10 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Alexandria, VA

If you’re considering making Alexandria, VA, your home, you’re not alone. This historic city in northern Virginia is a popular choice for many reasons, from its convenient location in the DC metro to its wide variety of amenities. But with so many great neighborhoods to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start your search. Here’s a look at some of the best places to live in Alexandria, VA:

Old Town

This charming neighborhood is the perfect place to experience all Alexandria offers. From its charming cobblestone streets and quaint shops to its waterfront restaurants and lively nightlife, Old Town has something for everyone.

As its name suggests, Old Town is one of Alexandria’s oldest parts. Centuries-old buildings and museums attract tourists interested in learning about our nation’s earliest days. Truly, this is a neighborhood with character. The local farmer’s market has been in business for over 250 years. Riverfront cafes and restaurants blend ambiance with delicious food.

Living in this iconic neighborhood, residents are a short walk or drive from all of the city’s major attractions. Expect many historic real estate in Old Town, with options ranging from condominiums to single-family homes. Prices are in a wide range, from $449,000 to $2.7 million in August 2022.

Hayfield Farm

This peaceful neighborhood is in the southern part of Alexandria, making it an excellent choice for those who want to be close to Washington D.C. but still enjoy some measure of peace and quiet.

Hayfield Farm was developed in the 1960s as a suburban-style community of 700 homes. The average lot size here is almost one acre, giving residents plenty of space to spread out. Homes in this neighborhood are mostly single-family detached homes, perfect for families or those who appreciate a little extra privacy. Architectural styles vary between colonial, rambler, and spilt-home styles.

Despite its suburban feel, Hayfield Farm is a short drive from all the shopping and dining options on Alexandria’s King Street corridor and the Hayfield Shopping Center.

Hayfield Farm has an active community organization that hosts events during the year. Prices in this neighborhood were around $700,000 in September 2022.

West End

The West End neighborhood is under development and aims to be one of the most popular places to live on the western edge of Alexandria. It’s centrally located, making it easy to get around town. Developers have robust planned amenities like parks, restaurants, and shops.

The West End is a great choice for anyone who wants to be close to entertainment and dining. The community has a thriving international dining scene and a craft brewery. It’s near some of Alexandria’s best public schools, including T.C. Williams High School, and several parks and recreation areas like Ben Brenman Park and All Veterans Park. The Mount Vernon Trail, which runs along the Potomac River, is also nearby, making it easy to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Virginia metro scenery.

Housing options in this walkable neighborhood include single-family homes, historic row houses, condominiums, and apartments.

Del Ray

This quaint and funky community is located north and west of Old Town. The community motto is “Where Main Street Still Exists.” Mount Vernon Avenue is lined with locally-owned shops, restaurants, and cafes, giving the area an indie feel and artistic ambiance. The Saturday morning farmer’s market is also a popular gathering place for residents.

Art on the Avenue is one of many signature events that make Del Ray feel artsy and creative. One popular event, “First Thursday,” brings in people from all around Alexandria and the metro. The street fair is a great way to experience the local culture.

Housing options in Del Ray include single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and apartments. Prices ranged from $215,000 to $1.8 million in August 2022. With 29 homes on the market, the average home price was $895,000.

Landmark

This neighborhood is in the western part of Alexandria and has the nickname “Condo Canyon.” Landmark is convenient to I-395 for commuters and to the Van Corn Street metro stop for those getting around without a car. The Mount Vernon Trail runs through the neighborhood, allowing residents to enjoy the outdoors and cycle to locations beyond.

Landmark is also home to several community events, like the Fourth of July celebration and the Landmark Music Festival. With its convenient location and ample amenities, Landmark is a great choice for those who want to live in Alexandria with a maintenance-free home or more affordable price point.

Housing options are predominantly condominiums with some single-family, townhouses, and apartment options. Most were built in the 1960s, with some construction as late as the 2000s. Landmark-Van Dorn is seen as one of the more affordable areas in Alexandria. Prices ranged from $240,000 to $699,900 in August 2022. The median price was $415,000.

Rosemont

This neighborhood is west of Old Town Alexandria and is known for its quiet, suburban feel. Rosemont is convenient to I-495 for commuters and is walkable to two metro stops, Braddock Road and King Street Metro, making it easy to get around town.

Rosemont provides a more residential area but is still close to essential stores and recreation choices. The community has several parks, recreation areas, and an award-winning public library.

Housing options in Rosemont include single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Find colonial-style houses and bungalows nestled along tree-lined, charming streets. Prices ranged from $550,000 to $1.2 million in September 2022. With six homes on the market, the median price was $819,900.

Kingstowne

For urban living, Kingstowne has over 5,000 single-family homes and apartments in a well-planned 1,200-acre community. Kingstowne is close to major highways like I-495 and I-95 for commuters and has several public transportation options, including theVan Dorn Street Metro and bus service.

Kingstowne’s residents can use two outdoor swimming pools, two fitness centers, an aerobics studio, and volleyball and tennis courts. Walking and jogging enthusiasts will appreciate the many miles of picturesque footpaths throughout the region. Kingstowne Towne Center offers dining, shopping, entertainment options, and professional services close at hand.

Housing options are predominantly single-family homes and charming townhomes with some modern condos. There is an owner’s association with more information. In September 2022, the median price was $615,950 with 50 homes on the market.

Cameron Station

This planned community was built in the late 1990s on a former US Army post. Many streets bear the names of famous persons from its time as a base.

Cameron Station has its own amenities, including a recreation center, swimming pool, fitness center, and clubhouse. The community is also close to some parks and green spaces, including Ben Brenman Park and Four Mile Run Park.

Cameron Station is convenient to I-395 for commuters and is also served by DASH buses. The Van Dorn St Metro stop is nearby.

Housing options are predominantly townhouses and single-family homes on tree-lined streets, with some apartments. The developers designed the housing with styles from the 1700s and 1800s in mind but with modern amenities. Prices in Cameron Station ranged from affordable options at $349,000 to more upscale real estate costing $997,000 in August 2022. The median price was $769,900.

Potomac West

Once the town of Potomac, this residential neighborhood was incorporated into the city decades ago and is north of Old Town Alexandria. Residents are bordered by the George Washington Parkway and the Potomac River. The community is convenient to I-495 for commuters. It has many public transportation options, including the Braddock Road and King Street Metro stops.

Potomac West is home to Four Mile Run Park, which is adjacent to the namesake creek. Several other pocket parks and recreation areas are spaced throughout the community, including the Mt. Jefferson Greenway.

Some of the things that residents love about living in Potomac West include its proximity to restaurants and grocery stores, dog-friendly atmosphere, well-lit streets, and overall sense of safety. Residents enjoy the unique shops, farmers’ markets, and restaurants along Mt Vernon Avenue – not to mention that it is home to some of the best events and festivals in the city! For families, the area includes schooling options like Mount Vernon Community School, Grace Episcopal School, and the Potomac Classical Conservatory of Alexandria

Housing options are predominantly single-family homes, with ample townhouses and apartments in between. Prices ranged from $550,000 to $2.2 million in August 2022. The median price was $919,900.

Carlyle-Eisenhower

With many businesses and industries, Carlyle shouldn’t be looked over as a place to live. Carlyle is served by the King Street and Eisenhower Avenue Metro stops. Residents are conveniently located on I-495 with quick access to neighboring areas near the city center, like Eisenhower East.

The community is walkable to many nearby parks, including Waterfront Park, which offers stunning views of the Potomac River. Carlyle is also home to the US Patent and Trademark Office and the US Department of Transportation.

Housing options are predominantly single-family homes and townhouses, with some apartments. Prices of real estate options ranged from $549,000 to $1.9 million in August 2022. The median purchase price was $869,900.

Fort Hunt

George Washington owned the River Farm plantation, which included the land where the Fort Hunt neighborhood now stands. The neighborhood’s name is derived from Fort Hunt, a national park established in 1897.

This neighborhood is bordered by the George Washington Parkway and the Potomac River. Fort Hunt is convenient to I-495 and is served by the Huntington Metro stop.

Fort Hunt Park and Belle Haven Park provide trails for walking, hiking, and biking. Picnic facilities and river access are available, too.

Many homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s, with close-knit single-family homes. Prices ranged from $499,000 to $1.6 million in August 2022. The average price was $819,900.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Neighborhoods in Alexandria, Virginia

Is Alexandria, VA, a good place to retire?

If you’re looking for a place to spend your golden years in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Metro Area, Alexandria, VA, might be a good fit. The city offers a high quality of life with its historic charm, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to Washington, D.C. Retirees can enjoy visiting museums historical sites, and many community events.

Alexandria, VA, offers excellent healthcare access as well, with local top-rated facilities such as Kaiser Permanente Alexandria Medical Center and top-rated hospitals like Inova Fairfax Hospital and George Washington University Hospital nearby. The city’s efficient public transportation system, including the Metrorail, ensures easy navigation of the area and access to nearby attractions without the obligation of owning a car.

Now, consider that all of this comes with a price. The cost of living and taxes in Alexandria are higher than in other parts of Virginia; the city’s amenities, safety, and community engagement opportunities make it a compelling choice for retirees. Moreover, Virginia offers significant tax benefits for retirees, including exemptions on social security benefits and deductions on retirement income.

Is Alexandria, VA, family-friendly?

While Niche.com named Alexandria the 10th best city for young professionals in America due to its modern amenities and attractive location, Alexandria is also a prime location for active families in Northern Virginia. Offering numerous neighborhoods that cater to families with children, Alexandria provides modern conveniences and quality of life.

The city boasts excellent public and private schools, diverse recreational activities, and a strong sense of community. Some of the top family-friendly neighborhoods include Old Town, known for its historic charm and walkable streets; North Ridge, offering spacious homes and suburban appeal; Potomac West, which consists of the vibrant Del Ray area with its community events and family-oriented amenities; and Monticello Park, featuring quiet streets and a close-knit community feel.

The area’s excellent educational institutions and perfect neighborhoods for families provide a welcoming environment for families looking to settle down. With a rich blend of cultural activities, parks, and recreational facilities, Alexandria provides a well-rounded lifestyle that supports a high quality of life for families.​

Can you live in Alexandria without a car?

Potential relocators will find it easy to live in the charming city of Alexandria, VA, without a car, as the city offers excellent public transportation options and several highly walkable neighborhoods.

Potomac Yard is one of the most walkable areas, with a well-planned urban design that includes pedestrian-friendly streets, parks, and easy access to shopping and dining. The Potomac Yard-VT Metrorail Station further enhances connectivity in this riverside neighborhood.

Seminary Hill offers a blend of walkability and public transport access, with bus routes and nearby amenities making it convenient for residents to get around. North Ridge provides a more residential feel but is still accessible to essential services and public transit options.

Crystal City, just adjacent to Alexandria, is another highly walkable area known for its high-rise apartments, shopping centers, and direct access to the Metro, making it easy to navigate without a car. Lastly, Monticello Park offers a quieter, suburban charm with a network of walking paths and proximity to local parks, making it possible to enjoy a car-free lifestyle.

What landmarks are close to Alexandria, VA?

Alexandria, VA, boasts a rich blend of history and modern attractions, offering numerous historical landmarks that showcase its historic charm. Notable nearby landmarks include George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the estate of the first U.S. President, located just a short drive away.

The Old Town Alexandria area is renowned for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic waterfront providing a picturesque setting rich with history.

The Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is another significant landmark, offering insights into the Civil War era with its well-preserved fortifications and museum exhibits. Additionally, Christ Church, where George Washington worshipped, and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, a historic tavern and hotel dating back to the late 1700s, are key highlights that attract history enthusiasts.

These sites and many others contribute to Alexandria’s reputation as a city steeped in historical charm, making it a must-visit for those interested in America’s past.

What are common real estate options in the Alexandra, VA neighborhoods?

Alexandria, VA, offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each providing various real estate options to suit different preferences and budgets. The real estate market here includes everything from high-rise apartments in bustling areas to townhome developments in quieter, suburban settings.

Townhome developments are particularly popular, with new-construction townhomes offering modern amenities and contemporary living options. For those seeking a more urban lifestyle, high-rise apartments and apartment complexes provide convenient, low-maintenance living, often in prime locations close to public transportation and city amenities.

Affordable condos are available throughout Alexandria, appealing to first-time buyers and those looking for cost-effective housing options. The city also features single-family homes, offering suburban charm in neighborhoods that blend historic and modern elements. These homes range from historic properties in Old Town to newer developments in the West End, catering to various lifestyle needs.

Is Alexandria, VA, a good place to invest in Virginia real estate?

For those interested in real estate investment opportunities, Alexandria presents a fast-moving market with dwellings that cater to both short-term rental opportunities and long-term growth potential.

Experienced investors often find value in the area’s mix of historic homes, new developments, and the steady demand driven by Alexandria’s proximity to Washington, D.C.

Overall, Alexandria’s blend of housing options, outdoor activities, modern-day amenities, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse neighborhoods makes it an attractive choice for a wide range of buyers and renters.

Living in Alexandria

Alexandria is one of the best places to live in the DC metro, whether you want to commute to the capital or not. Locally, it has no shortage of things to do, from historic museums to many parks and greenways. No matter your budget or preferences, you’re sure to find a neighborhood perfect for you in Alexandria.

Whatever you’re looking for, Alexandria has something to offer. Come see why it’s one of Virginia’s best places to live!