Old Town Alexandria, VA - Charm, Character, and History Nestled Near Metro D.C.
A charmingly quaint historic community, Old Town Alexandria, VA is located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Featuring homes dating back to 1749, Old Town covers 3 square miles of coveted quiet, upscale townhome and condo living that showcases breathtaking views of the Potomac River, the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. Currently, home prices range from $400,000 for around 500 square feet to $3 Million for up to 4,000 square feet. The historical cobblestone streets, traditional brick homes, and exquisite Georgian architecture were designed and planned by George Washington, himself; additionally, Old Town was once home to some of our founding fathers, including George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.
Traveling Around Old Town Alexandria
The picturesque waterfront location of Old Town encourages residents to enjoy relaxing strolls along the magnificent Riverwalk, which connects the three local parks:
- Waterfront Park
- Founders Park
- Oronoco Bay Park.
No matter where in Old Town you live, all three parks are within a short walking distance and elevate the already breathtaking charm and beauty that comes with owning Old Town real estate. Because Old Town is right near the heart of Metro D.C, the entire area is extremely pedestrian and bike friendly, with sidewalks, bike routes, stores, dining and local amenities just steps from your front door. Alexandria is also extremely pet friendly where dogs enjoy their own boutiques as well doggie Happy Hour at some of the top places.
For traveling outside of the Old Town area, a local free trolley system goes from the waterfront to the metro station, where you can then hop on one of the two metro lines, Blue or Yellow, to get anywhere you need to go. Though Old Town Alexandria is designed to be a walker friendly community- and you really can get by without even owning a car- the area also features quick access to the Capitol Beltway, and while many of the homes in Old Town come with assigned parking, ample street parking and public parking garages are conviently available.
Old Town Activities
Market Square is located in the center of Old Town, and offers a wide abundance of outside vendors, fine dining, quaint boutiques, upscale shopping and entertainment. Most restaurants are very welcoming to pets and offer outdoor seating some with views of the Potomac, and there are even some dining venues that feature special menu items just for your four legged friend to enjoy. Although the majority of Old Town real estate does not feature yard space, there are numerous walking trails, biking trails, parks, sports, playgrounds and more located just steps from your front door to provide plenty of outdoor exercise for you, your family, and your pets.
Along the river, you can also enjoy boating and kayaking. Every September the Riverwalk area hosts the Alexandria Festival of the Arts all the way to Union Street. Alexandria is transformed into an outdoor art gallery that features 200 of the nation's top award-winning artists and is free to residents and visitors to view the sculptures, paintings, photography, glass, jewelry and more; art pieces can be bought from anywhere from $20 dollars to $20,000.
First Night Alexandria is also held every December 31 in historic Old Town. A family oriented, non-alcoholic New Year's Eve celebration that hosts family friendly entertainment, music, vendors and a scavenger hunt in the afternoon, then families can enjoy fireworks and the New Year's celebration at midnight down by the river, or from the comfort of their own homes.
Other entertainment options in Old Town include:
- Gadsby's Tavern Museum
- The boyhood home of Robert E. Lee
- Tour of the Lee-Fendall House
- Lyceum- the Old Town city historical museum
- Visit the Confederate Soldier bronze sculpture which displays the names of fallen soldiers
- The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop and learn about early medical supplies and hand-blown glass
- Tour the Old Presbyterian Meeting House which has the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War soldier
- Torpedo Factory, where torpedoes manufactured during WWI and WWII
where made and where currently the studios of about 160 artists of
various mediums create.
- Participate in Historic Walking Tours- the ones given at night are lead by guides with authentic historic lanterns.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides,
- Potomac River cruises
- Ghost tours- visit historic haunted houses, including some that were part of the Underground Railroad.
Old Town Schools
Old Town is served by the Alexandria City Public School System, which is made up of 13 elementary schools and two middle schools:
- George Washington
- Francis C. Hammond
The two high schools are:
- Minnie Howard Ninth grade Center (9th grade only)
- T.C Williams High School (grades 10-12)
The area is also home to numerous private and preparatory schools, including: St. Mary's Catholic School, St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School, Bishop Ireton High School and Episcopal High School. Regardless of the learning environment you desire for your child, the Alexandria area schools are some of the top in the nation, with the majority of graduates earning acceptance to higher education programs.
Moving To Old Town Alexandria, VA
By living in Old Town Alexandria, you will own some of the most sought after real estate in Northern Virginia. My team's experience and knowledge of the local Alexandria real estate market has helped home buyers to acquire some of the best real estate in the Alexandria areas. The proven track record of Norma Stratton of Long & Foster REALTORS will produce the results you desire, so if you are ready to make your dreams of buying an Old Town Alexandria townhome or condo come true, let us serve you. Start your search of Old Town Alexandria homes for sale, or simply contact your Northern Virginia Real Estate Agent to learn more.
