rate, top-rated public schools, and easy access to Arlington Transit buses. Donaldson Run provides quintessential living within arms reach of the city.