Moving to Alexandria? Not only is this Virginia city one of the best U.S. cities for outdoor recreation, but it’s also part of the Washington, DC metro area and filled with great places for families to settle down. Here are the five best neighborhoods in Alexandria for families!
North Ridge-Rosemont
Photo via @thegoodhartgroup
- Home Price: $695,870 median home price; $1,526 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 92% of Alexandria neighborhoods
Looking to move your family to one of the safest neighborhoods in Alexandria? North Ridge-Rosemont is the place for you! Originally planned as a streetcar suburb in the early 20th century, this historic neighborhood is highly walkable and close to other popular neighborhoods like Del Ray and Old Town. In addition, you can find a wide range of housing options from small bungalows to Colonial Revival houses, as well as great schools like George Mason Elementary School and Blessed Sacrament School.
Things to Do in North Ridge-Rosemont
Attend Alexandria’s oldest 4th of July celebration, hosted by the Rosemont Citizens’ Association. Enjoy a day of hiking through Chinquapin Park & Forest Park. Help the kids decorate their bikes for a parade down Old Dominion Boulevard to celebrate Wheel Day. Spend an afternoon biking the trails or watching birds at Monticello Park. Sign up for summer camp or see a show at Arts on the Horizon. Play tennis, basketball, and other sports on the fields at George Mason Park. Check out Fairlington Pizza, where you can indulge in New York-style pizza or a Ham & Cheese Hoagie. Try the Bourbon Chicken Brioche, Jack Pork Chops, or Penne with Chicken at Ramparts Tavern & Grill. Or order a Charcuterie Board and Homemade Quiche at Grape & Bean.
Old Town
Photo via @tsghuntcountry
- Home Price: $823,560 median home price; $1,774 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 19% of Alexandria neighborhoods
Located on the banks of the Potomac, Old Town is a beautiful historic district full of restored Colonial rowhouses on quaint brick sidewalks and top-rated schools like Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School and Old Town Montessori School. Old Town is a magnet for holiday festivities as well, hosting both an annual Christmas Walk Weekend and Holiday Boat Parade. But the holidays aren’t the only time you can find fun events in Old Town! Families can check out the local museums, visit the oldest farmers market in the country, or give back to the community on Family Volunteer Day.
Things to Do in Old Town
Walk on the shore of the Potomac, play volleyball, or take your dog to the park in Founders Park. Watch wildlife, take a stroll on the observation deck, or attend the Around the World Cultural Food Festival in Oronoco Bay Park. Check out the Ghost & Graveyard Tour or Alexandria History Tour via Alexandria Colonial Tours. Enjoy the gardens and learn on guided tours or scout troop programs for the kids at Carlyle House Historic Park. Tour one of eight galleries or sign the kids up for summer art camp at The Art League. Shop local antique stores, bookstores, and more on King Street. Enjoy Banana Foster French Toast for brunch or Cajun Louisiana Style Gumbo for lunch at Magnolia’s on King. Settle in for beautiful riverfront views with Moule Frites or Smoked Ricotta Gnocchi at Ada’s on the River. Or try the Enchiladas Verdes at Virtue Feed & Grain.
Potomac West
Photo via @artyomshmatko
- Home Price: $574,700 median home price; $1,645 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 52% of Alexandria neighborhoods
If you want to move your family to a safe, affordable Alexandria neighborhood, consider Potomac West! Also known as “Del Ray,” Potomac West is incredibly walkable, and the community cares about keeping the area clean and beautiful—they even host an annual Spring Clean-Up on the Avenue event and several community gardens like the Dale Street Garden and GW garden. Families can also find great schools in Del Ray, with options like George Washington Middle School, Del Ray Montessori School, and Immanuel Lutheran School.
Things to Do in Potomac West
Pick up fresh produce, flowers, and more at the year-round Del Ray Farmers’ Market. Check out local events like the Del Ray Vintage and Flea Market and First Thursdays. Celebrate creativity and multiculturalism at the annual Art on the Avenue festival. Find your zen at Potomac West’s free summer yoga series with Cool Yoga. Enjoy the outdoors with your kids and pets at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park and Dog Park. Sign up for a Pee Wee Paddler swim class, Snowplow Sam ice skating class, or merit badge programs for scouts at the Mount Vernon Rec Center. Start your day with a coffee and organic Seasonal Veggie Hash, Eggs Benedict, or French Toast at the Del Ray Cafe. Grab a slice of the Bella, Spicy Veggie, or Liese pizzas at Piece Out Del Ray. Or sample wine with the Lobster Mac or Chicken Saltimbocca at Cheesetique.
Southwest Quadrant
Photo via @scenefrommyrun
- Home Price: $690,080 median home price; $1,979 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of Alexandria neighborhoods
A slightly quieter neighbor of the Old Town neighborhood, the Southwest Quadrant is a great spot for families looking for Colonial-style homes and family-friendly activities within walking distance. Parents will love the local schools, which include Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy and Basilica School of Saint Mary. In addition, Southwest Quadrant provides opportunities to contribute to the upkeep of the community at the South Lee Street Community Garden.
Things to Do in Southwest Quadrant
Tour historic exhibitions and attend lectures at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum. Admire the sculptures and look for mallards, painted turtles, and crayfish at the African American Heritage Memorial Park. Take the kids to Kidcreate Studio for art camps and classes. Canoe or kayak on the Potomac and take in the view of the historic lighthouse at Jones Point Park. Catch a play featuring local actors at the Alexandria Little Theatre. Try a breakfast pastry with an Ethiopian Coffee or Tea at Abyssinia Mart. Head out for lunch at District Taco, where you can get a California Burrito or Papas Gordas. Or finish the day with Mustard BBQ Salmon, Gumbo, or the Portobello Sandwich for dinner at Southside 815.
Taylor Run
Photo via @trusst_residential
- Home Price: $487,943 median home price; $1,323 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 57% of Alexandria neighborhoods
Taylor Run’s attractions, schools, and community atmosphere make it one of the best neighborhoods to raise a family in Alexandria! This top-rated area is safe and quiet with little traffic and friendly neighbors, offering accessible sidewalks, green spaces, and dog parks where you can get outside and be active. Plus, the Taylor Run Citizens’ Association works hard to bring the community together with block parties, an annual fall party, and other family-friendly events throughout the year!
Things to Do in Taylor Run
Have a picnic, play basketball, or spend a day on the playground at Angel Park. Tour the historic George Washington Masonic National Memorial to learn more about the first president of the U.S. and American Freemasonry. Sign the kids up for swim lessons or schedule a birthday party at Goldfish Swim School. Sign up for adult and children’s dance classes at Dance Studio Lioudmila or Local Motion Project. Take your dog to the Dog Run Park at Carlyle to play in one of the two fenced-in areas with complimentary pet drinking fountains. Grab an Ultimate Cheesesteak, Gyro Platter, or 3-inch Cheez Burger for lunch at Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory. Chow down on a Pork Pack Family Platter or Smoked Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage at Smoking Kow. Or try the Toscana Pizza, Homemade Manicotti, or Chicken Alla Aldo’s at Aldo’s Italian Kitchen.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
