March, 2009:
Alexandria’s buroughs — about the neighborhoods of Alexandria
New to the Area?
This is an update on an old article I put together for people who are brand new to Northern Virginia. Because of the many employment opportunities and because of the pleasant nature of the city of Alexandria, Alexandria often and consistently rates as one of the nation’s best cities. If you’re brand new to the area, it’s hard to know where to start when looking for a home or residence. There are TOO MANY CHOICES.
Before you can find your house you have to find your neighborhood. Before you find your neighborhood you have to find your way around the city. For this reason, a quick description of the components of Alexandria is helpful.
Old Town
Old Town (sometimes called Olde Town, Old Towne or Olde Towne) is the heart of Alexandria. As the name implies, Old Town is the oldest part of the city. Alexandria was a port in colonial times owing to its location along the Potomac. These days Old Town is found just inside the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and then north toward Reagan National Airport. Old Town is served by the King St. Metro and the King St. trolley. With over 100 restaurants, shops, boutiques, coffee shops, ice cream houses and more, Old Town has both a small
town, upscale and touristy feel. For most folks there is a bit of prestige attached to an Old Town address. There are two high rises near the waterfront at the Alexandria House and Port Royal. Old Town Alexandria has many townhouses, row houses and a smaller number single family homes. Click Old Town
to search listings of properties in Old Town Alexandria.
Del Ray
Although its history doesn’t stretch to the colonial days, Del Ray is another relatively old neighborhood. Del Ray was founded in 1894 as a “streetcar suburb” to Washington, DC. Most of Del Ray was built from the 1890′s to the 1950′s and retains that small town charm despite being so close to the center of the universe. Quaint streets with brick or stone homes are found on streets that branch off from Del Ray’s arteries.
At the heart of Del Ray is the main street: Mount Vernon Avenue. This where you’ll find a hometown mix of shops, restaurants and hardware stores. Braddock Road metro serves Del Ray and condos such as Colecroft Station are available here.
Click Del Ray for a map of Del Ray and for listings of properties for sale in Del Ray. Or, click Del Ray for listings for sale in the Del Ray subdivision of Alexandria.
Arlandria
As the name implies, Arlandria at the border of Alexandria City and Arlington County. Arlandia is just north of Del Ray at terminus of Mount Vernon Avenue. Some residents also call this neighborhood Chirilagua. Arlandia has many small shops and restaurants. Click Arlandria for a map of the general area and to search properties listed for sale in Arlandria.
Eisenhower Valley
The Eisenhower Valley describes the area found along Eisenhower
Avenue. At the western end of Eisenhower Avenue one will find
warehouses and businesses such as FedEx and UPS who appreciate easy
access to the Interstate. Click Eisenhower West to search property at the west end of Eisenhower, near the Van Dorn Metro station.
On the east end, where Eisenhower Avenue approaches Old Town, you’ll
find the United States Patent & Trade Office and the high-end high-rise neighborhood of the Carlyle District. The USPTO is a complex of five buildings that accommodate more than 7,000 federal employees. Residents of the Carlyle District have easy access to the Hoffman Town Center at the Eisenhower Metro. The Carlyle District is an intriguing place to live because it’s so close to the charm and amenities of Old Town, but is new and modern. Click Eisenhower East to find properties listed for sale here.
West End
Like the Eisenhower Valley, the West End of Alexandria is a mixed bag. Condos and high rises abound in “Condo Canyon” near Landmark and Lincolnia. But development from the 1950′s and 1960′s is also found tucked on side streets and around unexpected corners. The homes around and near Seminary Road are regarded by many as stately and highly desirable. Another interesting neighborhood in the West End is Cameron Station. Cameron Station is a newer development of townhouses and condos, but the stylings and architecture imitate the best of Old Town. Cameron Station is relatively close to both Landmark Mall and Old Town.
The West End is well connected to Washington DC via I-395. The West End is the newest and largest part of the city. The West Endas a diverse selection of restaurants and shops as well as Landmark Mall and several fine hotels. Fort Ward Park and Museum is found in the West End of Alexandria. Click
West End for a glance at what’s for sale and to see a map of the West End.
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About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
What to Expect From a Real Estate Agent
Your real estate agent is there to represent your best interests. Make sure you read any contracts before you sign them so you know exactly what to expect but the following tips should give you a general idea of what to expect.
Sellers agents should be aggressively marketing your property, including running advertising and holding open house events. Will Nesbitt Realty LLC and Condo Alexandria place a special emphasis on Internet marketing because we believe that’s the future of real estate sales and the most effective way to find your home’s buyer.
As a home buyer, you should expect your realtor to listen to your needs and your budget, and show you properties that fit your criteria. For busy buyers who don’t want to worry with the details we offer additional services such as helping to set up utilities, recommending services such as carpet cleaners, and other extras. Most agents will ask you to sign an exclusivity contract for a set period of time, but if you are uncomfortable with the terms don’t hesitate to ask the agent for a shorter period of exclusivity.
 Will Nesbitt of Condo Alexandria
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About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne.
Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Do you sacrifice freedom or security for happiness?
Everyone loves freedom. People like to be able to make their own choices. People don’t like bosses, or schedules or obligations. Freedom from responsibility is a great freedom as well.
Everyone loves security. People like to know that they have enough food. People like to know that they have a place to live. People like to know that things are taken care of. People don’t like the insecurity of nasty surprises.
But, here’s the rub: the more freedom you have, the less security to you have and the more security you have the less freedom you have. In government, in our professional lives, in our personal lives we all make that trade off between freedom and security. Do you want a paycheck? That probably means you have obligations.
At one extreme the homeless man has total freedom. He is free from responsibility, but he has total freedom from obligations of any kind.
So the question is: do convicts seek out the security of prison because they fear the dangers of freedom? A man in prison is well-assured of the basic needs of life. In exchange, the convict has given away his freedom for security.
For myself, I like the freedom and the exhilaration that comes with the fear and risk that one bears when you are in business for yourself. I like the security of marriage in exchange for the obligations of marriage. How much power do you want your government to have? How much freedom do you want in your life? How much security do you need?
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About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Spring Tour of Skyline Square
I recently visited Skyline Square condos. It was a misty, rainy spring day, but I snapped a few pictures anyway. Even on a nearly rainy day, many of the views at Skyline Square are great.
The Skyline Square Shuttle was at the ready when we visited.
It was parked in front of the lobby / office which is located between the twin towers of Skyline Square. The fly-over walk through gives residents easy access to mail and to the office.
The lobby itself is big and spacious.
The nearby parking garage holds plenty of vehicles.
The kitchen in this unit had new appliances and cabinets.
The pool is quite large and is located between the two towers of Skyline Square. In early spring the pool is still covered.
Some units look inward toward the other tower at Skyline Square.
Even here the views are great.
The balconies at Skyline Square are large with sweeping views.
The prime views here in my opinion look South East toward Old Town Alexandria and the Potomac.
The view north toward the Blue Ridge Mountains is also pleasant.
Click Skyline-Square.Info to search or compare condos at Skyline Square and to see a map of Skyline Square.
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About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Social Games and Boardgames in the Carlyle District near King St. Metro
How about a relaxed evening of gaming with old friends and new
acquaintances? If you’ve never attended an event here, there are plenty
of seats and tables.
Boardgames
Please bring your favorite game and be ready to teach others. Popular Eurogames such as Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Medici and Aquadukt are of course welcomed. Some people enjoy older classics like Settlers of Catan. Social games, traditional games and card games are also popular.
Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of these games, you’re still welcome and
most of them are very easy to learn and play. We play for fun—not for
blood or money.
Food
This event will occur near dinner-time so bring and appetite. Pizzeria Venti has lots of great items and offers a 10% discount to all our members. I’ll probably
arrive early and eat before the event. TIP: check out the ice cream at
Pizzeria Venti.
Parking and Metro
Pizzeria Venti is accessible via the King St. Metro. Parking is always tough in this neighborhood, but you should be able to find something.
Colonial Village I Association Contact Information
For information about condominium documents, insurance or maintenance issues please contact the management office. The office is open 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. The office phone number is 703-525-5557. After hours, the phone will roll over to an answering service.
Colonial Village I Management Office
Legum & Norman
1903 Key Blvd.
(side entrance)
Arlington, VA 22201
Kingstowne — A planned community with a great plan
Kingstowne is a planned community with nearly 5400 residences, built in 22,000 acres. The Northern Virginia region is home to many planned communities such as Reston and Dale City. Kingstowne, the newest of the planned communities in this area, seemed to get things right than other planned communities. Kingstowne with multiple entry points through broad rolling boulevards has a nice mixture of condos, townhouses and single family homes.
As Kingstowne is so large, some refer nearby subdivisions such as Island Creek and Manchester Lakes, general area near Springfield and Franconia in Fairfax County, Virginia also as a part of Kingstowne.
One reasons why Kingstowne is the transportation network. As Kingstowne is located just outside the Capital Beltway (I-495) has easy access to the Springfield Mixing Bowl. The enormous junction of Interstates 95, 395, and 495 in Kingstowne provides its residents a good commute to major employment centers like the Pentagon, Washington DC, Tysons Corner, Arlington, Alexandria via back-roads and connects very easily to Fort Belvoir.
The residents of Kingstowne can reach downtown via the Metro’s Blue Line and the Van Dorn Metro. Springfield-Franconia station offers plenty of parking. Van Dorn Metro is closer to town and offers a “kiss and ride”.
Despite being in a major metropolitan area, Kingstowne maintains a small town feel. Kingstowne Towne Centre has shops, grocers, restaurants, banks and fast food—in other words: all the conveniences of modern life. Nearby Springfield Mall serves most needs. Kingstowne is a great place to live.
Though located in a major metropolitan area, one can experience Kingstowne as a small town. Kingstowne Towne Centre has shops, grocers, restaurants, banks and fast food as per modern living standards. Kingstowne is a great place to live.
Click Kingstowne to see what’s for sale in and around Kingtowne.
Will Nesbitt
About the Author: Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty in Alexandria VA. He specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne.
Condos near the Braddock Metro Station
I recently went on an excursion to Braddock Place and several condos near the Braddock Metro Station. The homes in this area are reasonably priced with excellent commutes to Alexandria, the Pentagon, Crystal City, DC and Arlington. Here’s the view from a typical balcony as it looks back toward Old Town and the Potomac.
This condo had a nice kitchen with a pass through that allows light in from the balcony into the kitchen.
This unit is just a few paces from the Braddock Metro Station passing through the circle and then overpass to the station.
All units have balconies in this condo community.
Fireplaces are another nice touch here.
Click Braddock Metro Station to see properties for sale that are a close walk to the metro. Or check out these search tips and tools:
- For sale — Live data on all condos for sale in 22314 zip code.
- For rent — Live data on rentals in 22314 zip code.
- Homes for sale — All homes for sale less than $500,000 in 22314 zip code.
- Homes for sale — All homes for sale from $300,000 to $700,000 in 22314 zip code.
- Homes for sale — All homes for sale over $650,000 in 22314 zip code.
Are you looking for a home near the metro? For a maps, prices and more check here.
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About the Author — Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
