Cobblestone streets lined with skinny brick buildings that have watched over these same sidewalks for centuries echo with the hoof-beats and long-gone voices of history. Alexandria, Virginia’s historic Old Town was laid out in 1749. Its famous residents include George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Old Town is home to some amazing locations, such as Gadsby’s Tavern, built in 1752. The tavern still operates as a restaurant and also contains the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.
But is it possible to mix such significant history with hip sophistication? If you’re in Alexandria, the answer is a resounding yes! As an affluent suburb of Washington, DC, this is where the city’s elite come to live, play, dine, and shop. Alexandria isn’t just historic and filled with amazing destinations – it also has a very strong economy centered on defense, commerce, trade, and tourism. Ready to live in one of America’s oldest cities? Look for your Alexandria apartment for rent and soon you’ll be strolling those cobblestone streets, listening to the echoes of history.
Things to Do in Alexandria:
Old Town, the oldest section of Alexandria, remains Alexandria’s historic center. Today it’s a major draw for both residents and tourists who come not just for history, but for its unique shops and boutiques, pubs, and trendy restaurants.
Interesting landmarks in Old Town include General Robert E. Lee’s boyhood home, the Lee-Fendall House; Gadsby’s Tavern, where our founding fathers shared a pint or two and Thomas Jefferson celebrated his presidential inaugural; the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop, where Martha Washington purchased her herbal remedies, now a museum; and the Torpedo Factory, a former WWII munitions factory, now a waterfront art studio complex. Visitors to the waterfront enjoy watching river cruise boats and street entertainers from the plaza at the foot of King Street.
On foot is the best way to tour Old Town and the waterfront area; AAA named Alexandria one of their “Ten Most Walkable Cities” in the US. Other means of travel include Metrorail, trolley, automobile, boat, or on board an Amtrak train. Historic Union Station is served by both Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express regional rail service.
Old Town is also the location of several festivals and events. During the holidays, the Potomac River dazzles with the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Beautiful King Street was named a “Top 10 Christmas Town” by HGTV.
Eight miles south of Alexandria, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is well worth the trip. This house museum contains historic documents and ephemera that once belonged to America’s founding fathers. Visitors can also tour the grounds, gardens, Washington’s farm, and his gravesite.
With so many terrific shops and boutiques, it’s fun and easy to shop local in Alexandria. In addition to the locally-owned stores, be sure to check out the many farmers markets. In fact, you can shop the same farmers market that once sold George Washington’s produce. He sent his produce from his Mount Vernon farm to the market in Old Town – a market that has been operating since 1753, making it one of the nation’s oldest continually-operating farmers markets. Market Square is a National Historic Park – and a great place to buy your fresh fruits and veggies!
The West End Farmers Market is a small, neighborhood farmers market that claims it has “three farmers, all local” In addition to a gardener, three bakers, and a variety of other local farmers, cooks, and artisans. Other markets include the King Street Station Farmers Market, Del Ray Farmers Market, and the Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market.
Since Alexandria is located on the Potomac River, there are many water-related activities to enjoy, from boat cruises to waterfront dining. Take a water taxi and dock near the National Mall in Washington DC to explore the historic sites, or ride your bike along the 18-mile riverside Mount Vernon Trail, which leads from Mount Vernon to the national monuments in Washington DC.
With its critical role in American history, Alexandria is home to some amazing historic sites. Jones Point Park includes a lighthouse that was built in 1855 – Virginia’s only remaining riverine lighthouse. Carlyle House Historic Park centers on a house built by a British merchant in 1753. The Carlyle House is the city’s only stone, 18th-century Palladian-style house. It is located in Old Town, across from City Hall. Fort Ward is one of the nation’s best-preserved Civil War forts.
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a nationally-recognized visual arts center, located in a former World War II munitions factory. Have lunch at the center’s café then stroll through the 82 working artist studios, six art galleries, and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. The Art Center also features seasonal events, art events, and guest exhibits.
Amazing history, restaurants owned by top chefs, sleek nightclubs, fantastic local shopping, and the proximity of Washington DC all combine to make this city a terrific place to live, work, and play. Once you’ve located your Alexandria apartment, get out and explore the amazing waterfront, take a trolley ride or cruise the Potomac on a water taxi, and go shopping at locally-owned shops and boutiques.
What to Consider When Moving to Alexandria:
Alexandria is an affluent suburb of Washington, DC. It is located about six miles south of downtown DC. The largest employer in Alexandria is the Department of Defense. Other major employers include the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, ABM Industries, the Institute for Defense Analyses, the Center for Naval Analyses, and Inova Alexandria Hospital. Alexandria is also home to many trade associations, non-profit organizations, and charities.
In addition to historic Old Town, Alexandria is home to some significant neighborhoods. Rosemont is one of the city’s oldest planned residential expansions. Much of the neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. The Berg was originally settled by African-Americans fleeing enslavement around 1860. Del Ray is a popular neighborhood, home to an annual art festival called “Art on the Avenue.” West End is a mostly-suburban area annexed by Alexandria in the 1950s. It contains Seminary Hill, Landmark, Lower Alexandria, and Seminary West.
Alexandria is home to the Episcopal Church’s largest seminary, the Virginia Theological Seminary. It is also home to a campus of George Washington University, which is located in nearby DC. Virginia Tech’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC) is located in Old Town.
Why Alexandria Apartments Are Hot:
Dining or having a drink in the same tavern where Thomas Jefferson spent time socializing with friends. Shopping in the same market that once sold produce grown by George Washington. Walking the same cobblestone streets where America’s founding fathers once whispered about revolution. History surrounds you in Alexandria, but that’s not the only reason apartments in Alexandria are hot!
Alexandria enjoys a very strong economy, low unemployment, fantastic nightlife, locally-owned shops and restaurants, and proximity to Washington, DC. Alexandria is one of the country’s most pedestrian-friendly cities, with beautiful bike trails and a comprehensive public transit system. Something exciting is always happening in Alexandria, from concerts and plays to festivals and events. The historic architecture and location on the Potomac River will quickly have you falling in love with this amazing city, but the fantastic opportunities and active lifestyle will keep you here.
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