Photo: iStock.com/BostonREP
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Location is everything when it comes to real estate in Northern Virginia. Cameron Station (22304), Del Ray, and Beverley Hills (22305) are neighborhoods within popular zip codes in Alexandria, VA, that provide an excellent location to enjoy the convergence of many quality of life factors. Available property in all three sections is in high demand all year round.
From dining and shopping to unbeatable commute times and access to major employers, all three neighborhoods share amenities that most home shoppers are looking for but also have unique characteristics that draw different buyers and renters attracted to specific qualities, like historic architecture.
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22304 Neighborhood Cameron Station
Cameron Station is the quintessential planned community, complete with a neighborhood elementary school, Samuel W. Tucker, and the amenities you expect, including recreational facilities such as a pool and parks, in addition to social clubs and retail.
The charm factor is high due to the 1700s and 1800s aesthetics the neighborhood aims to achieve with brick walkways and abundant green space. Neighborhood activities are popular with residents, and it’s one reason Cameron Station is a popular place for incoming families to call home.
The neighborhood is about 20 years old and sits on the property that previously served as a transportation and quartermaster post for the Army, also known as Cameron Station. From the mid-1940s, the military used the space, which saw growth during and after WWII, and closed it in 1988 under BRAC stipulations.
The ideal location of Cameron Station in Alexandria's West End, only a few miles from Old Town Alexandria's popular shopping and dining amenities, is well-known. Duke Street is the northern border, and Ben Brenman Park lies to the east. Backlick Run (moving toward Fort Belvoir) is to the south, and Armistead Boothe Park is westward.
As a planned community, Cameron Station strategically provides many housing options. Approximately 1,000 townhouses, 800 condos, and thirty stand-alone single-family homes exist. Because the land was once a military outlet, there was property to spare during construction, and most homes offer more space compared to homes in nearby neighborhoods. Garages are not prevalent in much of Alexandria, but Cameron Station is the exception.
You’ll find a wide variety of price points within the streets of Cameron Station. One-bedroom condos are the most affordable, starting around $350,000, and townhomes range from $550,000 to $850,000. A single family home pushes the price point to around $1,000,000. Note that Cameron Station Community Association homeowners must be part of the HOA.
Rental prices range from $2,800 to $3,800 for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhome. Townhouses are the predominant Alexandria rental inventory.
Alexandria townhome. Photo: iStock.com/amedved
Cameron Station Shopping, Entertainment, and Commuting
Cameron Station’s planned community status offers multiple options within the community for convenient amenities. The neighborhood is home to Bright Start Learning Center, Cameron Café, Cameron Station Valet, and Family Dentistry.
Both of the nearby parks schedule plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors through concerts and movies. The dedicated civic association organizes social events and often uses the Cameron Club to host community functions.
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Bus at Van Dorn Metro Station by David Wilson
Commuting couldn’t be easier from Cameron Station, especially if the Metro is your chosen mode of transportation. The community provides a shuttle to the Van Dorn Metro station. Washington, DC, is ten miles away, which makes the location a perfect pick for those working in any military or government office in the city or along the commute routes.
22305 Neighborhoods Del Ray and Beverley Hills
Del Ray
Known for the hip artistic influence that pulses throughout the city, Del Ray is home to an active community that thrives on neighborhood activities and social scenes that emanate from Mount Vernon Avenue, aka “The Avenue.” Here, you’ll find a mix of eclectic shops and boutiques, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and a packed schedule that includes street parades and festivals.
Del Ray’s enviable location is less than three miles to the Pentagon, three miles to Fort Myer, and two miles to Reagan National Airport. Amazon's newest headquarters and subsequent community includes a portion of Del Ray and is known as National Landing.
As you might guess, real estate in the area is limited and exceptionally expensive. Single-family homes are on the small side, as many have original footprints tied to the iconic Sears Catalog bungalow homes.
Single-family homes with three bedrooms and two bathrooms rent quickly, starting at about $3,000/month, and promptly trend upward. Fixer-upper properties to purchase start at $650,000. Move-in ready homes price well over $750,000.
Del Ray Shopping, Entertainment, and Commuting
The Avenue is truly the place to enjoy local food and annual events such as Art on the Avenue and Del Ray’s beloved Halloween parade. Saturday morning farmers’ markets and First Thursdays are also popular. Locals flock to the Dairy Godmother, an institution that has been serving frozen custard for decades. They also hit up the Evening Star, Del Ray Cafe, and the Bark Haus.
Entertainment is at its best at the Birchmere. This historic concert venue continues to draw sought-after music acts and entertainers who enjoy performing in an intimate setting. Nearby, the Potomac Yard shopping complex is adjacent to the eastern sections of Del Ray and provides a central location for traditional big box store shopping. Major tenants include grocery stores, Target, Barnes & Noble, and national chain restaurants.
Much of Del Ray is walkable, bikeable, and accessible by Metro, including the new Potomac Yard Station. It also has access to buses and shuttles that reach into Washington, DC.
Beverley Hills
Del Ray's western neighbor, Beverley Hills, has long been a beloved neighborhood for families due to its abundant public and private schools and its commitment to preserving green spaces through thoughtful planning. Walkable streets and rolling hills are signature elements of Beverley Hills.
The total number of homes in Beverley Hills is small, only about 600, which makes buying and renting in the neighborhood even more challenging. The homes tend to be on the small side and are colonial or Cape Cod in design. The largest houses price near $1.5 million and up, while rentals are sparse and begin at $3,000 monthly.
Beverley Hills Shopping, Entertainment, and Commuting
Because of the neighborhood’s prime location, residents are drawn to the activities in Del Ray and the area known as Shirlington, a trendy location with families due to the family-friendly and walkable streets. Young families and professionals pack the happy hour and brunch offerings.
Neighborhood activities are an anchor for the community. With plenty of schools in the area, there is always an activity to attend or sponsor. The local playground, “The Pit,” is a huge draw, and families know most of each other by name. Santa visits near Christmas, and Wheel Day hosts families on bikes and other wheeled transportation over Memorial Day weekend.
Beverley Hills is a commuter’s dream, with easy access to 395 and nearby Metro train and bus stations. And if you have a dedicated parking spot at work, the Pentagon and Crystal City/National Landing are only a five-minute drive.
Photo: iStock.com/Noel-Marie Fletcher
Alexandria City Public Schools
ACPS has a distinguished and long history in public education. President George Washington helped create its earliest iterations to educate orphans and underprivileged children. Modern ACPS history includes the struggle of black Americans during the civil rights era and the challenges faced during the desegregation of schools.
Today, families continue to choose ACPS for multiple reasons, including their traditional academic and special education programs, which are offered in addition to the Dual Language Program and the Talented and Gifted Program. The walkability to community schools is also a huge draw. You can use the school district's Attendance Zone Locator to verify the schools connected to your 22304 or 22305 address. It is likely one of these campuses:
- Alexandria City High School (Grades 9-12)
- Francis C. Hammond or George Washington (Grades 6-8)
- Samuel W. Tucker, Patrick Henry, James K Polk, Douglas MacArthur, Charles Barrett, Cora Kelly, Mount Vernon Community School (Grades PreK-5)
Cameron Station, Del Ray, and Beverley Hills are all top-notch neighborhood choices in Alexandria. Although it may not be within everyone's budget, many families choose to make sacrifices in order to have more time at home due to shorter commutes. The availability of everyday necessities, along with diverse dining options and a walkable environment, are significant factors to consider in these neighborhoods.
By Dawn M. Smith
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