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.
Located in the state of Virginia, Alexandria is a moderately-sized city with a population of 158,309 residents. With a population density of 10,600 people per square mile, Alexandria is well above the nation's average density level. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 48% of the Alexandria population is 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.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Alexandria could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Virginia if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Alexandria and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, employment and other important metrics.
The livability score in Alexandria is 83 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 97th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Alexandria is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Alexandria has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Alexandria has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (B+) and education (A+). On a less positive note, Alexandria does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Living in Alexandria offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Alexandria provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Alexandria: Old Town, Washington Masonic National Memorial, and The Birchmere.
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Alexandria, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 186 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Alexandria has an unemployment rate of 2.5% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Alexandria, the average school test scores are an impressive 72%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Alexandria real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Alexandria. Median real estate prices in Alexandria come in at $572,700, which is 130.6% 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 5.6, which is 47.4% higher than the Virginia average.
| 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% |
Here are the best places to live in Virginia
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
See the best places to live in Alexandria
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Virginia