Nestled in north Arlington’s gently rolling landscape, the Tara neighborhood is more than just a collection of quiet streets and classic homes—it’s a living testament to the spirit and evolution of the county itself. For those who have lived here for generations, and newcomers alike, Tara stands out as a place where history, community, and character converge in the most welcoming of ways. As you stroll down leafy streets like N. Kensington Street or admire the lawns of Tara-Leeway Heights Park, a sense of heritage is always present.
Origins: Tara’s Story Begins
The roots of Tara trace back to the early 20th century, but its name and much of its residential character evolved in the years after World War II. Before streets were lined with tidy Cape Cods and sturdy colonials, this area was part of rural Arlington—an expanse of farms, woodlands, and large estate parcels dotted between the little towns that would eventually become Clarendon, Ballston, and Westover.
After the war, the postwar housing boom fueled rapid suburban expansion, drawing in families looking for friendly neighborhoods within easy reach of Washington, D.C. Tara’s streets, which now branch off Washington Boulevard and thread through Leeway Heights, were plotted as part of this new vision for Arlington.
How Tara Got Its Name
If the name “Tara” strikes you as evocative of classic Southern imagery, you’re not alone. The neighborhood was named after the fictional plantation in Margaret Mitchell’s beloved novel "Gone with the Wind." As Arlington developed, landowners and developers were keen to imbue new communities with a sense of romance and aspiration, and the name’s association with enduring strength and graceful living fit the postwar mood perfectly.
The streets that wind through Tara reflect this literary influence, with a gentle consistency in their architecture—a harmony that even decades of modest renovations haven’t disturbed.
Historical Milestones: From Farmland to Friendly Neighborhood
Key milestones in Tara’s evolution include:
- Early 1900s: The area remains largely agricultural, with several prominent families owning large tracts of land. Remnants of stone walls and old carriage paths still peek through in some backyards.
- 1940s-1950s: Housing construction surges as veterans and young families flock to the suburbs. Tara’s houses, primarily brick colonials and Cape Cods, are built to last—a defining aesthetic for the neighborhood.
- 1960s-1970s: Tara-Leeway Heights Park is established as a public green space, and the nearby Cardinal Elementary School (formerly Tuckahoe Elementary) becomes a cornerstone of community identity.
- 1990s: Renewed interest in “close-in” Arlington neighborhoods leads to a wave of renovations and modernizations, but residents rally to maintain Tara’s historic charm.
- Today: The neighborhood is a blend of original and updated homes, with an active civic association that advocates for preservation, community events, and park improvements.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
- Tara-Leeway Heights Park: This large, shady park is the neighborhood’s green heart. With playgrounds, picnic areas, and sporting fields, it’s where Tara families gather on weekends and summer evenings. It’s also home to some of the tallest, oldest trees in the area—a living link to Arlington’s sylvan past.
- Cardinal Elementary School: Located at the corner of N. Buchanan and 18th Streets, this beloved neighborhood school has educated generations of Tara children. Its strong PTA and community programs make it far more than a learning institution; it’s a neighborhood anchor.
- St. Ann Catholic Church: While not technically within Tara’s traditional boundaries, St. Ann’s, at the intersection of N. Harrison Street and Washington Boulevard, is intertwined with the fabric of Tara life—hosting community meetings, festivals, and outreach events for locals of all backgrounds.
Notable residential buildings include clusters of classic brick homes on 22nd Street North and a handful of “kit homes” from Sears, Roebuck & Co., which stand as reminders of the neighborhood’s midcentury origins.
Streets That Tell a Story
Wander through Tara’s gently curving streets—N. Kentucky Street, N. Lexington Street, N. Potomac Street—and you’ll notice a quiet consistency. Homes rarely tower over their neighbors; instead, long-established shade trees and tidy gardens hint at decades of careful stewardship. On Halloween, these streets come alive with costumed children, and during the holidays, dazzling light displays create a friendly rivalry among neighbors.
Heritage Preserved Through Evolution
Tara has never been frozen in time. Over the decades, additions and renovations have been woven into the original fabric without erasing its character. The Tara-Leeway Heights Civic Association works tirelessly to maintain this balance, organizing annual events like the spring yard sale, summer ice cream socials, and the much-loved Fourth of July parade.
In recent years, the neighborhood has embraced environmental initiatives—planting pollinator gardens, restoring native plantings in the park’s natural areas, and sponsoring green energy workshops for homeowners. This is Tara’s heritage in action: a respect for the past, mingled with a responsible vision for the future.
Tara Today: What Makes It Special?
- Community spirit: With block parties, babysitting co-ops, and neighborly porch conversations, Tara has the settled feel of a place where people truly look out for each other.
- Central location: Residents enjoy the easy access to I-66, the Ballston Metro, and nearby shopping in Westover and Lee-Harrison Center. Yet Tara always feels just removed enough for quiet evenings and morning jogs through leafy lanes.
- Timeless appeal: Whether you’ve lived here for decades or just moved in, there’s an immediate sense of welcome in Tara. Kids still ride bikes on sidewalks. Neighbors greet each other by name. The rhythm of community life feels just right.
In Closing: Tara’s Living Legacy
The Tara neighborhood is special not just because of its history, but because of the way that history is honored every day—by families planting new trees, updating homes with care, and gathering in parks that have shaded generations. The story of Tara isn’t just about bricks and mortar, but about the people who keep its spirit alive—past, present, and future. If you’re lucky enough to call Tara home, or even enjoy a stroll through its streets, you’re part of an Arlington story that continues to unfold, one neighborly wave at a time.