Alexandria is a historic city located along the Potomac River just south of Washington, DC. With a population of around 160,000, Alexandria offers an urban feel while still maintaining a small-town charm. The city has a rich history dating back to the 18th century and was once home to George Washington. Today, Alexandria is known for its historic Old Town area, boutique shops, fine dining, and easy access to Washington, DC. The city provides an excellent quality of life for residents.

Alexandria has seen rapid growth and development in recent years. Due to its proximity to Washington, DC, many young professionals and families are choosing to live in Alexandria. They are attracted to Alexandria's historic neighborhoods, highly-ranked public schools, and abundant amenities. While housing costs have risen, Alexandria still remains more affordable than areas directly inside Washington, DC. The expanding job market and improving city infrastructure make Alexandria a smart choice for renters.

Benefits of living in Alexandria

There are many advantages to living in Alexandria, VA:

• Prime location - Alexandria borders Washington, DC and is only minutes away from Reagan National Airport. Residents can easily access the nation's capital while avoiding the higher cost of living. Commutes are manageable with close proximity to major transportation routes.
• Abundant amenities - Despite its small size, Alexandria offers plenty of amenities. There is a thriving arts scene, boutique shopping in Old Town, farmer's markets, and a variety of cuisines. The historic waterfront offers recreational opportunities. New developments continue to add retail, dining, and entertainment options.
• Strong job market - The unemployment rate in Alexandria is lower than the national average. Many residents work for the government or for contractors and vendors supporting the federal government. Alexandria also has growing healthcare, tech, legal, and tourism industries.
• Highly-rated schools - Alexandria City Public Schools are consistently top-ranked in Virginia. The district offers a variety of magnet programs and innovative curriculum. There are also many private school options.
• Historic charm - Alexandria's Old Town has cobblestone streets, 18th century architecture, boutiques, restaurants, and attractions. Visitors can learn about the city's role in the American Revolution at museums and historic sites.
• Recreational opportunities - Between the Potomac River, nearby parks, biking/walking trails, sports programs, and community centers, there is plenty to do. The metro-accessible Mt. Vernon Trail offers great views of the Potomac River shoreline.

Popular Alexandria Neighborhoods

Alexandria has a mix of unique neighborhoods, many with historic homes and their own distinct personalities. Here are some of the most popular residential areas:

Old Town - The epicenter of Alexandria and a national historic landmark. Brick townhomes, cobblestone streets, boutiques, restaurants, arts venues, museums, riverfront parks. Very walkable and convenient but also pricier.

Del Ray - A hip, urban neighborhood with an artsy vibe along Mount Vernon Ave. Quirky shops, bookstores, arts district, Saturday farmer's market. Home to many young professionals.

Rosemont - Family-friendly with tree-lined streets and classic early 20th century homes. Nearby shopping, restaurants, parks, farmer's market. Convenient access to Huntington Metro station.

Carlyle District - Alexandria's newest neighborhood with sleek, modern upscale apartments. Lots of amenities and retail. Walkable location near Eisenhower Metro station.

Arlandria - Urban neighborhood with international restaurants and shops. More affordable housing options. Growing arts, cultural, and music scene.

North Ridge - Northern area with amenity-rich suburban communities. Larger homes and lots, good schools, parks, trails, shopping. Easy commute down Route 1.

West End - Historic and residential area west of Old Town. Variety of housing from apartments, condos, townhomes to single-family homes. Close to shopping and Van Dorn Metro station.

Cost of Living and Rent Prices in Alexandria

Alexandria has a higher than average cost of living compared to the national average. However, prices are generally less expensive than nearby Washington, DC. In 2021, Alexandria was ranked the #14 most expensive place to live in Virginia.

Housing costs make up the largest portion of living expenses. Rental rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. Here are some average rents for Alexandria apartments:

• Studio - $1,500 - $2,000 per month
• 1 Bedroom - $1,700 - $2,500 per month
• 2 Bedroom - $2,000 - $3,000 per month

New luxury or amenity-rich apartments in areas like Old Town and the Carlyle District tend to be the most expensive. Rents become more affordable in outer neighborhoods like Arlandria and West End. With roommates, younger residents can find shared housing for $800 to $1200 per month.

The close proximity to Washington, DC where the average rent for a 1 bedroom is $2,750 means you can save considerably on housing by living in Alexandria. Public transit and road connections make commuting relatively smooth.

While rents are climbing due to high demand, Alexandria still remains a bargain compared to equivalent DC neighborhoods. The improving amenities, infrastructure, job market, and school system justify the higher costs.

Recommended Alexandria Apartments

If you're looking for an apartment in Alexandria, VA here are some recommended rental buildings and areas to consider:

Old Town

The Madison - Classy high-rise with rooftop pool, fitness center, lounge. Studio to 2 bedrooms from $2,295/month. Prime waterfront location.

The Station - Renovated building with loft- units. Lots of retail/dining options nearby. 1 bedrooms from $2,195/month. Walkable location near King St metro.

Old Town Village - Historic charm with updated interiors. Some units have loft space. 1-2 bedrooms from $2,100/month. Courtyard building near the waterfront.

Parc East - Apartments housed in former 19th century warehouses. Airy loft- layouts. 2 bedrooms from $3,295/month. Blocks from Braddock Road metro.

Del Ray

Del Ray Tower - Modern building with rooftop deck. Easy access to shops and dining on Mount Vernon Ave. 1-2 bedrooms from $1,995/month.

Alexan Lamond - Stylish apartments with great amenities like a pool and pet spa. 1-2 bedrooms from $1,900/month. Close to Del Ray farmer's market.

Cameron Square - Garden- and townhome units. Close to Shirlington. 1-3 bedrooms from $1,600/month.

Carlyle District

Halstead Square - Luxury high-rise by Eisenhower Metro station. Rooftop pool, fitness center, garage parking. 1-2 bedrooms from $2,100/month. Retail shops connected to building.

Carlyle Mill - Steps from Carlyle restaurants and Alexandria's tallest building. Great amenities, high-end finishes. 1-2 bedrooms from $2,200/month

Murano - Designer interiors with large floor plans. Connected to shopping. 1-2 bedrooms from $2,100/month

Arlandria

Portner Place - Affordable newly-built apartments with modern amenities. Close to Del Ray. Studios from $1,400/month.

Arbelo - Sleek mid-rise building with good amenities like a yoga studio. Easy access to shops/dining. 1-2 bedrooms from $1,700/month.

The Edison - Apartments with rustic industrial design. Good value close to Arlandria attractions. Studios from $1,300/month.

Alexandria offers convenient urban living paired with great neighborhood charm. For an affordable alternative to DC, consider renting in one of Alexandria's apartment buildings that best matches your life and budget.

Tips for Renting in Alexandria

Renting an apartment in a popular area like Alexandria can take effort. Here are some tips to make your rental search easier:

• Start early - Begin looking 2-3 months in advance before your desired move-in date. Competition is stiff for apartments in the most coveted areas like Old Town and Del Ray.
• Check multiple listings - Rental prices can vary for similar units in the same building based on available specials, floor plans, amenities, etc. Check websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, ForRent.com, and PadMapper.
• Consider commute time - Alexandria traffic and parking can be challenging. If working in DC, look for Metro-accessible or I-395 corridor apartments to optimize commute.
• Prepare paperwork - Have pay stubs, tax returns, and reference letters ready to make a good impression. Many landlords require proof of income at 3x the monthly rent.
• Act quickly - Apartments go fast, sometimes within days of listing. Schedule a tour and submit your application ASAP if you find something you love.
• Negotiate - Some landlords may waive fees or offer a free month with a longer lease term. Ask about specials to potentially lower upfront costs.
• Consider roommates - Sharing an apartment in Alexandria can greatly reduce your housing costs while still providing good access to city amenities.
• Explore alternatives - To save money, also check nearby communities like Falls Church, Arlington, Annandale, or Springfield which have better value.

With proper preparation and flexibility, you can find a great Alexandria apartment to call home. The charming neighborhoods and wealth of amenities make Alexandria a highly appealing place to live.

Hopefully this detailed overview gives you a great sense of what living in Alexandria is like. The convenient location, historic charm, strong job market and amenities make it an excellent place to call home. Let me know if you need any other details for your apartment search in Alexandria!