Montebello History
Once home to native tribes and explorers, Montebello’s land was owned by speculators in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1789, Lord Bryan Fairfax, a friend of George Washington, purchased a sizeable parcel of this land and built a home for his family, naming it Mount Eagle. During the Civil War, forts were built on this land as part of the Virginia defenses of Washington.
In the 1930s, Mount Eagle was used as a country club. In 1942, it went under private ownership once again. Its last private owners had the land rezoned for residential and commercial development and sold it in 1966. The Fairfax house was demolished in 1969, and in 1970 Metro acquired 20 acres of the property for the Huntington Metro station.
In 1979, a developer purchased 35 acres of the former Mount Eagle property to build what stands today. Owner Giuseppe Cecchi paid tribute to his Italian heritage by naming the complex “Montebello,” meaning “beautiful mountain,” but retained the name Mount Eagle on the access road as a tribute to the property’s history.
Montebello Real Estate
Montebello is a 36-acre gated community along Richmond Highway just south of Old Town Alexandria. Located in Fairfax County, it is bordered by Richmond Highway to the east, Mount Eagle Park to the west, Cityside Huntington Apartments to the south, and Huntington Avenue to the north. The Potomac River is a short distance away. The community is conveniently located near the intersection of the Capital Beltway and Route 1.
Montebello consists of four high-rise buildings with 1,024 condominiums, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom units. Larger custom units have been created by joining two separate units together.
Recent sales (2023 data) show one-bedroom units selling in the mid $300K range, two-bedrooms from the high $300Ks to the mid $500Ks, and three-bedrooms from the high $500Ks to the high-$600Ks. 4 bedrooms sell in the low $1Ms.
Condo fees on recent sales range from $575 per month for a one-bedroom unit to $1,818 per month for the most expensive four-bedroom condo.
Montebello Community
This self-contained complex offers a campus-like atmosphere complete with a spa, convenience store, restaurant, bar, tennis courts, jogging trail, pools, bowling alley, hobby rooms, pet areas, along with a plethora of social events. Montebello’s 2,300 residents span all ages and stages of life.
Montebello Entertainment
Take in dinner and a movie at the nearby Hoffman Center. Golfers can join one of two local country clubs. The Mount Vernon Rec Center, which offers both indoor ice skating and swimming year-round, is a five-minute drive from Montebello.
Montebello Favorites
Montebello residents just are a short drive from the shopping, dining, and culture of Old Town Alexandria. Or they can stay closer to home for amazing Mexican food at El Paso restaurant or pizza at The Haven in Belle View.
Discover more Old Town favorites in:
- The Southeast Quadrant of Old Town: Our Favorite Places
- The Southwest Quadrant of Old Town: Our Favorite Places
- The Northeast Quadrant of Old Town: Our Favorite Places
- The Northwest Quadrant of Old Town: Our Favorite Places
- Weekend Trip to Old Town Alexandria
- The Best Spots for Lunch in Old Town Alexandria
- The Most Romantic Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria
- Spending a Saturday in Old Town
- Top 10 Reasons to Live in Old Town
- Best Happy Hours in Old Town Alexandria
- The Best Seafood Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria
- The Best Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria
Discover more Alexandria favorites in:
- Fall Hiking in Alexandria and Where to go Apres Hiking
- Your Complete Guide to Living in Alexandria with Pets
- Is Alexandria Good for Commuters? Here’s What to Know!
- Alexandria Summer Guide
- Reasons to Move to Alexandria: A Perfect Blend of Work, Lifestyle, and Beauty
- The Beauty of Alexandria
- The Best Pizza in Alexandria and Beyond
- Best Happy Hours in Old Town Alexandria
- Complete List of Alexandria Playgrounds & Parks
- Biking and Trails in Alexandria
- The Best Sports Bars in Alexandria
- The Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Alexandria
- Best Burgers in Alexandria and Beyond
- The Best Coffee Shops in Alexandria
- The Best Breakfast Spots in Alexandria
Want to know what it’s like to live in Montebello? Let’s go on a condo tour!