What is Virginia Square? I don't think that this metro station and its namesake, a shopping center, ever overlapped What used to be Virginia Square is now home to the FDIC and a sub-par Giant. From what I've read, this station was created when DC residents in the vicinity of the planned Oklahoma Avenue metro station rallied to block its construction. And thus Virginia Square--GMU was created, and Virginia Square was immortalized, even though it no longer existed (???). Now Virginia Square seems to refer to a poorly-defined area between Ballston and Clarendon. Hmm.
Some facts and observations:
--Only three stops west of Rosslyn, and four stops west of DC!
--Not usually as crowded or chaotic as either Ballston or Clarendon, both of which are around eight blocks away.
--AT&T service is possible if you stand right near the escalators! (Ok, no AT&T reception, really; the station isn't busy enough to be on the priority list for expanded cell phone service)
--In the morning, inbound trains are usually packed by the time they reach this station
--Construction and delays on the orange line generally occur west of here (most commonly around West Falls Church--Ballston).
--Most people who get on or off at this station are 20-somethings and young professionals; fewer tourists and families use this station than other Orange Line stations in Arlington
--As the name would suggest, very near GMU, and also the FDIC, many other government offices and contractors, Arlington Central Library, Carpool, Arlington Funeral Home, Everest College, etc...
Ugliest fountain can be found at the exit from the station, in front of one of Arlington's many Starbucks. It's like they didn't even try to design it. read more
