Northern Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia
Independent city
Colonial waterfront, Metro access and Old Town charm
Alexandria is an independent city on the Potomac River about seven miles south of Washington, DC. Cobblestone streets in Old Town, a working waterfront and quick Metro rides into the capital make it one of the region's most visited and most expensive places to live.
History & Local Character
Founded in 1749 as a tobacco inspection port, Alexandria was George Washington's hometown and a busy colonial trading center before the District of Columbia was carved out beside it.
Housing & Real Estate
Old Town rowhouses, Del Ray bungalows and high-rise condos along the Metro corridor cover a wide price range, though entry costs run well above the national average.
Restaurants & Shopping
King Street is packed with seafood houses, small bistros and taverns in 18th-century buildings, while Del Ray favors neighborhood bakeries, coffee shops and casual dinner spots.
Schools & Education
Alexandria City Public Schools serves the whole city, and the division is known for its two high schools, T.C. Williams (now Alexandria City High School) and Minnie Howard.
Parks & Recreation
Founders Park and Oronoco Bay Park line the river, Jones Point Park sits under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and Cameron Run Regional Park adds a wave pool and mini golf.
Transportation & Accessibility
Metrorail's Blue and Yellow lines, VRE, Amtrak and I-495 serve the city, with Reagan National Airport minutes away across the river.
Local Businesses
Waterfront restaurantsIndependent bookshopsBike and kayak outfittersFamily-owned delis
No businesses are listed in Alexandria yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Old Town Waterfront
- Torpedo Factory Art Center
- Mount Vernon
- Carlyle House
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Walkable historic core
- Fast commute to DC
- Strong dining and riverfront parks
Considerations
- High housing costs
- Traffic on the Beltway and Route 1
- Competitive housing market
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria part of Fairfax County?
No. Alexandria is an independent city. It borders Fairfax County but has its own government, schools and services.