Alexandria City Guide

Situated just six miles south from Washington D.C. on the western bank of the Potomac River, the energetic city of Alexandria Virginia is home to approximately 147,391 lucky residents. Why so lucky you ask? Alexandria has recently been voted the, "Third Best Arts Destination Among Mid-Size Cities" by AmericanStyle magazine for its unique combination of rich historic value and modern artistic flair. Alexandria was originally part of The District of Columbia, but since its rebellious return to Virginia in 1846, this spunky town has never looked back! But don’t let the cities breakup with Washington deceive you! Because who hasn’t had a difficult breakup? Most residents still make the short commute to the capital to do their patriotic duty by working in the federal civil service, for the U.S. military, or for one of the many private companies which provide services to the federal government. Alexandria’s unique colonial era style and rich cultural scene create a one of a kind atmosphere which attracts young professionals and art enthusiasts alike. Hold on; before you pack up your business suit and painting smock (or even a weird, post-modern mixture of the two) you may want to take a gander at some of Alexandria’s major districts to find the right location for you!

So…Where to?

Old Town

By the implications of its name, you’re probably thinking to yourself something along the lines of, “Wait. Isn’t Old Town the name of the senior center where we put Nana last fall? Does this mean that there will be unlimited tapioca pudding and Bingo every Thursday there? ” Wrong! Old Town is actually Alexandria’s famous historic district. Old Town sits on the banks of the Potomac River and includes all the blocks lining King Street. It was a prime location for trade and travel back in its colonial days, and its cobblestone streets are lined with plentiful shops, art galleries, restaurants, and historic town homes. In the spirit of education, The King Street Trolley offers free (yes, FREE!) transportation to Old Town’s antique shops and attractions. Because it’s a heavily toured area, real estate is often pricey throughout Old Town. However, many residents believe that you can’t put a price on strolling down the same streets that were once home to American heroes like George Washington and Robert E. Lee.

Del Ray

If you happen to have a paralyzing fear of tourists, (that's a real phobia, by the way) then Del Ray maybe the perfect home for you! Located in the Northwestern portion of Alexandria, Del Ray is a popular residential neighborhood. This tourist-free area includes main shopping and dining hubs like Mt. Vernon Avenue where residents can enjoy modern art cafes and commercial shopping. Del Ray might lack some of the ambiance of Old Town, but that doesn’t mean that the real estate isn’t in high demand. Many families live in Del Ray and the region is particularly known for their craftsman style bungalows.

West End

If you’re looking to experience the art and culture of the world without having to backpack across Europe or break your budget, then look no further than Alexandria’s West End! The West end is a smash-bang fusion of world art and culture. Sometimes referred to as “Landmark” because of its proximity to The Landmark Mall, The West End is primarily made up of reasonably priced large apartment complexes and high-rise condominiums. Countless art festivals, cultural celebrations, ethnic stores and restaurants can be experienced by West Enders on Duke Street year round. If you’re a strictly business kinda gal/guy who’s looking for a quick commute to D.C. then you may fancy the West End, as well! It is conveniently placed alongside I-395 which provides easy access to our nation’s capital.

Transportation

Alexandria residents get around town in a variety of ways. Some locals, especially those located in suburban areas own cars to navigate the lively twists and turns of the city. However, many Alexandrians who work for the government rely on the Metro Train to shuttle them in and out of the city. Public transportation is also offered within the city of Alexandria so residents without cars still have access to adequate transportation.

Now what?

Because Alexandria is such a popular city, constantly performing a balancing act between preserving its history and modernizing, housing arrangements are in high demand. In fact, Alexandria’s proximity to the capital has boosted its cost of living to nearly 51% higher than the rest of the countries. Even though some of the pads in prime locations may seem steep, finding a reasonably priced home with an incredible atmosphere is definitely possible. So what are you waiting for? Experience Alexandria today!