Welcome to Old Town Alexandria
A hip town full of historic charm on the Potomac River
Suppose you're looking for a quaint historic district nestled along the Potomac River, where you'll find fantastic food and a close-knit community. In that case, Old Town Alexandria is perfect for you. Stepped in American history, as the birthplace of George Washington and history that predates the American Revolution, you'll love immersing yourself in the historical sites. Spend the weekends wandering down King Street with its brick-lined sidewalks and centuries-old architecture, stop for a quick bite at many exceptional restaurants, and then take in one of the famed ghost tours.
You'll find plenty of options for where to settle in the area, whether a restored 1700s townhome or a luxury condominium along the waterfront. The storybook streets are full of lush trees, beautiful landscaping, historic homes, and plenty of neighbors milling about. If you're looking for a mixture of historic charm and luxury, you've come to the right place.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Locals love the charm and sense of community that Old Town Alexandria offers. With storybook streets, plenty of luxurious houses that include historic homes dating back to the 1700s, newer high-rise apartments and condominiums lining the waterfront, fun community events, and plenty of shopping and dining, it's easy to see why this area is loved by so many.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
A stroll down King Street offers residents a chance to experience the most extensive collection of independent boutiques in the area. Enjoy national favorites and local shops providing stationary, vintage barware, designer fashion, and more. With so many options on and surrounding King Street, you'll never have to leave Old Town Alexandria to find what you need.
In addition to shopping, this district offers fantastic food and restaurant options. Whether you're interested in dining along the river at one of the many hotspots or stopping into a nautical speakeasy after work, you'll find it here.
Locals especially enjoy options like Hummingbird, a spot along the water by James Beard nominated chef Cathal Armstrong featuring clam bakes and crab boils, and Ada's On the River, a popular and vibrant option for wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, and gorgeous views.
Another charming favorite local spot is Hank’s, a New England-style oyster bar featuring clams, lobster rolls, and a raw bar. Enjoy the rooftop dining area and immerse yourself in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.
BARCA Pier and Wine Bar is the place to go for a charming and beautiful restaurant on the water. This new establishment features Mediterranean-style tapas and gourmet wine offerings.
Things to Do
You'll find many things to do in this quaint historic district, from guided ghost tours through historic neighborhoods to sailing aboard the Providence.
A visit to the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a historic apothecary founded in 1792, will have you feeling as though you've stepped back in time. Fans of Harry Potter will appreciate the real-life ingredients used throughout the 1800s that also create the potions found in the books.
Residents can enjoy several parks, like Jones Point Park along the Potomac River. Just south of Old Town, this park plays a unique role in the area's history as one of the largest centers for shipping and transportation. A gravel trail explains the history; fishing piers, canoe access, garden plots, basketball courts, playgrounds, and more are there for your enjoyment.
One resident favorite is the Old Town Farmers' Market, the oldest in the country and the very same where George Washington sold the produce from Mount Vernon. Enjoy over 70 vendors offering produce, meat, cheese, bread, and pastries, plus flowers, soap, art, and jewelry. This local tradition is open every Saturday and will quickly become your favorite weekend experience.
Schools
Residents attend the exceptional and family-oriented Alexandria City Public School District.