According to Virginia's auditor of public accounts, Arlington County last year collected and spent more money per resident than any other county in the state. Arlington collected $4,240 in local revenues per resident last year, and spent $4,209 per resident.

Where does the money go? Arlington spent more cash per resident than any other county on fire and rescue services, health services, parks, and cultural services. The county came in second in police and library expenditures.

"We've made choices to provide levels of social services that are different from many other jurisdictions because that is what our community has said they wanted," said Mark Schwartz, Arlington's director of management and finance.

Localities with lots of amenities and robust public service offerings are attractive to new residents, and help keep demand for housing steady. Steady demand can lead to higher property values in the long term.

Read more in The Washington Examiner....