Alexandria, VA
| U.S. News Ratings | |
| Population: | 140,856 |
| Crime: | Average |
| Cost of Living: | High |
| Health Care: | Comprehensive |
| Housing Price: | High |
| Income: | Average |
This bustling city is one of the most historic communities in America. Alexandria sits across the Potomac River from the nation's capital; just 6 miles away, and 9 miles north of Mount Vernon. The city is south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Alexandria, with a total population of 140,856, is largely saturated with professionals working in the military, in the federal civil service, or for a government contractor. The city's temperatures range from the mid 20s to the high 80s from winter to summer.
Founded in 1749 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Alexandria is recognized for its storied history and architecture. The city was a vital seaport during colonial times and served as one of the largest slave trading ports prior to the Civil War.
Alexandria is George Washington's hometown. It is also home to some of the United States' most important historical sites, including George Washington's River Farm and the Gabsby's Tavern, where both Washington and Thomas Jefferson entertained guests.
Other landmarks within the city—many of which are open to the public—include the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (also known as the Masonic Temple) and Observation Deck, Christ Church (Robert E. Lee worshiped here), John Carlyle House, Little Theatre of Alexandria, Lee-Fendall House, City Hall, Market Square, the Jones Point Lighthouse, the south cornerstone of the original District of Columbia, Robert E. Lee's boyhood home, and the Virginia Theological Seminary.
The historic center of Alexandria is known as Old Town and is a major draw for tourists. Designated in 1946 as only the third historic district in the United States, Old Town is rich with historic buildings, antique shops, high-end boutiques, pubs, art galleries, and restaurants.
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is located on the city's waterfront. During World War II, it served as a munitions factory. Today, it's home to more than 165 professional artists, offering three floors of open studios and galleries. Visitors can observe artists and buy original artwork.
Alexandria's Farmers' Market is thought to be one of the nation's oldest continually operating farmer's markets. The Del Ray and Rosemont areas have charming bungalow homes, tree-lined streets, shops, and restaurants. The Chinquapin Park Recreation Center offers nature trails, tennis courts, and an indoor pool.
Among the colleges in Alexandria are Strayer University Alexandria Campus, Virginia Theological Seminary, and the Center for Employment Training.
Universities closest to Alexandria with more than 2,000 students include the George Washington University (ranked No. 53 in U.S. News's Top National Universities), Georgetown University (No. 23), Howard University (No. 102), American University (No. 83), and Catholic University of America (No. 116).
Alexandria boasts several of the Washington area's top private schools, such as St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School, Episcopal High School, and Bishop Ireton High School.
Hospitals in Alexandria include Inova Alexandria Hospital, Lynn House of Potomac Valley, and Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.
Jobs in the city are tied to federal agencies, technology companies, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and a tourism industry that hosts nearly 3.3 million visitors each year. Alexandria is also home to the fourth-largest concentration of professional associations in the nation. Major employers include the Department of Defense, the Institute for Defense Analyses, and the Center for Naval Analyses.
The median home sale price in Alexandria is $380,000, but with the current foreclosure market, there are houses on the market for as low as $160,000.
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