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Life in Alexandria, VA

138 Rooms Available
$1149 Average Rent
218 Roommates Available
$1075 Average Budget

Moving to Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia is one of those rare places that feels like it exists outside of time. Founded in 1749, Old Town Alexandria's cobblestone streets, gas-lit lanterns, and brick row houses sit right along the Potomac River, just minutes from the bustle of Washington, D.C. George Washington called this place home, and walking King Street today you can still see why. But Alexandria isn't just a history lesson — it's a thriving, walkable city with an incredible food scene, Metro access, and a quality of life that keeps people here for decades.

Here's what we'll cover:

Why is Everyone Moving to Alexandria, VA?

Things to Know Before Moving to Alexandria, VA

The Pros and Cons of Living in Alexandria, VA

Moving to Alexandria, VA FAQ's

Thinking About Moving to Alexandria, VA?

Things to Know Before Moving to Alexandria

Before moving to Alexandria, VA, understand that there are really two Alexandrias. Old Town is the postcard — a walkable waterfront neighborhood with independent boutiques, chef-driven restaurants, and weekend farmers markets along the torpedo factory arts center. It's charming but pricey, with one-bedrooms running $1,800 to $2,500 per month. Then there's the rest of Alexandria: the Del Ray neighborhood is artsy, quirky, and increasingly popular with young families — Mount Vernon Avenue is its Main Street, lined with locally owned shops and restaurants. The West End and Landmark areas offer more affordable, diverse options.

The Braddock Road and King Street Metro stations (Blue and Yellow lines) connect Alexandria directly to D.C., Pentagon City, and National Airport. The commute to downtown D.C. takes about 20 minutes by Metro. If you bike, the Mount Vernon Trail runs right along the river into D.C. — it's one of the most scenic commutes in the region. Splitting rent with a roommate in Alexandria typically brings your share to $1,100 to $1,500 per person.

The job market benefits from proximity to D.C. and the Pentagon, plus a growing tech presence in the broader Northern Virginia corridor. The Patent and Trademark Office relocated to Alexandria, and defense contractors are well established here. The climate matches D.C. — hot humid summers, mild winters, and a stunning fall.

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Pros & Cons of Living in Alexandria

Alexandria offers something increasingly rare in the D.C. metro area: genuine historic character combined with modern urban amenities. The waterfront, the dining, and the walkability of Old Town are hard to match anywhere in the region. The cost is the main barrier — this is not a budget destination. But for those who can make the numbers work, especially with a roommate, Alexandria provides a quality of life that keeps people here long after they planned to move on.

Pros of Living in Alexandria

Unmatched Historic Charm

Old Town Alexandria's cobblestone streets, 18th-century row houses, and gas-lit lanterns create an atmosphere you won't find elsewhere in the D.C. metro. King Street is a genuine destination — lined with independent shops, restaurants, and galleries that lead down to the Potomac waterfront. Living here feels like living inside a piece of American history.

Excellent Walkability and Bikeability

Old Town and Del Ray are among the most walkable neighborhoods in Northern Virginia. The Mount Vernon Trail offers a stunning riverside bike path that connects all the way to D.C. and Mount Vernon. Many residents commute by bike along the trail — it's faster, prettier, and cheaper than driving.

Thriving Food and Drink Scene

Alexandria punches well above its weight for dining. From acclaimed spots in Old Town to Del Ray's eclectic Mount Vernon Avenue restaurants, the options range from upscale seafood to casual tacos to craft cocktail bars. The waterfront dining along the Potomac is particularly special during warm months.

Metro Access to D.C. and Beyond

King Street and Braddock Road Metro stations connect Alexandria to D.C. in about 20 minutes on the Blue and Yellow lines. Reagan National Airport is one stop away. The free King Street Trolley shuttles riders between the Metro station and the waterfront. For a city this charming, the transit access is a genuine bonus.

Del Ray's Quirky Neighborhood Character

Del Ray has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Northern Virginia. Mount Vernon Avenue is its heart — lined with locally owned restaurants (the legendary Evening Star Cafe), vintage shops, and a community vibe that feels more small town than suburb. The annual Art on the Avenue festival and the neighborhood's dog-friendly culture give it a personality all its own.

Cons of Moving to Alexandria

High Rent, Especially in Old Town

Alexandria's charm comes at a price. One-bedroom apartments in Old Town run $1,800 to $2,500 per month, and Del Ray isn't far behind. Even the more affordable West End starts around $1,500. For a city of its size, Alexandria is expensive — finding a roommate is one of the most practical ways to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

Limited Nightlife

Alexandria is charming but not exactly a late-night city. Most restaurants close by 10 PM, and the bar scene is modest compared to D.C. or even Arlington's Clarendon strip. If you want a vibrant nightlife, you'll find yourself hopping on the Metro to D.C. for bigger nights out.

Parking is a Constant Battle

Old Town's narrow colonial-era streets were not designed for modern cars. Street parking is scarce, garage parking is expensive, and weekend tourist traffic makes it worse. If you live in Old Town, going car-free is almost a necessity rather than a choice.

Tourist Crowds in Old Town

Old Town's popularity means King Street and the waterfront can get packed on weekends and during tourist season. Restaurant waits spike, sidewalks crowd, and parking becomes impossible. Locals learn to avoid peak times, but if you live right on King Street, the foot traffic is constant.
Roommates in Alexandria

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Alexandria

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Thinking About Moving to Alexandria?

If you're considering a move to Alexandria, VA, think about what you value most. Old Town is unbeatable for charm, walkability, and waterfront access — but you'll pay a premium for it. Del Ray offers a neighborhood feel with local character at slightly lower prices. The West End is more suburban but significantly more affordable. Carlyle and Eisenhower East are newer developments with modern apartments near the Eisenhower Avenue Metro. Using Roommates.com will help you connect with people already living in Alexandria and find a roommate who matches your lifestyle and budget.

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