Arlington vs Alexandria | Which Is Better?
The two “A” cities inside the beltway. I’ve done quite a few videos on both Alexandria and Arlington, but never in the same video. So how are these two places similar, and how do they differ? Which would be better for you - Arlington or Alexandria Virginia!
Arlington Virginia is a county. It’s also the mailing address for everyone living in Arlington, which is something we don’t usually see in the country. Arlington comprises dozens of neighborhoods. The City of Alexandria has about a dozen neighborhoods. We’re going to have some fun with this today as well, stay tuned for the “Where would this celebrity live” part of the video.
Arlington vs. Alexandria: Location
These two areas share a similar location. They are both inside the beltway, both easily commutable to downtown DC as well as the many businesses in the rest of Northern Virginia. Both start with A. That’s almost where the similarities end. Both areas offer a lifestyle and vibe that I feel is very different from the other.
Arlington vs. Alexandria: Vibe
Arlington has two personalities in a way because North Arlington is different than South Arlington. North Arlington is a combination of residential with most homes above the $1M price point. Then there is a retail corridor with shops like Sephora, Container Store, Apple, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel. This retail area follows through neighborhoods like Rosslyn, Court House, Clarendon, Ballston and they run east-west along the southernmost portion of North Arlington. Key to this area is the metro accessibility which runs along this same corridor through these North Arlington neighborhoods in the southern edge.
Route 50 is the Arlington dividing line. South Arlington is geographically much smaller compared to North Arlington, but within itself it has very diverse vibes. You will find quieter residential neighborhoods like Barcroft and Glencarlyn. Then you’ll find what’s turning into a city over on Route 1 in Crystal City / National Landing area where Amazon is. Also in South Arlington is Shirlington, which has its own little downtown and a similar feel to Clarendon in North Arlington. South Arlington might be small but there is a lot happening here.
The City of Alexandria has many residential neighborhoods with a great community feel. There’s the charm of Old Town with brick sidewalks and tons of outdoor dining on the Potomac River. Del Ray is a very popular neighborhood in Alexandria as well where you will find a lot of mom and pop shops and a down-to-earth feel. Alexandria feels easy going and less rat-racey compared to the movers and shakers in Arlington. This is my opinion though, it’s not fact, so don’t come for me if you don’t agree.
Arlington or Alexandria: Which Has Better Schools?
There’s a simple answer to this one - no one has ever said they want to move to the City of Alexandria for the schools. The school system is notoriously overcrowded and has had problems in recent years with abysmal leadership.
Arlington or Alexandria: Which is Better for Families?
Keep in mind your need for schools. I have had many clients with families choose Alexandria because they plan to enroll in private schools or home school. I also have clients who spent their years pre-children in Alexandria and when the kiddos come, they don’t want to leave because it’s just that neat of a lifestyle. Both Arlington and Alexandria have parks, green space and appeal for families.
Alexandria offers more than 900 acres of parks, a variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers markets, and waterfront activities. Link: www.alexandria...
Arlington boasts that anyone in the county is within a 10 minute walk to a park. Their Parks & Recreation Program is outstanding. I feel it’s more robust than Alexandria, but if Parks and Rec is your thing, definitely review their program offerings in more detail. I’ll link both websites here. Link: www.arlingtonv...
=====
I work with clients from all over the world who are relocating here. Email, call or text anytime, I'm happy to help!
Subscribe to my channel here:
✅ bit.ly/3oruO1o
If you have any questions about this video, leave a comment! If you have questions about real estate in DC, Maryland or Virginia, my contact info is below.
=====
Melissa Terzis
📲 (202) 253-9105
📩 Melissa@MelissaTerzis.com
🌐 www.dcrealesta...
TTR | Sotheby's International Realty
1515 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20005
Office: (202) 234.3344
- Melissa Terzis | DC Real Estate Mama