Best Neighborhoods in Alexandria, VA for Renters

Alexandria, Virginia sits along the Potomac River just eight miles south of Washington, D.C. and offers renters a sense of place many cities can’t match. The city's location gives renters easy access to major employment hubs, like the Pentagon, National Landing, and Downtown D.C., all within a short Metro ride or highway commute away. What makes Alexandria especially appealing to renters is its diverse mix of neighborhoods.

Whether you're drawn to a walkable, historic neighborhood or a quieter residential area with easy highway access, there's a neighborhood in Alexandria that fits your lifestyle. If you’re looking to rent in Alexandria, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent based on the following factors:

• Rental availability
• Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
• Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
• Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards

The five best neighborhoods in Alexandria for renters are:

1. Old Town
2. Del Ray
3. Potomac Yard
4. Landmark/Van Dorn
5. Taylor Run

Old Town

• Average 1-bedroom rent in Alexandria: $1,996/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Old Town: $2,587/month
• Average 1-bedroom size in Old Town: 716 sq. ft.

Why Old Town is good for renters

As one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, Old Town is one of Alexandria’s most sought-after neighborhoods. King Street runs from the Potomac River to the King Street–Old Town Metro station, putting D.C. and the Pentagon within a close commute. The neighborhood is lined with brick townhouses, restaurants, wine bars, and boutique shops. The Potomac waterfront hosts the Torpedo Factory Art Center, seasonal festivals, and a water taxi service to D.C. and The Wharf.

Keep in mind

Old Town is one of Alexandria’s pricier neighborhoods, and street parking can be tight, especially on weekends when the waterfront and King Street draw visitors.

Del Ray

• Average 1-bedroom rent in Alexandria: $1,996/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Del Ray: $2,035/month
• Average 1-bedroom size in Del Ray: 738 sq. ft.

Why Del Ray is good for renters

Del Ray is built around Mount Vernon Avenue, which features coffee shops, locally owned restaurants, a Saturday farmers market, and small galleries. The Braddock Road Metro station is accessible from the neighborhood, and proximity to both Old Town and the Potomac Yard retail corridor mean renters have plenty of options close by. The Birchmere, one of the most respected music venues on the East Coast, is also just minutes away.

Keep in mind

Del Ray’s apartment inventory tends to be smaller than in other established Alexandria neighborhoods and demand for rentals is strong, so renters may need to move quickly when a unit becomes available.

Potomac Yard

• Average 1-bedroom rent in Alexandria: $1,996/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Potomac Yard: $2,490/month
• Average 1-bedroom size in Potomac Yard: 750 sq. ft.

Why Potomac Yard is good for renters

Potomac Yard is close to one of Alexandria’s newer Metro additions, the Potomac Yard Metro station on the Blue and Yellow Lines. The neighborhood sits between Old Town and National Landing, making it practical for anyone commuting to Amazon HQ2, the Pentagon, or Downtown D.C. The Potomac Yard shopping center provides a complete retail lineup, including Target, Best Buy, and a range of dining options.

Keep in mind

Potomac Yard has a more urban feel than quieter residential neighborhoods like Del Ray or Taylor Run, which is a plus for some and a trade-off for others.

Landmark/Van Dorn

• Average 1-bedroom rent in Alexandria: $1,996/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Landmark/Van Dorn: $1,821/month
• Average 1-bedroom size in Landmark/Van Dorn: 764 sq. ft.

Why Landmark/Van Dorn is good for renters

Landmark/Van Dorn sits in Alexandria's West End and offers some of the most competitive rents in the city. Renters typically get more square footage here than they would in Old Town or Potomac Yard at a lower price point. The Van Dorn Street Metro station provides a direct connection to D.C. and the Pentagon. The Landmark area's commercial corridor houses grocery stores, big-box retail, and a range of dining options. Ben Brenman Park and Holmes Run Trail offer green spaces and recreational trails that give the area a more relaxed feel.

Keep in mind

Landmark/Van Dorn is not as walkable as other neighborhoods in the city, so renters who primarily rely on the Metro will want to confirm their proximity to public transit.

Taylor Run

• Average 1-bedroom rent in Alexandria: $1,996/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Taylor Run: $1,611/month
• Average 1-bedroom size in Taylor Run: 638 sq. ft.

Why Taylor Run is good for renters

Taylor Run is a quieter residential neighborhood named for the stream and parkland that run through it. The Taylor Run stream valley park offers wooded trails and natural green space away from the fast-moving areas close to D.C. The neighborhood sits within reach of both the Braddock Road and King Street Metro stations, giving renters options for getting into the city. Its central location within Alexandria also means that Old Town's restaurants and Del Ray's shops are a short drive away.

Keep in mind

Taylor Run has a more residential character, so renters who want walkable retail and nightlife at their door may find other neighborhoods more well-suited.

Ready to Make the Move?

If Alexandria has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.

Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.

Methodology

Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.