Situated alongside the banks of the Potomac River, Alexandria, VA, is a town steeped in historical past and grace, providing citizens a singular mix of city dwelling and small-town attraction. With its cobblestone streets, ancient structure, and colourful cultural scene, Alexandria has lengthy been a stupendous vacation spot for the ones making an allowance for a transfer to the Washington, DC, metropolitan house. 

But, similar to any town, Alexandria gifts its personal set of trade-offs that attainable citizens must in moderation weigh. On this Redfin article, we’ll dive into the professionals and cons of dwelling in Alexandria, offering precious insights for any person considering a brand new bankruptcy on this fascinating and ancient town. Whether or not you’re making plans to purchase a house in Alexandria or hire an rental within the town, this information will will let you make an educated determination about making this town your house.

Execs of dwelling in Alexandria, VA

1. Price of dwelling

Whilst the price of dwelling in Alexandria, VA, is 34% upper than the nationwide moderate, it’s nonetheless rather low in comparison to different towns of a an identical measurement, equivalent to Costa Mesa, CA. Housing prices, particularly, generally is a vital expense, with actual property costs neatly above the nationwide moderate, coming in at a median sale value of $570K, 35% upper than the US median sale value. Alternatively, town compensates with a robust task marketplace, aggressive wages, and an array of cultural facilities. 

Kayla Hornbrook, VP of group members of the family at Housing Alexandria, a non-profit reasonably priced housing developer, suggests exploring alongside Eisenhower Street between the Van Dorn and Eisenhower Metro stations.  “As well as, you’ll take a look at Housing Alexandria’s reasonably priced properties within the Seminary Hill group (building is starting in a while). It’s no secret that the Washington, DC, metro marketplace is without doubt one of the most costly within the country, however there are alternatives at many value issues in Alexandria. We’re proud to be a part of a community of nonprofits who love this town and are offering reasonably priced housing. A number of plans are in position to supply much more inventive and reasonably priced choices for families of each and every sort within the close to long run.” 

2. Tradition

“Alexandria is an inventive town that is aware of the way to construct a larger desk on the subject of welcoming rookies,” explains Kayla Hornbrook. “It may be laborious to wreck into group lifestyles in a large number of puts, on the other hand, this is merely no longer true of Alexandria. Possibly it’s because of DC’s affect, pulling in other folks from across the country and the sector, however while you arrive in Alexandria and fall in love with it, long-term citizens are overjoyed to seek out any other kindred spirit. After I first moved right here, I took a category on the Little Theater of Alexandria. Just about a decade later, I’m nonetheless doing theater with other folks I met in that very top quality.”

3. Nice neighborhoods

“Maximum guests to Alexandria normally keep in ancient Outdated The town – a local that locals love, too,” stocks Hornbrook. “The waterfront has develop into a gem of process, artwork, and group pleasure. However to truly get a really feel for what lifestyles in Alexandria is like you’ll’t skip Del Ray, a local with boutique retail outlets and native eating places that may make you wonder whether Gilmore Women is chargeable for copyright infringement. As a West Finish resident, I’m additionally biased about how nice it’s to are living over in this finish of city. I like to sip at the dog-friendly patio at Port Town Brewing, or swing via Cameron Café on my solution to Ben Brenman Park, one of the vital many parks in Alexandria. Don’t omit Makeda Ethiopian or Kung Fu Kitchen, both.”

“Outdated The town is one among my favourite neighborhoods within the ancient district of Alexandria,” stocks Alexandria Historical past Excursions, offering guided strolling excursions thru Outdated The town Alexandria. “Discover Alexandria’s fascinating heritage on a guided strolling excursion, tracing its roots as a pre-American Revolution port town and George Washington’s native land. Dive into historical past for an hour or two, then savor culinary delights at riverfront eating places or ancient King Boulevard warehouses. Don’t omit the oldest energetic farmers’ marketplace within the nation, open Saturdays from 7 a.m. to twelve p.m. at Marketplace Sq..”

“The most productive phase about Alexandria is the various neighborhoods you’ll in finding, each and every particular in their very own approach,” stocks Jack Troxell, Shift Manager at Junction Bakery, Bar & Bistro, providing breakfast, sandwiches, and inventive dinner fare. “Ancient Outdated The town is house to best eating places and boasts an exquisite riverfront view. Strolling the bustling King Boulevard strip from the towering Masonic Temple to the lovely riverfront is a must-do. With stunning parks, ancient cobblestone streets, ghost excursions, and family-owned staple eating places like Landini Brothers, there’s one thing to revel in for everybody. The artsy Del Ray group has one thing amusing taking place each and every weekend, Mount Vernon Street is at all times occupied via households, bikers, canine walkers, and foodies taking a look to benefit from the open air. Control the calendar to peer bar crawls or fairs taking place each and every weekend.” 

4. Handy location

When you’re taking a look to paintings and play in DC, dwelling in Alexandria gives a remarkably quick shuttle. With a large number of environment friendly transportation choices, the commute normally takes not more than twenty mins. 

The outstanding side of this closeness is that it grants Alexandria citizens get right of entry to to the entirety that DC has to supply, together with task alternatives, facilities, and nightlife, all whilst feeling like they’re dwelling in a wholly other global. “Alexandria is only some miles south of Washington, DC, however it feels love it’s an international away infrequently,” stocks Beth Lawton, the landlord of Made in ALX, a shop that includes distinctive pieces from artists, creators and makers who’re from Alexandria. “From quiet cobblestone streets to stunning ancient alleys and a few really nice motels, it truly has its personal id.”

“You might be just a quick ten-minute metro experience to the Nationwide Mall the place you’ll spend time traveling the monuments and hopping from museum to museum,” states Jack Troxell. “After taking within the distinctive Cherry Blossom Bushes or traveling the Capitol construction, take a look at one of the vital many eating places within the house, together with Junction’s Capitol Hill location. Any other nice process is taking the metro immediately to Capital One Enviornment positioned within the center of Chinatown to catch any match from concert events to epic wearing occasions. Make certain to take a look at Bardeco, a perfect bar positioned proper subsequent to the world, ahead of or after your match for excellent beverages and a fair higher environment.”

5. Public transportation

You’ll in finding Alexandria unusually handy to navigate. Town boasts a very good transit device, with a transit rating of 66, that means there are many close by choices. When you are living in Outdated The town, just about the entirety you want is only a quick walk away, making it an excellent selection for individuals who wish to keep away from over the top riding.

6. Walkability

Alexandria has a stroll rating of 99, that means the entirety you want is inside strolling distance. Maximum companies in Alexandria are concentrated inside a 2-mile radius, enabling you to hit the health club, run errands, and catch a film multi function time out. 

7. Issues to do

“All over your unfastened time, you’ll have lots to discover within the town of Alexandria,” states native transferring corporate, Zebna Movers. “You’ll talk over with the Civil Struggle monuments and Marketplace Sq. and recognize the fascinating structure of Outdated Alexandria and the close by pier. Any other distinctive factor to do in Alexandria is to or immerse your self within the inventive haven of the Torpedo Manufacturing facility—an artwork heart artfully transformed from a First International Struggle-era torpedo manufacturing facility. Right here, you’ll in finding artwork workshops, a lecture corridor, in addition to exhibition and live performance halls. Don’t omit to discover Huntley Meadows Park, the Outdated The town Embankment, and the awe-inspiring George Washington Masonic Nationwide Memorial.”

Zebna Movers additionally recommends attending town’s celebration on the second one Saturday of July, the place the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s live performance serves because the grand finale to the festivities. 

8. The fantastic meals scene

Alexandria boasts a thriving meals scene, that includes culinary delights starting from Wooboi Sizzling Hen to Caphe Banh Mi. You gained’t wish to trek to DC. for outstanding eating stories, despite the fact that the choice is surely there, because of the handy shuttle.

“Fried rooster is a scrumptious and iconic quintessential meals from Alexandria, VA,” explains Zebna Movers. “This Southern-style dish is a favourite within the town’s culinary scene. This can be a should take a look at for any person visiting the world and may be identified for its Southern genre dishes together with oysters, peanuts, fish fry, nation ham, blue crab, trout, apples and Brunswick stew.” 

“Alexandria’s Outdated The town North group, only some blocks north of King Boulevard, has a thriving meals scene,” says Beth Lawton of Made in ALX. “The rooftop at Hank’s Oyster Bar has a very simple, relaxed vibe for gorgeous evenings. The out of doors, increased patio on the renovated Jula’s at the Potomac has stunning perspectives of the Potomac River. The group additionally options a perfect native espresso store, Thai meals, sizzling rooster, a steakhouse and extra. Whilst you’re looking forward to a desk, swing via our retailer to browse amusing pieces made via Alexandria artists and creators.” 

Cons of dwelling in Alexandria, VA

1. Prime inhabitants density

In spite of its small measurement, Alexandria is densely populated, leading to heavy visitors and attainable congestion, particularly right through top vacationer seasons when guests flock to town. Moreover, Alexandria has received a name for difficult riding prerequisites, making highway protection the most important. What units this visitors aside is its unpredictability, making it tough to devise round. Cautious navigation is very important, as even essentially the most wary planners might in finding themselves stuck in surprising delays.

2. Hypersensitivity season 

Whilst Alexandria boasts ample herbal attractiveness and ancient attraction, it’s essential to notice that allergic reaction season in Virginia, as an entire, will also be relatively harsh. The area’s widespread heavy rainfall and excessive humidity too can make summers more difficult to bear in comparison to many different portions of the rustic.

3. Risk of flooding

Alexandria’s proximity to the Potomac River and its low elevation make it liable to flooding, particularly right through heavy rains. This underscores the significance of getting complete house insurance coverage in position, together with separate flood insurance coverage when you are living in a high-risk house or in case your home is in a flood zone. 

After all, whether or not you make a decision to make the transfer to Alexandria or no longer, it’s transparent that the advantages some distance outweigh the drawbacks when making this dynamic town your house.