Alexandria (best areas) (Franconia, Springfield, Fairfax: apartment complexes, foreclosures, for rent)

[dmoez]

I have been doing research on the best areas to live in Alexandria. The common responses I hear is Old Town, Del Ray, or Kingstowne. Are there any other ones. I have been looking more into Kingstowne, since it seems to have the most TH/condos for rent. Also, how big is the Kingstowne area? What roads make up its perimeter? The reason I ask, is I just want to make sure that if i do pick this area, that I am NOT living right on the border of a good/bad area?

[Yankeesfan]

To clarify, Kingstowne has an Alexandria address but is located in Fairfax County (just in case that matters to anyone). Kingstowne is a planned community of around 5400 homes (mostly TH but also some SF and condo/apts.) with their own HOA. Years ago when the post office created zip code 22315, it said people in that zip code could use either "Kingstowne" or "Alexandria" as their address. Most people still use Alexandria but a few do use a Kingstowne address even though they're in the zip code but not in the actual community. That's probably more than you want to know but am just pointing that out in case someone is looking at a house and wants to be able to use Kingstowne HOA amenities (pools, etc.).

The website is Kingstowne Residential Owners Corporation.

[juniperbleu]

I lived over by King & 395 and liked it a lot. I'm still not sure exactly what the neighborhood is called (West End?). I also have friends living in the Foxchase area that like it a lot, too.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by dmoez

I have been doing research on the best areas to live in Alexandria. The common responses I hear is Old Town, Del Ray, or Kingstowne. Are there any other ones. I have been looking more into Kingstowne, since it seems to have the most TH/condos for rent. Also, how big is the Kingstowne area? What roads make up its perimeter? The reason I ask, is I just want to make sure that if i do pick this area, that I am NOT living right on the border of a good/bad area?

In a way, it would seem that there's very few "bad" areas in Alexandria. Things might be a little dicey towards the West End border with Fairfax County but it's more vandalism than violence. It has been said here that the Arlandia neighborhood above Del Ray is one of the less desirable neighborhoods but I haven't ventured into that area to verify that for myself.

I don't know if their THs are for rent but Cameron Station, a development between Duke St. and Eisenhower Avenue, may be worth looking into.

Kingstowne is actually in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County, as opposed to the City of Alexandria. (Confusing, I know. ) I wouldn't say that the community borders anything "bad" except even worse traffic from nearby Springfield.

[dalexan242]

We live in a small subdivision near Rose Hill (Clermont) in 22310--- we just moved in last summer, but we've been ecstatic with our neighborhood. It seems as friendly/safe to us as anywhere we've lived in the metro area. There are "poorer" areas to every side of us, but none of them seems particularly unsafe.

[slduvall]

Kingstowne is bordered by Beulah Road to the west, Van Dorn to the east, Manchester and Kingstowne Parkway to the north, and Telegraph to the south. It is basically all suburb. As are the surrounding areas. With Shopping centers on the north end. I live and work in Kingstowne and the traffic is almost null...if you aren't heading towards the Fairfax County parkway or up Van dorn. And only really busy during rush hour...which of course is all day around here...

[Flamingo13]

Check into Cameron Station also, lots of homes - TH, condos. - it's 22304 and a very nice, safe area.

[dmoez]

Wow, thanks for the great feedback. I have heard areas by the springfield mall are not the greatest. So my question is, should I not go further west than the Franconia-Springfield metro line? In terms of still living in Alexandria. Also, does all of the area Northwest of Fort Belvoir have low amounts of non-violent and violent crimes? Is Cameron Station development on either side of Ben Brenman Park

[Flamingo13]

Are you looking to rent? That makes a difference. Also, Alexandria is either Alexandria City or part of Fairfax County. I'm in Alexandria City, I mostly like the area (West end) - there are various apartment complexes this way that are also in a good location (although there have been some stolen vehicles from those areas) - if you're looking for a SFH, there are some in the neighborhood (unfortunately 2 foreclosures but one nice one, not sure why they are selling).

Yes, Cameron Station includes Ben Brenman Park - entrance in off Duke Street, across from a nice, big library - Beatley and from a dog park that gets a good business from the 4-legged crowd and their 2-legged owners.

[satjnki]

I am planning to move to Aleaxandria this summer with my spouse and two middle school age kids. Will be working in 22315 zip code area (Fairax county). Ideally would like to rent 3 BR house close to a good middle school. Not planning to buy for atleast for a year. Thanks in advance for your advice.