Potomac West - Alexandria, VA Area Guide

The Del Ray and St. Elmo communities were established in 1894 by developer Charles Wood, who organized the communities on a grid pattern of long blocks that were served by a light railway designed to transport residents from the community into Washington in a matter of minutes. Potomac Yard opened in the early 20th century, and the community began to grow. In 1908, Del Ray and St. Elmo merged to form the incorporated town of Potomac, which was annexed by the city of Alexandria in 1930.

Potomac West doesn't have a lively arts scene, but it does host the Art on the Avenue festival each fall along Mount Vernon Avenue. Just south of the neighborhood, Old Town boasts several intriguing museums, including the Alexandria Black History Museum, the Fort Ward Museum, and Historic Site and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.

On Mount Vernon Avenue, you find a handful of fast food restaurants sitting alongside an array of restaurants that serve everything from Italian and Tex-Mex dishes to Indian and Peruvian fare.

Rosemarino d’ Italiano is known for its perfectly cooked calamari and friendly wait staff. Locals rave about the restaurant's gnocchi bolognese, topped with a rich meat sauce that complements the full flavor of the gnocchi. Other favorites include the seafood linguine, spinach ravioli, and eggplant parmesan.

For a quick, casual lunch, visit Bon Vivant Cafe . The cafe's cozy atmosphere and patios seating area make it a great place to enjoy a goat cheese and bacon salad on a sunny afternoon. The cafe’s extensive menu is filled with paleo, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes. It includes locally-made dairy-free gelato and a variety of dairy- and sugar-free smoothies in addition to soup, salad, and sandwiches.

Stop by Fireflies on Sunday mornings for the bluegrass music brunch. While the bluegrass band performs, you can munch on a breakfast burrito or a stack of waffles.

While the nightlife scene in Potomac West may be mild compared to the scene in Washington DC, there are still fun things to do. Residents frequent Majestic Lounge, which is tucked in the back of Evening Star Cafe, for drinks and live entertainment. The lounge’s upstairs area boasts TVs, pool tables, and shuffleboard to keep patrons entertained when bands aren’t performing.

Many Potomac West residents rely on their own vehicles for transportation since most work outside of the neighborhood. With Interstate 395 to the north, Interstate 495 to the south and Route 1 to the east, getting around by car is simple. Also, most local businesses offer free parking. Residents who don’t commute for work can accomplish the majority of their daily errands without a vehicle. Also, most of the main roads in the area are bicycle-friendly and have dedicated bike lanes.

The Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH provides bus service within Alexandria and connects residents to the Metrorail, Metrobus, and the Virginia Railway Express, making it easy to travel outside of the city and into Washington.

Potomac West houses Four Mile Run Park, a free public park that sits on more than 46 acres of land. The park is ideal for family outings and outdoor exercise. It features a basketball court, athletic fields, and trails for walking, jogging, and biking. It also has a playground and picnic areas. The park doesn’t hold any annual events, but dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash.

Parents can also take their children to the Mount Jefferson Park Playground on Hume Avenue for an afternoon outdoors. The small neighborhood playground features slides and swings for the children and tree-shaded benches for the parents.

The average cost of living in Potomac West is higher than other parts of Alexandria. Median rental rates average approximately $1,257, and you can expect to pay $5 and $7.50 for a beer at a local restaurant. One-way bus fare costs $1.60, and gas prices typically hover around nine percent lower than the national average.

Just east of Potomac West, Potomac Yard Center serves as the area's main shopping area. It houses several stores including Old Navy, Target, and Dress Barn. To the west of the neighborhood is the vast Landmark Mall, filled with stores such as Sears, Macy’s, and Bath & Body Works. It also features a small children’s entertainment area with train rides. There are several small boutiques and specialty stores on Mount Vernon Avenue.

Bellies & Babies is a popular consignment shop that carries an array of baby gear, children’s clothes, and maternity outfits. The shop is known for its high-end children’s clothes, and it has a play area to keep children entertained while you shop.

The Purple Goose carries a mixture of new and used children’s clothing. It carries clothing that girly girls love, along with clothing for newborns and children up to age 12.

If you enjoy grocery shopping in larger stores, you'll find a Giant Supermarket just west of the neighborhood and a Foodway on Mount Vernon Avenue. Stop by Cheesetique Specialty Cheese to pick up cheese and wine for your next gathering or El Paisa Grocery for Mexican food. To buy fresh produce and eggs, visit the Del Ray farmers market on Saturday mornings. The Four Mile Run farmers and artisans market opens every Sunday morning.