Alexandria, VA, known as "The Historic Seaport City," is a charming community with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Located along the western bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria is approximately 7 miles south of Washington, D.C., and 45 miles north of Richmond. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, beautiful waterfront, and thriving arts community.
Alexandria's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Waterfront Park and the expansive Huntley Meadows Park, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics.
The cultural scene in Alexandria is dynamic, with attractions like the Torpedo Factory Art Center, the Alexandria Black History Museum, and the historic Carlyle House. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Alexandria Film Festival and the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, celebrating the community's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a priority in Alexandria, with the Alexandria City Public Schools providing education to its students. The city is also home to higher education institutions such as Northern Virginia Community College and nearby George Washington University. This focus on education makes Alexandria an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as Inova Alexandria Hospital, also supports a strong job market and ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care.
Living in Alexandria combines the benefits of urban amenities with the charm of a historic community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and the Metro, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its historical significance, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Alexandria offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Alexandria, Virginia is a medium-sized city with a population of 164,023 residents. Alexandria has a population density of 10,983 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Alexandria is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 48%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Alexandria offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 32 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Alexandria is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Alexandria and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Alexandria to Virginia and the national average.
With a livability score of 83/100, Alexandria is ranked #747 in the United States and #30 in Virginia. Based on this score, Alexandria would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Alexandria ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the grades for each individual category, Alexandria has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B), education (A+) and housing (B). On a more negative note, Alexandria does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Alexandria has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Alexandria has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Old Town, Washington Masonic National Memorial, and The Birchmere.
The unemployment rate in Alexandria has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.6%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Alexandria, the average school test scores reached an impressive 72%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Alexandria an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Alexandria market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Alexandria is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Alexandria come in at $1,013,473, which is 133% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Alexandria, the home price to income ratio is 6.7, which is 48.9% higher than the Virginia average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Alexandria | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 56.6% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.6% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 18.6% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.5% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.9% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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