Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA REAL ESTATE

Romantic city with great amenities founded in 1749.

Alexandria, Virginia is located south of Washington, D.C. on the west bank of the Potomac River. Many homes for sale in Alexandria are in proximity to cobblestone streets lined with pristine 18th and 19th century buildings, this enchanting community was named among the top five small cities in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler. Old Town Alexandria is one of the nation’s most romantic districts, full of boutique shops, chic restaurants, and charming historic architecture. Other Alexandria locations include Del Ray (a popular neighborhood with a classic small-town vibe), the modern waterfront development of Potomac Yard, and peaceful suburban communities such as Kingstowne and Licolnia.

The real estate in Alexandria includes grand properties dating back to the 1700s, with tasteful and masterfully executed renovations and updates being carried out in the centuries since these were first constructed. There are also lavish contemporary custom builds and elegant modern townhomes and condominiums.

What to Love

• Romantic Old Town
• Excellent restaurants
• Close to Washington, D.C.
• Historic homes

People & Lifestyle

Alexandria is just 15 minutes outside Washington, D.C., and many residents commute via car, metro, or bicycle. Amazon recently announced they would be building new headquarters in Crystal City, spurring news that a south entrance of the future Potomac Yard metro station will be included in the city’s plans. People can also take a water taxi to nearby places like Georgetown and sights like The Warfighters.

This is a diverse city with people finding each distinct area appealing for different reasons. Old Town and Del Ray are walkable neighborhoods with a huge amount to see and do. Other areas have an inviting, family-focused suburban vibe.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Old Town’s King Street Mile is home to dozens of boutique shops and restaurants. Highlights include French cuisine prepared by a husband-and-wife chef duo at Bastille, upscale Belgian dishes at BRABO, creative farm-to-table fare at Vermilion, Southern immersion eats at Magnolia’s on King, handmade pasta at Hank’s Pasta Bar, and an outstanding five-course Japanese tasting menu at Nasime. Waterfront restaurants along the Potomac combine delectable seafood with exceptional views. Dine on clambakes and crab boils at Hummingbird, low country raw seafood and steamer pails at Vola’s Dockside Grill, and freshly shucked oysters at Blackwall Hitch. There are more great restaurants in Del Ray, dubbed the place “Where Main Street Still Exists.” These include inspired takes on Southern cuisine at Live Oak and artful dishes drawing on diverse international tastes at The Reserve.

Things to Do

Founded in 1749, Alexandria is one of the D.C. area’s most historic communities. A stroll through Old Town will transport you through Alexandria’s rich heritage, taking in historic properties such as the Georgian mansion and gardens at Carlyle House Historic Park and the fascinating exhibits and 18th century fine dining of Gadsby’s Tavern--once a favored meeting place of the founding fathers. Eight miles south of Old Town, George Washington’s grand Mount Vernon residence is one of the nation’s most-visited historic attractions.

The 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail follows the Potomac and takes in fantastic D.C. views. River cruises launch from Alexandria and provide a relaxing way to take in the iconic scenery of the capital. Alexandria is also home to the nation’s oldest farmers’ market, held each Saturday morning since 1753.

Schools

Local schools are operated by the Alexandria City Public School District. Options include:

• Lyles-Crouch Elementary, Public, Magnet, PK-5
• Maury Elementary, Public, PK-5
• Francis C. Hammond Middle, Public, 6-8
• T.C. Williams High, Public, 9-12