Thinking about moving to Alexandria? Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, this DC suburb is one of America’s best cities thanks to its safe communities and friendly locals. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Alexandria!
Alexandria West
- Home Price: $215,805 median purchase price; $1,524 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 69% of Alexandria neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Along Alexandria’s northwest border lies Alexandria West, a quiet locale with tree-lined streets, gorgeous Ranch and Colonial-style homes, and open green spaces for outdoor recreation—like Chambliss Park and Dora Kelley Nature Park. In addition to the neighborhood’s multiple parks and playgrounds, families appreciate the presence of schools like William Ramsay Elementary School and John Adams Elementary School. Along with its calm atmosphere, Alexandria West provides a safe community, educational opportunities at Northern Virginia Community College – Alexandria Campus, and easy access to Washington, DC via I-395.
Things to Do in Alexandria West
Hike through 44 acres of woods, streams, and waterfalls, or enroll your kids in nature-themed summer camps at the Winkler Botanical Preserve. Get up close and personal with live animals, learn about science and natural history, or sign the kids up for a summer program at the Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center. Enjoy a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and pore over the art galleries at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Boost your physical health with personalized training sessions at Battle Fitness. Sample vibrant Latin American flavors with the Carne Asada, Sabrosas Fajitas, or Camarones a la Crema at La Terraza Bar & Grill. Grab a slice of a brick-oven signature pizza like Steak & Cheese, Quattro Carne, or Veggie Delight from Stone Hot Pizza. Dig into globally-inspired cuisine like the Mushroom & Goat Cheese Lasagna, Bison Burger, or Harissa Stir Fry on the patio at Finn & Porter. Dive into coastal Americana fare with a plate of Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, or Steak Frites from Clyde’s at Mark Center.
Eisenhower East
- Home Price: $433,850 median purchase price; $2,024 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of Alexandria neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
A fun, fast-paced neighborhood on the east side of Alexandria, Eisenhower East is a small but vibrant area filled with trendy apartments and condos. Home to the headquarters of The Motley Fool and multiple government agencies, Eisenhower East has a low unemployment rate of 0.9%—and its residents boast a much higher median household income than the rest of the city. This makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Alexandria for ambitious job seekers and young professionals. The area is also highly walkable, allowing residents to navigate the busy metro and tackle many of their errands on foot. Plus, Eisenhower East is bordered by major highways like US-1 and I-495 and has access to the Eisenhower Ave Metrorail, so getting to other areas of the city is a breeze!
Things to Do in Eisenhower East
Wander scenic wetlands, take in the public art installations, and pay your respects in the historic cemetery at African American Heritage Park (a satellite site of the Alexandria Black History Museum). See the accomplishments of more than 600 inventors whose innovations have shaped the world at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum. Let your dog make new friends and get some exercise in the fenced-in play area at Dog Run Park at Carlyle. Start your day with a hearty breakfast of Cream Chipped Beef on Toast, Corned Beef Hash, or a Garbage Omelette at Table Talk Restaurant. Feast on some of Alexandria’s best BBQ by ordering the Texas Trinity, Jumbo Pork Spareribs, or the Sweet Fire Sampler at Sweet Fire Donna’s. Dine on delicious seafood dishes like Caribbean Rockfish, Bourbon Shrimp N Grits, and Pacific Salmon while sipping on whiskey at Whiskey & Oyster. Enjoy live performances by local jazz artists while savoring Pasta Laporta, Chicken Envoltine, or the Seared Pork Schnitzel from Laporta’s Restaurant. Or try ciders like the Wingman, Comeback Kid, or En Fuego in the tasting room at Lost Boy Cider.
Landmark-Van Dorn
- Home Price: $238,656 median purchase price; $1,381 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Alexandria neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Landmark-Van Dorn is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Alexandria—and you won’t have to sacrifice amenities for the lower price! The neighborhood is peppered with fun things to do, including dog parks, green spaces, local restaurants, and international food markets and stores. Families in the area appreciate the proximity to excellent schools like Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School and Patrick Henry K-8 School. And while Landmark-Van Dorn lies on Alexandria’s western edge, it’s easy to get to just about anywhere in the city by hopping on I-495, I-395, or VA-236—all of which run through or around the neighborhood!
Things to Do in Landmark-Van Dorn
Take a leisurely stroll over footbridges and through beautiful trees, or make use of the sports fields and playgrounds at Ben Brenman Park. Thrill your children with a play date in the indoor play area at Scramble. Find fresh halal meat, international grocery items, and freshly-baked desserts at Afghan Market. Get climbing instruction, attend a climbing clinic or meetup, or enroll in a yoga class at Sportrock Climbing Center. Get some exercise with friends or as a family on the tennis courts, baseball fields, and jungle gym at Armistead Boothe Park. Try delicious Hispanic dishes like the Platano Quesadilla, Carne Deshilada, or Parrillada from Los Tios Grill. Savor cuisine from Northern Italy like Fettuccini Primavera, Spaghetti, and Veal Parmigiana at Fratelli Restaurant. Or sip signature craft cocktails like the Cosmic Charlie, Foxchase a Turkey, or Soggy Dollar Margarita while sharing an order of Bronx Knots with friends at City Kitchen.
Old Town North
- Home Price: $545,050 median purchase price; $940 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 25% of Alexandria neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, retirees
As the name implies, Old Town North is located just north of Old Town, which is a popular area for tourists. Old Town North, on the other hand, is a homey neighborhood that’s perfect for those wanting to live near the bustling downtown area while also maintaining a quieter, more peaceful life. The streets are lined with renovated rowhouses, cozy coffee shops, and locally-owned restaurants. Old Town North is also home to several large parks and provides boating opportunities in the Potomac River, which borders its eastern edge. While residents have quick access to all the things to do in Old Town—plus a 20-minute drive to Washington, DC—there’s plenty to do within the neighborhood itself, as well!
Things to Do in Old Town North
Go for a run, play on the athletic fields, or have a picnic by the water at riverside parks like Oronoco Bay Park, Rivergate City Park, and Tide Lock Park. Catch exciting live performances of off-Broadway productions, cabaret, spoken word poetry, and more on the river’s edge at MetroStage. Walk or drive over to Old Town to see artists creating paintings, photos, ceramics, jewelry, and other art in their studios at munitions-plant-turned-gallery and artist workspace, Torpedo Factory Art Center. Enjoy gorgeous waterfront views while enjoying seaside flavors like the New England Lobster Roll, Creole Shrimp Linguine, or Crab Cake Sandwich at Cafe 44. Wash down a plate of Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Jambalaya Penne, or a Bacon Jack-Jack Sandwich with a cold T.J. Stone’s Pilsner at T.J. Stone’s. Treat your tastebuds to contemporary Chinese cuisine like the Tea Egg Bao Bun, Garden Party Jiaozi Dumplings, or Braised Beef Lu Mixian Noodles at Yunnan By Potomac Noodle House. Try classic Thai options like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Drunken Noodles at Sisters Thai. Or pair a signature cocktail like Silencio is Golden with oysters from the raw bar or entrees like Pan Seared Halibut at Hank’s Oyster Bar.
Potomac West
- Home Price: $574,700 median purchase price; $1,645 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 44% of Alexandria neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for an active community that puts on some of the best events and festivals in Alexandria? Take a look at Potomac West, also called Del Ray! There’s always something to do in this Alexandria neighborhood—from exploring the eclectic shops, farmers markets, and eateries along Mt Vernon Ave, to attending Alexandria’s Art on the Avenue festival each October. As the home to top-rated schools like George Washington Middle School and Mount Vernon Community School, Potomac West is also a great place for families to live. And though it’s a big neighborhood with plenty to keep you busy, Potomac West also has great public transportation thanks to Capital Bikeshare and dozens of stops along the DASH bus system, allowing you to easily access even more things to do in Alexandria!
Things to Do in Potomac West
Join more than 50,000 visitors to enjoy the work of 300+ art vendors, local musicians, kids activities, and much more at the multicultural Art on the Avenue, a highly-rated local event. Sing along with up-and-coming jazz, country, R&B, and folk artists at one of Alexandria’s best concert venues, The Birchmere, which has been running for over 55 years. Peruse the wide selection of seasonal vegetables, international pastries, freshly-baked breads, and more each Saturday year-round at the Del Ray Farmers Market. Go for a bike ride or a casual stroll on the winding trails at Four Mile Run Park. Venture just outside Potomac West to learn more about American icon George Washington at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Savor the smoky flavors of wood-fired pizzas like the Chicken-Calabrese Ranch, Diavola, or Prosciutto & Arugula from Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap. See why many locals think Del Ray Cafe has the best brunch in Alexandria by ordering their Scottish Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Croque Monsieur, or Buttermilk Pancakes with Powdered Sugar. Order Steak Tacos and an Ardent Wheat beer for yourself and a Puppucino, Good Boy Dog Beer, or Fruit Barkfait for your four-legged friend during Yappy Hour at Barkhaus.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
