Local road named ‘most coveted address’ in Virginia

A road that runs through Arlington and McLean has been named the “most coveted address” in Virginia.

That’s according to a new study by the real estate website Agent Advice. The study asked 3,000 respondents about the most “aspirational streets in America” and ranked the top 175.

Chain Bridge Road, in far northern Arlington and part of McLean, “placed top in Virginia, and in 20th place nationally.”

“Located in one of the wealthiest communities in the country, Chain Bridge Road is lined with grand estates and luxury homes, offering privacy, convenience, and proximity to Washington, D.C.,” said a press release about the list.

Also known as the D.C. area’s “Gold Coast,” the road features opulent homes on large properties perched high above the Potomac with sweeping views. Such estates sell for tens of millions of dollars, as was the case when AOL co-founder Steve Case sold his estate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for $43 million in 2018.

The kingdom now owns at least five adjacent properties on the McLean side, according to the Washington Business Journal.

On the Arlington stretch, a prominent local homeowner — on the Pimmit Run rather than the Potomac River side of the street — is Secretary of State Antony Blinken. His home has drawn a more or less permanent encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters. Despite the encampment, one feature of Chain Bridge Road for the ultra-rich is its lack of sidewalks and pedestrian accessibility.

A notable now-former resident is former U.S. Sen. and Virginia Gov. Chuck Robb, who sold his mansion for $23 million after a massive blaze in December 2021.

Another notable former resident on the Arlington side is business executive Rodney Hunt, whose 23,000 square foot home was visited by Arlington County police a few times for incidents ranging from burglaries to vandalism to other disturbances.

Other streets on Agent Advice’s list include the “Billionaire Bunker” of Indian Creek Island Road in Florida and the “architect’s paradise” of Beverly Park Circle in Southern California’s Santa Monica Mountains. The only other Virginia street to make the list (#56) was Monument Avenue in Richmond.

“These are the streets where daydreams are set and where a mailbox can signify one has truly ‘arrived,’” said the press release.

The list’s top 10 “most coveted” streets are below.

#1 Casey Key Road in Nokomis, Florida.
Topping the list, Casey Key is a barrier island off the coast of Nokomis, known for its secluded and exclusive beachfront properties. Homes on Casey Key Road often feature private beaches and stunning Gulf or Bay views.

#2 Laurel Way in Beverly Hills, California.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, a stretch of road in well-known Beverly Hills emerged among the most coveted in the nation. Laurel Way is an exclusive enclave of luxurious estates featuring modern architecture, sprawling grounds, and breathtaking vistas of LA. This street epitomizes the perfect blend of sophistication and seclusion.

#3 Gordon Drive in Naples, Florida.
In 3rd place overall, Gordon Drive overlooks a waterfront and attracts some of the nation’s wealthiest residents. Beachfront properties command multi-million dollar price tags as buyers compete for the coveted location and its stunning views.

#4 South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach, Florida.
This iconic street along the eastern coast of Palm Beach Island showcases some of Florida’s most prestigious and expensive estates, many with direct access to private beaches and the Atlantic Ocean.

#5 Hillside Drive in Sedona, Arizona.
Renowned for its natural beauty, Hillside Drive in Sedona offers luxury homes with unrivalled views of the region’s iconic red rock formations. The area’s artistic community and the seamless integration of natural elements into architectural designs make it truly unique.

#6 West Forest Road in Vail, Colorado.
Perched on the mountainside of world-famous Vail Mountain, West Forest Road provides residents with privacy and proximity to the town’s distinguished restaurants, entertainment, and shopping venues.

#7 Tuxedo Road in NW Atlanta, Georgia.
In 7th place overall, this prestigious street in northwest Atlanta is celebrated for its spacious and luxurious estates set amidst meticulously landscaped grounds.

#8 Skyline Boulevard in Oakland, California.
Offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area, Skyline Boulevard features luxury homes nestled in the Oakland Hills, combining privacy, natural beauty, and access…