Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Arlington, Virginia

Arlington County, Virginia occupies former land that was once ceded by the Commonwealth per the establishment of our Capital District of Columbia. Of course, the land was to be reclaimed by Virginia by an 1846 act of Congress. Naturally, Arlington, Virginia gas prices are set by its close proximity to Washington, D.C.

Today, as of August 3, 2009, Washington, D.C. gasoline readings average $2.619 per gallon, which nearly matches the U.S. Department of Energy national headline figure of $2.557.

Overall, United States prices at the pump are controlled by access to critical Gulf Coast crude oil reserves, neighboring refining capacity, and municipal tax policy. Northern Virginia does benefit from favorable gas tax legislation in comparison to the prevailing rates at D.C. and Maryland.

According to The Tax Foundation, Richmond taxes gasoline at 19.1 cents per gallon, which undercuts the Washington (20 cents per gallon) and Maryland levies (23.5 cents per gallon), just slightly. Arlington County benefits further from reduced population densities relative to DC that effectively quell demand and cap prices.

This guide will attack the cheap gas proposal from two separate vantage points. Our purpose is to locate true pockets of gasoline consumption value for D.C. motorists spanning the Potomac into Virginia strictly for cheap gas and for Virginia residents that refer to Arlington as home.

This article proves that the term "cheap" is a relative phrase, which translates into "less expensive than the next guy." Virginians will actually shun the very same "cheap" gas that D.C. natives click their heels to buy in Arlington as expensive fare.

We do recognize that gas prices will fluctuate wildly going forward. However, we are certain that particular patterns will stand the test of time. Today's cheap gas will continue to be less expensive into the future due to tax policy, geography, and population patterns.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Arlington, Virginia (Washington, D.C. residents)

DC motorists will cross the Key Bridge across the Potomac from Georgetown into Roslyn. The Key Bridge is tremendously more accommodating for Potomac River traffic flow than the harrowing I-395 / 14^th Street Bridge bottleneck. The Key Bridge also transitions onto U.S. 29 / Lee Highway, which is a viable corridor for cheap gas relative to Washington.

For example, the Georgetown Exxon is hawking expensive 87-octane fuel for $2.82 at 3607 M Street NW. Meanwhile, Shell and Exxon patrol Lee Highway at various points from Roslyn to Falls Church peddling regular gas for $2.55 - $2.60.

Still, prices plunge further deeper into Arlington County and Northern Virginia. VA 7 - Leesburg Pike / King Street is of particular importance for Arlington drivers looking to buy cheap gas.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Arlington, Virginia (Virginia Residents)

The Wilson Boulevard Hess is the most convenient gas station location in terms of price value and access to major roads in Arlington. Hess typically undersells the East Coast competition and moves regular unleaded at the corner of Wilson Boulevard and 10^th Street North for $2.53.

This Hess establishment is situated upon prime real estate to forge connections to I-66 and the Washington Boulevard / I-395 feeders.

Beyond Arlington, VA 7 skirts the perimeter of the county through Falls Church, 7 Corners, and Bailey's Crossroads. Route 7 is identified with Northern Virginia sprawl, yet said horizontal development is also a boon for cheap gas and prices will break the $2.50 floor heading west from Leesburg Pike.

Hillwood Mart (100 Hillwood Avenue), Exxon (6661 Arlington Boulevard), and Discount Tire and Gas (5919 Columbia Pike) are all moving low-priced regular gasoline west of VA 7 in Falls Church and Bailey's Crossroads. Arlington drivers will enter the area via VA 244 Columbia Pike or U.S. 50 Arlington Boulevard from Roslyn, Crystal City, and the Pentagon.

Exxon is posted up at the intersection of Route 50 / Arlington Boulevard and Annandale Road in Falls Church to reward smart motorists with cheap $2.49 unleaded gasoline.

Happy Trails.

Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Arlington, Virginia, Sources:

Kofi Bofah, Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Washington, D.C., http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1867159/where_to_buy_cheap_gas_in_washington.html?cat=27

Arlington County, Virginia, http://www.co.arlington.va.us/

Virginia Gas Prices, http://www.virginiagasprices.com/

Washington, D.C. Gas Prices, http://www.washingtondcgasprices.com/