Introduction

Alexandria, Virginia is a historic city located just south of Washington, D.C. along the Potomac River. With its cobblestone streets, historic homes, boutique shops, and scenic waterfront, Alexandria has a charming small-town feel despite its proximity to the nation's capital. This makes Alexandria a highly desirable place to live, especially for those looking for apartments near the metro D.C. area.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best apartment options available for rent in Alexandria, VA. We will cover popular neighborhoods, pricing, amenities, and tips for finding the perfect Alexandria apartment rental. Whether you are relocating for a new job, moving to attend school, or just looking for a change of scenery, Alexandria has fantastic apartments to meet every need and budget.

Neighborhoods in Alexandria with Great Apartment Options

When searching for an apartment in Alexandria, one of the first decisions is choosing which neighborhood you would like to live in. Alexandria offers distinct neighborhoods, each with their own unique vibe, amenities, and rental price points. Here are some of the top neighborhoods for Alexandria apartments:

Old Town

Old Town Alexandria is the historic heart of the city. Cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and cafes give Old Town its charming, walkable feel. The waterfront has beautiful views of the Potomac and easy access to the Mt. Vernon Trail. Rentals in Old Town put you in the center of it all, though prices here tend to be on the higher side. Expect to pay $1500-$2500 for a studio or one bedroom. Options range from restored historic buildings to modern luxury apartments.

Carlyle District

The Carlyle District is named after the Carlyle House mansion, an elegant Palladian-style home completed in 1753. This neighborhood has historic charm blended with a trendy, upscale vibe thanks to boutique shops and acclaimed restaurants on John Carlyle Street. Studio and one bedroom rents average $1800-$2200. The Carlyle District is one of the most coveted and competitive rental markets in Alexandria.

Del Ray

Del Ray boasts a strong community feel with a funky, artsy personality. The neighborhood is very walkable and pet-friendly. Quaint single family homes are interspersed with condos, townhomes, and low-rise apartment buildings.

Rents in Del Ray for a one bedroom average $1300-$1700. The neighborhood is known for its cozy cafes, unique shops, independent movie theater, and fun seasonal events.

West End

The West End has beautiful tree-lined streets and historic homes. This area offers affordable rents compared to Old Town, along with proximity to I-395 and the Blue/Yellow metro lines. The West End is quieter and more residential than other Alexandria neighborhoods. Studios and one bedrooms can be found for $1000-1400 per month in the West End. There are also options for renting rooms in private homes, great for students or budget-focused renters.

Apartment Pricing in Alexandria

Rental prices in Alexandria can cover a wide range. In general, you'll find these average rates:

• Studios - $1200-$1800/month
• 1 bedroom - $1400-$2200/month 
• 2 bedroom - $1800-$2800/month 
• 3 bedroom - $2400-$3600/month

Note that prices are significantly higher in luxury buildings with amenities like pools, fitness centers, rooftop lounges, garage parking, and 24-hour concierge service. Rents will also be higher in prime walkable areas like Old Town. On the more budget-friendly side, you can find lower prices in Alexandria's West End or by looking at older buildings without modern renovations. Renting a room in a shared home is also more affordable. When setting your Alexandria apartment rental budget, consider the general cost of living in the metro D.C. area. Getting a place with roommates, opting for a mid-range community without lavish amenities, or looking just outside the heart of Old Town can help you save on rent.

Great Alexandria Apartment Amenities to Look For

In addition to location and price, amenities are key factors when selecting an Alexandria rental. Here are some of the top amenities and features to look for:

• In-unit laundry - Having laundry machines in your apartment saves time and money at the laundromat.
• Dishwasher - A dishwasher makes cleaning up after meals much easier. 
• Garage parking - For Alexandria's walkable neighborhoods, garage parking is a highly desirable amenity if driving.
• Fitness center - Look for either a full gym in the building or discounted access to a nearby fitness club. 
• Swimming pool - Seasonal pools give you a place to relax outside during summer.
• Dog parks/pet spa - Having on-site pet amenities is a major plus for renters with dogs. 
• Business center - A business center with computers, printers and WiFi can be convenient for remote work.
• Secure access - Look for secure entry access, surveillance cameras, and night patrols to give peace of mind.
• Social events - Some complexes host events like summer BBQs or craft nights to help you get to know neighbors.
• Unit upgrades - Modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances, upgraded bathrooms and flooring make a unit feel higher-end.

Prioritize the amenities that fit your lifestyle and budget when touring Alexandria apartments.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Alexandria Rental

Searching for an apartment in Alexandria can feel overwhelming with so many options. Use these tips to stay strategic in your search:

• Plan ahead - Start your search 2-3 months before your desired move-in date, especially for popular neighborhoods that fill up quickly.
• Check multiple listing sites - Look on sites like Zillow, Apartments.com and individual complex websites to cast a wide net.
• Consider a broker - Hiring an apartment broker can help match you to rentals in your price range. Expect to pay a broker's fee of 1-2 months rent. 
• Think long-term - Consider future plans when choosing an apartment. Proximity to metro, commuter routes, amenities like pools and fitness centers, and in-unit washer/dryers add convenience. 
• See units in person - Don't rent an apartment without seeing it first! Photos can be misleading. Visit in person to check out the vibe, amenities, parking, storage, etc. 
• Ask about incentives - Some complexes offer move-in incentives like a month of free rent or reduced deposits, especially during their slow season.
• Negotiate - Politely request upgrades or lower rent. Offering to sign a longer lease term can give you bargaining power.

By starting early, seeing units in-person, negotiating, and asking about possible incentives, you can land the perfect apartment rental in Alexandria.

Top Alexandria Apartment Complexes

To give you a head start on your Alexandria apartment search, here is an overview of some of the most popular and well-reviewed complexes in prime neighborhoods:

The Eclipse on Center Park - Old Town

• Studio, 1-3 bedroom units 
• Luxe amenities like a rooftop pool, indoor basketball court, and garage parking
• Walkable location near King Street's shops and restaurants 
• $$$$ rents from $1900/month

The Station at Potomac Yard - Carlyle District

• Modern 1-2 bedroom apartments with upscale finishes
• Large fitness center and sundeck
• Steps from new retail/dining at Potomac Yard 
• $$$ rents from $1700/month

DelRay Tower - Del Ray 

• Studio, 1, and 2 bedroom units in a lowrise building
• Free community events and seasonal parties
• Close to Del Ray's main strip on Mount Vernon Ave
• $$ rents from $1400/month

Riverside Harborside Apartments - West End

• Spacious 1 and 2 bedroom floorplans 
• Access to bike trails and waterfront parks
• Near Huntington Metro station
• $ rents from $1200/month

This covers some of the best all-around apartment options in Alexandria's top neighborhoods. Be sure to also check individual listings, drive around your desired area, and ask locals for recommendations when exploring Alexandria rentals.

Take your time, considering pricing, amenities, neighborhood vibe, commuting options, and lifestyle fit. Alexandria has amazing apartments suited for every situation. By following the tips in this guide, you can successfully find and settle into your perfect Alexandria, VA rental home.