Thinking about moving to Alexandria? Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, this DC suburb is one of America’s best small cities, thanks to its safe communities and friendly locals. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Alexandria!
Alexandria West
Photo via @thejessicarichardsonteam
- 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, retirees
Along Alexandria’s northwest border lies this quiet locale filled with tree-lined streets, gorgeous Colonial and ranch-style homes, and open green spaces where you can get out and enjoy the weather. Families adore the presence of well-rated schools like William Ramsay Elementary School and John Adams Elementary School, as well as the neighborhood’s multiple parks and playgrounds. Along with its calm atmosphere, Alexandria West provides a safe community, educational opportunities at Northern Virginia Community College, and easy access to the rest of the city and Washington, DC via I-395 and VA-7.
Things to Do in Alexandria West
Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, barred owls, and other rare birds during a hike through Dora Kelley Nature Park. Enjoy a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra or gaze upon local artwork in the galleries at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Get in the best shape of your life with personalized training sessions at Battle Fitness. Challenge friends to a tennis match at Chambliss Park. Have a picnic or let the kids burn off some energy on the playground at Fort Ward Park. Experience bright and vibrant Latin American flavors by ordering Ceviche Mixto and Tacos al Carbon at La Terraza Bar & Grill. Dine on brick-oven pizzas like the Amato or Spicy Chicken made to perfection at Stone Hot Pizza. Or sample globally-inspired cuisine like Pork Belly Bao Buns and Bouillabase on the patio at Finn & Porter.
Eisenhower East
Photo via @sampson14
- 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. Residents can step out their doors right into a busy metro, making this walkable area one of the best neighborhoods in Alexandria for ambitious job seekers and young professionals. Home to the headquarters of The Motley Fool and multiple federal government agencies, Eisenhower East has a low unemployment rate, and its residents boast a much higher median household income than the rest of the city. 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
Take in a live concert, comedy show, or a 1960s-style dinner on the patio at The Carlyle Club. Catch the latest blockbusters in a premium IMAX theatre at AMC Hoffman Center 22. Help 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 or a Garbage Omelette at Table Talk Restaurant. Feast on some of Alexandria’s best BBQ by ordering the Texas Trinity or the Sweet Fire Sampler at Sweet Fire Donna’s. Order sushi rolls like the Spicy Lobster Roll and Out of Control Roll or watch as hibachi cooks make your dinner in front of you at Sumo Japanese Restaurant. Or try ciders like Comeback Kid and Pumpkinhead in the tasting room at Lost Boy Cider.
Landmark-Van Dorn
Photo via @jadagetsitsold
- 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 with 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
Splash in the wave pool, race down the water slides, and play mini golf at Great Waves Waterpark. 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, take a Cross-training for Climbing course, or enroll in a yoga class at Sportrock Climbing Center. Get the kids some exercise on the tennis courts, baseball fields, and jungle gym at Armistead Boothe Park. Find your next captivating page-turner at Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library. Warm up with a Salted Caramel Vodka Hot Chocolate as you enjoy Firecracker Shrimp and a Lobster-Crab Cake at Shooter McGee’s. Savor cuisine from Northern Italy like Lobster Ravioli and Veal Parmigiana at Fratelli Restaurant. Or sip on craft cocktails like Rumming Through the Storm and Wine Not Tequila? while you share an order of Bronx Knots at City Kitchen.
Old Town North
Photo via @scenefrommyrun
- 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
While Old Town is a popular tourist attraction with some of the best things to do in Alexandria, Old Town North is a safer, more affordable option for people who choose to live in the city rather than just visit. The streets are lined with renovated rowhouses, cozy coffee shops, and locally-owned restaurants. Old Town North is home to several large parks and provides boating opportunities in the Potomac River, which borders its eastern edge. So while residents have quick access to all the things to do in Old Town, plus a short 20-minute drive to Washington, DC, there’s enough to do here that they don’t feel the need to leave all that often.
Things to Do in Old Town North
Go for a run along the river or watch the scenic sunset from a bench in Oronoco Bay Park. Discover rare and vintage vinyl records and collectibles at Crooked Beat Records. Spread out for a riverside picnic with your friends at Rivergate City Park. Shop the selection of British goods and treats after downing a Full British Breakfast at Extra Perks. Enjoy a weekend brunch with French Toast Bread Pudding, Lobster Benedict, or Crab Cake Sandwich at Cafe 44. Wash down a Pitmaster’s Meatloaf and Gouda Tater Tots with a cold T.J. Stone’s Pilsner at T.J. Stone’s. Transport your tastebuds to Vietnam by ordering Pho Chay and Banh Mi at Sunday in Saigon.
Potomac West
Photo via @homesofalexandriateam
- 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! 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 massive art festival each October. It’s also a great place for families to live in part because it’s home to top-rated schools like George Washington Middle School and Mount Vernon Community School. It’s a big neighborhood, but thanks to Capital Bikeshare and dozens of stops along the DASH bus system, there’s plenty of public transportation to get around this Alexandria locale.
Things to Do in Potomac West
Join more than 50,000 visitors and enjoy the work of 350 art vendors and five stages of local music at Art on the Avenue. Sing along with up-and-coming jazz, country, R&B, and folk artists in one of Alexandria’s best concert venues, The Birchmere. Peruse the wide selection of seasonal vegetables, international pastries, freshly-baked breads, and more each Saturday year-round at Del Ray Farmers Market. Go for a bike ride or a casual stroll on the winding trails at Four Mile Run Park. Gear up for your next big ride by getting a bike tune-up or a new set of wheels at Vélocity Bicycle Cooperative. Chow down on Sausage & Peppers and Di Carne pizza from Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap. See why many locals think Del Ray Cafe has the best brunch in Alexandria with their Scottish Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict and Buttermilk Pancakes. Or enjoy a cold beer like a King of Clouds or Howling Gale during Yappy Hour at Barkhaus.
***
Moving to Alexandria? Extra Space Storage has self storage facilities throughout the city, so we can help make your move as convenient as possible. Find cheap storage units in Alexandria!
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
![Are you still working from home? 💻
Whether you work in writing, design, photography, or another creative field, having an office at home that fits the style of work you’ll be doing can help you feel more inspired to complete projects. Think bright wall colors, eclectic furniture, large wall art with bold typography, and speakers for music.
[:📷 @cardigansandlattes]](https://www.extraspace.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
