Alexandria West - Alexandria, VA Area Guide

Much of the modern city of Alexandria sits on top of a 6,000-acre land grant originally awarded to a ship's captain named Robert Howson on the authority of King Charles II in 1669. Howson subsequently sold the land to a Scottish merchant called John Alexander in exchange for 6,000 pounds of tobacco. Local businessmen founded Alexandria in 1749, naming the city after John Alexander and his family.

In 1946, Alexandria's Old Town became the third officially designated historic district in the United States. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, museums, art galleries, and the George Washington Masonic Memorial make this part of town truly special. Famous Alexandrians include President Gerald R. Ford and well-known attorney Samuel W. Tucker, who both formerly lived in the city.

Most of the restaurants and cafes in Alexandria West sit in the middle of the community or on the neighborhood's south end. Residents have easy access to a range of different culinary options, including chicken, seafood, and Pan-Asian fare.

Illusions Thai Cafe on North Beauregard Street offers patrons a variety of appetizing Thai dishes made with fresh, authentic ingredients. Locals recommend the orange chicken and the pineapple chicken options, as well as the restaurant's wings, steaks, and specialty dumplings. An array of vegetarian dishes make this a popular spot for healthy eating. You can chow down in the restaurant or call ahead and collect your food.

Stop in at Justa's Chicken Restaurant on North Chambliss Street for a mouthwatering selection of Peruvian food. Unsurprisingly, chicken is first on the dish list and locals rave about the rotisserie options. If you enjoy seafood, try the ceviche de marisco; if you prefer white meat, select the milanesa de pollo. Good service makes this place a neighborhood favorite.

For truly excellent African food, head down to Enat Fine Ethiopian Cuisine, also on North Chambliss Street. The restaurant's low lighting and soothing ambiance make it perfect for a date night or a relaxing late-night meal. Order the lamb stew for a complex, savory experience or choose the kitfo if you want something spicier.

At night, residents often head into central Washington, D.C., to see a show or experience big-city nightlife. Local options like Shooter McGee's on Duke Street offer real ale on tap as well as a formidable selection of fine wines. Try Clyde's at Mark Center on North Beauregard Street if you enjoy cocktails and tasty bar food. Weekly events like trivia night and live music make Clyde's a very popular destination both during the work week and over the weekends.

North Beauregard Street bisects Alexandria West, so it's easy to get from one side of the neighborhood to the other in a hurry. A considerable portion of the rest of Alexandria West is filled with winding roads and low-speed-limit culs-de-sac, making it a good neighborhood to explore by bike or on foot. Dedicated bike lanes along North Chambliss Street and bike-friendly roads like North Morgan Street, Sanger Avenue, and West Braddock Road make cycling safer. A series of bike trails, including one through Dora Kelley Nature Park, offer fun alternative routes through the neighborhood.

Also known as Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, Interstate 395 borders Alexandria West on the south and offers an easy way to exit the neighborhood. Travel northeast to visit the Pentagon or to get into downtown Washington; travel southwest to catch Interstate 495 at Springfield. Most of Alexandria West's residents own cars, which they park on the street, in designated parking spots or in garages, but many of them also choose Uber when they want a low-cost ride into Washington, D.C. Taxi firms in Alexandria West include Alexandria Yellow Cab, White Top Cab Company, and King Cab.

If you prefer traveling by bus, the local Dash bus system has an extensive route, with several stops in Alexandria West. To commute long distance by bus, venture down to the Greyhound depot in Springfield and pick your destination.

Several parks sit in and around Alexandria West, making the community ideal for people who enjoy the outdoors. Bike along the trail at Dora Kelley Nature Park, walk along the river at Holmes Run Scenic Easement, and enjoy a quiet woodland trail or two at Winkler Botanical Preserve. Chambliss Park provides plenty of open play space for kids. None of the parks charge any fees, making them ideal destinations for family excursions.

Dogs get plenty of playtime in wider Alexandria, too. Local dog parks include Simpson Stadium Park at Monroe Avenue, Montgomery Park at the corner of Fairfax and 1st Streets, and Ben Brenman Park by Backlick Creek. Many of the area's dog parks provide dog toys and water fountains to keep your pet intrigued and hydrated.

Alexandria is a year-round hub of activity. Summer events include the Red White and Brew Beer and Wine festival, the Around the World Cultural Food Festival, and the National Maker Faire, all of which usually happen in June. Winter events include Christmas at Mount Vernon, Alexandria’s Holiday Market, and the Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, all of which take place between November and January.

Alexandria lies just south of the nation's capital and adjacent to the Potomac river, making it a highly sought-after area. Nonetheless, living in Alexandria is a little less expensive than living in Washington, D.C. You can expect to pay about $1,492 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Alexandria West, which is about on par with the average Alexandria rental rate.

Most people choose the Dash bus system if they need to travel via public transport. Adults ride for $1.60 each, and children under four ride for free. If you need to ride the bus more frequently, consider getting a monthly electronic or paper Dash Pass for $40. Gas prices in Alexandria West are about four percent cheaper than the national average. You can expect to pay about $4.50 for a pint of beer at a neighborhood bar or pub.

Most Alexandria West residents head south to Landmark Mall when they need clothing, household items, electronics, and furniture. Bath and Body Works, Macy's, and Kelechi African Authentics provide patrons with a selection of essentials and luxuries within easy driving distance. To visit high-end stores and boutiques, people usually venture into Washington, D.C.

For groceries, residents usually visit Skyline Market on South George Mason Drive or Target, which sits just north of the neighborhood on Leesburg Pike. You can also shop at Trader Joe's and two Safeway locations in wider Alexandria. A number of Wal-Mart Supercenters lie outside the neighborhood in the general Washington, D.C. area.

Several farmers markets, including Old Town Farmers Market on King Street and Del Ray Farmers Market on the corner of East Oxford Avenue and Mount Vernon Avenue, serve the general Alexandria community. Both markets are open year-round on select days, and they provide residents with a wide array of fruits, vegetables, and crafts.