2022 Alexandria Resident's Guide by Alexandria Living Magazine

2022

Resident’s Guide

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PUBLISHER

Beth Lawton EDITOR

Mary Ann Barton DESIGN

Jessie Leiber PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Susannah Moore Alexandria Living, LLC publishes this Resident’s Guide as well as Alexandria Living Magazine and alexandrialivingmagazine.com. 201 N. Union St., Suite 110 Alexandria, VA 22314 info@alexandrialivingmagazine.com COVER PHOTO:

422 Euille Street, Alexandria, VA photo courtesy of McEnearney Associates

Subscribe Today! We make it easy to subscribe to Alexandria Living Magazine! Keep up with events, new businesses, people you should know about and other Alexandria insider information. 1. You can simply go to alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe and pay online with complete security. 2. Or, mail us a check made out to Alexandria Living Magazine. Mail it to: 201 N. Union St., Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22314. A two-year subscription is just $24.95.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Alexandria, Virginia is one of the best places in the country to live, work and play. The region features beautiful architecture, a variety of neighborhoods, trails, parks, shopping and dining. In fact, Alexandria has gotten some serious accolades, including being named one of the best small cities in the country in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. It has also made national lists for being a great city for pets, millennials, retirees and just about everyone else. Whether you’ve just moved here or you never left, this guide is full of helpful information about local services, neighborhoods and things to do. Keep it handy this year! In addition, we suggest that you subscribe to Alexandria Living Magazine in print and sign up for the email newsletters so you don’t miss out on hearing about new restaurants, developments and more. Information on signing up is at alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe. See you around!

3. Or, call us at 571-232-1310 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We can take your credit card over the phone. alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe

Beth Lawton and Mary Ann Barton Alexandria Living Magazine

Table of Contents ABOUT THE AREA The Best Places to Learn About Alexandria’s History.................................................................. 6 “My Favorite Things”................................................................. 9 City versus County ................................................................. 11 Map of Alexandria................................................................... 14

SERVICES Fire Departments..................................................................... 16 Police Departments................................................................ 17 Emergency Alerts..................................................................... 18 Hospitals........................................................................................ 19 Health & Human Services................................................... 21 Utilities............................................................................................ 22 Trash & Recycling..................................................................... 23

TRANSPORTATION Getting Around Alexandria................................................ 24 Biking Around Alexandria................................................... 27 Metro Map.................................................................................... 28 Moving Your Car to Alexandria....................................... 29

MOVING HERE Choosing a Bank or Credit Union.................................. 32 How to Choose a Realtor.................................................... 33 Do You Need a Home Inspection?................................ 34

NEIGHBORHOODS Choosing a Community....................................................... 35 Old Town....................................................................................... 37 Waterfront.................................................................................... 41 Carlyle/Eisenhower East...................................................... 43

Resident’s Guide

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

JANET BERTIN Decorating Alexandria for more than 25 years

Think about the looks that suit you. A classic, elegant living room... a re-imagined basement room transformed into a multipurpose work and entertaining space... a touch of high style in a traditional home... or just a room that’s purely an extension of you. Turning my clients’ visions for their rooms into reality is what I have been doing for my clients for more than 35 years. Tell me about the visions you have for your spaces and allow my team and me to turn them into reality the way we have for so many of our neighbors. Let’s continue our Decorating Conversation by getting together soon. Just drop a line or give a call.

Janet Bertin, Allied ASID

703-299-0633

janetbertin@decoratingden.com Janetbertin.decoratingden.com

Table of Contents NEIGHBORHOODS Del Ray............................................................................................ 45 National Landing & Potomac Yard............................... 49 North Ridge................................................................................. 50 West End....................................................................................... 52 Seminary Hill............................................................................... 53 Landmark...................................................................................... 54 Fairfax County............................................................................ 55 Franconia...................................................................................... 57 Rose Hill......................................................................................... 58 Kingstowne.................................................................................. 59 Huntington .................................................................................. 60 Belle Haven.................................................................................. 61 Hybla Valley & Groveton..................................................... 64 Fort Hunt....................................................................................... 66 Mount Vernon............................................................................ 68

EDUCATION About Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)......... 71 About Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)........... 72 Private Schools.......................................................................... 73 Libraries......................................................................................... 74

PETS Pet-friendly Alexandria........................................................ 75

RECREATION Parks & Recreation Centers.............................................. 80 Pools................................................................................................. 83

Resident’s Guide

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Babs Beckwith

The Face of Old Town Real Estate No one knows Old Town Alexandria better than Babs Beckwith, whose name is synonymous with Old Town real estate. With more than 25 years of success selling homes in this special community where she lives and is actively involved. For a confidential conversation about buying or selling a home, contact Babs Beckwith.

Babs Beckwith, REALTOR ®

tel. 703.627.5421 | Babs@BabsBeckwith.com OldTownAlexandriaLiving.com 1 0 9 S . P I T T S T R E E T, A L E X A N D R I A , VA 2 2 3 1 4 | E Q U A L H O U S I N G O P P O R T U N I T Y

ABOUT THE AREA

The Best Places to Learn About Alexandria’s History Alexandria and the surrounding area have a long, rich history, and you can see some of it just

Tall Ship Providence

by walking down Alexandria’s

See Northern Virginia’s only tall ship, meet Captain John Paul Jones, and hear about life on the high seas in the Continental Navy. Tours, cruises and historic programs are hosted on this detailed replica of the Providence as it sailed in the 1770s. Learn more and get tickets at tallshipprovidence.org.

streets. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources to learn about the area’s history. This is by no means a comprehensive list — but it’s a good place to start learning about Alexandria’s fascinating past. The Alexandria Visitor’s Center, at 221 King St., is a wealth of information on places to visit, local historic tours and more. Ask them about the Friendship Firehouse Museum, the StablerLeadbeater Apothecary Museum and the many self-guided historic walking tours available! Learn more 6

at visitalexandriava.com/things-to-do/ historic-attractions-and-museums.

Resident’s Guide

Lee-Fendall House Museum The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden interprets American history through the experiences of the people who lived and worked on the property from 1785 to 1969. The private museum offers tours and educational programs, including on topics like architecture, the lives of the enslaved and much more. Information is available at leefendallhouse.org.

ABOUT THE AREA

PHOTOS BY BETH LAWTON

Carlyle House Historic Park Just a stone’s throw from the Alexandria Visitor’s Center, the Carlyle House Historic Park is the site of an 18th-century historic house museum once owned by John Carlyle, a wealthy merchant and a founder of Alexandria. The Georgian-style stone mansion was completed in 1753 and was featured in the PBS series Mercy Street. Learn more at novaparks.com/parks/ carlyle-house-historic-park.

Manumission Tour Co. Manumission Tour Company provides guided Black history walking tours and fascinating information about Alexandria when it was one of America’s main centers for international and domestic slave trading. Information is available at manumissiontours.com. For much more information about Alexandria’s Black history, be sure to take a look at the Alexandria Black History Museum and the Freedom House Museum (which has been undergoing extensive renovations).

Alexandria Archaeology Museum Tucked away on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center (another historic building), the Alexandria

Archaeology Museum features exhibits showing Archaeologists at work on Lee Street, and a fascinating exhibit about the work to preserve Alexandria’s martime history from the 1700s. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/archaeology.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Gadsby’s Tavern Museum consists of two taverns and a hotel from the late 1700s, visited at the time by George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and even the marquis de Lafayette. Today, tours of these unique haunts are available (guided or self-guided). You can also eat in the historic site’s restaurant. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern and at gadsbystavernrestaurant.com.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate along the Potomac River just a few miles south of the City of Alexandria. The estate of America’s first president, the historic site includes extensive gardens and grounds, the mansion, slave quarters, a whiskey distillery and more. Enjoy historic reenactments, an interactive museum, tours and much more. Plan your visit at mountvernon.org. Alexandria Living Magazine

Lisa Groover YOUR LOCAL REALTOR One of my favorite things about real estate is the feedback I receive from my clients. “Lisa’s positive attitude and sunny disposition set her apart from the start. Her qualities, selflessness, generosity and enthusiasm are so unexpected nowadays in the business environment.” “Lisa is the ultimate real estate professional from start to finish. She is creative and a problem solver, and was an absolute pleasure to work with; we cannot recommend her highly enough.”

703.919.4426 LGroover@McEnearney.com | LisaGroover.com Licensed in VA

109 S. PITT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

ABOUT THE AREA

“My Favorite Thing” About Living in Alexandria

“Alexandria has been nationally recognized for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18th-and 19thcentury architecture for many years. Around every corner and in every neighborhood is a picturesque streetscape, a surprising architectural detail, al fresco dining and global cuisine. I love working with our city leadership to shine a light on Alexandria’s diverse and inclusive community, and expand the lens through which we frame American history and uplift undertold stories. With hundreds of independent boutiques and restaurants, an expanding waterfront district and intimate historic museums, it’s no surprise that Alexandria has been named a ‘Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S.’ for three consecutive years by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.”

Waterfront / PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

“The best thing about working and living in Alexandria is the undeniable sense of community. I like to call Alexandria a big ‘Cheers’ bar, where everyone knows your name. Your favorite restaurant knows your order when you walk in. Your favorite boutiques know what you like. You get to know the owners behind the business. You get to support someone’s dream by shopping and supporting local. All of this makes Alexandria great.” Maurisa Potts

Founder, Spotted MP

“I’m inspired daily by all of the hard working small businesses that pivoted overnight to survive COVID-19. I love how the community supports their small businesses. #lovelocalOT And, I love how rich in history our town is, yet it is so hip and modern! From our boutiques to our restaurants, we are the coolest spot in the DMV! Megan Podolsky

Business owner and Old Town Boutique District President

Patricia Washington President and CEO, Visit Alexandria

Alexandria Living Magazine

ABOUT THE AREA

“My Favorite Thing” About Living in Alexandria “My favorite thing about Alexandria is the generosity of our community. Alexandrians came together like never before to support our neighbors in need in 2020. The level of care and love that was shared is truly remarkable.” Heather Peeler

CEO, ACT for Alexandria

“What I love about Alexandria is its rich history, which includes a fire department that has served residents for more than 150 years. When you visit Alexandria, you immediately notice its small town charm and big city ambitions. There’s a sense of community and inclusiveness, and those characteristics are major contributors to Alexandria being a vibrant and progressive City.” Corey Smedley Fire Chief

“This area is the best place to live, learn, work and play in Northern Virginia. From the Workhouse Arts Center to Mount Vernon Estate, Occoquan (River) Regional Park to Huntley Meadows, we have it all – history, heritage, diversity, natural beauty, recreation, parks, rivers, great schools, abundant jobs, transportation options and great neighborhoods. And, as we bring the Richmond Highway Corridor into the 21st century redevelopment, planned, vibrant urban communities, it doesn’t get any better!”

“My four favorite things: 1. Unique architectural details spanning 200 years… I can walk the same block every day and see something new. 2. The alleys! My favorite part of Old Town. 3. The Potomac! Rent a sailboat or kayak and see the City from the water. 4. Carlyle House Gardens, a hidden gem in the center of the City.” Scott Shaw

ALX Community, Alexandria Restaurant Partners

Supervisor Dan Storck

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Carlyle House / PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Resident’s Guide

ABOUT THE AREA

City versus County It’s a common conversation in the D.C. metro area: You tell someone you just moved to Alexandria, and they ask, “City or County?” Wait... what?! For someone who is new here, this can be very confusing. (In fact, it’s puzzling even for some long-term residents!)

Leesburg Pike. Neighborhoods in Fairfax County that have Alexandria mailing addresses include Belle Haven, Belle View, Huntington, Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon, Kingstowne, Newington and the surrounding communities. How do you know where you are? Look at the street signs! Street signs in the City of Alexandria are green. Street signs in Fairfax County are blue.

‘I Live in Alexandria’ Depending on where you live, your residence with an “Alexandria, VA” mailing address may be in the City of Alexandria or in Fairfax County. The City of Alexandria is entirely separate and independent from Fairfax County. Alexandria City is located along the Western bank of the Potomac River and about 7 miles South of downtown Washington, D.C. Fairfax County’s border in the “Alexandria, VA” area is south of the City of Alexandria, along the Potomac River, and goes along a portion of I-495 and mainly south of

Trivia: City vs. County What’s the difference between a city and a county? Cities are densely populated areas that have access to systems of housing, sanitation, law enforcement, and communication that are provided by the city government. On the other hand, counties are regions that usually consist of a number of towns and unincorporated census designated places. Often, those towns and neighborhoods are under the jurisdiction of the county government, which provides the amenities such as those listed above.

Alexandria Living Magazine

ABOUT THE AREA City Hall | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Government and Politics One of the things on your list of things to do when you move is to register to vote (or update your current voter registration). You can do this by visiting elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal. This website is also a great resource for finding your new polling place, your election district and more.

alexandriava.gov/Council. Terms are for three years and the next election will be in November 2024.

Mayor: Justin M. Wilson

Vice Mayor: Amy Jackson

Council Members:

Or, call the City of Alexandria Voter Registration Office at 703-746-4050. Fairfax County residents may call the Fairfax County Elections Office at 703-222-0776.

Canek Aguirre

Local Government Officials

Fairfax County residents voted for their

The City of Alexandria and Fairfax County both have their own local government representatives — Alexandria has a Mayor and City Council, Fairfax County has a Board of Supervisors. These entities pass local policies and ordinances, approve the local budget and taxes, consider land use and development plans and more. Information about the City of Alexandria’s leadership is available at 12

Resident’s Guide

Sarah Bagley John Taylor Chapman Alyia Gaskins Kirk McPike

local Board of Supervisors members in November 2019. Residents with Alexandria, VA mailing addresses are mostly in the Lee, Mason and Mount Vernon districts in Fairfax County. Board members are elected to four-year terms. For a map and more information, go to fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors.

Chairman: Jeff McKay

ABOUT THE AREA

District Supervisors:

House Districts 38, 39, 43, 44, 45, 46

James R. Walkinshaw, Braddock

and 49.

John W. Foust, Dranesville Walter L. Alcorn, Hunter Mill Rodney L. Lusk, Lee Penelope A. “Penny” Gross, Mason Daniel G. “Dan” Storck, Mount Vernon Dalia A. Palchik, Providence Patrick S. “Pat” Herrity, Springfield

Senate Districts 30, 35, 36, 37 and 39. You can find out who your local delegate or senator is at whosmy. virginiageneralassembly.gov. The website also provides their contact information.

Kathy L. Smith, Sully

Federal Government The Commonwealth of Virginia Virginia has its own state government that includes a House of Delegates and a State Senate. There are 100 delegates and 40 senators. Elections happen in odd-

There are two U.S. Representatives who represent the Alexandria region.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer represents Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, which includes most of what people consider the

numbered years.

Alexandria area.

The Governor of Virginia is Glenn

U.S. Rep. Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly

Youngkin. Virginia does not allow

represents Virginia’s 11th Congressional

governors to serve two consecutive terms,

District, which includes the Baileys

so a new governor will be elected in

Crossroads and Seven Corners areas in

November 2025.

Fairfax County.

The Alexandria, VA region is in the

The U.S. Senators for Virginia are Mark

following districts:

Warner and Tim Kaine. Alexandria Living Magazine

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For more information about some of Alexandria’s unique neighborhoods, visit the pages indicated on the map.

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Fire Departments SERVICES

IN ALEXANDRIA AND FAIRFAX COUNTY The City of Alexandria is served by the Alexandria City Fire Department, which was founded in 1774 as the Friendship Firehouse Company. Today, it has a number of stations that cover more than 10 square miles. The Fire Department employs more than 250 personnel including firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, fire prevention staff and administrative support. The Fairfax County Fire Department was founded in 1949 and serves more than 1 million residents, including residents in the Alexandria area of the county. It is comprised of over 1,400 uniformed employees, 180 civilians and their partners at Volunteer Fire Departments. There are more than 40 fire stations across Fairfax County to serve residents.

ALEXANDRIA CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

alexandriava.gov/Fire Emergency  911 Non-emergency  703-476-4444 Alexandria Fire Station 201 (Old Town) 317 Prince St. Alexandria Fire Station 202 (Del Ray) 213 E. Windsor Ave. Alexandria Fire Station 203 (Beverly Hills) 2801 Cameron Mills Rd. Alexandria Fire Station 204 (Powhatan Park) 900 Second St. Alexandria Fire Station 205 (Rosemont) 1210 Cameron St. Alexandria Fire Station 206 (Seminary Valley) 4609 Seminary Rd.

Resident’s Guide

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXANDRIA FIRE DEPARTMENT

Alexandria City and Fairfax County have a mutual aid agreement, covering each other when things get hectic, so you may see Fairfax County fire trucks in Alexandria City and vice versa.

Alexandria Fire Station 207 (Cameron Valley) 3301 Duke St.

Annandale, Station 8 (Volunteer Organization) 7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale

Alexandria Fire Station 208 (Landmark) 175 North Paxton St.

Mount Vernon, Station 9 2601 Sherwood Hall Ln., Alexandria

Alexandria Fire Station 209 (Potomac Yards) 2800 Main Line Blvd. Alexandria Fire Station 210 (Eisenhower Valley) 5255 Eisenhower Ave.

Bailey’s Crossroads, Station 10 (Volunteer Organization) 3601 Firehouse Ln., Falls Church Penn Daw, Station 11 6624 Hulvey Terr., Alexandria Woodlawn, Station 24 8701 Lukens Ln., Alexandria

FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE ALEXANDRIA AREA:

Edsall Road, Station 26 5316 Carolina Pl., Springfield

fairfaxcounty.gov/fire-ems/ Emergency  911 Non emergency  703-246-2126

Seven Corners, Station 28, 2949 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Falls Church

Fire & Rescue Headquarters 12099 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax Franconia, Station 5 (Volunteer Organization) 6300 Beulah St., Alexandria

Merrifield, Station 30 8739 Lee Hwy., Fairfax Kingstowne, Station 37 7936 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria

Police Departments IN ALEXANDRIA AND FAIRFAX COUNTY SERVICES

Smart911 The City of Alexandria is served by the Alexandria Police Department (APD), which consists of more than 320 sworn and 138 civilian employees.

The City of Alexandria is part of Smart911, a database that lets residents provide information to emergency services about their home, workplace, special needs and more. Residents may register free at smart911.com. Fairfax County does not participate in Smart911 yet.

Fairfax County is served by the Fairfax County Police Department, made up of more than 1,370 sworn and 348 civilian employees. The FCPD has a series of substations across Fairfax County that cover a specific district.

In addition to the APD and FCPD, you may notice the National Park Service Police, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Police and the Federal Protective Service out in the community.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

ALEXANDRIA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

3600 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria Emergency  911 Non-emergency  703-746-4444 alexandriava.gov/police FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENTS

12099 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax, VA 22035 Emergency  911 Non-emergency  703-691-2131 fairfaxcounty.gov/police

FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE SUBSTATIONS In Fairfax County, the following non-emergency local phone numbers will connect you with these Alexandra-region police substations:

Mount Vernon District Station 2511 Parkers Ln., Alexandria 703-360-8400

Mason District Police Station 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale 703-256-8035

Franconia District Station 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria 703-922-0889

West Springfield District Police, 6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield 703-644-7377 Alexandria Living Magazine

SERVICES PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Stay Informed The City of Alexandria and Fairfax County both have robust emergency alert systems for weather, events, traffic and much more. For your safety, you’ll want to sign up for these alerts. In addition, you can sign up for the neighborhood platforms and resources listed here to stay informed about everything going on in your area.

City of Alexandria The City’s eNews service lets you sign up to receive emergency alerts and information on more than 100 topics. Sign up for eNews at alexandriava.gov/enews.

Fairfax County You can sign up for emergency alerts from Fairfax County at fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts. The system is customizable based on your location(s), devices, topics of interest and more. 18

Resident’s Guide

Neighborhood News In addition, there are plenty of social media accounts to follow and email newsletters that can provide interesting and helpful information: • Alexandria City residents should sign up for FYI Alexandria, an official City newsletter with news, upcoming events and activities. Sign up at alexandriava.gov/Communications. • Fairfax County residents can sign up for similar notifications at fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts. • Nextdoor.com is a platform for neighborhoods to share information, recommendations, ask questions and share resources. • Sign up for Alexandria Living Magazine’s email newsletter, too, for news about events, businesses, government, people and much more at alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe. • On social media, we recommend following these accounts on Facebook and Twitter: City of Alexandria, Transportation & Environmental Services (City of Alexandria), Police Department (City of Alexandria), Fairfax County, Fairfax County Police Department.

SERVICES

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Should I go to my doctor, urgent care or the ER? When you are feeling ill or are dealing with an injury, there are three main medical service providers you may consider visiting: your doctor, an urgent care center or the ER. The main difference between these three services is essentially the urgency and severity of the ailments they attend to. So how do you know when you should go to the doctor, urgent care or the ER?

Local Hospitals These hospitals provide essential medical services to the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County and surrounding areas. If you are experiencing a serious, lifethreatening situation, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. You can look up Inova Emergency Room waiting times at inova.org/ emergency-room-wait-times. Inova Alexandria Hospital 4320 Seminary Rd., Alexandria 703-504-3000 Inova Mt. Vernon Hospital 2501 Parkers Ln., Alexandria 703-664-7000 Dominion Hospital 2960 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Falls Church 703-536-2000 Inova Fairfax Hospital 3300 Gallows Rd., Falls Church 703-776-4001

Alexandria Living Magazine

SERVICES Doctor. If you are in a non-emergency situation or experiencing a non-life threatening ailment, your primary care doctor is the place to go. With knowledge of your medical history, your doctor can also refer you to another medical expert who can deal with more specific health issues. Although the wait time to see your doctor may be longer than that of an urgent care center or ER and the copay is typically affordable, you need to make an appointment because walk-ins are not offered at all practices and it is not guaranteed that you will be seen.

Urgent Care. If you are in a non-life-threatening/ non-emergency situation but are unable to see a doctor, or if you would just like more immediate attention for an illness or injury such as the flu or a sprained ankle, this is when you would consider 20

Resident’s Guide

an urgent care center. Unlike most doctors, urgent care is a walk-in clinic. These are typically open late, on weekends and during holidays. They treat a variety of ailments ranging from infections to back and joint pains in addition to performing x-rays. Costs for visiting an urgent care center are less than the ER. Before going, check with your insurance plan to make sure this visit is covered.

Emergency Room (ER). The most common reasons to go to an emergency room are wheezing, chest pain, open wounds or serious fractures, fainting, sudden extreme weakness, numbness, bleeding that cannot be stopped, serious abdominal pain (especially localized), head injury, vomiting or coughing up blood or the sudden, unexpected inability to see, walk, talk or move. Note: This is not a comprehensive list.

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria VA Urgent Care & Medical Group 526 N Henry St., Alexandria 703-348-9110 AllCare Family Medicine and Urgent Care of Alexandria 3117 Duke St., Alexandria 703-751-8800 NOVA Patient Care 526 N Henry St., Alexandria 703-348-9110 MedStar PromptCare at Alexandria 3610 D King St., Alexandria 703-845-2815 SOUTHEAST FAIRFAX COUNTY

Nova Patient Care 7609 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria 703-822-4940 Patient First - Alexandria 6311 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria 703-647-6087 Alexandria Immediate Care 6020 Richmond Hwy. #102, Alexandria 571-308-6776 Medical Access-My Urgent Care & More 7598 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria 703-778-0400

Health & Human Services ALEXANDRIA HOTLINES (TTY 711)

SERVICES

Emergency Mental Health Services 703-746-3401 Substance Abuse Residential Treatment / Substance Abuse Services 703-746-3636 Sexual Assault 703-683-7273 Domestic Violence 703-746-9411

Both the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County have robust health, community and human services departments, providing a variety of services for the young and old from education to mental health to daily living support. ALEXANDRIA CITY COMMUNITY & HUMAN SERVICES The City of Alexandria’s Community & Human Services department’s mission is: We envision a community in which residents enjoy a sense of well-being, safety and self-sufficiency. We strive to provide effective and essential safety net services that measurably improve or maintain the quality of life for Alexandrians. We are guided by the following values and principles: equal access for all people, dignity and respect, cultural competency, ethics and accountability, collaboration, competency, integrity and continuous improvement. The department provides social services, assistance with public benefits, mental health support and information, development disability support, substance abuse services and provides multiple services for women in need of assistance. DCHS also provides training and volunteer opportunities for residents. More information is available at alexandriava.gov/DCHS or you may call 703-746-5700.

Child Protective Services 703-746-5800 Adult Protective Services 703-746-5778

FAIRFAX COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Fairfax County provides a wide variety of services for all residents, helping everyone reach their full potential and live healthy, productive lives. Programs includes immediate crisis intervention, long-term programs, physical and mental health care, disability services, income assistance, housing and homelessness services, and protection and preventive services for anyone at-risk. Learn more at fairfaxcounty.gov/health-humanservices or call 703-324-7329. FAIRFAX COUNTY HOTLINES

Emergency Basic Needs 703-222-0880 (TTY 711) Emergency Mental Health (24/7) 703-573-5679 (TTY 711) Suicide Prevention (24/7) 703-527-4077 or Text “CONNECT” to 85511 Domestic & Sexual Violence (24/7) 703-360-7273 (TTY 711) Child Protective Services (24/7) 703-324-7400 (TTY 703-222-9452) Adult Protective Services 703-324-7450 (TTY 703-449-1186) Alexandria Living Magazine

SERVICES

Utilities

One of the first things you’ll need to do when moving to a new home is setting up your water, electric and other utility services. Here’s information on who to call in the City of Alexandria and in Fairfax County: WATER & SEWER

ELECTRIC

American Water (City of Alexandria) 800-452-6863

Dominion Energy (City of Alexandria and Fairfax County)

Business hours: Weekdays, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Customer Service: 866-366-4357

Report an emergency: amwater.com

Business hours: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Alexandria Renew Enterprises 703-549-3381

Emergencies and Outages: 866-366-4357 (TTY 800-291-7745)

Business hours: Weekdays, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

dominionenergy.com

alexrenew.com

NATURAL GAS

Fairfax Water (Fairfax County) for both water and sewage 703-698-5800 (TTY 711)

Washington Gas (City of Alexandria and Fairfax County)

Call center hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 24/7 after-hours: 703-698-5613 (TTY 711) fairfaxwater.org

Customer Service and Billing: 844-927-4427 Business hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Emergency: 911 or 844-927-4427, option 1 customersupport@washgas.com

(This email is not for gas emergencies!)

washingtongas.com 22

Resident’s Guide

LANDLINE PHONE, CABLE AND INTERNET

Providers vary by location but the most common providers in City of Alexandria and Fairfax County are the following:

Comcast Customer Service: 800-266-2278 (TTY 866-803-2403) Technical Assistance: 703-716-9701 (cable), 703-730-2225 (phone) xfinity.com Cox Customer Service: 703-378-8422 (TTY 703-378-3924) Business hours: Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Technical Assistance: 703-378-8422 (Daily from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.) cox.com Verizon Customer Service: 800-837-4966 (TYY 800-974-6006) Business hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Technical Assistance: 1-800-837-4966 (24/7) verizon.com

Trash & Recycling The City of Alexandria generally provides one 64-gallon trash can, free of charge, to households that receive City provided trash collection (except in Old Town). Trash cans and recycling bins are City property and must remain at your residence if you move. Another City-issued trash can may be purchased if needed, but remains the property of the City of Alexandria. If you live in Old Town Alexandria or in a town home community with limited access, your location may prevent the use of the 64-gallon trash cans. Please use approved trash containers to store bagged trash outdoors.

6 p.m. Staff will empty containers and return them to the curb or street line. All trash and recycling must be placed at the curb in the proper container by 6 a.m. on your collection day to ensure collection.

SERVICES

City of Alexandria

There are also two drop off location for trash and recycling available to all Fairfax County residents. Disposal fees apply and proof of residency is required: I-95 Landfill Complex

1-66 Transfer Station Complex

9850 Furnace Road Lorton, VA 22079

4618 West Ox Road Fairfax, VA 22030

SET OUT TIMES AND DAYS

Set out trash and recycling containers no earlier than 5 p.m. the day prior to collection, and no later than 6 a.m. on collection day. Collection days vary by location and are subject to change due to holidays. Refer to the map at alexandriava.gov/ RefuseCollection for more information about collection days and times. SPECIAL ITEMS

Certain items may be set out with your trash, but require special preparation. This includes glass, select large or bulky items and yard debris. More information on preparing those items for collection is available at alexandriava.gov/RefuseCollection.

Fairfax County About 10% of residents and businesses have county trash and recycling pick up, but 90% have pick up provided by private companies. You can find out who is responsible for picking up your trash and recycling by calling 703-802-3322 (TTY 711) or visiting fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/ recycling-trash. County provided trash and recycling are collected between the hours of 6 a.m. and

Special Recycling Glass Recycling

While paper and plastics qualify for singlestream recycling from your home or office, Alexandria and Fairfax County require residents to bring glass to a “purple bin” facility for recycling. Glass put in at-home bins or placed curbside may not be recycled due to breakage or contamination. There are dozens of purple bins throughout the Alexandria area. A map of purple bin locations is available at fairfaxcounty. gov/publicworks/news/regional-approach-glassrecycling-leads-creation-purple-can-club.

Electronics Recycling

Electronics that do not have sensitive data on them can be recycled at 3324 Colvin St., the Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection Center for the City of Alexandria. In Fairfax County, residents can bring electronics to the I-66 Transfer Station (4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax) or the I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road, Lorton). Alexandria Living Magazine

TRANSPORTATION

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Getting Around Alexandria There’s one drawback to living in Alexandria — sitting in traffic. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to get around Alexandria. Before you hop in the car, take a look at these alternatives. The first place you should go is alexandriava.gov/GOAlex, which offers a great, frequently updated overview of your options.

Buses and Trains Alexandria’s public bus system is DASH (Driving Alexandria Safely Home), which operates multiple routes. The current 24

Resident’s Guide

flat rate is $1.75 per trip, and they accept payment via cash, SmartTrip cards or the DASH Bus app. Routes and times can also be found through the DASH Bus app or through dashbus.com. Free and simple, The King Street Trolley only has one route: from the King Street Metro station to the Old Town waterfront and back, making stops along the way. It may feel a little touristy, but its yearround reliability makes it an excellent option if you’re running late (or just don’t feel like walking).

The Fairfax County Connector bus service has several stops in southeastern Fairfax County, including the Mount Vernon area, Telegraph Road, Richmond Highway and

Melissa Rosario TRANSPORTATION

HELPING YOU FIND A HOME & COMMUNITY THAT YOU LOVE!

919.518.7288 Licensed in VA, MD, & DC MRosario@McEnearney.com www.EnjoyLivingHere.com

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

109 S. PITT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Franconia Road. Times and stops can be found at fairfaxcounty.gov/connector. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) runs the Metro rail (usually called “the Metro” for short)

You can also get into the District with the Virginia Railway Express (the VRE), which primarily serves commuters and stops at the King Street train station, which also serves Amtrak. It travels up to Union Station in Washington, D.C.

and the Metro bus systems in the District, Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland. The website at wmata.com and the WMATA app are excellent resources for planning your trip.

The Metro is a good option for getting in and out of the District. Alexandria’s six rail stops are on the blue and yellow lines. We recommend purchasing a SmartTrip card for $10 ($2 for the card itself, and $8 in stored fare value) at one of the kiosks located at the Metro rail stops. Fares fluctuate based on time of day and destination, but tend to range from $2.25 to $6 per trip.

Scooters, Bikes and Other Shared Mobility Alexandria is home to many alternative modes of transportation, including Capital Bikeshare, which allows you to rent a bike for one-way, short trips all around Northern Virginia, the District and Maryland. Alexandria has several dozen Capital Bike Share docking stations across the City. Learn more at capitalbikeshare.com. In addition, several national companies operate shared, dockless bikes and scooters, which you’ll find on sidewalks Alexandria Living Magazine

TRANSPORTATION PHOTO BY R. KENNEDY FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

throughout Alexandria and elsewhere in Northern Virginia. The scooters can be unlocked with the scooter or bike company’s app. Learn the rules and more at alexandriava.gov/DocklessMobility.

Driving and Parking How difficult it is to park in Alexandria depends on the neighborhood and time of day. While every neighborhood has some free parking, you’re likely to encounter parking meters in much of the City in addition to pay parking garages. Pay close attention to parking signs – some neighborhoods restrict parking to certain times of the day or to only certain residential area permit holders. For paid street parking, meters are placed on every block where paid street parking 26

Resident’s Guide

is available, and the machines take cards or cash. You can also download the ParkMobile app to your phone to quickly pay for parking from your mobile device.

Registering your Vehicle To get new license plates, you can make an appointment with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). An office is located at 2681 Mill Road in Alexandria. You may also be able to make an appointment at a DMV Connect location, which is essentially a mobile DMV office, and you can take care of most tasks online. Go to dmv.virginia.gov for more information. You must register your vehicle with the City of Alexandria or with Fairfax County after you move. Instructions and more information about how to do this are available on p. 32.

TRANSPORTATION

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Biking Around Alexandria Alexandria is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States. “The City’s expansion of the Bikeshare program, installation and designation of new bike lanes and routes, as well as the continual installation of bicycle parking throughout the City are just a few of the initiatives that make the City of Alexandria a nationally recognized Bike Friendly Community,” according to Alexandria’s online bicycling guide at alexandriava.gov/Bicycling.

In addition to that bicycling resource on the City of Alexandria’s website, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association has maps and documents to help you bike around town safely and easily. Go to waba.org/resources/ maps-and-documents. You don’t need your own bike to cycle to work! The Alexandria area has more than 30 Capital Bikeshare stations – part of a regional bike sharing system with more than 500 stations in the District, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County and nearby Maryland. Learn more at capitalbikeshare.com. Alexandria Living Magazine

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TRANSPORTATION

Moving Your Car to Alexandria

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

After you get your vehicle

the City, even vehicles normally parked,

registered with the

stored, or garaged in another state.

Commonwealth of Virginia,

Vehicle owners must register with the City

there are some local things you’ll

within 30 days of moving into the City,

need to take care of here in the

purchasing a vehicle, or registering a vehicle

Alexandria area.

to a City address with Virginia DMV. How do you register your vehicle with

City of Alexandria

the City?

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA GOVERNMENT:

There are three ways to register

All motor vehicles normally parked, stored, or garaged (having situs) in the City of Alexandria, including vehicles with out-ofstate plates, must be registered for the City’s annual personal property tax.

your vehicle: • Completing the online registration form available at alexandriava.gov/CarTax. • Bring the vehicle’s state registration card, title or bill of sale and the owner’s

All motor vehicles registered to a City

driver’s license to 301 King St., 8 a.m.

address with the Virginia Department of

– 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Motor Vehicles must also be registered with

(except holidays). Alexandria Living Magazine

TRANSPORTATION

• Print the registration form available from the Car Tax webpage and mail it with a copy of the vehicle’s state registration card, title or bill of sale to Treasury Division, PO Box 323, Alexandria, VA 22313. In addition, some neighborhoods require residential parking permits and guest passes for street parking. More information about that is available on the Car Tax webpage.

For complete information on emission inspections, visit dmv.virginia.gov/ vehicles/#emissions.asp. The Virginia State Police require safety inspections on all vehicles to ensure your tires, brakes, turn signals and more are in working order at all times. More information on this is available at vsp.virginia.gov.

Fairfax County In Fairfax County, the Department of Tax Administration handles the assessment of all vehicles normally garaged/parked in Fairfax County. Complete information is available at fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/ vehicles. FROM FAIRFAX COUNTY GOVERNMENT:

In addition to the value-based property tax, you must also register the vehicle with the county or town and pay a fee. Registration fees vary based on vehicle type, weight and use. All vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles, are required to be registered with the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration (DTA) within 60 days of purchase or move into the county. You can register your vehicle with Fairfax County online at fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/ vehicles. Or, you may register by phone at 703-222-8234 (TTY 711) or in person at the Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax, VA 22035.

Safety and Emissions Inspections The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that all cars on the road in our area pass safety and emissions inspections. Most local gas stations and mechanic shops do both. 30

Resident’s Guide

HOV, HOT and E-ZPASS If you’re moving here from outside the area, this may be the first time you’re encountering our notorious traffic congestion. No kidding: Our region consistently ranks among the top 3 worst traffic cities in the country based on a variety of studies. One way around it: Take the HOT lanes. On all major highways in our region, there are HOT lanes. HOT stands for high-occupancy toll. Vehicles with at least three people in them can use these lanes free of charge. Cars with fewer than three people will pay a toll that varies depending on time of day, traffic congestion and other factors. Either way, you need an E-ZPass. Virginia uses the E-ZPass to collect tolls from drivers. E-ZPass is a small device that you mount on your windshield. As you’re driving, sensors and cameras over the road read your device and charge your account accordingly. To get an E-ZPass, visit E-ZPassVA.com and simply request one. You’ll need to link your bank account or a credit card to your E-ZPass account for automatic toll deduction.

We’re Local. We’re Global. ANYWHERE YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS TAKE YOU, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

Moving can be an exciting and stress-free process when you work with the trained professionals at McEnearney Associates Realtors® and our preferred partners. In addition to our local expertise, we have connections to the very best brokerages across the country. Our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® provides you access to the highest caliber of real estate professionals throughout 70 countries and across 6 continents. When buying or selling property outside of our local market, our world-class connections can help with all your real estate needs. Combining our local brand with our powerful global partners allows McEnearney Associates to provide you with truly extraordinary real estate resources. Simply ask your McEnearney agent for an introduction, and we will carefully select a Realtor® to assist you as you relocate anywhere outside the Washington metro area.

SERVING THE WASHINGTON, DC METRO AREA SINCE 1980. 109 S Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 | Tel. +1 877 624 9322 Relocation@McEnearney.com | McEnearney.com | Equal Housing Opportunity

MOVING HERE

Choosing a New Bank or Credit Union Moving is one of the most common reasons people switch their bank. In Alexandria, you have no shortage of options — dozens of major national banks and credit unions, locally-owned financial institutions and even online-only options are available. How do you decide where to go? Start with understanding the difference between a bank and a credit union. Both banks and credit unions provide a variety of financial services, from regular checking and saving accounts to debit cards, credit cards, savings certificates, online banking, online bill pay and much more. A credit union is typically not-forprofit and member-owned, which means the financial institution’s profits are returned to the members in the form of lower rates and fewer fees. However, some smaller credit unions have fewer services and locations than 32

Resident’s Guide

big credit unions and local and national banks. If you tend to visit your bank or credit union branch routinely, this may be something to consider. Here are five questions to ask yourself before committing to a new financial institution: • Are ATM and branch locations convenient to where I live or work? • How much of a balance do you need to avoid fees and earn interest? • Are there fees for mobile deposits or online banking? • Are there fees for bounced checks or overdraft protection? • What types of rewards can I earn with my bank account? We recommend that you talk to your friends, new neighbors and coworkers about which bank they use and why. Check out online reviews, too!

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent Choosing who to represent you in what may be the largest financial transaction of your life is not something to take lightly. The right real estate professional can be a major factor in how smoothly your transaction goes and how happy you are in your home for years to come.

• Are they a member of the National

Don’t feel pressured to work with a friend or family member. Just because they’re qualified doesn’t mean they’re the right person to work with, and it could damage your relationship. However, your friends and family can be a great resource to find an agent — they can be honest with you about their experiences!

• What is their communication style?

• What training, qualifications and certifications do they have? • Have they helped residents buy or sell properties in the neighborhoods you’re interested in?

MOVING HERE

Here are some questions to ask real estate professionals that will help you decide who to work with:

Association of Realtors?

• Do they work primarily with buyers or sellers?

Should you expect emails, text messages or phone calls? How often? • Are they a member of a larger team? What type of support do they have throughout the process? • Are they willing to provide references? We wish you the best with your home search! Welcome to Alexandria!

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Alexandria Living Magazine

MOVING HERE

Do You Need a Home Inspection? Whether the home you want to buy is 50 years old or just 5 years old, getting a home inspection is a critical part of the home buying process. Paint, carpeting and cosmetic improvements can hide major issues with a home, and you don’t want to be unpleasantly surprised after closing! Some of the best real estate deals on the market right now are homes that are being sold “as is.” Unfortunately, those deals can come with massive hidden costs. But no matter how a property is being sold, buyers really should get an inspection or a pre-purchase evaluation by a qualified home inspection professional. An inspection or evaluation can reveal major issues that even an experienced homeowner may not recognize. The biggest three issues with a home that can come up whether they are sold ‘as is’ or not are structural issues, water intrusion and systemic issues with HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), electric or plumbing. Home inspectors can point out needed repairs, and a contractor can give estimates on how much those repairs will cost. A qualified home inspector or contractor can also find code violations and help uncover work done without permits, potentially saving the 34

Resident’s Guide

PHOTO BY KALISTA DIAMANTOPOULOS

homeowner tens of thousands of dollars down the road. Both Alexandria City and Fairfax County have online systems where any member of the public can search the work permit history of a property by address. Online searches are free. While the search will not reveal work done without permits, your home inspector or contractor will be able to recognize what previous owners have done to the home, and you can compare their knowledge with the permit records. To check the permit history of a property in Alexandria, go to apps.alexandriava.gov/ permittracker. In Fairfax County, go to fairfaxcounty.gov/FIDO.

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

How to Choose the Right Community for You

The best way to decide where to live is to take a hard look at yourself. Who are you living with, and what are their needs? Whether it’s children, pets, older relatives or just yourself, evaluate what everyone involved will need to live happy, healthy and safe lives. • Do you want a single family home with land, or a town home or condo? • Do you have the resources to live in a historic home, which may require more upkeep than a newer property? • Do you like walking to local restaurants and stores, or would you rather be away from the hustle and bustle?

• Are there things you want to specifically avoid, like living on a busy street or late-night noise?

NEIGHBORHOODS

Alexandria and Southeast Fairfax County have every imaginable option for neighborhoods – from quiet and wooded to urban or historic. Deciding where you want to live is the first step toward making Alexandria your home.

• Before you decide on a neighborhood, test your commute to work — how long it takes to get home from work should be a consideration. Once you’ve answered those questions, a qualified Realtor can help you narrow down your options based on your preferences and budget. You should look at information about local schools, crime statistics, parks and recreation (if those are important to you), plus local attractions and amenities. You’ll want to observe your neighborhood, too, at different times of the day and on different days. A neighborhood that seems so quiet on a Monday can be very different Saturday night. Talking to your potential neighbors can be invaluable at getting the real inside scoop, too. No matter where you settle, welcome to Alexandria! Alexandria Living Magazine

Living, Loving, Listing Old Town “Living, Loving, Listing Old Town,” reflects Lauren Bishop’s way of life. As an award-winning real estate agent, Lauren offers her clients expertise, knowledge, and guidance as they move through an emotional and meticulous real estate process — all while being passionate about what she does and the community in which she lives.

Lauren Bishop | 202.361.5079 LBishop@McEnearney.com | LaurenBishopHomes.com | Licensed in VA

109 S. PITT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Old Town ALEXANDRIA

NEIGHBORHOODS

Adorned with charming cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings, Old Town Alexandria sits overlooking the Potomac River.

FAVORITE THINGS Old Town has beautiful historic properties, brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets.

There are wonderful shopping options and awardwinning restaurants.

The calendar is packed with attractions and events for all ages.

Alexandria Living Magazine

NEIGHBORHOODS Above: King Street / PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON Right: Farmer’s Market / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Old Town was founded as a colonial tobacco port in 1749. The town was frequented by notable figures such as George Washington who traveled nine miles from his Mt. Vernon estate to dine at Gadsby’s Tavern, attend service at Christ Church and sell his farm produce at the Farmer’s Market, all of which still operate today. Today, Old Town is a part of the 22314 ZIP code which is home to 32,991 residents. The Alexandria City Public Schools provide K-12 education to children in this area. The city’s “Main Street” is King Street, which is lined with boutiques and 38

Resident’s Guide

restaurants. The street begins at the waterfront and ends at King Street Metro Station. You’ll also find shops, boutiques and much more on the surrounding streets, as well as residential neighborhoods featuring historic row homes as well as newer properties.

Fun Fact Alexandria was ranked #3 in the Best Small Cities in the United States category in 2021 by Condé Nast Traveler readers. PHOTOS BY BETH LAWTON

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Waterfront

NEIGHBORHOODS

PHOTO BY RACHEL HEGARTY

Some of Alexandria’s newest and most sought-after properties are located along the Potomac River waterfront in Old Town Alexandria.

FAVORITE THINGS There are gorgeous views north and south along the Potomac River.

The waterfront has an endless number of parks, each with their own unique character.

Don’t miss the frequent events and fun nightlife.

Alexandria Living Magazine

NEIGHBORHOODS

PHOTOS BY BETH LAWTON

This includes the brand-new Robinson Landing townhomes and condominiums. Ford’s Landing is another luxury townhome neighborhood with views of the water and the D.C. skyline. Many public parks with dog play areas, volleyball and basketball courts and playgrounds line the waterfront. The recently developed Waterfront Park, with its interactive art display and pavilioned sitting area, has quickly become the most visited park in the city. The Waterfront is also the site of Old Dominion Boat club’s new clubhouse that boasts a rooftop tiki bar. Many popular restaurants and bars are located along

Resident’s Guide

Fun Fact If you’re hoping to become a member of the Old Dominion Boat Club, expect to wait at least 3 years after paying your deposit. In the meantime, you’re welcome to visit the club as the guest of a member, and it’s well worth your time. The views from the upper deck on a nice night are beautiful! the water including Vola’s, Chadwick’s, Virtue Feed & Grain and Charthouse. Annual events like Alexandria’s birthday celebration and fireworks in July and the holiday boat parade of lights in December take place along the water. The Torpedo Art Factory, a former WWII torpedo factory, hints at the waterfront’s past as an industrial area. It was purchased by the city in 1969 and converted into an Art Center and it houses the nation’s largest collection of working artist’s studios that are open to the public.

Carlyle /

Eisenhower East

NEIGHBORHOODS

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Without the architectural restrictions of Old Town, Carlyle and Eisenhower East are home to many high-rise office buildings, condominiums, hotels and apartments.

FAVORITE THINGS Lost Boys Cider and several restaurants make this a lively neighborhood.

Modern neighborhood with an urban feel.

Exciting developments are on the way here.

Alexandria Living Magazine

NEIGHBORHOODS

John Carlyle Park | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Many important businesses and organizations are located in Carlyle and the Eisenhower East area, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, the U.S. District Court, the National Science Foundation and Alexandria Renew Enterprises.

Every December there is a European-style holiday market at Carlyle Square. Carlyle and Eisenhower East has a population of approximately 5,000 people. This area is located in the 22314 ZIP code.

On weekdays, the area is bustling with office workers patronizing the nearby lunch, coffee and happy hour spots. Alexandria’s Whole Foods is in this neighborhood and work has started on a Wegmans set to open by 2022. A 12-vendor food hall and coworking space managed by ALX Community is also set to open soon. The area is conveniently located near the King Street and Eisenhower metro stations as well as Interstate-495. Lost Boy Cider opened in 2019 and is a popular spot for ciders made from Virginia apples and food provided by a rotating number of food trucks. Dogs and kids are welcome at Lost Boy and both can be found there in abundance on any given weekend afternoon. 44

Resident’s Guide

Fun Fact This neighborhood is home to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which moved here in 2005. Employees have ranked the USPTO as one of the best federal agencies to work for in the U.S. government. The neighborhood also boasts the headquarters of the National Science Foundation.

Del Ray

NEIGHBORHOODS

Art on the Avenue | PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Over the years, Del Ray has preserved its quirky, small-town appeal with numerous independent shops and eclectic eateries that line its main street, Mt. Vernon Avenue.

FAVORITE THINGS Del Ray has a fantastic variety of coffee shops.

The area is very friendly for children and dogs.

This is one of Alexandria’s most walkable neighborhoods.

Alexandria Living Magazine

NEIGHBORHOODS

Retail & dining along Mount Vernon Avenue | PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Just northwest of Old Town, you’ll find Del Ray, a quaint neighborhood and former streetcar suburb, which is part of the 22301 ZIP code. Del Ray is host to a flourishing restaurant scene that features sushi, Southern favorites and everything in between. Del Ray also boasts several top-notch coffee shops. On any given day you can find St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub packed with Del Ray neighbors chatting over coffee, or students enjoying a quick pick-me-up as they cram for a test. You may also want to check out Swing’s Coffee, BonVivant, Nectar, Stomping Ground, Junction… the list goes on. On Saturdays, the locals make their way to the Del Ray Farmers Market which offers fresh produce from local farms, delicious baked goods and more. The residential areas of Del Ray that border Mt. Vernon Avenue feature a variety of house styles ranging from Cape Cods to bungalows, colonials and even a 46

Resident’s Guide

few Victorians. Del Ray is home to about 13,000 residents, and the median age is 37 years old. Just north of Del Ray is Arlandria, a neighborhood that boasts The Birchmere, a world-famous music venue. You’ll also find an international flair, with a variety of El Salvadorian and Vietnamese businesses.

Fun Fact Del Ray was one of the earliest streetcar suburbs in the nation.

“Jen is reliable, knowledgeable, tenacious and well-connected. In short, whether you are buying or selling a home, she is the best possible advocate you can have on your side. Jen is THE authority in Del Ray, but she is also extremely knowledgeable about other neighborhoods as well. Bottom line: she knows how to make the real estate market work for you.” - Kristen G.

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Our Family Helping Your Family You may run into Kim Peele at the Old Town Farmer’s Market or watch Hope Peele singing with her dad at one of the Del Ray or Old Town venues. They love living and working in Alexandria and everything they do is about supporting the local community. Not only do they have the local market knowledge, they have amazing resources and a record of success that has helped so many of their clients achieve their goals. Connect with Kim and Hope to start planning your next move.

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109 S. PITT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

National Landing & Potomac Yard

FAVORITE THINGS Friendliest neighborhood for commuters and travelers.

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

It will be the site of the new Amazon HQ2 and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. The area is already very bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly, and expect it become even more so as new development progresses, including a huge new Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, and as more condos and townhomes arrive. The area will be served by three metro stations (Crystal City, Pentagon City and

Fun Fact

NEIGHBORHOODS

National Landing is a newly designed urban neighborhood that is comprised of parts of Crystal City, eastern Pentagon City and northern Potomac Yard.

a soon-to-beEasy access to top dining options. built Potomac Yards station) Exciting developments as well as a on the horizon. VRE station. Regan National Airport is located just north of National Landing with easy access to major roads including Interstate 395, Route 1 (Richmond Highway), Route 110 and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The area will also be very bike and pedestrian friendly. Potomac Yard, at the southern end of National Landing, has seen a huge amount of development in the past 10 years with new homes, businesses and even new parks.

Originally Amazon planned to split Amazon HQ2 between New York City and Northern Virginia, but for a number of reasons ultimately decided to withdraw its deal in New York and focus its efforts entirely on Northern Virginia.

Alexandria Living Magazine

NEIGHBORHOODS

North Ridge

Nestled up the hill from Del Ray, Northridge offers a taste of small town flavor with an eclectic mix of housing, from old farmhouses and cottages to modern colonials and split levels.

FAVORITE THINGS Quiet neighborhood with beautiful architecture.

Resident’s Guide

Great for runners.

Monticello Park.

The area was developed in the early 20th century and is considered one of Alexandria’s oldest planned residential neighborhoods and includes Jefferson Park, Braddock Heights and Beverley Hills. The neighborhoods of Parkfairfax and Rosemont are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tree lined streets, bird sanctuary Monticello Park and parks are popular spots, with small shops and restaurants within walking distance.

Fun Fact

The adjacent Rosemont Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Buy. Sell. Rent. Which door do you want to open to achieve your goals?

Kate Crawley 703.888.8141 Licensed in VA kcrawley@mcenearney.com www.katecrawleyhomes.com

109 S. PITT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

West End

FAVORITE THINGS Breweries and diverse restaurants. Housing options for a wide range of tastes.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Cameron Station | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

The West End of Alexandria encompasses a large area and is one of Alexandria’s fastest growing and most exciting neighborhoods.

a number of shops. Another popular neighborhood in the West End is Seminary Valley, a collection of 1950’s single family homes in a quiet area that’s walkable to both Landmark Mall and grocery stores, restaurants and shopping.

Generally thought of as “anything west of Quaker Lane,” the West End includes Landmark, Seminary Hill, Seminary Valley, Brookville, Cameron Station and several other neighborhoods.

The West End features the city’s two craft breweries, Port City Brewing Company and Aslin Beer Company. The West End is also home to a large number of parks, historic sites and nature reserves including Fort Ward Museum, Winkler Botanical Preserve and the Dora Kelley Nature Park.

Cameron Station is an award-winning designed community of 2,000 single family homes, townhomes and condominiums built on the site of a former U.S. Army post. The community boasts a clubhouse, multiple pools and

Fun Fact

A lot of parks and green space.

West End ZIP codes are 22302 and 22304 and over 58,816 residents call this area home.

Port City Brewing Company beers have won many awards and the brewery is a leader in sustainable brewing. Most of the breweries’ grains and packaging are locally sourced.

Resident’s Guide

Seminary Hill FAVORITE THINGS One of Alexandria’s largest pumpkin patches is at Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill. Quiet streets and hilly terrain make this a great neighborhood for runners. Inova Alexandria is a highly rated regional hospital.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Fort Ward Museum | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Seminary Hill is one of the largest neighborhoods of the West End in the City of Alexandria. It got its name from the Virginia Theological Seminary at the corner of Quaker Lane and Seminary Road, which is at the top of Alexandria’s highest hill. The Virginia Theological Seminary is the flagship seminary of the Episcopal Church. It was founded in 1823 and is gearing up for its 200th anniversary.

Fun Fact

In addition to beautiful homes in the neighborhood, Seminary Hill includes Fort Ward Museum & Historic site, the Minnie Howard campus of T.C. Williams High School and Inova Alexandria Hospital.

Fort Ward, which was used during the Civil War, is now a historic site in a 45-acre park. The park frequently hosts historic interpretation events and reenactments. Alexandria Living Magazine

Landmark FAVORITE THINGS Accessibility for commuters. Future development of Landmark Mall.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Culturally diverse neighborhood.

Holmes Run | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Nestled largely east of I-395 in Alexandria’s West End is the Landmark area. The area was anchored by the Landmark Mall which closed in 2017, but there are exciting plans to redevelop the space into a multi-use community that could include office and retail space, a movie theater, a grocery store and a large fitness facility as well as increased accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and cars. Landmark is home to many apartment and condo buildings and more of the area’s residents rent their homes than own them, but there are a number of single-family homes in the area.

Fun Fact 54

Landmark is a very culturally diverse neighborhood. There is a large concentration of ethnic grocery stores and restaurants in this area including Afghan Market, Weyone International and Tsedey Abeba Restaurant and Grocery, to name only a few. Estimates of the population for this area vary but is somewhere in the range of 20,000 people. Landmark is located in the 22304 area code.

The second Wonder Woman film was partially filmed at the old Landmark Mall in 2018.

Resident’s Guide

Fairfax County

NEIGHBORHOODS

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Fairfax County is the 38th largest county in the nation, with a population of more than 1.15 million people — more than 10% of Virginia’s total population. It covers almost 400 square miles of land.

FAVORITE THINGS There are lots of recreational opportunities for weekend warriors.

Southeast Fairfax County has some incredible parks and natural areas.

There’s great shopping nearby, including Springfield Town Center and Tysons Galleria. Alexandria Living Magazine

NEIGHBORHOODS

Route 1 / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

The Alexandria area of Fairfax County represents just a small part of the whole. Fairfax County was incorporated in 1742 when it broke off from the northern part of Prince William County. The county was named for Thomas Fairfax, the 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron who was born in the late 1600s and owned millions of acres in what is now Northern Virginia. He was fabulously wealthy. The “Alexandria area” of Fairfax County is in the southeastern part of the county. There are big changes coming to Southeastern Fairfax County. The Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to improve Richmond Highway, the area’s main thoroughfare, adding dedicated Bus Rapid Transit lanes, new shopping centers, major improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists and more. The changes in the next decade are expected to make Richmond Highway better for commuters and everyone who lives in the area. 56

Resident’s Guide

On the following pages, we present overviews of Franconia, Rose Hill and Kingstowne, in the western part of what’s considered Southeastern Fairfax County, and the Richmond Highway corridor communities of Huntington, Belle Haven, Hybla Valley, Groveton, Fort Hunt and Mount Vernon.

Fun Fact 26.1% of Fairfax County residents are under the age of 20.

Franconia

FAVORITE THINGS

NEIGHBORHOODS

Proximity to major interstates. PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

A lot of shopping and dining options.

Franconia consists of a variety of housing developments, apartment complexes and townhome communities.

metro station Variety of housing and the options. “mixing bowl” intersection of Interstates 95, 395 and 495.

There are a variety of shopping centers

Many people who work at Fort Belvoir, a U.S. Army base, and the local U.S. Coast Guard installation and other military entities live in Franconia.

throughout the area and nearby is the Springfield Town Center which boasts a movie theater, a Target and many other popular chain stores and restaurants. Commuters enjoy the area’s close proximity to the Franconia-Springfield

Fun Fact

Franconia includes ZIP codes 22310 and 22315 and the latest data puts the population at 18,245.

The Laurel Grove School located at 6840 Beulah Street was established in 1886 by former slaves as a school for the first generation of black children born to freedom. The school closed in 1932 but is now a museum and is the last remaining African American schoolhouse in Northern Virginia. Alexandria Living Magazine

NEIGHBORHOODS

Rose Hill

FAVORITE THINGS Greendale Golf Course | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Rose Hill is a quiet and peaceful neighborhood with many singlefamily homes on generously sized lots. Many of Alexandria’s large churches can be found in this area. Don’t miss Loftridge park, a 48-acre park with hiking and biking trails.

Fun Fact

Greendale golf course is a beautiful Fairfax Countyowned golf course located in the

Accessibility to interstate. Quiet and scenic neighborhood. Greendale golf course.

Rose Hill area. Rose Hill is located in the 22310 ZIP code and has a population of a little more than 20,000 residents.

Rose Hill is named after a nearby 18th century plantation that was established by Daniel French, the builder of the Pohick Church which was associated with founding fathers like George Washington and George Mason.

Resident’s Guide

Kingstowne

NEIGHBORHOODS

FAVORITE THINGS Townhouses in Kingstowne | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Kingstowne Lake. Nalls Produce farm store.

Kingstowne is a master planned community of apartments, townhomes and single-family homes.

and dog owners.

Kingstowne Towne Center is a sprawling shopping complex with a movie theater, Top Golf and a large number of chain stores and restaurants. Wegmans is also located a few miles down the road.

and plants and

Nearby is the picturesque Kingstowne Lake which is surrounded by a 0.75 mile trail and is a popular spot with joggers

Kingstowne is located in the 22315 ZIP

Fun Fact

Nalls Produce is a family-owned store that sells seasonal produce

Plenty of restaurants and entertainment options.

is a well-known for its pumpkin patch in the fall and tree farm during the holidays. Visitors to the store can also see the pigs and chickens kept by the owners.

code and has a population of more than 15,000 people.

The Top Golf in Kingstowne was the first Top Golf in the United States. Top Golf now operates in dozens of countries.

Alexandria Living Magazine

Huntington

FAVORITE THINGS

NEIGHBORHOODS

It’s easy to commute from Huntington to just about anywhere. Lots of development will give new residents plenty of housing options.

Huntington Station | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Located just south of the Beltway and Old Town Alexandria and west of Route 1, the community of Huntington is changing quickly. It is centered around the Huntington Metro station, which is the southern end of the Metro rail system’s yellow line. The area around the Huntington Metro station is undergoing a lot of new residential development that is sure to increase the population of this relatively small neighborhood. The Huntington

Fun Fact 60

This is a very tight-knit, welcoming community with its own small community center.

Metro station is one of the few with a dedicated garage for thousands of vehicles. Fairfax County recently invested millions in the “lower Huntington” area, building a levee beside Cameron Run to prevent flooding.

The Huntington area’s levee won the Envision Bronze award from the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure.

Resident’s Guide

Belle Haven

NEIGHBORHOODS

Belle Haven Marina | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Across the beltway from Old Town, the upscale Belle Haven neighborhood is home to picturesque, shaded houses and a vibrant and active community.

FAVORITE THINGS Belle Haven Marina is an excellent spot to sail, kayak or paddleboard.

Close to the Mount Vernon Trail.

Very convenient to the Beltway (I-495), Route 1 (Richmond Highway) and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Alexandria Living Magazine

NEIGHBORHOODS

Belle Haven Country Club | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

The community started when Scottish pioneers settled along the Potomac River in the early 18th century. The current community got its start in the 1920s when David Howell, from Alexandria, purchased hundreds of acres of land from the Robinson family. Howell built the golf club (now the Belle Haven Country Club) and many residences in the area. Everything residents need can be found at the Belle View shopping center, which has several local restaurants as well as chain stores. The community has an ideal location for commuters, nestled just south of Alexandria and bordered by Route 1 to the west and the George Washington Memorial Parkway to the east. Many residents take advantage of the nearby Mount Vernon Trail, 62

Resident’s Guide

Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve and water access from the Belle Haven Marina. Belle Haven belongs to the 22307 ZIP code.

Fun Fact Early Scottish settlers named the area for the Earl of Belhaven.

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Alexandria, VA

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Hybla Valley

NEIGHBORHOODS

& Groveton

Route 1 | PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Straddling Route 1 (also known as Richmond Highway) are the up-and-coming neighborhoods of Groveton and Hybla Valley.

FAVORITE THINGS This is an up-and-coming and affordable neighborhood.

Resident’s Guide

Huntley Meadows Park is a gem.

Lee District Rec Center is a great place for kids and adults.

These areas have a large number of singlefamily homes and townhomes as well as some apartments and condominiums. Many chain retailers and restaurants, including a newly renovated Target, are located off of Route 1. Huntley Meadows is a 1,500-acre park and wetland and wildlife preserve in this area. It features a historic house museum, nature center, and is a popular spot for its walking and biking trails. It is the largest park managed by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Lee District Rec Center is nearby and boasts an Olympic sized indoor pool, state of the art gym, extensive athletic courts and fields, a playground and an outdoor water park. The majority of these areas are located in the 22306 area code.

Fun Fact Every May, Huntley Meadows hosts a birdathon where park staff and volunteers count birds in the park. Past events have tallied anywhere from 90 to 108 different species in one day!

Your Resident Hollin Hills Expert

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NEIGHBORHOODS

Fort Hunt

The grounds of the American Horticultural Society in Fort Hunt | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Along the shore of the Potomac River in Southeast Fairfax County, Fort Hunt is one of the area’s most unique and bucolic neighborhoods. It’s home to Fort Hunt Park, one of Fairfax County’s most unique parks. Inside, you’ll find a fort built in 1897 and used by the United States military as an interrogation center during World War II.

FAVORITE THINGS Fort Hunt Park’s trails, pavilions, playgrounds and more.

Resident’s Guide

Beautiful, wooded neighborhoods.

This area has some of the region’s most unique architecture.

Fort Hunt is also home to Hollin Hills, a nationally-recognized architectural gem of mid-Century Modern homes by architect Charles M. Goodman. Outside of this area, homes in Fort Hunt are often on lots with mature trees and quiet streets. The Hollin Hall shopping center includes the Hollin Hall Variety Shop, a throwback to the 1950s five-and-dime, plus a grocery store, bank, drug store and much more.

Stratford Landing, Stratford on the Potomac and more.

Other small neighborhoods in the Fort Hunt area include Tauxemont, Herbert Springs, Waynewood, Collingwood,

Fort Hunt is primarily in the 22308 area code. The 2010 census found the population of Fort Hunt to be 16,045.

Fun Fact

Fort Hunt was named after Brig. Gen Henry Hunt, who fought in the Civil War.

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NEIGHBORHOODS

Mount Vernon

George Washington’s Gristmill and Distillery | PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Mount Vernon is a neighborhood with a special connection to America’s first president. The entire area was once farmland that was part of George Washington’s expansive Mount Vernon plantation. Now, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate attracts more than 1 million tourists a year, who come to see the grounds, the home, the whiskey distillery, grain silo, library and much more.

FAVORITE THINGS George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. 68

Resident’s Guide

Large stately homes.

Quiet streets and many trails for walking, running and biking.

However, Mount Vernon is not just a relic of the past. The neighborhood is bordered by the Potomac River, Fort Belvoir (a large U.S. Army installation), Route 1 and Little Hunting Creek. Mount Vernon is home to 12,416 residents (as of the 2010 census), many of whom love taking advantage of access to the Potomac River, numerous trails and parks. Nearby is the Pope–Leighey House, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The house is on the grounds of the Woodlawn Plantation.

Fun Fact

Mount Vernon is named for a commanding officer in the British Royal Navy named Edward Vernon. It was George Washington’s older half-brother who named the plantation.

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109 S. PITT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Holes in the Ground, Cranes in the Sky

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

In the next decade, a dead mall will turn into a vibrant new hospital, some office buildings may become apartments, and all sorts of old spaces will find new uses. Alexandria Living Magazine has been tracking dozens of new developments across the City of Alexandria and Southeast Fairfax County. To help you keep track of what’s going on, we’ve created an interactive online map tracking more than 50 construction projects. The map is updated monthly and is accessible at alexandrialivingmagazine.com/ development. Here are just a few of the projects on the map now: • In Old Town, Alexandria Renew Enterprises has taken down the old steel warehouse to make room for water treatment facilities to make the Potomac River cleaner. • Nearby, Hilco Redevelopment Partners has purchased the site of the 70

Resident’s Guide

decommissioned GenOn Power Plant and has big plans for housing, office space, dining, retail, and public open space along the Potomac River. • A new Wegmans, thousands of apartments, retail shops and more are coming to Eisenhower East. • Southeast Fairfax County is welcoming multiple residential developments, several parks and a whole new vision for the “gateway” area between the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County. • More than a dozen new apartment complexes, affordable housing developments, condos and townhomes are coming to Alexandria’s West End, welcoming thousands of new residents. Visit alexandrialivingmagazine.com/ development for dozens of other projects in the works.

About Alexandria City Public Schools Alexandria is a pioneer in education. One of the first experiments in public education in the nation started in Alexandria. The Alexandria Academy’s Washington Free School was founded in 1785 to educate orphans and children from low-income families.

• 2 K-8 schools • 2 middle schools • 1 high school • 2 alternative school programs • plus, early childhood education and adult education programs Alexandria City Public Schools is a diverse community of more than 15,700 students

Today, Alexandria continues to be a pioneer in education. Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is embarking on a new era in high school education, creating a “connected network” of school buildings and programs to prepare students for the future.

who hail from more than 114 countries

The school system’s mission statement is ‘Every student succeeds: Educating lifelong learners and inspiring civic responsibility.’

Hutchings, Jr., is a graduate Alexandria

In addition, ACPS has:

The central office for ACPS is located at

• 12 elementary schools (including one for Math, Science and Technology and another on a year-round schedule)

1340 Braddock Pl. The school district’s

and speak 119 total languages. Children are typically assigned to a neighborhood school based on their home address, and all schools are fully accredited. The Superintendent, Dr. Gregory C. City High School (formerly T.C. Williams)

EDUCATION

here in Alexandria (class of 1995).

main phone number is 703-619-8000. Learn more at acps.k12.va.us.

Alexandria Living Magazine

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

EDUCATION

About Fairfax County Public Schools Fairfax County Public Schools serve students all across Fairfax County, and it is one of the largest school districts in the United States. With more than 189,000 students, FCPS is the 10th largest school division in the nation. Students are diverse, speaking more than 200 languages.

one teacher for multiple grades. There are now 198 schools and educational centers in Fairfax County. The schools are divided into 9 districts, each with a school board representative. There are also three at-large school board members. The Superintendent of Schools is Scott S. Brabrand. The school system’s mission is: Fairfax County Public Schools inspires and

Most students attend their neighborhood school, and all FCPS schools are accredited. More than 90 percent of graduating students plan to pursue further education.

empowers students to meet high academic

FCPS has a long history: The first 41 schools opened in 1870, and were mostly one-room frame schoolhouses with

Gatehouse Rd. in Falls Church, and the

Resident’s Guide

standards, lead healthy, ethical lives, and be responsible and innovative global citizens. More information is available at fcps.edu. The central office is located at 8115 main phone number is 571-423-3000. Learn more at fcps.edu.

Alexandria Country Day School / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Choosing a Private School Public Schools in the City of are good — but different students thrive in different environments.

• Is a religious school important to your family? Boarding or day school? Single-sex or co-ed? • How far are you willing (and able) to travel to get your child to school every day? • How much can you afford to pay in tuition and other costs?

There are dozens of private and parochial

“No two children are the same. Finding

schools in the Alexandria area serving

the right fit for your child means aligning

different grades and needs of students

the school’s mission and values with

and their families.

your own, as well as taking into account

Organizations like the Virginia Association for Independent Schools (VAIS) and the Private School Review say there are largely five questions that you can use to help evaluate nearby schools and help

EDUCATION

Alexandria and Fairfax County

• How does your child learn best?

the temperament, interests, intellectual ambition and personality of your child as they relate to the school you’re considering,” the Virginia Association for Independent Schools recommends.

you narrow down the list of options:

You can learn more about your options

• What type of student is your child,

schools in the Alexandria area at

and find a list of private and parochial

and do they have specific practical or

alexandrialivingmagazine.com/news/

specialized needs?

is-private-school-a-good-fit-for-your-child. Alexandria Living Magazine

Libraries The Alexandria area has some beautiful libraries that host a variety of interesting events in addition to housing thousands of books. Whether you’re looking for a new spine-chilling mystery novel, a source for a research paper or just a quiet place to study or work, the library is the perfect place to be. Don’t forget to sign up for a library card! Once you have a library card, you can check out e-books. Learn more at alexlibraryva.org or fairfaxcounty.gov/library. Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

EDUCATION

LIBRARIES IN ALEXANDRIA:

James M. Duncan Branch Library 2501 Commonwealth Ave. 703-746-1705

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library 717 Queen St. 703-746-1703

Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library 5005 Duke St. 703-746-1702

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library 4701 Seminary Rd. 703-746-1704

Resident’s Guide

LIBRARIES IN SOUTHEASTERN FAIRFAX COUNTY:

John Marshall Library 6209 Rose Hill Dr., Alexandria 703-971-0010

Kingstowne Library 6500 Landsdowne Ctr., Alexandria 703-339-4610

Martha Washington Library 6614 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria 703-768-6700

Sherwood Regional Library 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln., Alexandria 703-765-3645

Fairfax County Public Library 7001 Little River Tnpk., Annandale 703-256-3800

Thomas Jefferson Library 7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church 703-573-1060

Richard Byrd Library 7250 Commerce St., Springfield 703-451-8055

Pet-Friendly Alexandria Alexandria is a very pet-centric area, nationally known for its dog-friendly happy hours, accommodations, offices and more. It’s common to see water businesses, so expect many of your new neighbors to eagerly introduce themselves to your furry friend.

The cost of registering your pet will vary based on its species and whether or not it is spayed or neutered. Multi-year licenses are also available, and will expire the month the pet’s rabies vaccination expires. You can register your pet online through alexandriaanimals.org/licensing-your-pet. Or, you may send a check and required documentation (vaccination record, spay or neuter documentation if applicable and proof of the pet’s age for senior pet discounts) to:

Registering Your Pet in Alexandria

City of Alexandria Animal Licensing ℅ PetData

The City of Alexandria requires licenses

PO Box 141929 Irving, TX 75014-1929

for all dogs and cats over the age of four months. Owners must license their pets within 30 days of acquiring the pet or moving the pet to the city.

PETS

bowls for dogs outside local

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

You can also register your pet in person at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter at 4101 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria Living Magazine

Registering Your Pet in Fairfax County Fairfax County also requires registration for all dogs over the age of four months. Similar to the City of Alexandria, pets should be licensed promptly after moving. Renewal pet registrations can be done online at fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/ dog-license-information, where residents can also fill out change-of-address information. New registrations should be completed by mail or in person. The cost in Fairfax County for a dog license is $10. For first-time pet owners or new residents, complete and print the dog license application (available at the website above) and mail a $10 check payable to the County of Fairfax. Include a copy of the pet’s current rabies vaccination and mail the information and check to:

Department of Tax Administration 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Suite 223 Fairfax, VA 22035 Dog licenses can also be purchased in person with the documentation

PETS

previously noted by visiting 12000

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Government Center Parkway, Suite 223 in Fairfax. There are no breed restrictions on dogs, but there are restrictions on what animals you can keep as pets in our area. Fairfax County just recently started to allow residents to keep hedgehogs as pets, but you must have at least one acre of land to have goats or chickens, for example. Swine are not allowed in the City of Alexandria, and there are strict requirements on other animals, such as chickens and sheep, including acreage requirements and noise ordinances. It’s really best to check the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County animal codes before bringing home that baby goat or building a chicken coop.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Animal Shelters and Adoption

If you’re looking to foster or adopt a new best friend, there are several wonderful shelters in the area. They all welcome volunteers as well! Resident’s Guide

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is an independent, non-profit organization that facilitates animal adoptions to the entire D.C. metro area. They run the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, 4101 Eisenhower Ave. The AWLA cares for dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles. Profiles of adoptable pets and other useful information can be found at alexandriaanimals.org.

Fairfax County Animal Shelter is Fairfax County’s only open-access, municipal animal shelter, located on 4500 West Ox Rd., in Fairfax. They care for 4,000 to 5,000 animals a year, including dogs, cats and small animals. Same-day adoptions

PETS

over 2,000 animals a year, including

In addition, you may want to look at such organizations at King Street Cats, Lost Dog & Cat Foundation, Homeward Trails or other homeless pet rescue groups. There are many, and giving a pet a new family is often less expensive than dogs from breeders.

Dog Parks If your dog loves to run around and be social, you’re in luck. Many of Alexandria’s parks include areas where dogs can play. One is guaranteed to be close by!

Westgrove Park 6801 Fort Hunt Rd.

Grist Mill Park 4710 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy.

are available. For more information, visit

Eugene Simpson Stadium Park

fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter.

426 East Monroe Ave. Alexandria Living Magazine

Fort Ward Park 4301 W. Braddock Rd.

Founders Park 351 N. Union St.

Hooffs Run Park and Greenway 18A E. Linden St.

PETS

Monticello Park 320 Beverly Dr.

Mount Jefferson Park and Greenway 300 Hume St.

Tarleton Park 4420 Vermont Ave.

Timberbranch Park Timberbranch Pkwy.

Windmill Hill Park 501 S. Union St.

Carlyle Dog Park and Tennis Courts 450 Andrews Ln. 78

Resident’s Guide

Wildlife As the Alexandria area becomes more densely populated, animal encounters are becoming much more common. If you have a raccoon in your attic or you discover a sick or injured wild animal, call the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at 703-746-4774 or call Fairfax County Animal Control at 703-691-2131. In Fairfax County, in addition to Animal Control officers, the Wildlife Rescue League operates a wildlife assistance hotline that provides advice, resources and referrals to licensed wildlife rehabilitators. More information is available at wildliferescueleague.org. Virginia law prevents animal welfare officers from interfering with animals outside who not ill, injured or presenting a threat to people. More information on the wildlife in our community is available at alexandriaanimals.org/living-withwildlife or at fairfaxcounty.gov/wildlife.

Above: Founder’s Park / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Alexandria Parks & Recreation Centers Despite an increasing population, the Alexandria area is dedicated

City of Alexandria Parks and Recreation

to maintaining green space, parks, trails and access to nature. The City of Alexandria has more than 566 acres of City-owned park land, plus dozens of athletic fields, playgrounds,

RECREATION

dog parks and 20 miles of trails. Plus, there are multiple community rec centers, pools, picnic spots and sports courts.

RECREATION CENTERS:

Charles Barrett Recreation Center 1115 Martha Custis Dr. Alexandria, VA 22305 703-746-5551

Charles Houston Recreation Center 901 Wythe St.

The City of Alexandria Department of

Alexandria, VA 22314

Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities

703-746-5552

is where to go to reserve spaces for for recreational and educational

Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center

classes, sports and much more. Visit

25 West Reed Ave.

alexandriava.gov/recreation or call

Alexandria, VA 22305

703-746-4343.

703-746-5554

events and gatherings, plus sign up

Resident’s Guide

Lee District Rec Center | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Huntley Meadows | PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Lee Center

park, views of the water, a sand volleyball

1108 Jefferson St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-746-5405

pit and other features are here.

Mount Vernon Recreation Center 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria, VA 22305 703-746-5556

Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center 1108 Jefferson St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-746-5535

Patrick Henry Recreation Center 4653 Taney Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304 703-746-5557

William Ramsay Recreation Center 5650 Sanger Ave. Alexandria, VA 22311 703-746-5558

Jones Point Park (1 Jones Point Dr., Alexandria, VA 22314). Jones Point features trails, historic lighthouse, basketball court, community garden plots, canoe/kayak launch, picnic tables, restrooms, water fountains and playground.

VA 22314). Alexandria’s most popular and one of its newest parks, Waterfront Park includes an Interactive public art installation, picnic areas, a waterfront walkway and more.

Winkler Botanical Preserve (5400 Roanoke Ave., Alexandria VA 22311). With over 44 acres of plants and trees indigenous to the Potomac River Valley, the preserve has a hidden “hobbit house” build into a hillside and finding it is a fun activity for kids. No pets or bicycles allowed.

Ben Brenman Park (4800 Brenman Park Dr., Alexandria, VA 22304). Seasonal farmer’s market, ADA accessible picnic benches and pathways, amphitheater, athletic fields, fenced dog park, parking, picnic pavilion with grill, playground, pond, restrooms and trails.

RECREATION

POPULAR CITY OF ALEXANDRIA PARKS INCLUDE:

Waterfront Park (1 King St., Alexandria,

Fairfax County Parks and Recreation Fairfax County has more than 23,000 acres of park land throughout the county, including 427 parks and 325 mile of trails. There are also eight golf courses, several

Founder’s Park (351 N Union St.,

nature centers, lakefront parks, historic

Alexandria, VA 22314). An unfenced dog

properties and more. Alexandria Living Magazine

The Fairfax County Park Authority is reachable at 703-324-8702 (TTY 711) or visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks. FAIRFAX COUNTY RECREATION CENTERS IN ALEXANDRIA

George Washington RECenter 8426 Old Mount Vernon Rd. Alexandria, VA, 22309 703-780-8894 (TTY 711)

Lee District RECenter 6601 Telegraph Rd. Alexandria, VA, 22310 703-922-9841 (TTY 711)

Mount Vernon RECenter 2017 Belle View Blvd. Alexandria, VA, 22307 703-768-3224 (TTY 711)

POPULAR FAIRFAX COUNTY PARKS IN ALEXANDRIA INCLUDE:

Huntley Meadows (3701 Lockheed Blvd.). Miles of trails, boardwalk, a nature center, event shelters, the Historic Huntley House (6918 Harrison Ln.) and much more are in this large park in Southeast Fairfax County.

Fort Hunt Park (National Park Service, 8999 Fort Hunt Rd.). This park includes trails, historic fortifications, restroom facilities, event shelters, a softball field and a playground.

Mount Vernon Trail (National Park Service). This 18-mile pedestrian/bicycle path that runs along the Potomac River from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington D.C. The trail is popular with bikers and runners.

Christine Robinson “Christine has earned our lifelong trust. She has demonstrated that her involvement didn’t stop after we signed for our house. She can do it ALL—and WELL.” - K.

240.925.7100 | Licensed in VA christine.robinson.mce@gmail.com robinsonchristine.com

109 S. PITT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Pools & Water Parks

The Alexandria area’s public outdoor pools open Memorial Day weekend every year and close shortly after Labor Day. Fees vary at different public pools.

Memorial Pool at Charles Houston Rec Center. The Memorial Pool at Charles Houston Recreation Center has a beachstyle entry and spray features great for young children and adults who wish to get therapeutic benefits. 901 WYTHE ST.

For information about special events,

Old Town Pool. The eight-lane, 25-yard

holiday hours, prices, season passes and

lap pool and diving well and accessible training pool (up to 3 feet) is at 1609 Cameron St. The site also includes a picnic area and tot playground.

more, visit: alexandriava.gov/aquatics or

1609 CAMERON ST.

fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/recenter/ swimming-locations.

Warwick Pool. The pool complex at 3301 Landover Street includes a six-lane, 25yard lap pool with an accessible ramp entry. Water depths now range from zero to five feet. There is also a bathhouse, lockers and other amenities. 3301 LANDOVER ST., ALEXANDRIA

in the Gum Springs neighborhood is operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority and includes two slides and a wading pool for children. Admission is free. 8115 FORDSON RD.

RECREATION

Pools

Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool. This pool

Spraygrounds For children who aren’t swimmers yet or just love running through the sprinkler, there are a few splash parks in our region. Alexandria Living Magazine

Great Waves Waterpark | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Our Special Harbor Spray Park. The Lee District Rec Center features a fully accessible Chesapeake Bay-themed splash pad for children (and their parents). Aquatic shoes or sandals with a back strap (no flip flops!) are required and can be purchased on site. 6601 TELEGRAPH RD.

Montgomery Park (Potomac Yard Park) Sprayground. The interactive water fountain, located between the two playgrounds, features thirty-six water jets.

RECREATION

2501 POTOMAC AVE.

Waterparks

Private Pool Clubs In addition to the pools listed above, there are several neighborhood private pool clubs in Alexandria. Some of these have a waiting list, and most offer more than just a pool with BBQ areas, playgrounds, tennis courts and events. Some have a swim team and private or group instruction for children and adults, as well. Talk to your neighbors for inside information on where they go.

Great Waves Waterpark. This Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority waterpark at Cameron Run includes several slides, a wave pool and other recreation opportunities (mini golf, batting cages, etc.). 4001 EISENHOWER AVE.; NOVAPARKS.COM/WATERPARKS/ GREAT-WAVES-WATERPARK

Resident’s Guide

Local Tip The Northern Virginia Park Authority offers a summer waterparks pass that is valid at Great Waves and several other waterparks in Northern Virginia. It can save you money on admission fees throughout the summer. Learn more at novaparks.com/waterparks/memberships.

Notes

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