The Guide to Living in Alexandria, Virginia
Just moments from the Nation’s Capital, a historic port city with unmatched charm
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
The History of Alexandria, Virginia
Established in 1749, Alexandria, Virginia is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most iconic destinations.
Serving as one of the primary seaports of Northern Virginia during the colonial period, Alexandria, Virginia soon became one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s most prosperous and well-heeled communities. Featuring cobblestone streets and an abundance of period mansions, town houses, and commercial buildings, Alexandria, Virginia’s architectural character and quality are perhaps best expressed in its historic Old Town.
Among the finest historic districts in the United States, Old Town, Alexandria offers an impressive array of 18th and 19th century urban architecture, particularly along Prince Street, King Street, and Washington Street.
Just beyond Alexandria, Virginia’s Old Town, at the terminus of the historic George Washington Parkway, likes the legendary Mount Vernon estate. The home of George Washington, the first president of the United States, Mount Vernon stands as one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most important historical landmarks.
Like the many of the communities that comprise the greater Washington Metropolitan Area, Alexandria, Virginia is home to many professionals working in the federal civil service, government contractors, or the U.S. military.
River View of Alexandria, Virginia. Image courtesy of Allen Russ.
THE HOMES COLLECTION
River View
A spectacular custom residence on the banks of the Potomac River
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
“Just moments from the Nation’s Capital, Alexandria, Virginia offers an unbeatable blend of historic charm and modern conveniences.”
Camusrory of Woodstock, Virginia. Image courtesy of Nathan Webb.
THE ART OF LIVING
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ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions about life in Alexandria, Virginia, including the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and more.
IS ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?
Alexandria, Maryland is one of the most desirable towns in the Mid-Atlantic. Located just moments from downtown Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia offers a vibrant walkable environment in its historic Old Town as well as a variety of housing options, including historic town homes and new luxury condominiums.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA AND ALEXANDRIA?
The City of Alexandria is an independent city located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Known most commonly as Old Town, the City of Alexandria operates its own school district and levies its own city taxes. Adjacent to the City of Alexandria lies the greater Alexandria, Virginia area, which is technically a separate jurisdiction from the City of Alexandria and feeds to the larger Fairfax County Public Schools system.
IS ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA A BIG CITY?
With a population of over 150,000 residents, the City of Alexandria, Virginia is one of the biggest in the Mid-Atlantic.
HOW FAR IS ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA TO WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Alexandria, Virginia is roughly ten miles from downtown Washington, D.C., and features an abundance of options for both private and public transportation.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA?
Alexandria, Virginia has many fantastic neighborhoods. Perhaps the most popular neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia is its historic Old Town, which is regarded for its walkability and historic charm in the center of the City of Alexandria. The charming Del Ray neighborhood offers a variety of charming single family homes and local retail. Further south, outside of the City of Alexandria along the George Washington Parkway towards the historic Mount Vernon estate, the communities of Belle Haven and Fort Hunt offer a more classic suburban experience. Hollin Hills, a historic district, offers charming mid-century modern homes designed by noted modern architect Charles Goodman.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA?
The median sale price for a single family home in the City of Alexandria, Virginia is $590,000, which is about twice the national average of $308,980. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in Alexandria, Virginia presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA?
Alexandria, Virginia has several fantastic restaurants, many of which are easily accessible from Alexandria’s historic Old Town. On South Union Street, Virtue Feed & Grain offers inspired American cuisine in a revamped 18th century granary. For a more historic feel, Gadsby’s Tavern has been serving fine dining on North Royal Street since 1770. For authentic Italian, try family-owned Landini Brothers and Thompson Italian. The Study at Morrison House offers refined American style cuisine in a boutique hotel setting. And on historic King Street, King & Rye offers contemporary southern cuisine with elevated cocktails.
WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA?
Property taxes for the City of Alexandria are $1.11 per $100 of assessed value for tax year 2024.
THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY
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Ashton Heights Bungalow of Arlington, Virginia. Image courtesy of Stacy Zarin Goldberg.
Westwod of Vienna, Virginia. Image courtesy of Erik Kvalsvig.
Reverie Farm of Round Hill, Virginia. Image courtesy of KM Digital.
THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY
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