Walkable Neighborhoods In Alexandria (Reston, Washington: apartment complex, renter, townhouses)

[macalan]

Depending on what happens with COVID, we may try to come out @ Christmas this year for a visit to check out the area for possible relocation.

So far we're most interested in Alexandria (that may change when we come out). In particular Old Town and Del Ray. Possibly Rosemont, but it doesn't appear there are many (if any) apartments there. Braddock/Braddock Heights?

Can anyone recommend other walkable neighborhoods for us to check out in Alexandria?

We'd be renting, and would prefer to be in a modern apartment building that has amenities (gym, etc.). We're older (but active and not by any means elderly) so don't want to be in a party central area.

[RestonS]

I don't know if you are lumping that in with Old Town, but Eisenhower is a possibility. Potomac Yard might be an option too.

[macalan]

Originally Posted by RestonS

I don't know if you are lumping that in with Old Town, but Eisenhower is a possibility. Potomac Yard might be an option too.

Thank you. Eisenhower East?

[robbobobbo]

If by walkable you mean reasonable walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment, then Old Town and Del Ray are the main spots. Potomac Yards is a relatively new addition, but currently the nearby businesses are mainly a Giant grocery store and the stores at Potomac Yards shopping center. That area along Rt 1 is under a lot of development, and I'm sure a lot will change in the coming years in terms of new businesses.

If you're seeking a modern apartment building, then Rosemont is out. I walk to Old Town and Del Ray from Rosemont, but the neighborhood is mainly single family homes, town houses, duplexes, and some 3-4 story older apartment buildings.

In terms of new apartment buildings, the most development I've noticed in Old Town has been in the Parker-Gray neighborhood (northwest quadrant). For example, along Pendleton St. between West St. to Patrick St.

Another option with new apartments is at E. Monroe Ave and Main Line Blvd. It's a very short walk to a grocery store, CVS, YMCA, coffee shop, and not much farther is the main part of Del Ray (Mt Vernon Ave).

Additionally, there is the Carlyle area, between Duke St and Eisenhower Ave.

[RestonS]

Originally Posted by macalan

Thank you. Eisenhower East?

Yeah, it's the same as Carlyle.

[Flamingo13]

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

[macalan]

Originally Posted by robbobobbo

If by walkable you mean reasonable walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment, then Old Town and Del Ray are the main spots. Potomac Yards is a relatively new addition, but currently the nearby businesses are mainly a Giant grocery store and the stores at Potomac Yards shopping center. That area along Rt 1 is under a lot of development, and I'm sure a lot will change in the coming years in terms of new businesses.

If you're seeking a modern apartment building, then Rosemont is out. I walk to Old Town and Del Ray from Rosemont, but the neighborhood is mainly single family homes, town houses, duplexes, and some 3-4 story older apartment buildings.

In terms of new apartment buildings, the most development I've noticed in Old Town has been in the Parker-Gray neighborhood (northwest quadrant). For example, along Pendleton St. between West St. to Patrick St.

Another option with new apartments is at E. Monroe Ave and Main Line Blvd. It's a very short walk to a grocery store, CVS, YMCA, coffee shop, and not much farther is the main part of Del Ray (Mt Vernon Ave).

Additionally, there is the Carlyle area, between Duke St and Eisenhower Ave.

Ahh, good point. I should be more clear what I mean by walkable. Not looking for walk to shops, restaurants and entertainment per se, though that would be the ideal case. 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.

We would also be open to an older rental like a small row home in Old Town but I think that's going to be way out of our 2K price range.

What's the difference between Old Town and Old Town North?

[robbobobbo]

Originally Posted by macalan

What's the difference between Old Town and Old Town North?

Old Town North would be another good spot with newer apartments. The difference from the "classic" Old Town is that Old Town is known for its colonial period homes, particularly east of Washington Street, whereas Old Town North is late 20th and 21st century housing. When people think about Old Town, they likely picture its quaint old section, whereas Old Town North is more modern. There are parts that have more open space, rather than streets of row houses. The parks along the river are nice and not crowded like around the Torpedo Factory in the heart of Old Town.

[Tardishal]

Originally Posted by RestonS

Yeah, it's the same as Carlyle.

Yep, there are a lot of apartment buildings going up in the area. Close to two Metro stations, 495/Duke Street and two grocery stores(if Wegman's ever comes in. And you are close to walk to Old Town. River is about 1.5 mile walk or run.

[slduvall]

What about Kingstowne? It's not Alexandria proper, but has an Alexandria address. There are a lot of walking trails, restaurants, stores etc. and more importantly a mix of apts, townhouses and SFH. Easy access to all of the DC area.