Firstly why Alexandria, Virginia?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Alexandria
• State: Virginia
• Population: 159,428 people
• Alexandria’s quick summary would be Known for its historic Old Town and proximity to Washington, D.C.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 20,000 annually
• Net Migration: -5000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,500
• Number of Homeless people: 200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features historic charm and proximity to Washington D.C. attracting professionals

Perk #1: Alexandria Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 44%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 53%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $87,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Alexandria is $85,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-2000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Alexandria’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 130 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,223
• Property Tax %: 1.13%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,900
• Rent for an average house: $2,900
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Old Town
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Alexandria, Old-Town, Del-Ray, Kingstreet, and probably could include West-End
• Avg. Age of Homes in Alexandria: 40 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Alexandria’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Alexandria are  Government, Healthcare, and Education
• Alexandria Job Scene: growing job market in finance and government
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech community focused on technology in government and private sector , ,
• Alexandria Resident’s pay $1,700 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Alexandria: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 300 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 15

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Alexandria

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-395 provides vital access through Alexandria to Washington D.C.
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on US-1
• Transportation Score: 57 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Alexandria: 160,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Alexandria: dmv.virginia.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 72 of 100
• Local Airport: Washington Dulles International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Alexandria’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Alexandria is best described as hot summers cold winters with moderate rain levels
• Winter Weather in Alexandria i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Alexandria can be described as mild with rain expected
• Summer’s in Alexandria are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Alexandria is usually cool with clear days
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 18 days in summer
• Days in a row in Alexandria below Freezing: 1
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by urban development
• Alexandria Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by urban development

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Alexandria Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Alexandria 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Alexandrias’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Alexandria Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Alexandria Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 6 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Alexandria only Doctors is about 90
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Alexandria only Police Officers is about 400
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Alexandria’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Alexandria’s Monthly Gym Membership: $60
• Alexandria’s Water Quality Score: 75

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Alexandria

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: quaint historic city with a strong focus on community and the arts
• You might enjoy local theater productions
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Alexandria  offers a picturesque nightlife with local bars and restaurants alongside the waterfront creating a charming experience

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Alexandria

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features waterfront dining and a mix of local restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Alexandria
• The Popular Sports Team is Alexandria Aces
• Top Level Political Climate in Alexandria can be described as progressively leaning city with a focus on community and equity
• Alexandria’s Longer standing religious establishment is ALEXANDRIA BAPTIST CHURCH

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Alexandria Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Alexandria has 30 Parks?
• Alexandria Waterfront Park is Alexandria’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Old Town Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and outdoor events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Alexandria Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Alexandria can be described as urban life with a strong focus on history and community engagement
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Alexandria hiking local trails community gatherings arts and crafts
• The Cities people commute to from Alexandria are Hampton 8 miles away Yorktown 12 miles away Williamsburg 23 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Alexandria or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on US-1. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Alexandria’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Old Town is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Alexandria are Hampton 8 miles away Yorktown 12 miles away Williamsburg 23 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Alexandria has 1 days in a row below freezing and 18 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Alexandria people have an average (positive or negative) $-2000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   200 homeless people living in Alexandria. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general progressively leaning city with a focus on community and equity could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Alexandria.

Retiree & Senior Life in Alexandria

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access property tax exemptions improving their financial health
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Goodwin House
• Alexandria Senior Center hosts educational workshops fitness classes and social events for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Alexandria, Virginia?

If Alexandria, Virginia ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Alexandria, Virginia, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!