Overview
Alexandria is an independent city with more than 250 years of history. Old Town's cobblestone side streets and waterfront sit a short Metro ride from downtown DC.
History
Virginia's House of Burgesses approved a town on the Potomac here.
Incorporated as a town.
Became part of the District of Columbia.
Returned to Virginia.
The Orange and Alexandria Railroad was founded, making the town a rail hub.
Rechartered as a city; independent since 1870.
Potomac Yard Metro station opened.
Looking at homes for sale in Alexandria? Browse them on Zillow, Redfin or Realtor.com — they all show the same listings. Then send me the link: I'll call the listing agent and tell you what the listing leaves out. I also watch for coming-soon homes that aren't online yet.
Found a home in Alexandria? Send me the linkHome sales from July–September 2026, compared with the same months a year earlier.
429 homes for sale (+31% vs. a year ago), 40% with a price cut, 38 median days on market.
Realtor.com listing data via FRED · updated monthlySource: Bright MLS Industry Watch, Q3 2026 (data as of October 10, 2026). Report by ShowingTime Plus, LLC.
About 6 miles in a straight line to the White House. Real drive times vary a lot with traffic — test your commute at rush hour before you buy.
Four real seasons: humid summers, colorful falls, mostly mild winters with a few snowstorms. Frost-free roughly March 27 to November 18. NOAA 1991–2020 averages at Reagan National Airport.
Economy
Local favorites
Alexandria is an independent city with a mayor and six-member City Council.
As of September 2026. Officials change with elections — confirm on the official websites.
Real estate tax: $1.135 per $100 of assessed value (calendar year 2026), set by City of Alexandria. Official rates ↗ · Work out a home's real tax bill →
Example: a home assessed at $700,000 would owe about $7,945 a year at the City of Alexandria rate.
Virginia also taxes cars and other vehicles yearly (personal property tax), and some areas add small special-district taxes. Older adults and people with disabilities may qualify for tax relief programs.
Before you fall in love
Local rules and recent changes that photos and Zestimates can't show. I check these for every home we look at.
Alexandria adds a $500 yearly trash fee and a stormwater fee ($340.30 per billing unit in FY2026) to the real estate bill.
Work out your real tax bill →Many “Alexandria” mailing addresses are in Fairfax County, with different taxes and schools. I check this for every home.
City of Alexandria real estate taxes ↗Under Virginia's disclosure law the seller makes no promises about the home's condition, flood zones, airport noise, septic or radon. Inspections and your own checks protect you.
Virginia Code § 55.1-703 ↗You can cancel within 3 days of receiving the association's resale certificate. Read it for fees, special assessments and rental limits.
Virginia Code § 55.1-2312 ↗Before you buy
Schools
Served by Alexandria City Public Schools. Test scores and school details are in the official links below. Boundaries change — always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address.
Research this area
Crime, school test results and population details come straight from official sources. Each link opens in a new tab, so this page stays open.
Nearby
Walkable urban villages across the river from Washington.
Arlington CountyRiverside parkway, George Washington's estate and big green spaces.
Fairfax County (unincorporated)The crossroads of Northern Virginia, with Metro and VRE.
Fairfax County (unincorporated)Sources: 2020 U.S. Census; county, city and town government websites; NOAA climate normals; Virginia Department of Education. Updated September 2026. General information only — verify details that matter to your decision.
Contact
Tell me a little about what you're looking for. I'll reply personally, usually within one business day.
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