Why Living In Old Town Alexandria Is Great
Relocating to Northern Virginia? Then you should definitely consider living in Old Town Alexandria!
George Washington’s hometown is steeped in American history, with centuries-old structures straight out of the president’s era to take you back in time. A walk down the famous King Street is a whole world of treats in itself, offering vintage merchandise in quaint boutiques and tour groups led by guides fashionably garbed in colonial outfits.
Yes, Old Town lives up to the legend of its name. And it isn’t just a remarkable tourist destination. Many visitors have found their way back to stay for good. Indeed, it’s next to impossible to resist the temptation of moving to a community that presents infinite possibilities.
The township is ideal for a wide range of buyers, not only because of the fun educational activities they can enjoy in museums, on scavenger hunts, and ghost tours. It is also safe, and parents would not have to worry about their kids roaming around, whether alone or with their dog, on foot, or riding a bike.
Retirees love Old Town’s accessibility and the many transport options available. Young and middle-aged adults can set up shop, continue their private practice, or work in any of the establishments. If yours is a multigenerational family, moving there could mean a more convenient, perhaps happier, life.
Not surprising that many have been bitten by the Old Town bug. Still on the fence about joining the horde? These are a few of our favorite things that could make you seal the deal when it comes to living in Old Town Alexandria, VA:
Old Town Alexandria’s Popular Neighborhoods
This is probably on top of your list of things to vet when thinking of transplanting your household to a new community. You can be assured that Old Town will exceed your standards.
Great For Walking
The walkable streets of Old Town and the fact that everything is just a walk away are among some of the town’s best features and a good reason to take up residence in this neighborhood.
Everything is a short or medium walk away, from groceries, gourmet markets, and pharmacies to fitness centers, gyms, and yoga studios. Parks are not only kid-friendly but also pet-friendly.
At night, King Street is bright and vibrant from street lamps and string lights on the walkway trees. The side streets are equally well lit. Old Town is Alexandria’s third most walkable neighborhood.
Biker-Friendly
Bike lanes are provided on most streets, even the cobblestoned ones. You may prefer to bike to and from work to beat rush-hour traffic when going on errands or as a form of exercise. Whatever the reason, you’re guaranteed a safe ride.
Old Town’s Accessibility Via Land, Air, And Sea
How far is Old Town Alexandria from DC?
The distance between the two points is 8.1 miles. It will take you just a few stops and around 20 minutes from the Metro King Street station to Washington, D.C. You can get there in 15 to 40 minutes by taxi, depending on the traffic situation. By car, travel time is about 18 minutes via George Washington Memorial Parkway.
All your destinations are within reach from Old Town. You even get the privilege of choosing among these transportations:
Metrorail And Bus
Two Metro stations are found in Old Town: one on Braddock Road and another on King Street-Old Town. The latter, also called the Alexandria Station, connects to local DASH bus routes and Metrobus. You can also access the trolley service to the Waterfront and Old Town from here. This is available daily and free of charge!
Train
Right smack in the middle of Old Town is Amtrak’s Old Town station, which is close to the King Street Metro station. It is your gateway to major cities all over the country, but you can ride it for short distances as well.
Taxi, Car Share, And Rideshare
For your convenience, local taxi companies are just a phone call away and provide pick up services. Major rideshares are available, too. Or, choose a car share service based on pick up, drop off, and parking points.
King Street Trolley
Did I mention this is free? Yes, it’s true! This unique commuter transport traverses the length of King Street from the Metro to the Potomac waterfront. You can hop in and get off every two blocks.
Water Taxi
The trolley isn’t the only exceptional ride in Old Town. The Potomac Riverboat Company ferries you to The Wharf, National Park, National Harbor, and Georgetown. Tourists may also commission these water taxis for seasonal sightseeing.
Private Vehicles
If you’d rather drive, parking isn’t an issue in Old Town where both street and garage parking are available. Outbound routes include I-95, Rt. 1, Rt. 7, and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Bicycles And Scooters
Two-wheelers are available for rent and come in various shapes and sizes for different purposes. Electric, big wheel, hybrid, they’ve got it all! Explore hiking trails into Mount Vernon, pedal next to the water on the outskirts of DC, or scoot aimlessly for new adventures.
Planes
Once you’ve settled in Old Town, you wouldn’t want to leave. But if you have to, simply take either Metro station to Reagan National Airport. For international flights, Dulles and BWI (Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall) are just about 40 minutes away via train, bus or taxi.
Looking to buy or sell a home in Northern Virginia? Old Town Alexandria In Numbers – What You Need To Know
- Livability Score: 76/100 (exceptional)
- Population: 7,894
- Median Age: 42
- Unemployment Rate: 3% (national average: 3.7%)
- Climate: Four seasons, hitting a high of 80 degrees in July and a low of 40 degrees in January
- Rainfall: 40 inches per year
Cost Of Living In Old Town Alexandria, VA
How much does it cost to live in Old Town Alexandria? It’s 37% higher than the Virginia State average and 46% higher than the national average.
To put this in perspective, the county’s median home value is $985,300 compared to the national average of $184,700. Meanwhile, the median rent is at $2,083 versus the $949 national average.
These numbers may seem intimidating, but it can be balanced out by the time, energy, and money you save on commuting for work and running errands. Also, compared to the national average of $55,322, the median household income in Old Town is $120,992.
Education In Old Town Alexandria
One of the most diverse school systems in the U.S. is Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). You will find students in the city from over 80 countries, representing different cultural and ethnic groups and speaking at least 60 languages. The Alexandria Library provides free public access.
In Old Town, according to some public data, 84% of the residents have a college education.
Here are the public school options for your kids within Old Town or in nearby towns:
- Elementary: Lyles-Crouch and Jefferson-Houston
- Middle: George Washington Middle and Jefferson-Houston Elementary
- High School: T.C. Williams High
Old Town Basic Services
Street corners and side streets are home to establishments that cater to every essential need. Urgent care clinics, doctor’s offices, and pharmacies are as accessible as banks and post offices. You and your fur baby can go on a grooming outing to dog care shops and hair salons. For practical requirements, dry cleaning and auto repair garages are available as well.
Grocery shopping is made convenient by the presence of CVS, Trader Joe’s, and Harris Teeter. Meanwhile, the Potomac Yards Shopping Center offers Home Goods, Staples, and Target.
Vegetables, fruit, and meat can be sourced locally from farmer’s markets. And if you’re following a strict diet for health or fitness reasons, several restaurants employ the farm-to-table method of preparing dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are likewise a common find.
Old Town Alexandria Real Estate
- Homes Average Year Built: 1963
- Median Home Cost: $985,300
- Median Monthly Rent: $2,083
- Home Appreciation: 3.1% in the last 10 years
Real estate prices in Old Town are 5% higher but rental prices are 42% lower than the average prices in the rest of Alexandria.
Irrespective of your budget and lifestyle, real estate options in Old Town Alexandria will have something for you. Townhouses, rustic homes, and affordable housing projects are available. If you prefer to rent, there is no shortage of houses and apartments.
Final Thoughts On Living In Old Town Alexandria
Safe, beautiful, and diverse, the Old Town community is an ideal residential environment for all types of families – young, multigenerational, small or large. With unmatched accessibility and a broad selection of cultural, educational, and entertainment activities, it guarantees a full life for every member of the community.
You have varied options for your new home as well, from restored 1700s row houses and modern apartments to brand new luxury condominiums and townhomes. Even the waterfront offers residential spaces.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards making this historic neighborhood your next dwelling place, we’ll be happy to help you get there! Darren’s team is an expert in finding the best location in Old Town Alexandria that fits every homebuyer’s unique needs and preferences.
Just click this link to leave us a message and we’ll get back to you immediately.