More Restaurants, Gathering Spaces Top Rosslyn Survey Wish List

ARLINGTON, VA — Eighty-five percent of residents surveyed would recommend living in Rosslyn, compared with 65 percent in the 2025 survey, according to the Rosslyn Business Improvement District’s 2026 Perception Survey.

The results, released Wednesday, also showed demand for more sit-down restaurants, grocery stores and public gathering spaces in the Arlington neighborhood.

Among all respondents, 63 percent would recommend visiting Rosslyn, compared with 42 percent in 2025. Employees surveyed rated their happiness working in the neighborhood at 4.3 out of 5, with more than half giving it the highest rating.

READ: Rossyln BID's 2026 Perception Survey Report

The BID conducted the online survey through SurveyMonkey, drawing 912 participants through digital campaigns, targeted emails, in-person pop-ups and neighborhood flyers. Participants included residents, employees, visitors and property owners or managers, and could identify with more than one group.

“Listening to our community is fundamental to how we approach our work,” Rosslyn BID President Mary-Claire Burick said in a news release. “These findings help us understand what’s working and where we can make a difference, whether that’s something we deliver directly or an issue we champion with our partners.”

More Dining Options And Gathering Spaces Sought

Sit-down restaurants led the list of businesses and amenities respondents wanted more of in Rosslyn, drawing interest from 56 percent. Grocery and specialty food stores followed at 44 percent, while 43 percent wanted more activity-based venues.

Lounges and bars, along with music and entertainment venues, rounded out the top five.

The BID said it shares the findings with property owners, developers, brokers and other partners. Decisions about leasing, retailer recruitment and tenant mix remain with individual property owners and their leasing teams.

More parks, gathering areas and public spaces remained respondents’ top priority for improvements to neighborhood spaces. Enhanced lighting, seasonal decor and murals were also priorities.

The BID said feedback from the 2025 survey helped prompt the launch of the NOW Pop-Up Park with its partners. Among respondents who had visited the park, 77 percent rated their experience good or excellent.

Safety Ratings Vary By Time Of Day

Ninety-five percent of respondents said they felt safe during the day, compared with 75 percent in the evening and 84 percent on weekends.

Eighty-eight percent were satisfied with the cleanliness of public spaces, and 77 percent were satisfied with landscaping and appearance. The most common description of Rosslyn was “convenient and connected,” selected by 81 percent.

The survey also examined community connections. Overall, 39 percent of respondents reported a strong sense of belonging, while more than three-quarters felt at least a moderate connection.

Respondents who had attended at least one community event were 74 percent more likely to report a strong sense of belonging than those who had not attended, according to the report.

The report cautions that its 2025 and 2026 belonging percentages cannot be directly compared because the response scale changed from three levels to five.

The BID said the findings will inform its strategic planning and future programs.