Alexandria, VA Reviews


49 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia is a city located just outside of Washington D.C. It is known for its rich history, charming Old Town area, and proximity to the nation's capital. With a population of approximately 160,000 people, Alexandria offers a mix of suburban and urban living. Many people are drawn to this city for its diverse community, strong local economy, and access to a variety of amenities. However, as with any place, there are also drawbacks to living in Alexandria. In this summary, we will take a look at what various individuals have to say about living in this particular place.

According to user reviews on BestPlaces.net, overall, many people enjoy living in Alexandria. One reviewer, named Sarah, praises the city's "friendly and welcoming community" and "beautiful scenery." She also mentions that there is a strong sense of history and culture in Alexandria that adds to its charm. Another reviewer, named Mike, appreciates the convenience of living in Alexandria, stating that "everything you need is within walking distance." However, not all reviews are positive. A reviewer named Jenny expresses frustration with the high cost of living in Alexandria, stating that "rent and housing prices are through the roof." She also mentions that traffic can be a major issue in the area. Similarly, another user named David notes that the city can feel "overcrowded and chaotic" at times, especially during peak tourist seasons. Despite these challenges, many individuals still find Alexandria to be a great place to live, with amenities and opportunities worth the cost.

 based on 49 Reviews
Get to know Alexandria with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Alexandria

Always exciting Alexandria - 9/18/2011
Alexandria, Virginia is a highly educated and culturally diverse city in the Southwestern Region of the National Capital Area of Washington, DC. Here you are living in a melting pot of culture, numerous ethnic restaurants, popular bars, clubs, and activities from local museums, artsy shops, sightseeing, biking, hiking, kayaking, boating and more within reasonable drives. The Old Towne Alexandria section of the city is a gem for those enthralled with Colonial points of interest, historic architecture, highly rated restaurants and romantic getaway hotspots. There is something for everyone; you would be hard pressed to be bored in a city so eclectic. Read More

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Great Parks and Recreation but congestion is bad - 9/1/2011
I'm referring to Alexandria in Fairfax County, not the City of Alexandria (although that is a great place too). I've lived here for 2 years. I've really been inmpressed with the amount of offerings in the County Parks and Recreation Dept. So these comments could also be for other towns in our county. Summer calendars are filled with free concerts in the parks (many parks!) a free water park for little kids, and lots of other free events for adults, kids, and families alike. Alexandria has a great schools, a farmers market, great parks with playgrounds, indoor "soft playground" for young kids, parks with hiking. HOWEVER with the great community there are trade-offs , there seems to be competition for everything; parking spaces, dinner reservations, doctors appts, pre-school/daycare slots, you name it. I love the area, close to so many great culture/historical/art locations, but the congestion makes daily living Read More

Attention: GLBT - home buyer$ - Alexandria - 4/11/2011
If your looking to buy a home in NoVa. There is a very lovely older suburban community thats " Gay Friendly " called Lincolnia Park. It's a very warm, welcoming community in which several of US live ( particularly in proximity of Braddock Rd. / Cherokee Ave. / Chowan Ave. ). The homes are reasonably priced! The area is very beautiful with tree lined streets and larger lots. It 's easily commutable into the city as its located off of Little River turnpike on a bus line, and of course is ideally located for shopping : ) Please remember in your search - who our neighbors are has a huge impact on the way we as a community live. FYI... I'm not a realtor, just a very HAPPY Read More

Great place to live, if money is no object - 2/1/2011
Alexandria has much to offer, if you can afford it. Housing is very high - a modest one bedroom apt will set you back at least $1,000 a month, and a decent house can't be had for less than $300,000, with commensurately high real estate taxes. There has been a tremendous amount of infill building on former industrial land, with a consequent rise in traffic. It is getting more difficult every day to get anywhere anytime. (The DC area just won the dubious honor of having the worst traffic in the country.) Alexandria has charming neighborhoods, great dining and shopping, easy access to rail and air transport, and is a stone's throw from DC and all it has to offer. We liked living here but, like many of our friends, hope to move in a few years to a place less congested and expensive. Read More

Lots to do - 1/3/2011
Close to DC, national and state Read More

Nice but Expensive - 8/1/2010
Alexandria is a nice place to live but it's very expensive. In my opinion the price is not entirely justified. I can understand why places like San Francisco and New York are expensive, but Washington to me doesn't justify it's price tag.  Read More

climate - 7/12/2010
Summers can be hot and sticky, but Fall and Spring are wonderful. On average, winter months are not as cold as one is lead to believe with the exception of February which can be really cold with lots of snow. All in all, a mix that one can live Read More

Expensive - 5/28/2010
Two lobster sliders = 13 Read More

Washington Metro Area is exactly what you think. - 1/25/2010
There is more history than you can shake a stick at. Spending time at museums, visiting monuments, taking a tour of the Capitol, all the things citizens of this great country should do at least once. If you live and work in the area those great things seem to fall by the wayside. In 2009 the Capitol Beltway was rated was second worst commute in the nation by the Texas Traffic Institute. Having lived here for 9 years I can attest to the tremendous traffic volume, the Beltway is backed up, bumper-to-bumper, at almost any time day or night. The area tries hard to accommodate commuters with commuter trains coming from VA and MD, and MetroRail for those closer in. Primary driving routes in from north, south, and west (I270, I66, I95) are interstates that contain HOV lanes so if you ride a motorcycle (as I do) the HOV lane is an option. Also, housing prices are really crazy! Your dollar will certainly get you more if you live farther out, which exacerbates the commuting numbers. But as Read More

Beautiful city - 11/22/2009
Alexandria, VA is a beautiful city in every season. Old Town is a great place to explore and shop. History abounds in every corner of this city. A very pet friendly area where you will find water bowls in most stores and restaurants waiting for your four-legged friends. If you can't find anything to do in this city, you won't find it anywhere Read More

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