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Photo by Heather Whitfield
When researching from afar, newcomers to Alexandria, Virginia, often find it tricky to understand how Alexandria is broken into boundaries and/or zip codes. For good reason! The collective Alexandria, as we generally refer to it in conversation, encompasses miles and miles of distance, as well as dozens of zip codes and neighborhoods. Two different Alexandrias are divided into separate governing bodies: the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County.
This guide to boundaries and zip codes in Alexandria will help determine your best options for a PCS to any part of the city!
Please note that when researching homes, it takes a coordinated effort to cross-reference zip codes and neighborhood names. In most cases, they are designated within Alexandria’s borders, but sometimes the post office chooses to differentiate their name.
For example, a very popular section of Alexandria (Fairfax County) is called Kingstowne. It has its own zip code, 22315, but it remains part of Alexandria.
Maps from Military Town Advisor
City of Alexandria
As you can see, the City of Alexandria is the northernmost part of the collective known as Alexandria. Arlington County defines the northern border, and the remaining borders are shared with Fairfax County.
The City of Alexandria is not in a county. In the past, there was an Alexandria County, but it was renamed Arlington County to avoid further confusion. It is an independent city with its own governing system. From schools (Alexandria City Public Schools) to law enforcement, each entity is operated under the City of Alexandria.
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New families enjoy various aspects of the City of Alexandria because of its numerous amenities. Walkability tops the list, but restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities are big perks, too. Old Town Alexandria is probably the best-known neighborhood in the City of Alexandria, but other sections are popular with military families due to their easy commutes to the Pentagon and Fort Belvoir.
Alexandria’s Main Areas: Old Town, Del Ray, West End, and Carlyle/Eisenhower
Each of these has specific neighborhoods that have different "vibes" or reputations. Most cater to families in multiple ways. Their zip codes include the following.
Old Town Alexandria (22314)
Old Town is renowned for its cobblestone streets, boutiques, restaurants, and its designated historic district along the Potomac River. Walkable and boutique-heavy King Street is adorned with centuries-old architecture. Old Town is the heart of Alexandria and one of the most expensive housing locations.
West End, Van Dorn, and Seminary Hill (22302, 22311, 22312)
The West End is home to the city's vibrant craft beer scene and boasts some of the best Thai, Vietnamese, and Ethiopian cuisine. You'll also find historic parks, such as the 45-acre Civil War Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site.
Del Ray, Arlandria, and Potomac Yard (22301, 22305)
Del Ray and Arlandia are havens for small-town vibes and a community-oriented atmosphere. Strolling along Mount Vernon Avenue with independent shops, the Del Ray Farmers Market, and the bustling restaurant scene is a family favorite activity.
Potomac Yard is home to the newest and most walkable Metro station, Amazon H2Q, and Virginia Tech’s innovation campus.
Carlyle/Eisenhower and Cameron Station (southwestern area of 22314 and 22304)
The Cameron Station area is a vibrant neighborhood known for its mix of family-friendly housing options and tree-lined streets. If you’re searching for high-end condos and apartments, the Carlyle/Eisenhower is an ideal area. New live-work-play communities are growing steadily.
Alexandria, Fairfax County
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Fairfax County encompasses the remainder of Alexandria. Sometimes this part of Alexandria is referred to as Lower or South Alexandria. One of the benefits of this portion of the city is its location outside the 495 Beltway, which means there is more space and a bit more affordability, with an urban/suburban flair.
Another draw is access to Fairfax County Public Schools. There’s an abundance of high-ranking schooling options to choose from, so families usually spend plenty of time examining commute times and zip codes in relation to their preferred schools. Due to the size of FCPS, they have created several maps that are extremely helpful for housing searches.
If school is important, be diligent in determining where your potential property is zoned. These details are also important for military members who do not require public education. Future resale and potential renters will be influenced by the school to which the home is designated.
Important note: As of 2025, FCPS is conducting a boundary study that may impact your housing search and the school your children attend in the future.
Also note that Fort Belvoir Schools, located on base, are not in Alexandria, but are part of FCPS.
Commonly searched zip codes in Alexandria, Fairfax County:
- 22060 Fort Belvoir
- 22303 Alexandria/Jefferson Manor
- 22306 Alexandria/Groveton
- 22307 Alexandria/Belleview
- 22308 Alexandria/Fort Hunt
- 22309 Alexandria/Engleside
- 22310 Alexandria/Franconia
- 22315 Alexandria/Kingstowne
Although Alexandria takes up a big chunk of Fairfax County, it’s not the only major city within the county borders. Neighboring cities like Springfield and Burke are grouped together in another category known as Greater Alexandria.
The good and bad news is that there are likely several appealing neighborhoods to choose from, which may make it challenging to pick your favorite option. House hunting anywhere in the National Capital Region requires thoughtful insight to prioritize your must-haves. Typically, these priorities include schools, commute, and rent or mortgage payments.
This guide provides a solid starting point for getting to know Alexandria and finding your next home. However, ultimately, Alexandria is a destination that requires time and effort to get to know. The sheer size of the city and county combined offer a diverse range of opportunities for all types of people.
- City of Alexandria Total Area: 15.5 sq mi, Estimated Population: 160,035
- Fairfax County Total Area: 406 sq mi, Estimated Population: 1,148,000
MilitaryByOwner offers a feature to search Alexandria by zip codes, which is helpful when narrowing down selections. Within the property’s advertisement, there’s also an option to view the house on a map, which further identifies any positive surrounding features.
Because Alexandria is one of the most popular MilitaryByOwner cities, new homes for rent and sale are constantly added. Spend some time getting to know how the site can work for you, and your house hunt could be significantly shortened.
Moving to or living in Alexandria VA? Download your free guide to the area below!
