A Look at Alexandria, VA’s Best and Worst Neighborhoods

Living in Alexandria sure sounds perfect. You can literally live in George Washington’s neighborhood while also being close enough to DC to make brunch plans, except that some parts of this city are genuinely sketchy. Your real estate agent is probably not gonna volunteer that information while they’re showing you a “charming” apartment.

We’re giving you the actual rundown on where to live and where to steer clear of. We’ll also detail the crime statistics, school ratings, and the neighborhoods that are actually worth the rent, because moving somewhere just because it looks cute on Zillow is how you end up with regrets.

Alexandria, VA: A City Where History Meets Modern Living

Alexandria was established in 1749 and retained many of its colonial buildings while also becoming a thriving metropolitan hub. Approximately 160,000 people reside here across 15 square miles, and, yes, it’s densely populated. However, you can still commute to DC via Metro in 20 minutes and actually walk places instead of sitting in traffic for your entire life.

The job market’s packed with defense contractors, tech companies, and government agencies, so the median household income hovers around $95,000.

The neighborhoods here are distinctly different from one another. Old Town is filled with tourists and boasts a waterfront vibe. Del Ray’s the artsy spot with its collection of thrift stores and local coffee shops. Potomac Yard is shiny new apartments and Amazon HQ2.

Each area feels like a different city, which is cool but also means you really need to know what you’re getting into before you commit.

Each neighborhood has its own personality—from the historic charm of Old Town to the artsy vibe of Del Ray and the sleek growth of Potomac Yard—so knowing what fits your lifestyle is key before making a move. And if you need to sell quickly, property investors and cash house buyers in Fairfax, Alexandria, and other cities in Virginia offer fast, hassle-free solutions. Contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today to receive a cash offer and move forward with confidence!

Crime Statistics and Safety in Alexandria Neighborhoods

Alexandria‘s overall crime rate appears decent on paper (below the national average), but that’s because it’s averaging safe neighborhoods with the less safe ones.

The violent crimes in Alexandria are about 2.1 per 1,000 residents citywide, and property crime is at 15.8 per 1,000. The nice areas, such as Old Town and Rosemont, have a rate of under 1 per 1,000 for violent crime, so you’re fine walking around at night.

However, in Arlandria and Landmark/Van Dorn, they’re running three to four times higher. They have real problems like break-ins and assaults, not just porch pirates.

Alexandria PD updates its crime map weekly, and you can search any address to see what’s actually going down in that area. Definitely worth checking before you sign anything because one street over can be a completely different situation. Some blocks are genuinely not safe, and finding that out after you’ve moved in sucks.

Best Neighborhoods in Alexandria, VA: Where You’ll Want to Call Home

These are the neighborhoods where people actually want to live, not just the ones real estate agents hype up. There are low crimes here as well as good schools, and streets where you’ll actually enjoy living instead of counting down the days until your lease ends.

1. Old Town Alexandria – Historic Charm with Waterfront Living

What’s best about it: Walkable waterfront, King Street Metro access, incredibly low crime, lots of restaurants and shops, historic architecture that’s actually maintained

Old Town is basically the poster child for Alexandria. It has cobblestone streets, brick townhouses from the 1700s, and waterfront restaurants where you can watch boats while eating overpriced brunch. It’s touristy, but it’s also genuinely beautiful and super walkable.

The crime rates in Old Town are super low, and the King Street Metro stop means you can ditch your car most days. The downside is that housing costs are pretty high. You’re paying for location and history, and sellers are aware of it.

But if you can swing it, Old Town delivers on that whole “living in a postcard” thing people talk about.

2. Del Ray – The Coolest Little Neighborhood in the Nation

What’s best about it: Strong community events, locally-owned shops and restaurants, safe streets, a good elementary school, and less expensive than Old Town while still being walkable

Del Ray literally calls itself “The Coolest Little Neighborhood,” and they’re not wrong. This place features vintage shops, local restaurants that aren’t chains, and a genuine community vibe where people genuinely know their neighbors.

Mount Vernon Avenue is the main strip, and it’s lined with spots like The Dairy Godmother (get the custard, trust us) and Del Ray Pizzeria. The neighborhood hosts First Thursday events where all the shops stay open late, and people actually show up.

Moreover, the crime rate is low, there’s a great elementary school, and rent is high, but not as high as in Old Town. It’s cool without trying too hard.

3. Rosemont – Family-Friendly with Top-Rated Public Schools

What’s best about it: Top-rated public schools, extremely low crime, quiet streets perfect for families, actual yards and green space, safe enough for kids to play outside

Families move to Rosemont when they’re serious about their children’s education. Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy is one of the top elementary schools in the area, and people often purchase homes specifically to be in that zone.

The neighborhood itself is quiet, tree-lined, and super safe. You’ve got cute brick houses with actual yards, which is rare this close to DC. It’s not exciting if you’re looking for nightlife, but that’s kind of the point.

Parents love it here because kids can bike around without anyone freaking out. The crime rate is basically nonexistent. Housing prices reflect the school situation, though, so be ready for that.

4. Potomac Yard – Modern Development Meeting Urban Convenience

What’s best about it: Brand new construction, modern amenities, a new Metro station, major shopping nearby, well-lit and safe, perfect for young professionals

Potomac Yard is brand new (like aggressively new). Amazon built HQ2 here, and suddenly, there are high-rises everywhere with amenities like rooftop pools and fancy gyms. You have a Target, a Trader Joe’s, and a newly opened Metro station.

Everything’s shiny and walkable, and if you’re into that new construction smell, this is your spot. The vibe skews young professional because most people here are either working at Amazon or commuting into DC.

Crime’s low because everything’s so new and well-lit. Rent isn’t cheap, but you’re getting modern apartments with actual insulation and appliances that work.

5. Seminary Hill – Affordable Living with Great Community Feel

What’s best about it: Actually affordable, low crime rates, genuine community atmosphere, beautiful Seminary campus for walks, good location without the premium price tag

If you want to actually afford Alexandria, choose Seminary Hill. It’s not fancy, but it’s safe, quiet, and way more budget-friendly than Old Town or Del Ray. You’ve got a real neighborhood feel here. People walk their dogs, hit up the local shops on Seminary Road, and actually talk to each other.

The Theological Seminary campus is gorgeous if you’re looking for a peaceful place to walk. Crime rates are low, and you’re still close enough to Metro and major roads that commuting doesn’t suck.

It won’t blow your mind, but it’s still a great experience. Sometimes, it’s precisely what you need when you’re trying to save money without living somewhere sketchy.

Worst Neighborhoods in Alexandria, VA: Areas That Need Improvement

Not every part of Alexandria is worth your money. Some neighborhoods have crime issues that are legitimate concerns, and you need to know about them before you start apartment hunting.

1. Arlandria/Chirilagua – Higher Property Crime Concerns

What’s concerning: Property crime is significantly above the city average, with higher violent crime rates, frequent car break-ins, and safety concerns, especially at night.

Alexandria is located right along Route 1, and its crime statistics are noticeably worse than those of the rest of Alexandria. Property crime is a real issue. There are car break-ins, theft, and other stuff you don’t want to deal with regularly. Violent crime rates run higher than the city average, too.

The neighborhood has some good Latin American restaurants and markets, which is a plus, but that doesn’t compensate for the safety concerns. Housing is cheaper here, and that’s not a coincidence.

People are paying less because they’re taking on more risk. If you’re considering this area, thoroughly study the crime maps and drive through at different times of day before making a decision.

2. Landmark/Van Dorn – Dealing with Safety Challenges

What’s concerning: Elevated violent crime rates, property crime issues, sketchy feeling after dark, safety problems at apartment complexes, and higher police call volume

The Landmark/Van Dorn area has struggled with crime for years, and the situation hasn’t improved significantly. This neighborhood sees more violent incidents than most of Alexandria, and property crime is an ongoing problem.

The Van Dorn Metro station is convenient, but the surrounding area feels sketchy, especially after dark. There are some apartment complexes here that appear decent online but have actual safety issues that residents constantly deal with.

The rent might seem like a good deal compared to other parts of Alexandria, but cheaper rent doesn’t mean much if you don’t feel safe walking to your car. Check the police reports for this area. They tell the real story.

3. Eisenhower Valley – Development in Progress

What’s concerning: It lacks a genuine neighborhood feel, is disconnected from the rest of Alexandria, has higher crime rates than safer neighborhoods, is mainly comprised of office parks and highways, and doesn’t deliver value for the price.

Eisenhower Valley is in a transitional phase, trying to become something better but not quite there yet. There’s a new development happening, including some office buildings and a Metro station, but it still feels disconnected and somewhat dead.

Crime isn’t as bad as Arlandria or Landmark, but it’s not great either. The area lacks that neighborhood feel. It’s just primarily office parks and highways. You’re paying Alexandria prices for a location that doesn’t really deliver on the Alexandria experience.

If you’re looking here, you’re probably better off spending a bit more for Seminary Hill. You can also consider less expensive options outside the city that offer a more community-oriented atmosphere.

How to Choose the Best Alexandria Neighborhood for You

When choosing where to live in Alexandria, consider what truly matters in your daily life, as this differs for everyone.

Matching Neighborhoods to Your Lifestyle

If you’re the type who wants to walk everywhere and grab drinks after work, Old Town or Del Ray are gonna be your vibe. You’ll pay more, but you can ditch your car and actually use those walkable streets.

If you have kids and care more about schools than nightlife, Rosemont is the obvious choice. Yep, it’s boring for singles, but perfect for families. Meanwhile, for young professionals who want modern apartments and don’t care about historic charm, they should check out Potomac Yard.

And if you’re on a budget but still want a safe and chill place to live, Seminary Hill lets you live in Alexandria without having to sell a kidney. Think about what you actually do every day, not just what sounds cool in theory.

Budget Considerations Across Alexandria

Alexandria is expensive. Old Town rent can easily cost $ 2,500 or more for a one-bedroom, and if you want to buy a townhouse there, you’re looking at a minimum of $800,000, often much more.

Del Ray and Rosemont aren’t much cheaper. You’re still dropping serious cash. Potomac Yard’s new construction means rent runs high, too, though at least you’re getting modern everything.

If you want your money to go furthest, choose Seminary Hill. The rents are typically between $1,600 and $1,900 for a decent one-bedroom unit. The “cheaper” neighborhoods like Arlandria might save you a few hundred bucks a month, but higher crime means you’re trading money for safety.

Find out your actual budget, including utilities and parking, then see what neighborhoods you can realistically afford without being house-poor.

Commute Times and Transportation Access

Metro access changes everything in Alexandria. Old Town has King Street station right there, Potomac Yard has just gotten a new station, and even Landmark/Van Dorn has Metro, despite the crime issues. If you commute to DC daily, living near a Metro stop saves you a significant amount of hassle and gas money.

Del Ray and Rosemont don’t have stations in the neighborhood, but you can bike or drive to nearby ones pretty easily. Seminary Hill requires more driving, but you’re still close to 395 and Route 1. Eisenhower Valley has a Metro stop, but getting anywhere from there still feels like a trek.

You should verify your actual commute during rush hour before signing anything. Google Maps may mislead you during off-hours about the exact time it takes.

Best Alexandria Neighborhoods for Families

Families care about schools, safety, and having space for kids actually to be kids. Some Alexandria neighborhoods deliver on all of that; others totally miss the mark.

Top family neighborhoods:

• Rosemont: Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy is one of the top elementary schools in the area, and parents will often buy houses just to secure a spot in that zone. Streets are safe enough for kids to bike around, and you get actual yards instead of apartment balconies.
• Del Ray: There are community events like First Thursday, walkable shops where kids can grab ice cream, and a nice elementary school. The neighborhood has a small-town vibe, even though you’re right outside of DC.
• Seminary Hill: This is significantly more affordable than Rosemont or Del Ray, yet you still enjoy low crime and a family-friendly atmosphere. Excellent when you’re budgeting for childcare and everything else kids need.
• Old Town: Super safe and walkable, but finding a place with outdoor space is challenging and expensive. Works if budget isn’t an issue and you’re okay with less room to spread out.

Best Alexandria Neighborhoods for Singles and Young Professionals

If you want nightlife, walkability, and socializing with people your age, rather than just cul-de-sacs and playgrounds, you need to be picky about where you stay.

Best picks for social scene and convenience:

• Old Town: King Street is loaded with bars and restaurants where you can actually meet people. Metro’s right there for DC nights, the waterfront for weekend hangs, and everything’s walkable so that you can ditch your car.
• Del Ray: Younger, artsy crowd with local breweries and vintage shops instead of tourist traps. Coffee shop culture is strong, and the vibe is way more laid-back but cooler than Old Town’s scene.
• Potomac Yard: Modern buildings with rooftop pools and nice gyms, surrounded by other young professionals. Works great if you landed a job at Amazon or just want amenities without historic charm.

Best Alexandria Neighborhoods for Retirees

Retirees typically seek peace, walkability, and access to quality healthcare, without the distractions of rowdy college students or unsafe streets at night.

Best retirement-friendly neighborhoods:

• Old Town: Everything’s walkable, so you don’t need to drive everywhere. There are restaurants and shops within a few blocks, and it’s safe enough for evening strolls along the waterfront. Inova Alexandria Hospital is nearby, and the community skews older and more established.
• Rosemont: Super quiet streets, low crime, and a calm neighborhood vibe without being isolated. You’ve got the Seminary campus for peaceful walks, and it’s close enough to amenities without being in the middle of chaos.
• Del Ray: Active community with regular events where people actually talk to each other, local shops you can walk to, and a friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood has character without being loud or crazy.
• Seminary Hill: More affordable than the other options, still safe and quiet, and you get a real community feel. Good if you’re on a fixed income but don’t want to sacrifice quality of life or safety.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does Alexandria have a downtown area?

Old Town essentially serves as Alexandria‘s downtown, with King Street as its main commercial thoroughfare. It has the highest concentration of shops, restaurants, and offices, and it’s also where tourists congregate.

The waterfront area along the Potomac is part of this, too, and you’ll find most of the city’s events and festivals happening in Old Town. If you’re looking for that traditional downtown vibe with walkable streets and stuff to do, Old Town’s your spot.

Is Alexandria considered Northern Virginia or the DC metro area?

Both, actually. Alexandria is located in Northern Virginia and is also part of the larger Washington, D.C. metro area. It’s literally right across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., so people use the terms interchangeably depending on the context. When people talk about NoVA, they’re including Alexandria along with Arlington, Fairfax, and the rest. The city’s so close to DC that you can take the Metro there in under half an hour from most Alexandria stations.

Can you get around Alexandria without a car?

In Old Town and parts of Del Ray, yeah, you can walk and take the Metro to most places. Old Town, especially, has everything clustered together so that parking can be a real pain with a car. But everywhere else inAlexandria, you’re gonna want a car because things spread out fast, and public transit doesn’t cover everything well.

The bus system exists, but it’s not super reliable for daily commuting. If you’re in Seminary Hill or Landmark, you’re definitely driving to get groceries or run errands.

What’s the job market like in Alexandria, aside from government work?

Defense contractors are enormous here. There are companies such as Northrop Grumman and Boeing, as well as several others, that have major offices in Alexandria. You’ve got tech companies, especially around Potomac Yard, with Amazon HQ2 bringing in thousands of jobs.

Nonprofits and trade associations also have offices here, as they seek to be close to DC without incurring the high rent prices in the city. Healthcare is also significant in the area, with Inova Alexandria Hospital and other medical facilities. The job market’s generally strong, and unemployment rates typically run lower than the national average.

Are there any beaches or water access in Alexandria?

Alexandria‘s on the Potomac River, so you get waterfront parks and the Mount Vernon Trail, but no actual beaches. People hit the Potomac for kayaking and paddleboarding, and there are boat launches if you’re into that. The waterfront in Old Town is pleasant for walking around, but it’s not a suitable spot for swimming.

If you want sand and waves, you’re driving about three hours to Ocean City, Maryland, or Virginia Beach. The Chesapeake Bay beaches are closer, perhaps just two hours away, but still require a whole-day trip.

What’s the diversity like in Alexandria’s neighborhoods?

Alexandria, overall, is quite diverse. About 60% white, 22% Hispanic, 21% Black, and 7% Asian, according to recent census data. But it varies by neighborhood.

Arlandria has a strong Latin American community, with numerous residents from El Salvador and Bolivia. Old Town skews whiter and wealthier with less diversity. Del Ray is more mixed with young families from different backgrounds. Landmark is more diverse both economically and racially. The city’s becoming more diverse overall as younger, more varied populations move in, but segregation by neighborhood is still noticeable.

What’s parking like in Alexandria?

Parking in Old Town is, in my opinion, truly terrible. Street parking is metered and competitive. Residential permits are required in most areas, and garage storage charges a significant fee. If you live in Old Town, you’re probably paying extra for a parking spot with your apartment or dealing with the headache of finding street parking every night.

Del Ray’s easier, but it still requires permits for overnight street parking. Newer developments, such as Potomac Yard, usually include parking in the rent, which is a huge relief. Seminary Hill and Rosemont have more driveways and street parking available, as they’re residential areas. Just factor in parking costs and availability when you’re apartment hunting, because they add up quickly.

How far is Alexandria from Washington, DC?

Alexandria literally borders DC; the city line is right there. From Old Town to downtown DC, you’re looking at approximately 7 miles, which is a 20-minute Metro ride or a 15-to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic. From other parts of Alexandria, such as Seminary Hill or Landmark, add 10-15 minutes. The proximity to DC is one ofAlexandria‘s most significant selling points. You gain access to DC jobs and activities without incurring DC taxes or facing the city’s higher cost of living.

What are the property taxes like in Alexandria?

Alexandria‘s property tax rate is $1.13 per $100 of assessed value, which isn’t horrible compared to some areas, but it adds up on expensive homes. So if your house is estimated at $500k, you’re paying about $5,650 a year in property taxes.

The city reassesses properties annually, and values have been increasing, so your tax bill can fluctuate from year to year. There are tax relief programs available for seniors and individuals with disabilities; however, for most homeowners, the full rate applies. It’s something to consider when budgeting for a new home.

Key Takeaways: Best and Worst Neighborhoods in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria boasts incredible neighborhoods, including Old Town, Del Ray, and Rosemont, where you can enjoy low crime rates, excellent schools, and walkability that actually works. However, it also has problem areas, such as Arlandria and Landmark/Van Dorn, where crime statistics should make you think twice. Of course, the right neighborhood for you depends on your budget, lifestyle, and what you’re willing to compromise on.

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