Chic Homes And Manicured Gardens

Cherrydale is a N 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.

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 in Cherrydale 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. Most are wood frame construction, though a few “concrete” homes exist. Colonial Revival style showed up in Cherrydale during the early 1880s. The majority were constructed on brick or concrete foundations with masonry or wood-frame structures.

The neighborhood is prized for its charming architecture, home values and proximity to Virginia Square and Ballston Metro stations.

The thing I notice every time I vist 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.

Cherrydale amenities include Cherry Valley Park, Stratford Park, Cherrydale Park, Oakgrove Park and 18th St N and N Lincoln St Park. The Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department (c. 1898) is Arlington County’s oldest volunteer fire department. The iconic Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House, built in 1919, has been a community focal point and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond its firefighting role, the department has historically sponsored community events such as parades, dances, and kids’ activities.

Cherrydale’s commercial corridor winds along Lee Highway.