Northern Virginia is a great place for living - 10/8/2009

We have lived in Alexandria, VA for over 10 years. We have 2 boys and one girl. In general the DC area is a great place for living but the cost of living is relatively high compared to most of other areas in the US. There always so much to do and places to go including museums, parks, artistic and cultural events, so many international restaurants, shopping places, sports, etc. However, traffic is something that is getting worse and worse so it is taking longer to get to any place especially during rush hours and weekends. We are pretty happy living here but we are considering moving to Austin or Fort Worth because of the cost of livng. We know that we would miss so much culture and recration in this area.

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Great dog parks! - 8/8/2009

I've lived in Alexandria for the last six years and I must say that the dog-friendly nature of this area, especially Del Ray, is a major plus. My commute is horrible and the housing prices are steep. People are a little distant and hard to get to know, but having a dog is great! Tons of dog parks and many of the stores are dog-friendly, etc.

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I love the location! - 7/16/2009

I have lived in northern VA for the past ten years. Moving to Alexandria three years ago has been the best decision I could have ever made. I initially moved to Alexandria so that my daughter could start school in Fairfax County school district versus Prince William County- wonderful choice. Also, because I work in Springfield I no longer have to sit in traffic everyday going to and from work. My commute is against the flow of traffic so no matter what time or day I leave work my travel time is the same. A big plus is the Metro. Using the Metro to travel to and from DC is so much easier than the hassle of traffic and parking (not to mention a whole lot cheaper). The cost of living in Alexandria, VA versus say Stafford, Dumfries, Woodbridge/Prince William County (where I lived previously) is worth it.

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quality of life - 5/30/2009

Fine place to live, but expensive

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Biking and hiking trails - 4/14/2009

This area has the most biking and hiking trails of any city I've ever lived in.

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Alexandria - 4/6/2009

Hi, I came to the U.S. 3 years ago and i setteled my living here in alexandria. I have a job that pays me $10 an hr. but i couldn't afford the living. I have room mates but i pay $500 rent (with out the grocery expence). I wanted to go to college but i have to work full time to cover my expense. Life here is expensive. Now i am planning to move to Raliegh,NC. What do you suggest me?

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Live and work here - 3/3/2009

Alexandria is a wonderful place to live IF you live and work in the actual city of Alexandria. The DC metro area has terrible traffic so if you move here, don't make the mistake of getting a house in one neighborhood and trying to commute to another. Even Alexandria to Tysons Corner can be 45 minutes one way. Alexandria city has a couple of great neighborhoods, too. Del Ray is progressive and family focused. Crystal City is more apartment-living and busy with hotels and restaurants. Old Town is historic, more expensive, and touristy.

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Bit too much for me - 6/20/2008

When I move to the DC area 8 years ago, it was very exciting for a single person. Since then, I've gotten married and have a child. The long work hour and long commute for my husband are just too much any more. There are too many people and the quality of life is not what I'd like.

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An exciting place to live - 5/14/2008

Alexandria is an incredible place to live. It is close enough in to Washington DC to minimize the regional traffic congestion and still enjoy the culture of the world's capitol. The economy has always been booming. Shopping, cultural activities, world-class restaurants, all abound. This is a very high energy, yet mid-size city. It is expensive, housing is outrageously pricey, but incomes are high. Once into a home, life is a constant adventure, full of excitement. The city appeals to all age groups. Lots of singles, a diverse population, probably not the best choice for raising a family.

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Great place to live for those who like suburbia wi - 4/21/2008

Alexandria offers a number of perks for those who prefer to be a bit out of the city while still maintaining easy access into DC. It is also an established city in it's own right and offers a number of area to become involved within the community for those who desire it. Downsides are that housing is pricey, close to DC which can be a drawback for those not in love with politics, and many areas are lacking in that close neighborhood community feeling that you find in other places.

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Alexandria, VA - 1/22/2008

This is a great place to live with easy access to excellent restaurants, major sports venues, the countries best free museums, great sense of history, excellent health care, and a moderate climate although summers get a little sticky.

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Great place to live - 8/2/2007

You're not just limited to Alexandria, you have everything within the beltway at your disposal. The historic quality and character of Alexandria is marvelous, and downtown DC is just minutes away, as is Arlington. Alexandria has some of everything... fine dining, history, entertainment, fun for the kids, parks, art... what's not to like?

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Old Town Alexandria - 7/15/2007

I moved here in 1999. This was entirely by choice and not as a corp. move. Alexandria, old town, is a place that many people visit. I have the fortune of living here. I sold my car in 1999 and walk everywhere or ride public transportation. WE have some of the finest restaurant in the country. Grocery stores such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe's bring food to our table.

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Alexandria, VA - 7/3/2007

Alexandria is ideal for anyone interested in history, politics, art, food, recreation. Across the river from Washington, DC, Alexandria provides easy access to the national monuments and museums. Old Towne preserves much of the colonial atmosphere and architecture, while providing boutiques, galleries, and restaurants that appeal to all ages. Once construction on the interstate "beltway" and Wilson Bridge (over the Potomac) is completed, getting around by car should improve significantly. Meanwhile, our subway system serves most of Alexandria City and gives direct access to metropolitan Washington. Alexandria also contributes to the superior reputation of Northern Virginia for income levels and educational facilities.

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Personal Opinion - 4/18/2007

I am 54 years old. I currently rent an efficiency apartment for $985.00 a month on an income of $35,000. I would say that an income of $50,000 or more annually and you could live here comfortably and maybe save some money besides. Not a place to retire, more of the yippie and X generation. A lot of culture here in VA and with D.C. near by. I find your website interesting because I am looking to move because I can't, unfortunately, afford to leave here. Thank you.

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Expensive housing - 3/5/2007

We live in Old town. It is a beautiful, historic part of Alexandria but housing is too expensive. Our 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo cost $525,000. Stand alone homes are rare and cost well over 1 million dollars.

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Insane Cost of living - 10/4/2006

I am paying big money to live in substandard housing....do the math......run.

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decent enough but... - 8/29/2006

With the recent spike in housing (since 1999) is has become very difficult for people to but a first home. A house that was $190k in 1998 will now sell for over $500k. Cool for the home owners but not so good for incoming people especially families. Most families with small kids have to put them in daycare so both parents can work. This is the big bummer about Alexandria. There are many other pluses though. Great restaurants, some areas feel like a small town neighborhood, proximity to DC ( free and awesome museums ) is awesome but traffic can be a bear. Metro is a big plus if you have to commute into DC to work. There is always something to do here. Winters are kind of a joke- it snows 2 inches and everything shuts down.

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America's Walkable Neighborhood - 8/6/2006

Having lived here for 3 years, I can say Alexandria grows more beautiful year after year. The city continues to create open spaces and parks along the waterfront, and looks at creating a hub for out of DC business. There are plenty of running trails to enjoy and the city is very responsive to residents needs. I will find it very difficult if I ever have to move out of this city. It is located in such a great location (close to DC, access to the potomac, easy access to Maryland, etc.) Simply walking through the Old Town district will charm you to no end...

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A little pricey - 7/20/2006

The DC area (and Alexandria) are a little pricey, but there are a ton of things to do!

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