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Newcomers to Alexandria, Virginia, often envision the Colonial homes found in Old Town as what they’ll find when moving to the area. The charming rows of houses are what we see in tourist marketing and TV shows, after all! Old Town does have many lovely Federal and Georgian-style homes with history to spare, but these only begin to showcase the diversity of housing throughout Alexandria City and Alexandria, Fairfax County.
Alexandria, VA, is so large that you’ll find most living styles built during many time periods, even within the same neighborhood. Remember, Alexandria is older than the U.S. itself, and its population created homes reflecting each time frame, even up until now. The homes' ages are also why home buyers and renters come across plenty of options that need updates—cosmetic and otherwise.
The good news is that the housing market in Alexandria offers several choices beyond a standard single-family home. The trick is to stay on top of the inventory because the most desirable properties move quickly and at prices that will likely be at or beyond BAH rates, especially for rental homes.
Townhouses and Condos in Alexandria
If you’ve never lived near a major metropolitan area like Washington, DC, one of the first things you’ll notice is the abundance of housing choices that aren’t single-family living housing. Land is costly, and space is exceptionally limited, so the natural answer to these restrictions is to build vertically and in close proximity.
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Public transportation is an integral part of life in Alexandria, and the perpetual demand for housing near Metro stops also fuels the growth of alternatives to single-family homes.
For first-timers who haven’t lived in a townhome or condo before, the lifestyle can take some getting used to, especially regarding the lack of privacy and available outdoor space. But both condos and townhomes have advantages. For buyers, they are often a bit more affordable and amenity-filled, including a precious parking space or two. And, for those who prefer low-maintenance living, a condo or townhouse could be your solution.
For reference, the availability of townhomes and condos in MilitaryByOwner’s inventory shows hundreds listed for sale and for rent. The current range varies greatly, depending on which part of Alexandria the home is located and the size of the property.
Alexandria Townhouses
- Sale Prices: $629,900 to $995,000
- Rental Prices: $2,100 to $,7975
Alexandria Condos
- Sale Prices: $225,000 to $440,000
- Rental Prices $1,900 to $5,150
Alexandria Single-Family Homes
If a single-family home solves your housing need, you’ll quickly become familiar with listing descriptions of the Colonial home style. It’s the dominant style throughout the DC Metro area. A Colonial is known for its simple two-story box shape with a centered door surrounded by rectangular windows. Plenty of main footprint variations exist, including the often-maligned split-level entry.
Photo by Heather Whitfield
Most single-family homes in Alexandria get their look from a traditional Colonial build, especially after their re-emergence in the 1990s when the McMansion trend took off. But this is not to say that other styles don’t exist. They do, and they’re found in pockets throughout the city. Neighborhoods of bungalows, post-war, and mid-century moderns are easy to find.
Most homes for sale and rent in MilitaryByOwner’s Alexandria inventory are single-family homes. Homes located near desirable schools and the Potomac River fetch higher asking prices.
Alexandria Single-Family Homes
- Sale Prices: $550,000 to $1,200,000
- Rental Prices: $1,250 to $5,296
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Apartments and Rooms for Rent in Alexandria
It's common for a geo-bachelor to call Alexandria home, especially if commuting to the Pentagon or Fort Belvoir. Short-term assignments and military schools often separate families, leaving the servicemember seeking a smaller, more affordable, temporary living solution.
Other people prefer the convenience and savings that apartment living offers. Traditional apartment complexes are available, but you won’t find them as sprawling as in other cities simply because the space is lacking. The further west in Alexandria you travel, the better the opportunity to find more space and newer apartment housing.
Rooms for rent in single-family homes are also a popular solution for temporary living. Veteran servicemembers often become landlords in Alexandria and naturally like to rent to fellow military members. Sometimes, a room for rent is exactly that: a single room available within a home, and roommates are expected. Or a single-family home that stands separate from the tenant, and the space available for rent is a guest house or basement apartment.
Alexandria Apartments and Rooms to Rent:
One of the advantages of moving to Alexandria is the option to explore different housing styles than you’re used to. Choosing your main priorities, like commute time or affordability, is the best way to determine which home style suits your needs. After making a priority list, monitor MilitaryByOwner’s constantly updated inventory of homes to find the right fit for you.
