Walkable Neighborhoods In Alexandria

[Old Dominionite]

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

I'm not a renter but what about the big apartment complex across from the Van Dorn Safeway shopping center?

The West End of Alexandria is quite different from Old Town and the neighborhoods around Old Town. The West End has a lot of density in terms of high-rise and garden-style apartments/condos, but the area is very car-centric. The principal roads are wide and congested and most retail establishments are in shopping plazas with large parking lots. The city has done some work over the years to improve pedestrian facilities (e.g., installing crosswalks), but walking in the West End remains a less than pleasant experience.

The West End has much greater diversity than the rest of Alexandria. It also has a larger proportion of people with lower incomes. For these reasons it's often considered less desirable than Old Town and the eastern side of the city. Real estate values and monthly rents reflect that to a degree.

I lived in the apartment complex you mentioned well over 20 years ago. Not sure what the environment is like there today, but I remember the buildings felt old even in the late 90s and I also remember challenges in finding a parking space!

[paytonc]

Originally Posted by macalan

Just a place where one can drive, park and then walk to a multitude of things - shops, restaurants, etc., so I guess I mean having a "core" in the neighborhood.

For most of West End Alexandria, Shirlington Village (just across the line in Arlington) might be closer than Old Town, and parking's easier, too. Some new infill is being built in the West End (e.g., West Alex) which should improve shopping/dining options there.

For the areas with most things within walking distance:
https://www.walkscore.com/VA/Alexandria