By Melina Wikoff<\/strong><\/p>\n Except for a handful of years when I was away at college and a short stint with my husband\u2019s first job, I\u2019ve lived in Arlington since 1985.\u00a0<\/p>\n First, I lived on the north side of Arlington, where I went to Nichols Junior High and graduated from Lamar High School. I later returned with my young family. Then, we moved to south Arlington for 25 years, where we raised our two daughters.\u00a0<\/p>\n I have so many wonderful memories from both areas. I got to witness the growth of both as new parks, pools and adventures were introduced over the years. It\u2019s amazing how much there is to do and see here! And, of course, I can\u2019t forget the many friends we\u2019ve made along the way.<\/p>\n Two years ago, as empty nesters, we moved to downtown Arlington. It was an unexpected twist of fate that we found ourselves in a home near the new business that my best friend and I built together, The Mosaic Market.\u00a0<\/p>\n Being in downtown as a new business owner is an exhilarating ride. I have become engaged with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, especially through the support of the Women\u2019s Alliance. From a chamber networking group, I learned about the group Women Inspiring Philanthropy of Arlington.<\/p>\n It\u2019s an interesting experience to make new friends at the age of 56, even though I\u2019ve lived in the same city we\u2019ve been in for ages.\u00a0<\/p>\n Working and living downtown is like we\u2019ve been introduced to a whole new world! Where once our lives revolved around raising kids \u2014 their school and after-school activities, church life and everything in between \u2014 my husband, Mark, and I have found new purpose as we engage in creative endeavors that were once \u201csomeday, maybe\u201d dreams.<\/p>\n Melina Wikoff has lived in Arlington since 1985. She currently lives in downtown Arlington with her husband, Mark. She is also a co-owner of The Mosaic Market, a local art consignment business.<\/p>\n \nDowntown Arlington\n<\/p>\n Total population<\/strong>: 22,752 Age<\/strong>
Male: 51% | Female: 49%<\/p>\n
0-9: 13%
10-19: 11%
20-29: 22%
30-39: 17%
40-49: 14%
50-59: 11%
60-69: 6%
70-79: 5%
80 and older: 1%<\/p>\n