Buying a home in Alexandria is an exciting step, whether you are relocating, purchasing your first place, or moving into a new chapter of life. As a born and raised Alexandrian, I can attest that Alexandria has a wonderful blend of walkability, history, community, and convenience that makes it one of Northern Virginia’s most desirable places to live.

This guide brings together our most helpful buying resources so you can explore neighborhoods, understand the buying process, and get a real sense of what life in Alexandria feels like.

Why Buyers Love Alexandria

Alexandria continues to attract buyers who value charm, convenience, and a strong sense of community. You will find tree-lined streets, historic architecture, local small businesses, and quick access to DC and Reagan National Airport. Many neighborhoods offer the kind of walkability that is hard to find in the region, with parks, cafés, shops, and Metro stations close by.

Whether you prefer the character of a historic rowhome or the ease of a modern condo, Alexandria offers something for almost every lifestyle.

Here are a few helpful resources if you want to learn more about the local experience:
Alexandria Real Estate, Community and People

If you are considering a move to the area, this guide is a great starting point:
Reasons to Move to Alexandria

Commute time is important for many buyers. This resource can help:
Is Alexandria Good for Commuters

Choosing the Right Alexandria Neighborhood

Alexandria is made up of many distinct neighborhoods, each with its own feel and amenities. Some buyers love the charm and walkability of Old Town. Others prefer the space and parks you find in North Ridge or Beverley Hills. Del Ray is known for its front porch culture and community feel. Carlyle appeals to buyers looking for a newer and more urban environment.

If you are just starting your search, this is a helpful overview:
Explore Alexandria Neighborhoods

Here is a sampling of just a few of the wonderful neighborhoods in Alexandria:

Old Town Alexandria
Historic rowhomes, cobblestone streets, waterfront access, and excellent walkability.

Del Ray
Strong community energy, local restaurants, and a relaxed, friendly vibe.

Rosemont
Classic homes, mature trees, and easy Metro access with walkability to both Old Town and Del Ray.

North Ridge and Beverley Hills
Established homes, larger yards, and a quiet suburban feel close to parks and schools.

Seminary Ridge
Homes with larger yards and garages in a very family friendly setting.

Carlyle and Eisenhower East
Newer condos, modern conveniences, and walkability to two Metro stations.

Belle Haven
Charming older homes, newer construction, and access to Belle Haven Country Club.

Hollin Hall Village
Larger lots and wonderful community amenities.

If you are unsure which neighborhood best fits your lifestyle, we can create a customized neighborhood tour for you.

Understanding Today’s Alexandria Market

Alexandria remains competitive, especially in walkable neighborhoods and areas close to Metro. Homes that are move-in ready often attract strong interest, so buyers who are well prepared usually have the smoothest experience.

If you want to see what is new in the area, these guides are helpful:

New Construction in Alexandria

New Condo Developments Coming to Old Town

If you would like to understand what the market looks like in your price range, we can prepare a custom overview for you.

How the Buying Process Works

While every buyer’s journey is unique, most follow the same key steps.

Step 1. Meet with a realtor

This is where everything begins. In this meeting, you will discuss your goals, timeline, preferred neighborhoods, budget, and any questions you have.
You can schedule a buyer consultation with us here

Step 2. Get pre approved

This gives you a clear understanding of your purchasing power so you can move quickly when the right home appears.

Step 3. Refine your criteria

We help you clarify your must haves, lifestyle needs, and preferred neighborhoods.

Step 4. Tour homes

This includes on market homes and, when available, off market opportunities. Our team regularly uncovers off market options for buyers.

Step 5. Write a competitive offer

Once you find a home you love, we help you craft a strong offer based on current market conditions.

Step 6. Move through contingencies

You will complete inspections, appraisal, and loan approval.

Step 7. Settlement day

You receive your keys and officially become an Alexandria homeowner.

If you want a more detailed checklist, we are happy to share one during your consultation.

Common Home Types in Alexandria

Alexandria offers a range of housing options, which makes it easier to find something that fits your needs. While you can find most types of each of these styles of home in most neighborhoods, here is where you can find the largest concentrations of each.

Condos
Popular for first-time buyers and downsizers. You can find the most condos in Old Town and the West End. There is a blend of more historic condo buildings and a variety  of new construction options.

Townhomes
A classic Alexandria choice, from historic rowhomes in Old Town, to post-war walkable options in Del Ray and Rosemont, to large “newer” homes in Cameron Station and Kingstowne, there is much variety to be found.

Single-family homes
The majority of the neighborhoods in Alexandria contain single family homes. You will find a variety of styles of single family homes in North Ridge, Beverley Hills, Braddock Heights, Rosemont, Del Ray, Seminary Ridge and in the Alexandria Fairfax County neighborhoods, like Belle Haven, Waynewood and Mount Vernon.

Historic Homes

Alexandria is known for its historic housing stock.  Concentrated in Old Town, you can find many homes from the 1700’s and 1800’s!  Throughout the rest of Alexandria, you can find many single family homes from the 1920’s – 1940’s.

New Construction
New construction in Alexandria is more limited, but growing, especially in Old Town, South Alexandria, and along Eisenhower Valley.  Since there isn’t room for a lot of new development neighborhoods, new construction in Alexandria tends to be infill, where developers (or homeowners) have knocked an older home down to replace with newer construction.  It’s important to note that Alexandria has strict zoning laws that limit how large of a home you can build given the size of the lot.

What It Costs to Buy in Alexandria

Your home budget should account for more than the purchase price. Buyers should plan for closing costs, property taxes, possible HOA or condo fees, and regular maintenance.

A helpful starting point is this comparison:
Cost of Living in the Washington DC Area

We would be happy to chat with you about what you may be able to afford. Please reach out! If you would like a personalized breakdown based on your preferred price range, we can prepare one or connect you with a lender.

Relocating to Alexandria

Many of our clients move here from out of state or overseas. We regularly assist with virtual tours, video consultations, and neighborhood orientation sessions so you can feel confident even from a distance. You can sign up for a neighborhood orientation session here.

A helpful guide to begin planning:
Moving to DC, Maryland, or Virginia. Essential Checklist

What Buyers Ask Most

Here are a few of the questions we hear most often.

Is now a good time to buy?
If you are financially ready and planning to stay for several years, buying in Alexandria can be a very strong long term decision given its walkable location inside the beltway and close to DC.

Should I wait for rates to drop?
This is a case by case decision! We would be happy to walk you through what makes sense for you.

Which neighborhoods are most competitive?
Old Town, Del Ray, and Rosemont tend to be especially active. There are also excellent opportunities throughout the city if you are open to different styles or locations.

Should I rent or buy?
It depends on your goals, lifestyle, and timing. We are happy to talk through each scenario.

Why Work With The Goodhart Group

For more than 30 years, we have helped buyers navigate Alexandria with clarity and confidence. Our team brings deep neighborhood knowledge, strong offer strategy, and access to many early and off market opportunities. We take a relationship focused approach from the first conversation through settlement.

We remain a resource long after closing, whether you need vendor recommendations or guidance as you settle into your new home.

If you are beginning your search or exploring possibilities, we would love to help you take the next step. You can book a Buyer’s Consultation when you are ready.

Get in touch by filling out the form below or reaching out by phone or email.

Sue Goodhart | sue@thegoodhartgroup.com

Allison Goodhart DuShuttle | allison@thegoodhartgroup.com

Phone: 703-362-3221

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