More questions about Alexandria neighborhood

[seldomseen]

Keep in mind that we can all make our recommendations to you regarding what's nice, or not in Alexandria. But it will ultimately be your your decision...a lot of which will be based on what you're accustomed to and what your expectations/standards are. I can tell you now that if you've lived in other cities in the northeast, and know what thier "bad areas" are like, there's a 99% chance that you will laugh when you physically see the "bad" areas of Alexandria City/Alexandria for yourself. Either way, good luck!

[Yankeesfan]

You know, that's a good point. Even the lower-performing schools in the area are havens compared to, say, Chicago's inner-city schools (since the OP is in the Chicago area). Or DC's incredible wasteland of a public school system. (I wish the new woman in charge all the best; there's nowhere to go but up ...)

[seldomseen]

It is sad that DC's public school system is so freeking bad!! Truly unbelievable!!

[windycityagain]

Sorry about delayed response. Thanks very much for all your insightful and thoughtful replies.
After reading your suggestions and looking at the neighborhoods, we are narrowing down to cameron station and kingstowne community. Thanks for your help in our decision-making process.

[seldomseen]

Good Luck! Both areas you're looking at are very nice, safe, and provide easy access to major highways/roads.

[afewgoodcommunities]

I know that Seminary Hill is also a very nice area, but the homes go up in price. (esp. around Episcopal High School).
What about the outskirt of Seminary Hill that is close to Duke Street. For example the area between Fort Ward Park and Bradley Shopping Center. Does anybody know anything about this area? Does it have any sense of cohesive community where neighbors can and do speak to each other?

[Guamanians]

The Belle View neighborhood is very nice. It is in Fairfax county approx 2 miles south of Old town. Rent is generally cheaper than O/T. Belle View is somewhat prone to flooding especially if you are close to the Potomac River. I guess thats what insurance is for :-)