Thinking about moving to Alexandria? Part of the Washington, DC metro, historic Alexandria has been ranked among the best cities to live in America. With its prime location along the Potomac River, stable job market, and rich history, here are 14 things to know about living in Alexandria!
Alexandria at a Glance
- Alexandria has a population of over 160,000 people and sits along the Potomac River about seven miles south of Washington, DC.
- Old Town Alexandria is one of the nation’s oldest and best-preserved historic districts, featuring cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and Colonial architecture.
- The Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former WWI and WWII-era naval munitions plant, now has the nation’s largest collection of publicly accessible working artists’ studios under one roof.
- Alexandria is home to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office headquarters, which also houses the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum.
- Alexandria is a highly dog-friendly community and has been designated a “Better City for Pets,” thanks to an abundance of dog parks, pet-friendly businesses, and more.
Plant Your Roots in Desirable ALX
Alexandria has an exceptionally high quality of life, which has led to long-term population growth that naturally impacts living expenses. The city is also full of beautiful, historic homes, which tend to come with increased maintenance costs. Despite this, Alexandria’s overall cost of living is still nearly 9% more affordable than neighboring Arlington and 8% more affordable than Washington, DC. Additionally, the city’s growing job market, significantly higher-than-average median household income, and property tax relief programs help mitigate the cost of real estate and home repairs.
Q: What is the biggest factor affecting the cost of living in Alexandria?
A: Housing is typically the largest expense for Alexandria residents. However, residents can still find affordable Alexandria neighborhoods like Alexandria West, Landmark-Van Dorn, Eisenhower East, and more.
Enter Alexandria’s Strong Job Market
Alexandria’s unemployment rate sits at 2.6%, which is lower than both the Virginia and national rates. As part of the Washington, DC metro area, Alexandria gives residents easy access to jobs across the region, especially in DC and nearby Arlington. There are also plenty of employment opportunities within the city itself. Many jobs in Alexandria involve federal agencies and professional associations—like the Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, and Water Environment Federation. Alexandria also has a large military presence and is within commuting distance of several bases like Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Joint Base Andrews, and Fort Belvoir. Job seekers can also take advantage of Alexandria’s growing tech sector and proximity to Amazon’s HQ2 in nearby Arlington, which is estimated to bring up to 25,000 jobs to the region.
Q: What are the major employers in Alexandria?
A: Alexandria’s economy has a strong federal presence, anchored by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the National Science Foundation. Several national nonprofits are also headquartered in Alexandria, including The Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide. Government contractors like Systems Planning & Analysis help round out the job market.
Get Around in Alexandria
Alexandria has a growing transit system and commuter access with connections to five Metro stations, multiple bus lines, water taxis, and bike shares. While many residents drive, there are several options for public transportation. Take the Metrobus or Metrorail, or catch a free ride on the DASH Bus or King Street Trolley. The City of Alexandria is a nationally recognized Bike Friendly Community, committed to making cycling a safe and convenient method of travel for residents to live, work, and play. The Capital Bikeshare program provides a fun and easy way to get around—and dockless scooters and eBikes are flexible, fast, and available across Old Town Alexandria.
Q: Is Alexandria a walkable city?
A: Alexandria is somewhat walkable, with a walk score of 62 out of 100. Certain neighborhoods, like Old Town and Southwest Quadrant, are highly walkable—making it easy for residents living in those areas to get to restaurants, shops, parks, and more on foot.
Enroll in Top-Tier Institutions
There are several excellent colleges, universities, and trade schools in Alexandria where you can further your education. Capitalize on Virginia’s growing tech market by earning a graduate degree at Virginia Tech’s Academic Building One, part of a university whose engineering and computer science programs have received several top-30 rankings. Study liberal arts, homeland security, criminology, and more in the top-ranking programs at Northern Virginia Community College. Take classes in business administration, accounting, and management at Strayer University. Get an education in health sciences, business administration, or information technology, and take advantage of military education assistance at Washington University of Science and Technology. Draft your career in architecture at the Virginia Tech Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center. Become an expert barber or esthetician through Spectrum Beauty Academy. Or explore master’s and doctoral programs in theology, religious studies, and more at the Virginia Theological Seminary, a school founded over 200 years ago!
Q: What schools are available in Alexandria?
A: In addition to a number of colleges and universities, the City of Alexandria is served by Alexandria City Public Schools, which includes one preschool, 12 elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Some addresses with an Alexandria mailing address sit outside city limits in Fairfax County and are served by Fairfax County Public Schools. The area also has a range of private K-12 options.
Experience All Four Seasons
Alexandria is a delightful place to live for anyone who enjoys all four seasons. The weather in Alexandria offers a bit of everything, with an average of 200 sunny days, over 40 inches of rain, and about 15 inches of snow annually. Winter in Alexandria is chilly, especially in January, when temperatures average a low of 27 degrees.
Q: When is the best time of year for weather in Alexandria?
A: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather in Alexandria. Late April through May and mid-September through October typically bring highs in the 60s and 70s. Early fall is also a great time to catch events like the Alexandria Art Festival in September and Alexandria’s Oktoberfest.
Build a Connection to Nature
The city’s 900+ acres of parks and trails, plus awesome views of the Potomac River, show why Alexandria is one of the best U.S. cities for outdoor recreation. Trek the 18-mile, multi-use Mount Vernon Trail on foot or rent a bike from a Capital Bikeshare station to see the vistas and green spaces between George Washington’s Mount Vernon home and Theodore Roosevelt Island. Go birdwatching at the Dora Kelley Nature Park, a 50-acre wildlife sanctuary tucked into the metro area. Spend a day with the whole family at Cameron Run Regional Park, where you can enjoy the Great Waves Waterpark, miniature golf, batting cages, picnicking areas, trails, and more. Or learn about 18th-century sea life on a reproduction of the first ship authorized in the Continental Navy when you visit the tall ship Providence.
Q: What is the best outdoor spot to visit in Alexandria, VA?
A: Alexandria has plenty of parks and green spaces, but Jones Point Park is a standout. Located on the Potomac River just south of Old Town, the park is home to the Jones Point Lighthouse. Built in 1855, it’s the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia.
Experience Old Town Alexandria
Pre-dating the Revolutionary War, Old Town Alexandria was the third neighborhood in America to be designated a historic district—making it a treasure trove of historical landmarks. Wander the picturesque block of Captain’s Row, and walk on 200-year-old cobblestones near the Potomac. Snap a few Instagram-worthy pictures of the quirky Spite House, which was built seven feet wide to spite people who loitered in the alley. See productions of classic plays like Sister Act and Something Rotten! at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. Hop on the King Street Trolley to shop around the local independent boutiques. Or get your seafood fix at Hummingbird by James Beard-Award nominee Chef Cathal Armstrong.
Q: What is Old Town Alexandria famous for?
A: Old Town Alexandria is famous for its well-preserved Colonial architecture and its ties to George Washington, who lived at nearby Mount Vernon and was an active member of the community. One of the best places to experience that history is Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, which dates back to the late 1700s and was visited by the likes of Washington, Jefferson, and Lafayette. You might even spot the ghost of the Female Stranger!
Take Your Dog Out on the Town
Considered one of the most pet-friendly places in the U.S. and certified as a Better Cities for Pets, Alexandria caters to dogs with restaurants, activities, shops, and parks that allow four-legged friends to join in on the fun! Walk around the loop or play fetch with your pooch at Fort Ward Park. Let your dog off the leash at fenced-in Simpson Stadium Dog Park. Take a sunset stroll through the 4.67-acre Founders Park, which has an open, unfenced area where your dog can roam. Sit on the back porch with your pet at Lost Dog Cafe and enjoy a Pit Bull Pie or Tiki Vibez Sour. Pick up a new chew toy, flashy collar, or gourmet treats at The Dog Park. Bring your four-legged friend to play on Frolick Dogs‘ gym and agility courses. Treat your dog to a luxury spa experience at VIP Pet Salon. Or celebrate your furry friend at Del Ray Dog Fest, an outdoor festival packed with tail-wagging fun.
Q: Can I take my dog to restaurants in Alexandria?
A: Many restaurants in Alexandria welcome dogs, and some even feature special “doggie menus.” Restaurants like Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hops N Shine have dog-friendly patios—and you can treat your pup to a special frozen treat from Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato or a wheat-free yogurt “puppy pop” at The Dairy Godmother.
Attend Alexandria Festivals & Events
There are a variety of celebrations and festivals in Alexandria throughout the year! Ring in the New Year with more than 150 live performances, food trucks, fireworks, and an annual scavenger hunt that awards prizes to children and adults at First Night Alexandria. Check out the four-week celebration of spring at the National Cherry Blossom Festival and enjoy great food, fun events, and spectacular views of the blooming trees. Snack on cupcakes provided by City Council members, witness a grand fireworks display at midnight, and enjoy live music from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra at the joint Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration. Try new foods and get special offers during Alexandria Restaurant Week. Head over to John Carlyle Square purchase handmade jewelry, woodcrafts, paintings, and more at the Alexandria Old Town Art Festival. Participate in a variety of Juneteenth events in Alexandria and support ALX’s Black-owned businesses. Or honor Alexandria’s Scottish heritage with pipe and drum bands, tartans, and delicious food at the annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.
Q: Does Alexandria host events during the holiday season?
A: Yes, the holidays in Alexandria are festive with well-known annual events. Feel the magic of the season with the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony, holiday markets, and more.
Explore the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Alexandria is home to the Torpedo Factory Art Center—the country’s largest collection of open art studios, which attract about 500,000 visitors every year. This art center was originally built as a munitions plant in 1918 that made and stored naval torpedos, but production was stopped in 1946 after the end of WWII. You can even see a Mark XIV torpedo on display in the main hall! In the 1970s, the Torpedo Factory was commissioned by The Art League to become a rentable art studio and has since expanded to become an artist’s haven in the Greater Washington, DC metro area. View exhibits based on the latest trends in Contemporary art in the Target Gallery. Check out the variety of dynamic ceramic creations at the Scope Gallery. Or boost your skills in drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, and more when you take classes at The Art League School.
Q: Can visitors meet the artists at the Torpedo Factory Art Center?
A: Yes, visitors can walk through the studios, watch artists create their work, ask questions about their process, and even purchase artwork directly from the artists.
Tour History Museums in ALX
Among its annual events and artistic cornerstones, Alexandria has an abundance of historical sites and museums! Step into the past at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, where you can see over 15,000 pharmaceutical artifacts dating back as early as the late 1700s. Foster a greater understanding of Black cultures at the Alexandria Black History Museum, which seeks to enrich the lives of Alexandria’s residents and highlight the contributions and experiences of Black Americans throughout history. Reserve tickets in advance to see the moving exhibits at the Freedom House Museum. Explore exhibits like Stories of U.S.: Collections Capture Our Story or enjoy public programs at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, built in 1838 to promote education. Check out Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, built in 1785, to take a tour and see where famous names like John Adams, James Maddison, and George Washington enjoyed drinks—or step next door to the 1792 City Hotel to dine at Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant or participate in the regular Tavern Games Night. Or tour the mansion, have lunch in the gardens, enroll your kids in Girl Scout programs, and more at Carlyle House Historic Park.
Q: Is there a map or museum passport for Alexandria museums?
A: Yes, the city’s historic museum guide maps out how to reach each museum by walking, biking, or public transit, and visitors who stop at all eight locations can earn a reward!
Have Family Fun in Alexandria
There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy in ALX! Let your kids run and explore at a European-style play center, Scramble. Dig into the past and study Alexandria’s rich archaeological heritage, including the Hayti community, at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Walk through the Old Town Farmers’ Market, where produce from George Washington’s Mount Vernon was once sold, to pick up fresh foods and homemade crafts from more than 70 vendors. Visit a family-owned nostalgic candy store with novelty gifts at Rocket Fizz. Play vintage arcade machines, claw machines, and pinball at Continues. Wander the exhibits, learn about the history of Freemasonry, enjoy an aerial view of Alexandria from the observation deck, and more at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Or take a short Metro ride or drive to catch games from nearby major league teams like the Washington Commanders (NFL), Washington Nationals (MLB), and Washington Capitals (NHL).
Q: What are some must-see attractions in Alexandria?
A: Historic King Street is a top attraction with its 20-block span of preserved architecture, shops, and restaurants. Other notable spots include the Carlyle House Historic Park, Christ Church, and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Just outside the city, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is also a must-see.
Sample ALX’s Culinary Classics
Food is an important part of any city’s culture, and Alexandria has no shortage of local favorites. Stop by Cafe du Soleil for a French breakfast of Cafe Au Lait, Beaucoup Sweet Crepe, and the Je Suis Unique (a delicious ham, egg, and cheese crepe). Enjoy Crispy Chicken & Cheesy Waffles with a Mimosa Bucket for brunch or tuck into a helping of Lobster Mac for dinner at Cheesetique. Walk off the beaten path and try Curry Chicken Salad, a Crab Cake Sandwich, or a French Bistro Burger at Fontaine Old Town. Order a Meatball Panini, Tuscan Salmon, or the Di Carne authentic Italian pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven at local favorite, Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap. Take in a stunning view of the Potomac over a Wood-Fired Bone-In Pork Chop, Coal-Roasted Mushrooms, and an Artisan Cheese Plate at Ada’s on the River. Head to Hank’s Oyster Bar for a plate of Broiled Hog Island-Style BBQ Oysters with a Caprese Salad and a Shrimp Po’boy. Try Fried Calamari with a Swordfish Skewer served over wild rice or sample The Wharf’s Famous All-Lump Crab Cakes at The Wharf in Old Town. Or savor old-fashioned ice cream like Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Pistachio, and Kahlua Chocolate Chip at Pop’s.
Q: Is Alexandria known for waterfront dining?
A: Yes, Alexandria’s Potomac River waterfront is lined with restaurants and bars like Ada’s on the River, BARCA Pier & Wine Bar, and Jula’s on the Potomac. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood, cocktails, and outdoor dining with scenic river views and historic surroundings.
Discover Nightlife in Alexandria
Living in Alexandria means you’re never far from a great night out! Don’t miss out on tastings, tours, trivia contests, BeerYoga, and other awesome events at Port City Brewing Company. Hear entertaining ghost stories and local legends on Alexandria’s Ghost & Graveyard Tours. Get tickets to see artists like Three Dog Night and Five for Fighting at The Birchmere, a top live music venue in Northern Virginia. Try experimental beers like Sea of Space, Chirp, and Master of Oranges at Aslin Beer Company. Stop by the Del Ray neighborhood for a small bite to eat, Southern-inspired cocktails, and live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Evening Star Cafe. Listen to live jazz and blues in the Basin Street Lounge, head down to the Bayou Room for a live DJ set, or enjoy a premium cigar in the Cigar Lounge at 219. Have a full night of live performances, pool, and shuffleboard over specialty cocktails at The Light Horse Restaurant & Bar. Head to one of Alexandria’s best nightlife spots to enjoy Irish food, music, and a Guinness on tap at Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant & Bar. Or stop by Murphy’s Irish Pub for more Emerald Isle entertainment and brews, and compete for prizes at their pub trivia contests.
Q: Are there dance clubs in Alexandria, VA?
A: You can find dancing in Alexandria, although its nightlife is better known for its lively bars, live music venues, and waterfront lounges than for large nightclubs. Visitors can find dancing at spots like the Bayou Room in Old Town, while those seeking a bigger club scene are just minutes away from Washington, DC.
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