Philippa Main
Samson Properties & Future Home Realty
Ready to Sell Your Home in Penrose?
Penrose is an established, multi-block neighborhood in Arlington, located between Shirlington and Columbia Pike. It developed gradually between the 1920s and 1950s, featuring a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and modest garden-style apartments. Residential streets are lined with mature trees and include green spaces like Penrose Park and Fort Scott Park. It offers convenient access to commuting routes and bus lines, as well as proximity to Shirlington's shops and dining options. A local civic organization and active community engagement drive preservation of the area's character. Penrose's enduring architectural variety, green settings, and walkable amenities make it a dependable and quietly evolving Arlington neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling A Home in Penrose
When is the best time to sell a home in Penrose?
Homes in Penrose typically sell fastest between April and June, when buyer demand is high and the neighborhood’s mix of charm and convenience is especially appealing.
What is the usual price range for homes in Penrose?
Homes in Penrose generally range from the mid $600,000s to around $1.2 million. Prices vary depending on home size, level of renovation, and proximity to Columbia Pike and major commuter routes.
Who is buying homes in Penrose right now?
Buyers in Penrose include first-time homeowners, young families, and professionals who want easy access to DC, public transit, and a walkable neighborhood feel. Many are moving from denser urban areas in search of more space.
Should I list my Penrose home publicly or explore a private sale?
Public listings typically produce the best results in Penrose, where strong buyer interest and limited inventory can lead to multiple offers. Off-market sales are rare and often result in lower visibility and pricing.
What features are most attractive to Penrose home buyers?
Buyers value updated interiors, original character, outdoor living space, and off-street parking. Proximity to parks, restaurants, and Columbia Pike’s revitalizing corridor also enhances appeal.
What’s involved in the process of selling a home in Penrose?
Selling in Penrose involves preparing your home for market, setting a competitive price, marketing to local and regional buyers, and navigating showings, offers, and closing. A local agent can streamline the process and help attract the right buyer.
How do I choose the right listing agent for my Penrose home?
The best agent for Penrose knows how to market both historic and updated homes, understands what buyers want in this part of Arlington, and has experience navigating the unique character of the neighborhood. Look for a strong local track record.
Have a home in Penrose to sell? Find out

More about Penrose
Penrose is a centrally located and eclectic neighborhood in South Arlington that offers a blend of classic charm, urban accessibility, and community spirit. Positioned between Columbia Pike and Arlington Boulevard, Penrose features a diverse mix of housing styles, including early 20th-century bungalows, brick Colonials, Cape Cods, duplexes, and small apartment buildings. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets, front porches, and walkable layout create a welcoming environment that appeals to a broad range of buyers.
Selling a home in Penrose offers a strong opportunity to market to buyers who want character, location, and value. For those preparing to sell my Penrose home, it's important to highlight the neighborhood's architectural variety, walkability to shops and restaurants, and easy access to key transit routes. Homes with updated kitchens, flexible living spaces, or restored historical features like original hardwoods or wood trim tend to be especially appealing.
Penrose sits in the heart of South Arlington and enjoys quick access to both the Pentagon and downtown DC via Route 50, I-395, and the Pentagon Metro station. Multiple bus routes serve the area, and future improvements along the Columbia Pike corridor continue to enhance transportation and commercial activity. These commuting options are a major asset and should be emphasized when listing a home.
The neighborhood benefits from proximity to several popular destinations. Columbia Pike offers a wide variety of international restaurants, coffee shops, and local retail, along with cultural events and arts initiatives that bring the community together. Nearby parks like Penrose Park and Towers Park provide open space, playgrounds, dog areas, and tennis courts, reinforcing the neighborhood's appeal for those who value both convenience and livability.
Penrose is also known for its engaged residents and active civic association, which helps maintain the neighborhood's identity and advocates for responsible growth. This strong community connection adds value beyond just the physical property and can be a compelling point for prospective buyers.
The real estate market in Penrose is competitive, especially for single-family homes that blend historic charm with modern upgrades. For sellers wondering how to sell my Penrose home, professional staging, highlighting any renovations or energy-efficient improvements, and showcasing the lifestyle benefits of the neighborhood can help your property stand out in a crowded market.
Whether listing a classic 1920s bungalow or a renovated townhouse with urban flair, selling a home in Penrose gives sellers the opportunity to reach buyers who are drawn to character, location, and community. With its central location, mix of old and new, and continued growth, Penrose remains one of Arlington's most inviting and enduring neighborhoods.
WHY PENROSE IS A SELLERS MARKET
Penrose offers charm, central location, and walkability to Columbia Pike. Its diversity and mix of housing types make it attractive across buyer demographics, keeping the market strong.
HOW TO SELL A HOME IN PENROSE
Highlight Columbia Pike access and community culture.
Stage to showcase both historic elements and updates.
Appeal to value-conscious buyers seeking close-in access.
With over 10 years of real estate experience and more than $100 million of real estate sold since 2017, Philippa Main is a trusted, experienced, and full‑time Realtor with a proven track record. A Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, Pricing Strategy Advisor, and Certified Client Protection Expert, she has a deep knowledge of the Northern Virginia real estate market. She worked in new construction marketing at D.R. Horton and has guided first‑time homebuyers, probate estate sellers, people relocating in and out of state, and more.
Praised in reviews as “knowledgeable,” “hard‑working,” “dependable,” and “excellent,” clients often say she “works harder than any realtor I have worked with in the past” and "protected our best interests." Known for being prompt, proactive, and highly detail‑oriented, Philippa personally manages each transaction (with no assistants or junior team members) so clients receive her direct expertise at every step.
Available seven days a week, she customizes strategies tailored to each client, ensuring seamless experiences in both buying and selling.
As a top performing real estate agent in the country and recognized by HomeLight as a top producer and top negotiator, Philippa stands out for her comprehensive market insight, strategic pricing assistance, and home staging guidance.
Whether navigating probate sales, downsizing, upsizing, relocation, senior moves, or more, clients benefit from her strong negotiation skills and transparent communication.
More About Philippa Main - Top Northern Virginia Realtor
