Moving to Alexandria? Not only is it one of the best U.S. cities for outdoor recreation, but this Virginia city is one of the most affordable places to live near Washington, DC—filled with great places for families to settle down. Here are the five best neighborhoods in Alexandria for families!
North Ridge-Rosemont
- Home Price: $695,870 median purchase price; $1,526 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% 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. Grab a hearty brunch of Shrimp & Grits, Cornflake Crusted French Toast, or Salmon Bagel at Matt and Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar. Indulge in New York-style pizza, a Steak & Cheese with Fried Onions, or a Greek Gyro at Fairlington Pizza. Start with Smoked Artichoke Dip before digging into a Tomato Portobello Kaiser, Cajun Fish & Chips, or Barbecue Ribs at Ramparts Tavern & Grill. Or order the soup of the day, Scottish Smoked Salmon on Pumpernickel Bread, or a Charcuterie Board at local hot spot, Grape & Bean.
Old Town
- Home Price: $823,560 median purchase 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 the Quiche of the Day, French Toast Casserole, or a Breakfast Burrito to go with a drink from the espresso bar at Mae’s Market & Cafe. Explore the fresh flavors of a Chicken Teriyaki Box, Fire Crunch Roll, or Yellowtail Sashimi at Momo Sushi Cafe. For lunch order the Wood-Grilled Fish, Pork Schnitzel, or Lobster Mac & Cheese at Ada’s on the River. Or order Fish Tacos, Australian Lamb Chops, and Enchiladas Verdes to go with a chilled Virtue Feed & Grain.
Potomac West
- Home Price: $574,700 median purchase price; $1,645 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 38% 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! Not to mention, Del Ray also provides families with several community-centric events or amenities—like Dale Street Garden and GW Garden. Families can also find great schools in Potomac West, 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, Del Ray Artisans Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday 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 Buttermilk Pancakes, Vegetarian Eggs Benedict, or Two Eggs with a Mini Croissant at the Del Ray Cafe. Enjoy Roman-style pizzas like The Brooklyner, The Erminia, or the Stracci at Stracci Pizza. Fill up on Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, Parmesan Flounder, Shrimp Risotto, and more at Northside 10. Or sample wines with Tater Tot Poutine, Arugula & Warm Goat Cheese Salad, or French Onion Soup at Cheesetique.
Southwest Quadrant
- Home Price: $690,080 median purchase price; $1,979 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Alexandria neighborhoods
A slightly quieter neighbor to Old Town, 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. To top it off, Southwest Quadrant provides opportunities for residents to get involved and interact with each other—like the South Lee Street Community Garden—a major draw for families moving to Alexandria.
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 for art camps and classes at Kidcreate Studio. 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 or breakfast sandwich to go with an Ethiopian Coffee, Macchiato, or Tea at Abyssinia Mart. Head out for lunch and enjoy a Fish Taco Deluxe and Nachos Borrachos to go with a churro at District Taco. Choose between Green Curry Muscles, Crispy Fried Duck Livers, or Lobster and Orzo at The Majestic. Or finish the day with Blackened Salmon Caesar, Jambalaya Pasta, or the Catfish Platter for dinner at Southside 815.
Taylor Run
- Home Price: $487,943 median purchase price; $1,323 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% 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. Take a tour to learn more about the first president of the U.S. and American Freemasonry at the historic George Washington Masonic National Memorial. 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 play in one of the two fenced-in areas with complimentary pet drinking fountains at the Dog Run Park at Carlyle. Order authentic Thai cuisine dishes such as Basil Fried Rice, Drunken Noodles, or Mango Curry at Galae Thai. Grab a Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Cheesesteak Stromboli, or a classic Cheesesteak for lunch at Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory. Chow down Mac n’ Meat, Smoked Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage, or Chopped Brisket at Smoking Kow. Or dig into Linguini with Clams, Chicken Parmigiana, or Shrimp Scampi at Aldo’s Italian Kitchen.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
