Alexandria Resident's Guide 2020

2020

Resident’s Guide

The Lafayette House I Alexandria, VA Exclusively Listed by McEnearney Associates I MLS: VAAX240534

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Our Associates are passionate about their communities and know them better than anyone else. Their service excellence, time-tested experience, combined with an unflappable knowledge of the Alexandria market, are the best resources to help you make informed and educated decisions on buying or selling a home. Visit us at www.McEnearney.com to learn more about us.

Alexandria I Arlington I Leesburg I McLean I Middleburg I Spring Valley I Vienna I 14th Street 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity

PUBLISHER

Beth Lawton EDITOR

Mary Ann Barton MARKETING

Christian Cunnane Lora Jerakis

Allen Anderson Sonya Besteiro

DESIGN

Jessie Leiber PHOTO EDITOR

Chris Militzer PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Susannah Moore INTERNS

Kalista Diamantopoulos Mae Hunt Alexandria Living, LLC publishes this Resident’s Guide as well as Alexandria Living Magazine and alexandrialivingmagazine.com.

201 N. Union St., Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22314 | info@alexandrialivingmagazine.com COVER PHOTO:

212 S Royal Street represented by McEnearney Associates Realtors

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We make it easy to subscribe to Alexandria Living Magazine! Keep up with events, new businesses, people you should know about and other Alexandria insider information.

1. You can simply go to alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe and pay online with complete security.

2. Or, mail us a check made out to Alexandria Living Magazine. Mail it to: 201 N. Union St., Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22314. A two-year subscription is just $24.95.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Alexandria, Virginia is one of the best places in the country to live, work and play.

Don’t just take our word for it: Alexandria has been named a Top 3 Best Small City in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, and one of the South’s Prettiest Cities by Southern Living. It has also made national lists for being a great city for pets, millennials, retirees and just about everyone else.

Still, we know moving can be stressful. That’s why Alexandria Living Magazine created this guide filled with practical information from “Where’s the hospital?” to “How do I decide which neighborhood to live in?”

Once you’re settled, be sure to subscribe to Alexandria Living Magazine so you can keep up on local events, businesses, restaurant openings and the people you should know.

Visit alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe to sign up.

Welcome to the neighborhood! We hope you love the Alexandria area as much as we do!

3. Or, call us at 571-232-1310 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We can take your credit card over the phone.

Concerned about the environment? So are we! Our printer, a local business right here in Alexandria, only uses paper from Forest Stewardship Council-certified suppliers. alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe

Beth Lawton and Mary Ann Barton Alexandria Living Magazine

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Table of Contents ABOUT THE AREA A Brief History of Alexandria............................................... 6 “My Favorite Things”................................................................. 8 Map of Alexandria................................................................... 12 City versus County.................................................................. 15

SERVICES Fire Departments..................................................................... 18 Police Departments................................................................ 19 Emergency Alerts..................................................................... 20 Hospitals........................................................................................ 21 Health & Human Services................................................... 23 Utilities............................................................................................ 24 Trash & Recycling..................................................................... 25

TRANSPORTATION Getting Around Alexandria................................................ 26 Biking Around Alexandria................................................... 29 Metro Map.................................................................................... 30 Moving Your Car to Alexandria....................................... 33

MOVING HERE Choosing a Bank or Credit Union.................................. 37 How to Choose a Realtor.................................................... 41 Do You Need a Home Inspection?................................ 43 How to Hire a Service Professional.............................. 45 Long and Short-term Storage Solutions................... 46

NEIGHBORHOODS Choosing a Community....................................................... 49 Old Town....................................................................................... 51 Waterfront.................................................................................... 55 Carlyle/Eisenhower East...................................................... 57 Del Ray............................................................................................ 59 National Landing & Potomac Yard............................... 62 2

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PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Table of Contents NEIGHBORHOODS West End....................................................................................... 64 Seminary Hill............................................................................... 65 Landmark...................................................................................... 66 Fairfax County............................................................................ 67 Franconia...................................................................................... 69 Rose Hill......................................................................................... 70 Kingstowne.................................................................................. 71 Huntington .................................................................................. 72 Belle Haven.................................................................................. 73 Hybla Valley & Groveton..................................................... 76 Fort Hunt....................................................................................... 78 Mount Vernon............................................................................ 80

EDUCATION About Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)......... 83 About Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)........... 84 Private Schools.......................................................................... 87 Libraries......................................................................................... 88

COMMUNITY Alexandria Gives Back.......................................................... 91

PETS Pet-friendly Alexandria........................................................ 96

RECREATION Parks & Recreation Centers........................................... 100 Golf................................................................................................. 103 Pools.............................................................................................. 104 Bowling Alleys......................................................................... 106 Indoor Play Spaces............................................................... 107 Movie Theaters....................................................................... 108

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PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Babs Beckwith

Old Town’s Real Estate Expert No one knows Old Town Alexandria better than Babs Beckwith, whose name is synonymous with Old Town real estate. With more than 25 years of success selling homes in this special community where she lives and is actively involved.

Babs Beckwith, REALTOR®

tel. 703.627.5421 Babs@BabsBeckwith.com OldTownAlexandriaLiving.com 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Equal Housing Opportunity

ABOUT THE AREA

A Brief History of Alexandria Alexandria and the surrounding area have a long, rich history — and you can see some of it just by walking down Alexandria’s streets.

The banks of the Potomac River were home to thousands of Native Americans, and artifacts dating back 13,200 years have been found in Alexandria. English explorer John Smith interacted with groups within the Conoy chiefdom around the Alexandria area during his 1608 exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. Years later, European colonists arrived on the banks of the Potomac River to establish plantations. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, plantation owners successfully cultivated tobacco, wheat and corn. A group of English and Scottish merchants petitioned the Virginia General Assembly to establish a new town 6

Resident’s Guide

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

to serve as a trading post, so they could sell products overseas. Seventeen-yearold George Washington helped survey the land that would become Alexandria and the town was founded in 1749.

Alexandria was named for Scottish man John Alexander, who once owned most of the area.

In 1789, the State of Virginia ceded a portion of Alexandria to become a part of the new District of Columbia, forming the southwest corner of the 10-mile square along with today’s Arlington County.

However, abolitionist sentiment was growing in popularity on the northern side of the Potomac. This unsettled Alexandria residents, who feared the effects that the District outlawing slavery would have on their slave-based economy. In 1846, Congress retroceded Alexandria to Virginia. As a result, in 1870, Alexandria became an independent city.

ABOUT THE AREA

Alexandria thrived as a trading port throughout the 19th century. Many of the brick houses built during this time to accommodate a rising population are still standing today. The harbor was constantly teeming with ships, participating in international and coastal trade. One of Alexandria’s biggest businesses was the Franklin & Armfield Slave Market, one of the largest slave trading companies in the country. At least 5,000 slaves are thought to have passed through Franklin & Armfield between its establishment in 1828 and its closure after the Civil War. Alexandria was also home to high numbers of free blacks, who lived in the “Hayti” and “the Bottoms” neighborhoods.

After Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, federal troops rushed to occupy Alexandria. The city would become a logistical supply center for the Union army. Forts were built in Alexandria for the purpose of defending the District of Columbia, and many of the city’s buildings, including the Lyceum, were used as hospitals.

The war devastated Alexandria’s economy, and residents struggled to rebuild. The dawn of the industrial age brought opportunity along with electricity and the telephone. Growth spiked around the

time of the second World War. The U.S. Naval Torpedo Station was built along the waterfront to produce weapons for the war effort, and more large industrial buildings followed suit. In 1941, National Airport was built on the site of the former Abingdon Plantation site. This, combined with the expanding size of the government, brought thousands of new residents to a rapidly-growing Alexandria.

The 20th century was a time of renewal and change in Alexandria. Schools were integrated in 1965, and in 1972 T.C. Williams became the only public high school in the city. The 13-0 season of the newly integrated football team, under coach Herman Boone, became the inspiration for the 2000 film Remember the Titans. In 1974, the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station was converted into the Torpedo Factory Art Center, turning the weapons factory into studio spaces for artists.

Today, the City of Alexandria is home to 150,000 residents, and tens of thousands more live in the adjacent area of Fairfax County. The area is a destination in its own right — more than just another tourist area near the District — and it has been named a Top 3 Best Small City in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

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Alexandria...

Filled with so many of my favorite things!

I wonder if there are other areas where you can drop off your dry cleaning, stop by the pharmacy, buy a pair of jeans, visit your favorite artist’s studio, and enjoy a leisurely lunch, all while walking with your dog. It never surprises me when visitors ask, “Are you allowed to bring your dog in here?” When I say “absolutely,” they wish they had brought their dog on vacation too!

Lisa Groover is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, Inc. in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Having had seven golden retrievers since moving to Alexandria in 1989, she is dedicated to helping other dog owners through the challenges of renting, buying, and selling their home.

Lisa Groover, Realtor m. 703.919.4426 I NVAR Platinum Top Producer LGroover@McEnearney.com I LisaGroover.com 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.919.4426 Equal Housing Opportunity

ABOUT THE AREA

“My Favorite Thing” About Living in Alexandria

Port City Brewery / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

“I’ve lived previously in Toronto, New York, Vermont and Philadelphia, but Alexandria just nails the blend of big city and small town! Some personal favorites: Joggers and Lagers at Port City Brewery, walking my dog in the woods, Spite House, biking to work along the Potomac, and Metro to National Airport in five minutes.”

Tom Kaiden

COO, Visit Alexandria

people. I routinely walk along King Street and beyond and people I know or even complete strangers start up conversations with me or simply say ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon.’ We live in a great area and it seems that so many of the people living here also see it. The colorful people within this City are what creates the rich textures of our town.”

Maurisa Potts

“My favorite thing about Alexandria is the small-town vibe you get with all the conveniences of city life. The quaint retail shops and small businesses make it feel like there’s always something new to discover. As a small business owner, I love that sense of community I find with neighbors here. It means there’s always something fun to do – a crafty class at Stitch Sew Shop or Fibre Space, a farmer’s market to visit, a reading at a local bookstore (wink wink). I also love that it’s easy to feel connected to nature with access to bike trails along the river.

I love riding my bike to work!

Lastly, I love the architecture.

It’s impossible to walk around Alexandria’s historic districts and not be amazed by the diversity of textures, shapes, the gardens... It’s beautiful.”

Ally Kirkpatrick

Owner, Old Town Books

Founder, Spotted MP

“Alexandria is a small town with a big heart. Though I could go on and on about the reasons I love this area, from the Old Town boutiques, to its authentic charm, the restaurants, its walkability and proximity to D.C. whether by plane, train, car or water taxi, the one thing that surpasses all the others are the

Alexandria Living Magazine

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ABOUT THE AREA

“My Favorite Thing” About Living in Alexandria “Alexandria is a very giving and involved City. People are engaged in community through volunteering and giving their talents and skills to a nonprofit, they donate goods and services, as well as contribute financially.

We are very fortunate to live and work in a place that cares about other people, because the need is here and there are many ways for everyone to make a difference.”

“What I love about Alexandria is its rich history, which includes a fire department that has served residents for more than 150 years. When you visit Alexandria, you immediately notice its small town charm and big city ambitions. There’s a sense of community and inclusiveness, and those characteristics are major contributors to Alexandria being a vibrant and progressive City.”

Marion Brunken

Corey Smedley

CEO, Volunteer Alexandria

Acting Fire Chief

“My four favorite things: 1. Unique architectural details spanning 200 years… I can walk the same block every day and see something new.

2. The alleys! My favorite part of Old Town.

3. The Potomac! Rent a sailboat or kayak and see the City from the water.

“Alexandria is a special place because of its neighborhoods and the people that make them up. From historic Old Town and Alexandrians that appreciate the history of the city, to places like Del Ray, Arlandria and the West End, which all have their own distinct vibe, as well as neighbors and businesses that contribute to creating their own vibe, Alexandria remains unique and special because of who is here.”

4. Carlyle House Gardens, a hidden gem in the center of the City.”

Scott Shaw

ALX Community, Alexandria Restaurant Partners

John Taylor Chapman City Council Member

Scottish Walk / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

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A women's curated consignment boutique specializing in clothing, accessories, artisan jewelry and gifts.

Shop in store or online

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109 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Celebrate your new@styldbytwist home with a new style!

ABOUT THE AREA

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For more information about some of Alexandria’s unique neighborhoods, visit the pages indicated on the map.

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ABOUT THE AREA

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ALWAYS GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR YOU

If you want a Realtor who is always Going the Extra Mile for you—and for the community— contact Mason.

Mason Bavin, Realtor m. 703.338.6007 I NVAR Lifetime Top Producer mbavin@McEnearney.com I MasonBavin.com 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.549.9292 Equal Housing Opportunity

MOVE BETTER. FEEL BETTER. New Alexandria location.

Join now to save 25%.

Visit the new location at 5418 Eisenhower Avenue for personal training, group classes, nutrition coaching, mobility exercises, yoga, CrossFit and more.

By the Van Dorn Metro | www.sandandsteelfitness.com | info@sandandsteelfitness.com

ABOUT THE AREA

City versus County It’s a common conversation in the D.C. metro area: You tell someone you just moved to Alexandria, and they ask, “City or County?”

Wait... what?!

For someone who is new here, this can be very confusing. (In fact, it’s puzzling even for some long-term residents!)

‘I Live in Alexandria’ Depending on where you live, your residence with an “Alexandria, VA” mailing address may be in the City of Alexandria or in Fairfax County. The City of Alexandria is entirely separate and independent from Fairfax County.

Alexandria City is located along the Western bank of the Potomac River and about 7 miles South of downtown Washington, D.C. Fairfax County’s border in the “Alexandria, VA” area is south of the City of Alexandria, along the Potomac River, and goes along

a portion of I-495 and mainly south of Leesburg Pike. Neighborhoods in Fairfax County that have Alexandria mailing addresses include Belle Haven, Belle View, Huntington, Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon, Kingstowne, Newington and the surrounding communities.

How do you know where you are? Look at the street signs! Street signs in the City of Alexandria are green. Street signs in Fairfax County are blue.

Trivia: City vs. County What’s the difference between a city and a county? Cities are densely populated areas that have access to systems of housing, sanitation, law enforcement, and communication that are provided by the city government.

On the other hand, counties are regions that usually consist of a number of towns and unincorporated census designated places.

Often, those towns and neighborhoods are under the jurisdiction of the county government, which provides the amenities such as those listed above.

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ABOUT THE AREA

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Government and Politics One of the things on your list of things to do when you move is to register to vote (or update your current voter registration). You can do this by visiting elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal. This website is also a great resource for finding your new polling place, your election district and more.

The Voter Registration office for City of Alexandria residents is located at 132 N. Royal St. #100, Alexandria, VA 22314.

The Fairfax County Voter Registration office is located at 10455 Armstrong St, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Regional Government Officials The City of Alexandria and Fairfax County both have their own local government representatives — Alexandria has a Mayor and City Council, Fairfax County has a Board of Supervisors. These entities pass local policies and ordinances, approve the local budget and taxes, consider land use and development plans and more.

Information about the City of Alexandria’s leadership is available at alexandriava.gov/Council. Terms are for three years and the next election will be in November 2021.

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Mayor: Justin M. Wilson

Vice Mayor: Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker

Council Members: Canek Aguirre John Taylor Chapman Amy B. Jackson Redella S. “Del” Pepper Mohamed E. “Mo” Seifeldein Fairfax County residents voted for their local Board of Supervisors members in November 2019. Residents with Alexandria, VA mailing addresses are mostly in the Lee, Mason and Mount Vernon districts in Fairfax County. Board members are elected to four-year terms.

For a map and more information, go to fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors.

Chairman: Jeff McKay

District Supervisors: James R. Walkinshaw, Braddock John W. Foust, Dranesville Walter Alcorn, Hunter Mill Rodney Lusk, Lee Penelope A. “Penny” Gross, Mason Daniel G. “Dan” Storck, Mount Vernon Dalia A. Palchik, Providence Patrick S. “Pat” Herrity, Springfield Kathy L. Smith, Sully

ABOUT THE AREA

The Commonwealth of Virginia Virginia has its own state government that includes a House of Delegates and a State Senate. There are 100 delegates and

Federal Government

numbered years.

There are two U.S. Representatives who represent the Alexandria region.

The Alexandria, VA region is in the

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer represents Virginia’s

40 senators. Elections happen in odd-

following districts:

House Districts 38, 39, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 49.

Senate Districts 30, 35, 36, 37 and 39.

You can find out who your local delegate or senator is at virginia.gov/services/

8th Congressional District, which includes most of what people consider the Alexandria area.

U.S. Rep. Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly represents Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, which includes the Baileys Crossroads and Seven Corners areas in Fairfax County.

whos-my-legislator. The website also

The U.S. Senators for Virginia are Mark

provides their contact information.

Warner and Tim Kaine.

THINGS TO DO IN YOUR NEW HOMETOWN: 1. Follow Visit Alexandria on social media 2. Check out VisitAlexandriaVA.com 3. Stay tuned to the VisitALX blog at VisitALX.com 4. Sign up for the Alexandria Insider monthly e-newsletter at VisitAlexandriaVA.com/eNews

VisitAlexandriaVA.com | #visitALX |

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Fire Departments SERVICES

IN ALEXANDRIA AND FAIRFAX COUNTY

The City of Alexandria is served by the Alexandria City Fire Department, which was founded in 1774 as the Friendship Firehouse Company. Today, it has a number of stations that cover more than 10 square miles. The Fire Department employs more than 250 personnel including firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, fire prevention staff and administrative support.

The Fairfax County Fire Department was founded in 1949 and serves more than 1 million residents, including residents in the Alexandria area of the county. It is comprised of over 1,400 uniformed employees, 180 civilians and their partners at Volunteer Fire Departments. There are more than 40 fire stations across Fairfax County to serve residents.

ALEXANDRIA CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

alexandriava.gov/Fire Emergency  911 Non-emergency  703-476-4444 Alexandria Fire Station 201 (Old Town) 317 Prince St. Alexandria Fire Station 202 (Del Ray) 213 E. Windsor Ave. Alexandria Fire Station 203 (Beverly Hills) 2801 Cameron Mills Rd. Alexandria Fire Station 204 (Powhatan Park) 900 Second St. Alexandria Fire Station 205 (Rosemont) 1210 Cameron St. Alexandria Fire Station 206 (Seminary Valley) 4609 Seminary Rd. 18

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXANDRIA-FIRE-DEPARTMENT

Alexandria City and Fairfax County have a mutual aid agreement, covering each other when things get hectic, so you may see Fairfax County fire trucks in Alexandria City and vice versa.

Alexandria Fire Station 207 (Cameron Valley) 3301 Duke St.

Annandale, Station 8 (Volunteer Organization) 7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale

Alexandria Fire Station 208 (Landmark) 175 North Paxton St.

Mount Vernon, Station 9 2601 Sherwood Hall Ln., Alexandria

Alexandria Fire Station 209 (Potomac Yards) 2800 Main Line Blvd.

Alexandria Fire Station 210 (Eisenhower Valley) 5255 Eisenhower Ave. FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE ALEXANDRIA AREA:

fairfaxcounty.gov/fire-ems/ Emergency  911 Non emergency  703-246-2126 Fire & Rescue Headquarters 12099 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax Franconia, Station 5 (Volunteer Organization) 6300 Beulah St., Alexandria

Bailey’s Crossroads, Station 10 (Volunteer Organization) 3601 Firehouse Ln., Falls Church Penn Daw, Station 11 6624 Hulvey Terr., Alexandria Woodlawn, Station 24 8701 Lukens Ln., Alexandria Edsall Road, Station 26 5316 Carolina Pl., Springfield Seven Corners, Station 28, 2949 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Falls Church Merrifield, Station 30 8739 Lee Hwy., Fairfax Kingstowne, Station 37 7936 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria

Police Departments IN ALEXANDRIA AND FAIRFAX COUNTY

SERVICES

Smart911 PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

The City of Alexandria is served by the Alexandria Police Department (APD), which consists of more than 320 sworn and 138 civilian employees.

Fairfax County is served by the Fairfax County Police Department, made up of more than 1,370 sworn and 348 civilian employees. The FCPD has a series of substations across Fairfax County that cover a specific district.

ALEXANDRIA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

3600 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria Emergency  911 Non-emergency  703-746-4444 alexandriava.gov/police FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENTS

12099 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax, VA 22035 Emergency  911 Non-emergency  703-691-2131 fairfaxcounty.gov/police

The City of Alexandria is part of Smart911, a database that lets residents provide information to emergency services about their home, workplace, special needs and more. Residents may register free at smart911.com. Fairfax County does not participate in Smart911 yet.

In addition to the APD and FCPD, you may notice the National Park Service Police, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Police and the Federal Protective Service out in the community.

FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE SUBSTATIONS In Fairfax County, the following non-emergency local phone numbers will connect you with these Alexandra-region police substations:

Mount Vernon District Station 2511 Parkers Ln., Alexandria 703-360-8400

Mason District Police Station 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale 703-256-8035

Franconia District Station 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria 703-922-0889

West Springfield District Police, 6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield 703-644-7377 Alexandria Living Magazine

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SERVICES

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Stay Informed The City of Alexandria and Fairfax County both have robust emergency alert systems for weather, events, traffic and much more. For your safety, you’ll want to sign up for these alerts.

In addition, you can sign up for the neighborhood platforms and resources listed here to stay informed about everything going on in your area.

City of Alexandria The City’s eNews service lets you sign up to receive emergency alerts and information on more than 100 topics. Sign up for eNews at alexandriava.gov/enews.

Fairfax County You can sign up for emergency alerts from Fairfax County at fairfaxcounty.gov/ alerts. The system is customizable based on your location(s), devices, topics of interest and more.

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Neighborhood News In addition, there are plenty of social media accounts to follow and email newsletters that can provide interesting and helpful information: • Alexandria City residents should sign up for FYI Alexandria, an official City newsletter with news, upcoming events and activities. Sign up at alexandriava.gov/FYI. • Fairfax County residents can sign up for similar notifications at fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts.

• Nextdoor.com is a platform for neighborhoods to share information, recommendations, ask questions and share resources.

• Sign up for Alexandria Living Magazine’s email newsletter, too, for news about events, businesses, government, people and much more at alexandrialivingmagazine.com.

• On social media, we recommend following these accounts on Facebook and Twitter: City of Alexandria, Transportation & Environmental Services (City of Alexandria), Police Department (City of Alexandria), Fairfax County, Fairfax County Police Department.

SERVICES

Should I go to my doctor, urgent care or the ER? When you are feeling ill or are dealing with an injury, there are three main medical service providers you may consider visiting: your doctor, an urgent care center or the ER. The main difference between these three services is essentially the urgency and severity of the ailments they attend to.

So how do you know when you should go to the doctor, urgent care or the ER?

Local Hospitals These hospitals provide essential medical services to the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County and surrounding areas.

If you are experiencing a serious, life-threatening situation, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

You can look up Inova Emergency Room waiting times at inova.org/ emergency-room-wait-times.

Inova Alexandria Hospital 4320 Seminary Rd., Alexandria 703-504-3000 Inova Mt. Vernon Hospital 2501 Parkers Ln., Alexandria 703-664-7000 Dominion Hospital 2960 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Falls Church 703-536-2000 Inova Fairfax Hospital 3300 Gallows Rd., Falls Church 703-776-4001

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SERVICES

Doctor. If you are in a non-emergency situation or experiencing a nonlife threatening ailment, your primary care doctor is the place to go. With knowledge of your medical history, your doctor can also refer you to another medical expert who can deal with more specific health issues. Although the wait time to see your doctor may be longer than that of an urgent care center or ER and the copay is typically affordable, you need to make an appointment because walk-ins are not offered at all practices and it is not guaranteed that you will be seen.

Urgent Care. If you are in a non-life-threatening/ non-emergency situation but are unable to see a doctor, or if you would just like more immediate attention for an illness or injury such as the flu or a sprained ankle, this is when you would consider 22

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an urgent care center.

Unlike most doctors, urgent care is a walk-in clinic. These are typically open late, on weekends and during holidays. They treat a variety of ailments ranging from infections to back and joint pains in addition to performing x-rays. Costs for visiting an urgent care center are less than the ER. Before going, check with your insurance plan to make sure this visit is covered.

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

Emergency Room (ER). The most common reasons to go to an emergency room are wheezing, chest pain, open wounds or serious fractures, fainting, sudden extreme weakness, numbness, bleeding that cannot be stopped, serious abdominal pain (especially localized), head injury, vomiting or coughing up blood or the sudden, unexpected inability to see, walk, talk or move. Note: This is not a comprehensive list.

SOUTHEAST FAIRFAX COUNTY

Alexandria VA Urgent Care & Medical Group 526 N Henry St., Alexandria 703-348-9110 AllCare Family Medicine and Urgent Care of Alexandria 3117 Duke St., Alexandria 703-751-8800 NOVA Patient Care 526 N Henry St., Alexandria 703-348-9110 MedStar PromptCare at Alexandria 3610 D King St., Alexandria 703-845-2815

Nova Patient Care 7609 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria 703-822-4940 Patient First - Alexandria 6311 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria 703-647-6087 Alexandria Immediate Care 6020 Richmond Hwy. #102, Alexandria 571-308-6776 Medical Access-My Urgent Care & More 7598 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria 703-778-0400

Health & Human Services ALEXANDRIA HOTLINES

SERVICES

Emergency Mental Health Services 703-746-3401 Substance Abuse Residential Treatment / Substance Abuse Services 703-746-3636 Sexual Assault 703-683-7273 Domestic Violence 703-746-4911 Child Protective Services 703-746-5800

Both the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County have robust health, community and human services departments, providing a variety of services for the young and old from education to mental health to daily living support.

ALEXANDRIA CITY COMMUNITY & HUMAN SERVICES The City of Alexandria’s Community & Human Services department’s mission is: We envision a community in which residents enjoy a sense of well-being, safety and self-sufficiency. We strive to provide effective and essential safety net services that measurably improve or maintain the quality of life for Alexandrians. We are guided by the following values and principles: equal access for all people, dignity and respect, cultural competency, ethics and accountability, collaboration, competency, integrity and continuous improvement.

The department provides social services, assistance with public benefits, mental health support and information, development disability support, substance abuse services and provides multiple services for women in need of assistance. DCHS also provides training and volunteer opportunities for residents.

More information is available at alexandriava.gov/DCHS or you may call 703-746-5700.

Adult Protective Services 703-746-5778 FAIRFAX COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Fairfax County provides a wide variety of services for all residents, helping everyone reach their full potential and live healthy, productive lives. Programs includes immediate crisis intervention, long-term programs, physical and mental health care, disability services, income assistance, housing and homelessness services, and protection and preventive services for anyone at-risk.

Learn more at fairfaxcounty.gov/healthhumanservices or call 703-324-7329.

FAIRFAX COUNTY HOTLINES

Emergency Basic Needs 703-222-0880 (TTY 711) Emergency Mental Health (24/7) 703-573-5679 (TTY 711) Suicide Prevention (24/7) 703-527-4077 or Text “CONNECT” to 85511 Domestic & Sexual Violence (24/7) 703-360-7273 (TTY 711) Child Protective Services (24/7) 703-324-7400 (TTY 703-222-9452) Adult Protective Services 703-324-7450 (TTY 703-449-1186) Alexandria Living Magazine

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SERVICES

Utilities

One of the first things you’ll need to do when moving to a new home is setting up your water, electric and other utility services. Here’s information on who to call in the City of Alexandria and in Fairfax County:

LANDLINE PHONE, CABLE AND INTERNET

Providers vary by location but the most common providers in City of Alexandria and Fairfax County are the following:

WATER & SEWER

ELECTRIC

American Water (City of Alexandria) 800-452-6863

Dominion Energy (City of Alexandria and Fairfax County)

Business hours: Weekdays, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Customer Service: 866-366-4357

Customer Service: 800-266-2278 (TTY 866-803-2403)

Report an emergency: amwater.com

Business hours: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Alexandria Renew Enterprises 703-549-3381

Emergencies and Outages: 866-366-4357 (TTY 800-291-7745)

xfinity.com

Business hours: Weekdays, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

dominionenergy.com

alexrenew.com

NATURAL GAS

Fairfax Water (Fairfax County) for both water and sewage 703-698-5800 (TTY 711)

Washington Gas (City of Alexandria and Fairfax County)

Call center hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

24/7 after-hours: 703-698-5613 (TTY 711) fairfaxwater.org

Customer Service and Billing: 844-927-4427 Business hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Emergency: 911 or 844-927-4427, option 1 customersupport@washgas.com

(This email is not for gas emergencies!)

washingtongas.com

24

Resident’s Guide

Comcast

Technical Assistance: 703-716-9701 (cable), 703-730-2225 (phone)

Cox Customer Service: 703-378-8422 (TTY 703-378-3924) Business hours: Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Technical Assistance: 703-378-8422 (Daily from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.) cox.com Verizon Customer Service: 800-837-4966 (TYY 800-974-6006) Business hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Technical Assistance: 1-800-837-4966 (24/7) verizon.com

Trash & Recycling City of Alexandria

There are also two drop off location for trash and recycling available to all Fairfax County residents. Disposal fees apply and proof of residency is required:

I-95 Landfill Complex 9850 Furnace Road Lorton, VA 22079

If you live in Old Town Alexandria or in a town home community with limited access, your location may prevent the use of the 64-gallon trash cans. Please use approved trash containers to store bagged trash outdoors.

1-66 Transfer Station Complex

4618 West Ox Road Fairfax, VA 22030

SET OUT TIMES AND DAYS

Set out trash and recycling containers no earlier than 5 p.m. the day prior to collection, and no later than 6 a.m. on collection day.

Collection days vary by location and are subject to change due to holidays. Refer to the map at alexandriava.gov/RefuseCollection for more information about collection days and times.

SPECIAL ITEMS

Certain items may be set out with your trash, but require special preparation. This includes glass, select large or bulky items and yard debris. More information on preparing those items for collection is available at alexandriava.gov/RefuseCollection.

Fairfax County About 10% of residents and businesses have county trash and recycling pick up, but 90% have pick up provided by private companies.

You can find out who is responsible for picking up your trash and recycling by calling 703-802-3322 (TTY 711) or visiting fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash.

County provided trash and recycling are collected between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Staff will empty containers and return them to the curb or street line. All trash and recycling must be placed at the curb in the

Special Recycling Glass Recycling

While paper and plastics qualify for singlestream recycling from your home or office, Alexandria encourages (and Fairfax County requires) residents to bring glass to a “purple bin� facility for recycling. Glass put in at-home bins or placed curbside may not be recycled due to breakage or contamination. There are dozens of purple bins throughout the Alexandria area. A map of purple bin locations is available at fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/ news/regional-approach-glass-recycling-leadscreation-purple-can-club.

Electronics Recycling

Electronics that do not have sensitive data on them can be recycled at 3324 Colvin St., the Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection Center for the City of Alexandria.

In Fairfax County, residents can bring electronics to the I-66 Transfer Station (4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax) or the I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road, Lorton).

Alexandria Living Magazine

25

SERVICES

The City of Alexandria generally provides one 64-gallon trash can, free of charge, to households that receive City provided trash collection (except in Old Town). Trash cans and recycling bins are City property and must remain at your residence if you move. Another City-issued trash can may be purchased if needed, but remains the property of the City of Alexandria.

proper container by 6 a.m. on your collection day to ensure collection.

TRANSPORTATION

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Getting Around Alexandria There’s one drawback to living in Alexandria — sitting in traffic. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to get around Alexandria. Before you hop in the car, take a look at these alternatives.

The first place you should go is alexandriava.gov/GOAlex, which offers a great, frequently updated overview of your options.

26

Resident’s Guide

Buses and Trains Alexandria’s public bus system is DASH (Driving Alexandria Safely Home), which operates multiple routes. The current flat rate is $1.75 per trip, and they accept payment via cash, SmartTrip cards or the DASH Bus app. Routes and times can also be found through the DASH Bus app or through dashbus.com.

Free and simple, The King Street Trolley only has one route: from the King Street Metro station to the Old Town waterfront

TRANSPORTATION

and back, making stops along the way. It may feel a little touristy, but its year-round reliability makes it an excellent option if you’re running late (or just don’t feel like walking).

The Fairfax County Connector bus service has several stops in southeastern Fairfax County, including the Mount Vernon area, Telegraph Road, Richmond Highway and Franconia Road. Times and stops can be found at fairfaxcounty.gov/connector.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) runs the Metro rail (usually called “the Metro” for short) and the Metro bus systems in the District, Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland.

The website at wmata.com and the WMATA app are excellent resources for planning your trip.

The Metro is a good option for getting in and out of the District. Alexandria’s six rail stops are on the blue and yellow lines.

We recommend purchasing a SmartTrip card for $10 ($2 for the card itself, and $8 in stored fare value) at one of the kiosks located at the Metro rail stops.

Fares fluctuate based on time of day and destination, but tend to range from $2.25 to $6 per trip.

You can also get into the District with the Virginia Railway Express (the VRE), which primarily serves commuters and stops at the King Street train station, which also serves Amtrak. It travels up to Union Station in Washington, D.C.

Scooters, Bikes and Other Shared Mobility Alexandria is home to many alternative modes of transportation, including Capital Bikeshare, which allows you to rent a bike for one-way, short trips all around Northern Virginia, the District and Maryland. Alexandria has several dozen Capital Bike Share docking stations across the City. Learn more at capitalbikeshare.com.

Alexandria Living Magazine

27

TRANSPORTATION

PHOTO BY R. KENNEDY FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

In addition, several national companies

For paid street parking, meters are placed

operate shared, dockless bikes and

on every block where paid street parking

scooters, which you’ll find on sidewalks

is available, and the machines take cards

throughout Alexandria and elsewhere

or cash. You can also download the

in Northern Virginia. The scooters can

ParkMobile app to your phone to quickly

be unlocked with the scooter or bike

pay for parking from your mobile device.

company’s app. Learn the rules and more at alexandriava.gov/DocklessMobility.

Driving and Parking

Registering your Vehicle To get new license plates, you can swing by the Virginia Department of Motor

How difficult it is to park in Alexandria

Vehicles (DMV), at 2681 Mill Road in

depends on the neighborhood and time

Alexandria. You may also be able to stop

of day.

by a DMV Connect location, which is

While every neighborhood has some free parking, you’re likely to encounter parking meters in much of the City in addition to

essentially a mobile DMV office, and you can take care of mosts tasks online. Go to dmv.virginia.gov for more information.

pay parking garages. Pay close attention

You must register your vehicle with the

to parking signs – some neighborhoods

City of Alexandria or with Fairfax County

restrict parking to certain times of the

after you move. Instructions and more

day or to only certain residential area

information about how to do this are

permit holders.

available on p. 33.

28

Resident’s Guide

TRANSPORTATION

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Biking Around Alexandria Alexandria is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States.

“The City’s expansion of the Bikeshare program, installation and designation of new bike lanes and routes, as well as the continual installation of bicycle parking throughout the City are just a few of the initiatives that make the City of Alexandria a nationally recognized Bike Friendly Community,” according to Alexandria’s online bicycling guide at alexandriava.gov/Bicycling.

In addition to that bicycling resource on the City of Alexandria’s website, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association has maps and documents to help you bike around town safely and easily. Go to waba.org/resources/ maps-and-documents.

You don’t need your own bike to cycle to work! The Alexandria area has more than 30 Capital Bikeshare stations – part of a regional bike sharing system with more than 500 stations in the District, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County and nearby Maryland. Learn more at capitalbikeshare.com.

Alexandria Living Magazine

29

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KITCHEN

R E N O VAT I O N S

ENVISION | DESIGN | CONSTRUCT

B AT H R O O M S

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TRANSPORTATION

Moving Your Car to Alexandria After you get your vehicle registered with the Commonwealth of Virginia, there are some local things you’ll need to take care of here in the Alexandria area.

City of Alexandria FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA GOVERNMENT:

All motor vehicles normally parked, stored, or garaged (having situs) in the City of Alexandria, including vehicles with out-ofstate plates, must be registered for the City’s annual personal property tax.

All motor vehicles registered to a City address with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles must also be registered with

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

the City, even vehicles normally parked, stored, or garaged in another state.

Vehicle owners must register with the City within 30 days of moving into the City, purchasing a vehicle, or registering a vehicle to a City address with Virginia DMV. How do you register your vehicle with the City?

There are three ways to register your vehicle: • Completing the online registration form available at alexandriava.gov/CarTax. • Bring the vehicle’s state registration card, title or bill of sale and the owner’s driver’s license to 301 King St., 8 a.m.

– 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays).

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TRANSPORTATION

• Print the registration form available from the Car Tax webpage and mail it with a copy of the vehicle’s state registration card, title or bill of sale to Treasury Division, PO Box 323, Alexandria, VA 22313.

In addition, some neighborhoods require residential parking permits and guest passes for street parking. More information about that is available on the Car Tax webpage.

For complete information on emission inspections, visit dmv.virginia.gov/ vehicles/#emissions.asp. The Virginia State Police require safety inspections on all vehicles to ensure your tires, brakes, turn signals and more are in working order at all times. More information on this is available at vsp.virginia.gov.

Fairfax County In Fairfax County, the Department of Tax Administration handles the assessment of all vehicles normally garaged/parked in Fairfax County. Complete information is available at fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/ vehicles.

FROM FAIRFAX COUNTY GOVERNMENT:

In addition to the value-based property tax, you must also register the vehicle with the county or town and pay a fee. Registration fees vary based on vehicle type, weight and use.

All vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles, are required to be registered with the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration (DTA) within 60 days of purchase or move into the county.

You can register your vehicle with Fairfax County online at fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/ vehicles. Or, you may register by phone at 703-222-8234 (TTY 711) or in person at the Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax, VA 22035.

Safety and Emissions Inspections The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that all cars on the road in our area pass safety and emissions inspections. Most local gas stations and mechanic shops do both.

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Resident’s Guide

HOV, HOT and E-ZPASS If you’re moving here from outside the area, this may be the first time you’re encountering our notorious traffic congestion. No kidding: Our region consistently ranks among the top 3 worst traffic cities in the country based on a variety of studies.

One way around it: Take the HOT lanes. On all major highways in our region, there are HOT lanes. HOT stands for high-occupancy toll.

Vehicles with at least three people in them can use these lanes free of charge. Cars with fewer than three people will pay a toll that varies depending on time of day, traffic congestion and other factors. Either way, you need an E-ZPass.

Virginia uses the E-ZPass to collect tolls from drivers. E-ZPass is a small device that you mount on your windshield. As you’re driving, sensors and cameras over the road read your device and charge your account accordingly.

To get an E-ZPass, visit E-ZPassVA.com and simply request one. You’ll need to link your bank account or a credit card to your E-ZPass account for automatic toll deduction.

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Moving is one of the most common reasons people switch their bank.

In Alexandria, you have no shortage of options — dozens of major national banks and credit unions, locally-owned financial institutions and even online-only options are available. How do you decide where to go?

Start with understanding the difference between a bank and a credit union. Both banks and credit unions provide a variety of financial services, from regular checking and saving accounts to debit cards, credit cards, savings certificates, online banking, online bill pay and much more.

A credit union is typically not-for-profit and member-owned, which means the financial institution’s profits are returned to the members in the form of lower rates and fewer fees.

However, some smaller credit unions have fewer services and locations than

MOVING HERE

Choosing a New Bank or Credit Union big credit unions and local and national banks. If you tend to visit your bank or credit union branch routinely, this may be something to consider.

Here are five questions to ask yourself before committing to a new financial institution: • Are ATM and branch locations convenient to where I live or work?

• How much of a balance do you need to avoid fees and earn interest?

• Are there fees for mobile deposits or online banking?

• Are there fees for bounced checks or overdraft protection?

• What types of rewards can I earn with my bank account?

We recommend that you talk to your friends, new neighbors and coworkers about which bank they use and why.

Check out online reviews, too!

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It Pays to Join CommonWealth One. CommonWealth ONE is Alexandria’s Credit Union and we have everything you would expect to find at a local bank and more!

We’re a not-for-profit financial institution, which means we offer you membership and exceptional value that can amount to plenty of savings. With an opening deposit of just $5, you can join today and get these benefits:

• High-Yield Savings & Certificates • Low-Rate Loans .

• Free Checking • Convenience • Financial Resources

Switch to CommonWealth One and Get $100!* Experience a better way to bank.

Open your account today at cofcu.org/newneighbor.

4875 Eisenhower Avenue Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 5:30pm Alexandria, VA 22304 Friday: 8:30am - 6:30pm (800) 424-3334 Saturday: 9:00am - 2:00pm

Membership eligibility required. Membership is free and open to all residents of Virginia and their immediate family members. For complete details visit cofcu.org/newneighbor. Limited time offer available to individuals who do not have a CommonWealth One checking account and cannot be combined with any other offers. To receive $100 Welcome Bonus, individual must open a CommonWealth One checking account by December 31, 2020, and setup recurring Direct Deposit of $250 or more to your CommonWealth One account for 3 consecutive calendar months following account opening. Account must be in good standing at time of reward eligibility. All rewards will be deposited to CommonWealth One savings account within 30 days of meeting qualification. Offer expires December 31, 2020. Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Lender.

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W E L C O M E TO

Alexandria!

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Or, subscribe by mail. Send a check to Alexandria Living Magazine. Mail it to 201 N. Union St., Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22314. A 2-year subscription is just $24.95.

Or, call us at 571-232-1310 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Choosing who to represent you in what may be the largest financial transaction of your life is not something to take lightly. The right real estate professional can be a major factor in how smoothly your transaction goes and how happy you are in your home for years to come.

Don’t feel pressured to work with a friend or family member. Just because they’re qualified doesn’t mean they’re the right person to work with, and it could damage your relationship. However, your friends and family can be a great resource to find an agent — they can be honest with you about their experiences!

Here are some questions to ask real estate

MOVING HERE

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent professionals that will help you decide who to work with: • Are they a member of the National Association of Realtors?

• What training, qualifications and certifications do they have?

• Have they helped residents buy or sell properties in the neighborhoods you’re interested in?

• Do they work primarily with buyers or sellers?

• What is their communication style?

Should you expect emails, text messages or phone calls? How often?

• Are they a member of a larger team?

What type of support do they have throughout the process?

• Are they willing to provide references?

We wish you the best with your home search! Welcome to Alexandria!

Alexandria Living Magazine

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205 S. Union Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 | 571.290.0645 BraemarKitchenAndBath.com

PHOTO BY KALISTA DIAMANTOPOULOS

Whether the home you want to buy is 50 years old or just 5 years old, getting a home inspection is a critical part of the home buying process.

Paint, carpeting and cosmetic improvements can hide major issues with a home, and you don’t want to be unpleasantly surprised after closing!

Some of the best real estate deals on the market right now are homes that are being sold “as is.” Unfortunately, those deals can come with massive hidden costs.

But no matter how a property is being sold, buyers really should get an inspection or a pre-purchase evaluation by a qualified home inspection professional.

An inspection or evaluation can reveal major issues that even an experienced homeowner may not recognize.

The biggest three issues with a home that can come up whether they are sold ‘as is’ or not are structural issues, water

intrusion and systemic issues with HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), electric or plumbing.

Home inspectors can point out needed repairs, and a contractor can give estimates on how much those repairs will cost. A qualified home inspector or contractor can also find code violations and help uncover work done without permits, potentially saving the homeowner tens of thousands of dollars down the road.

Both Alexandria City and Fairfax County have online systems where any member of the public can search the work permit history of a property by address. Online searches are free. While the search will not reveal work done without permits, your home inspector or contractor will be able to recognize what previous owners have done to the home, and you can compare their knowledge with the permit records.

To check the permit history of a property in Alexandria, go to apps.alexandriava.gov/ permittracker. In Fairfax County, go to fairfaxcounty.gov/FIDO. Alexandria Living Magazine

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MOVING HERE

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MOVING HERE

How to Hire a Home Services Company Even if your new home is in perfect condition when you move in, things can go wrong over time.

Before an emergency strikes, you should have the names and phone numbers of an electrician, plumber, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), roofing company and other home services professionals handy.

How do you make a good choice?

Chances are, your real estate professional has a network of home services professionals they can recommend. It may also be worthwhile to talk to your new neighbors, coworkers and friends to ask for recommendations in addition to your real estate professional.

No matter who you hire, you should make sure their company is licensed, bonded and insured.

Licensed means they are licensed to operate a business by the state, bonded means they have money in escrow with a bonding company in the event that a customer files a complaint against them, and insured means they carry proper safety, liability and other insurances.

You have the right to ask for proof of all three of these things. If a company declines to provide this proof, that’s a red flag.

With most home services companies in Virginia, you can look up their license and any complaints against them by going to dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup.

Alexandria Living Magazine

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MOVING HERE

Long & Short-term Storage Solutions Whether you are looking for a temporary space to store your belongings while you move, or a long-term space to keep your items after you downsize, storage units can be useful and convenient storage solutions.

want frequent access to those items.

FULL-SERVICE STORAGE: A moving truck,

professional driver and packing/ unpacking service is provided. Unlike self-service, full-service takes care of every step of the process. This is perfect for renters who want long-term storage and don’t need to access the unit frequently.

There are a variety of storage spaces so how do you choose the one that is right for you? Before you decide on a space, take a moment to consider the following:

3. How is the cost determined? Some storage units require a 3-month minimum and others accept payment on a month-to-month basis.

1. Make an inventory list of the items you plan on storing. Storage spaces offer different unit sizes: small, medium, large. Making an inventory list will help determine which size is best for you.

4. Take note of any temperature-sensitive items you intend on storing. Climate controlled storage spaces are offered for storing temperature-sensitive items.

2. Self-service storage or full-service

storage?

SELF-SERVICE STORAGE: A moving truck and

professional driver might be provided but you are responsible for packing and unpacking the truck. The selfservice option allows renters to pick up their belongings whenever they want.

This is a great option for those who don’t plan on storing many items and 46

Resident’s Guide

5. Accessibility. Some storage facilities may be open 24/7, others may only be open certain hours of the day.

When choosing a facility, make sure its availability works with your schedule.

6. Video-surveillance/in-person surveillance. Inform yourself on the security options at the facilities you are considering. This is especially critical if you plan on storing any valuable items.

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Alexandria Soccer Association

Providing the Alexandria community with soccer programming for kids and adults of all ages and abilities!

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PHOTO BY KALISTA DIAMANTOPOULOS

How to Choose the Right Community for You

The best way to decide where to live is to take a hard look at yourself.

Who are you living with, and what are their needs? Whether it’s children, pets, older relatives or just yourself, evaluate what everyone involved will need to live happy, healthy and safe lives.

• Do you want a single family home with land, or a town home or condo?

• Do you have the resources to live in a historic home, which may require more upkeep than a newer property?

• Do you like walking to local restaurants and stores, or would you rather be

away from the hustle and bustle?

• Are there things you want to specifically avoid, like living on a busy street or latenight noise?

• Before you decide on a neighborhood, test your commute to work — how long it takes to get home from work should be a consideration.

Once you’ve answered those questions, a qualified Realtor can help you narrow down your options based on your preferences and budget. You should look at information about local schools, crime statistics, parks and recreation (if those are important to you), plus local attractions and amenities.

You’ll want to observe your neighborhood, too, at different times of the day and on different days. A neighborhood that seems so quiet on a Monday can be very different Saturday night. Talking to your potential neighbors can be invaluable at getting the real inside scoop, too.

No matter where you settle, welcome to Alexandria!

Alexandria Living Magazine

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NEIGHBORHOODS

Alexandria and Southeast Fairfax County have every imaginable option for neighborhoods – from quiet and wooded to urban or historic. Deciding where you want to live is the first step toward making Alexandria your home.

Living, Loving, Listing Alexandria

Lauren Bishop, Realtor m. 202.361.5079 I NVAR Lifetime Top Producer lbishop@mcenearney.com I LaurenBishopHomes.com 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.549.9292 Equal Housing Opportunity

Old Town ALEXANDRIA

NEIGHBORHOODS

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Adorned with charming cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings, Old Town Alexandria sits overlooking the Potomac River.

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FAVORITE THINGS Old Town has beautiful historic properties, brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets.

There are wonderful shopping options and awardwinning restaurants.

The calendar is packed with attractions and events for all ages.

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NEIGHBORHOODS

City Hall / PHOTOS BY RACHEL HEGARTY

Old Town was founded as a colonial tobacco port in 1749. The town was frequented by notable figures such as George Washington who traveled nine miles from his Mt. Vernon estate to dine at Gadsby’s Tavern, attend service at Christ Church and sell his farm produce at the Farmer’s Market, all of which still operate today.

surrounding streets, as well as residential neighborhoods featuring historic row homes as well as newer properties.

Today, Old Town is a part of the 22314 ZIP code which is home to 32,991 residents.

The Alexandria City Public Schools provide K-12 education to children in this area.

The city’s “Main Street” is King Street, which is lined with boutiques and restaurants. The street begins at the waterfront and ends at King Street Metro Station. You’ll also find shops, boutiques and much more on the 52

Resident’s Guide

Fun Fact Alexandria was ranked #3 in the Best Small Cities in the United States category in 2019

by Condé Nast Traveler readers.

Union Square

204 South Royal Street Historic Old Town Alexandria, VA

ALEXANDRIA’S NEWEST AND MOST ELEGANT EVENT SPACE IN THE HEART OF OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA.

This unique venue was once the site of the Concordia Hotel in the 1880s and provides stunning light filled space for your special event or meeting and boutique overnight accommodations.

Look for us online at Visit Alexandria & Wedding Wire!

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ALEXANDRIA WATERFRONT & LUXURY SPECIALIST A SAMPLING OF SALES BY KRISTEN JONES IN 22314

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If you are considering a move, call Kristen for a complimentary confidential conversation to learn how she can help you buy or sell.

Kristen Jones, Realtor® Licensed in Virginia | m. 703.851.2556 kristenjones.com | kristen@kristenjones.com 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.549.9292 Equal Housing Opportunity

Waterfront

NEIGHBORHOODS

395

PHOTOS BY RACHEL HEGARTY

Some of Alexandria’s newest and most sought-after properties are located along the Potomac River waterfront in Old Town Alexandria.

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FAVORITE THINGS There are gorgeous views north and south along the Potomac River.

The waterfront has an endless number of parks, each with their own unique character.

Don’t miss the frequent events and fun nightlife.

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NEIGHBORHOODS

This includes the brand-new Robinson Landing townhomes and condominiums.

Ford’s Landing is another luxury townhome neighborhood with views of the water and the D.C. skyline.

Many public parks with dog play areas, volleyball and basketball courts and playgrounds line the waterfront. The recently developed Waterfront Park, with its interactive art display and pavilioned sitting area, has quickly become the most visited park in the city.

The Waterfront is also the site of Old Dominion Boat club’s new clubhouse that boasts a rooftop tiki bar. Many popular restaurants and bars are located along the water including Vola’s, Chadwick’s, Virtue Feed & Grain and Charthouse.

Annual events like Alexandria’s birthday celebration and fireworks in July and the 56

Resident’s Guide

Fun Fact If you’re hoping to become a member of the Old Dominion Boat Club, expect to wait at least 3 years after paying your deposit. In the meantime, you’re welcome to visit the club as the guest of a member, and it’s well worth your time. The views from the upper deck on a nice night are beautiful!

holiday boat parade of lights in December take place along the water. The Torpedo Art Factory, a former WWII torpedo factory, hints at the waterfront’s past as an industrial area. It was purchased by the city in 1969 and converted into an Art Center and it houses the nation’s largest collection of working artist’s studios that are open to the public.

Carlyle /

Eisenhower East

NEIGHBORHOODS

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Without the architectural restrictions of Old Town, Carlyle and Eisenhower East are home to many high-rise office buildings, condominiums, hotels and apartments.

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FAVORITE THINGS Lost Boys Cider and several restaurants make this a lively neighborhood.

Modern neighborhood with an urban feel.

Exciting developments are on the way here.

Alexandria Living Magazine

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NEIGHBORHOODS

John Carlyle Park

Many important businesses and organizations are located in Carlyle and the Eisenhower East area, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, the U.S. District Court, the National Science Foundation and Alexandria Renew Enterprises.

Every December there is a European-style holiday market at Carlyle Square.

Carlyle and Eisenhower East has a population of approximately 5,000 people.

This area is located in the 22314 ZIP code.

On weekdays, the area is bustling with office workers patronizing the nearby lunch, coffee and happy hour spots.

Alexandria’s Whole Foods is in this neighborhood and work has started on a Wegmans set to open by 2022. A 12-vendor food hall and coworking space managed by ALX Community is also set to open soon.

The area is conveniently located near the King Street and Eisenhower metro stations as well as Interstate-495. Lost Boy Cider opened in 2019 and is a popular spot for ciders made from Virginia apples and food provided by a rotating number of food trucks. Dogs and kids are welcome at Lost Boy and both can be found there in abundance on any given weekend afternoon.

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Resident’s Guide

Fun Fact This neighborhood is home to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which moved here in 2005. Employees have ranked the USPTO as one of the best federal agencies to work for in the U.S. government. The neighborhood also boasts the headquarters of the National Science Foundation.

Del Ray

NEIGHBORHOODS

395

Art on the Avenue / PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

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Over the years, Del Ray has preserved its quirky, small-town appeal with numerous independent shops and eclectic eateries that line its main street, Mt. Vernon Avenue.

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FAVORITE THINGS Del Ray has a fantastic variety of coffee shops.

The area is very friendly for children and dogs.

This is one of Alexandria’s most walkable neighborhoods.

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NEIGHBORHOODS

Retail & dining along Mount Vernon Avenue

Just northwest of Old Town, you’ll find Del Ray, a quaint neighborhood and former streetcar suburb, which is part of the 22301 ZIP code. Del Ray is host to a flourishing restaurant scene that features sushi, Southern favorites and everything in between.

Del Ray also boasts several top-notch coffee shops. On any given day you can find St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub packed with Del Ray neighbors chatting over coffee, or students enjoying a quick pick-me-up as they cram for a test. You may also want to check out Swing’s Coffee, BonVivant, Nectar, Stomping Ground, Junction… the list goes on.

On Saturdays, the locals make their way to the Del Ray Farmers Market which offers fresh produce from local farms, delicious baked goods and more.

The residential areas of Del Ray that border Mt. Vernon Avenue feature a variety of house styles ranging from Cape Cods to bungalows, colonials and even a 60

Resident’s Guide

few Victorians. Del Ray is home to about 13,000 residents, and the median age is 37 years old.

Just north of Del Ray is Arlandria, a neighborhood that boasts The Birchmere, a world-famous music venue. You’ll also find an international flair, with a variety of El Salvadorian and Vietnamese businesses.

Fun Fact Del Ray was one of the earliest streetcar suburbs in the nation.

703.549.2708 www.bittersweetcatering.com 103 N. Alfred St, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

“In a ‘hot’ market, having a Realtor who acts quickly may be what gets you the house.”

- M. WATER HOU SE

Jillian Keck Hogan, Realtor m. 703.951.7655 I JillianKeckHogan.com Jillian@JillianKeckHogan.com 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.549.9292 Equal Equal Housing Housing Opportunity Opportunity

National Landing & Potomac Yard

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FAVORITE THINGS

It will be the site of the new Amazon HQ2 and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus.

The area is already very bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly, and expect it become even more so as new development progresses, including a huge new Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, and as more condos and townhomes arrive.

The area will be served by three metro stations (Crystal City, Pentagon City and a soon-to-be-built Potomac Yards station)

Fun Fact

Friendliest as well as a VRE neighborhood for commuters and station. Regan travelers.

National Airport is located just Easy access to top dining options. north of National Landing with easy Exciting developments access to major on the horizon. roads including Interstate 395, Route 1 (Richmond Highway), Route 110 and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The area will also be very bike and pedestrian friendly.

Potomac Yard, at the southern end of National Landing, has seen a huge amount of development in the past 10 years with new homes, businesses and even new parks.

Originally Amazon planned to split Amazon HQ2 between New York City and Northern Virginia, but for a number of reasons ultimately decided to withdraw its deal in New York and focus its efforts entirely on Northern Virginia.

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NEIGHBORHOODS

National Landing is a newly designed urban neighborhood that is comprised of parts of Crystal City, eastern Pentagon City and northern Potomac Yard.

West End

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FAVORITE THINGS Breweries and diverse restaurants.

Housing options for a wide range of tastes.

A lot of parks and green space.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Cameron Station

The West End of Alexandria encompasses a large area and is one of Alexandria’s fastest growing and most exciting neighborhoods.

multiple pools and a number of shops.

Another popular neighborhood in the West End is Seminary Valley, a collection of 1950’s single family homes in a quiet area that’s walkable to both Landmark Mall and grocery stores, restaurants and shopping.

Generally thought of as “anything west of Quaker Lane,” the West End includes Landmark, Seminary Hill, Seminary Valley, Brookville, Cameron Station and several other neighborhoods.

The West End features the city’s two craft breweries, Port City Brewing Company and Aslin Beer Company. The West End is also home to a large number of parks, historic sites and nature reserves including Fort Ward Museum, Winkler Botanical Preserve and the Dora Kelley Nature Park.

Cameron Station is an award-winning designed community of 2,000 single family homes, townhomes and condominiums built on the site of a former U.S. Army post. The community boasts a clubhouse,

Fun Fact 64

West End ZIP codes are 22302 and 22304 and over 58,816 residents call this area home.

Port City Brewing Company beers have won many awards and the brewery is a leader in sustainable brewing. Most of the breweries’ grains and packaging are locally sourced.

Resident’s Guide

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Seminary Hill FAVORITE THINGS One of Alexandria’s largest pumpkin patches is at Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill.

Quiet streets and hilly terrain make this a great neighborhood for runners.

Inova Alexandria is a highly rated regional hospital.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Fort Ward Museum

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Seminary Hill is one of the largest neighborhoods of the West End in the City of Alexandria.

It got its name from the Virginia Theological Seminary at the corner of Quaker Lane and Seminary Road, which is 495 at the top of Alexandria’s highest hill.

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The Virginia Theological Seminary is the flagship seminary of the Episcopal Church.

It was founded in 1823 and is gearing up for its 200th anniversary.

Fun Fact

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In addition to beautiful homes in the neighborhood, Seminary Hill includes Fort Ward Museum & Historic site, the Minnie Howard campus of T.C. Williams High School and Inova Alexandria Hospital.

Fort Ward, which was used during the Civil War, is now a historic site in a 45-acre park. The park frequently hosts historic interpretation events and reenactments.

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Landmark

FAVORITE THINGS Accessibility for commuters.

Future development of Landmark Mall.

Culturally diverse neighborhood.

NEIGHBORHOODS

395 High-rise apartment and condo buildings in the landmark neighborhood overlooking Holmes Run

Nestled largely east of I-395 in Alexandria’s West End is the Landmark area.

The area was anchored by the Landmark Mall which closed in 2017, but there are exciting plans to redevelop the space into a multi-use community that could include office and retail space, a movie theater, a grocery store and a large fitness facility as well as increased accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and cars.

Landmark is home to many apartment and condo buildings and more of the area’s residents rent their homes than own them, but there are a number of single-family homes in the area.

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Landmark is a very culturally diverse neighborhood. There is a large concentration of ethnic grocery stores and restaurants in this area including Afghan Market, Weyone International and Tsedey Abeba Restaurant and Grocery, to name only a few.

Estimates of the population for this area vary but is somewhere in the range of 20,000 people. Landmark is located in the 22304 area code.

The second Wonder Woman film was partially filmed at the old Landmark Mall in 2018.

Resident’s Guide

Fairfax County

NEIGHBORHOODS

Fairfax County is the 38th largest county in the nation, with a population of more than 1.15 million people — more than 10% of Virginia’s total population. It covers almost 400 square miles of land.

FAVORITE THINGS There are lots of recreational opportunities for weekend warriors.

Southeast Fairfax County has some incredible parks and natural areas.

There’s great shopping nearby, including Springfield Town Center and Tysons Galleria.

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NEIGHBORHOODS

Route 1 / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

The Alexandria area of Fairfax County represents just a small part of the whole.

Fairfax County was incorporated in 1742 when it broke off from the northern part of Prince William County. The county was named for Thomas Fairfax, the 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron who was born in the late 1600s and owned millions of acres in what is now Northern Virginia. He was fabulously wealthy.

The “Alexandria area” of Fairfax County is in the southeastern part of the county.

There are big changes coming to Southeastern Fairfax County. The Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to improve Richmond Highway, the area’s main thoroughfare, adding dedicated Bus Rapid Transit lanes, new shopping centers, major improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists and more. The changes in the next decade are expected to make Richmond Highway better for commuters and everyone who lives in the area.

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On the following pages, we present overviews of Franconia, Rose Hill and Kingstowne, in the western part of what’s considered Southeastern Fairfax County, and the Richmond Highway corridor communities of Huntington, Belle Haven, Hybla Valley, Groveton, Fort Hunt and Mount Vernon.

Fun Fact 26.1% of Fairfax County residents are under the age of 20.

Franconia

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NEIGHBORHOODS

Proximity to major interstates.

A lot of shopping and dining options.

Franconia consists of a variety of housing developments, apartment complexes and townhome communities.

There are a variety of shopping centers throughout the area and nearby is the Springfield Town Center which boasts a movie theater, a Target and many other popular chain stores and restaurants.

Commuters enjoy the area’s close proximity to the Franconia-Springfield

Fun Fact

metro station and the “mixing bowl”

Variety of housing options.

intersection of Interstates 95, 395 and 495.

Many people who work at Fort Belvoir, a U.S. Army base, and the local U.S. Coast Guard installation and other military entities live in Franconia.

Franconia includes ZIP codes 22310 and 22315 and the latest data puts the population at 18,245.

The Laurel Grove School located at 6840 Beulah Street was established in 1886 by former slaves as a school for the first generation of black children born to freedom. The school closed in 1932 but is now a museum and is the last remaining African American schoolhouse in Northern Virginia.

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Rose Hill 395

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FAVORITE THINGS Greendale Golf Course

Accessibility to interstate.

Rose Hill is a quiet and peaceful neighborhood with many singlefamily homes on generously sized lots.

Greendale golf

Many of Alexandria’s large churches can be found in this area.

Rose Hill area.

Don’t miss Loftridge park, a 48-acre park with hiking and biking trails.

and has a population of a little more than

Fun Fact

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course is a beautiful Fairfax Countyowned golf course

Quiet and scenic neighborhood.

Greendale golf course.

located in the

Rose Hill is located in the 22310 ZIP code 20,000 residents.

Rose Hill is named after a nearby 18th century plantation that was established

by Daniel French, the builder of the Pohick Church which was associated with founding fathers like George Washington and George Mason.

Resident’s Guide

Kingstowne 395

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NEIGHBORHOODS

FAVORITE THINGS Townhouses in Kingstowne

Kingstowne Lake.

Nalls Produce farm store.

Kingstowne is a master planned community of apartments, townhomes and single-family homes.

and dog owners.

Kingstowne Towne Center is a sprawling shopping complex with a movie theater, Top Golf and a large number of chain stores and restaurants. Wegmans is also located a few miles down the road.

produce and plants and is a well-known

Nearby is the picturesque Kingstowne Lake which is surrounded by a 0.75 mile trail and is a popular spot with joggers

Kingstowne is located in the 22315 ZIP

Fun Fact

Nalls Produce is a family-owned store that sells seasonal

Plenty of restaurants and entertainment options.

for its pumpkin patch in the fall and tree farm during the holidays. Visitors to the store can also see the pigs and chickens kept by the owners.

code and has a population of more than 15,000 people.

The Top Golf in Kingstowne was the first Top Golf in the United States. Top Golf now operates in dozens of countries.

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Mount Vernon

Located just south of the Beltway and Old Town Alexandria and west of Route 1, the community of Huntington is changing quickly.

It is centered around the Huntington Metro station, which is the southern end of the Metro rail system’s yellow line.

The area around the Huntington Metro station is undergoing a lot of new residential development that is sure to increase the population of this relatively small neighborhood. The Huntington

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It’s easy to commute Hunt from Fort Huntington to just about anywhere.

Lots of development will give new residents plenty of housing options.

Metro pulling into Huntington Station

Fun Fact

Hybla Valley

MEMORIA L P K W Y

Map of Alexandria

Huntley Meadows Park

This is a very tight-knit, welcoming community with its own small community center.

Metro station is one of the few with a dedicated garage for thousands of vehicles.

Fairfax County recently invested millions in the “lower Huntington” area, building a levee beside Cameron Run to prevent flooding.

The Huntington area’s levee won the Envision Bronze award from the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure.

Resident’s Guide

Belle Haven

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Belle Haven Marina

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Across the beltway from Old Town, the upscale Belle Haven neighborhood is home to picturesque, shaded houses and a vibrant and active community.

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FAVORITE THINGS Belle Haven Marina is an excellent spot to sail, kayak or paddleboard.

Close to the Mount Vernon Trail.

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Very convenient to the Beltway (I-495), Route 1 (Richmond Highway) and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

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NEIGHBORHOODS

Belle Haven Country Club

The community started when Scottish pioneers settled along the Potomac River in the early 18th century. The current community got its start in the 1920s when David Howell, from Alexandria, purchased hundreds of acres of land from the Robinson family. Howell built the golf club (now the Belle Haven Country Club) and many residences in the area.

Everything residents need can be found at the Belle View shopping center, which has several local restaurants as well as chain stores. The community has an ideal location for commuters, nestled just south of Alexandria and bordered

by Route 1 to the west and the George Washington Memorial Parkway to the east. Many residents take advantage of the nearby Mount Vernon Trail, 74

Resident’s Guide

Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve and water access from the Belle Haven Marina.

Belle Haven belongs to the 22307 ZIP code.

Fun Fact Early Scottish settlers named the area for the Earl of Belhaven.

Your style is unique, I’ve got you covered.

Journey along the Potomac River South of Old Town Alexandria and you will find idyllic neighborhoods featuring a full spectrum of architectural design and enhancements; where huge lawns, flowering gardens, boating, water sports, historical sites, trampolines, sport courts, great restaurants, golf, marinas, shopping, tennis and biking are the norm, not the exception.

Janet Caterson Price specializes in these picturesque environs and is celebrating 24 years of service to her clients and her community. Contact Janet today to begin your journey.

Janet Caterson Price

Alexandria Real Estate Specialist NVAR Lifetime Top Producer 703.622.5984 | janetpricehomes.com janet@janetpricehomes.com 109 S Pitt St, Alexandria, VA 22314 Equal Housing Opportunity

Hybla Valley

NEIGHBORHOODS

& Groveton

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495 Route 1 / PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER 495

Straddling Route 1 (also known as Richmond Highway) are the up-and-coming neighborhoods of Groveton and Hybla Valley.

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FAVORITE THINGS This is an up-and-coming and affordable neighborhood.

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Resident’s Guide

Huntley Meadows Park is a gem.

Lee District Rec Center is a great place for kids and adults.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Huntley Meadows Park

These areas have a large number of singlefamily homes and townhomes as well as some apartments and condominiums.

Many chain retailers and restaurants, including a newly renovated Target, are located off of Route 1.

Huntley Meadows is a 1,500-acre park and wetland and wildlife preserve in this area. It features a historic house museum, nature center, and is a popular spot for its walking and biking trails. It is the largest park managed by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Lee District Rec Center is nearby and boasts an Olympic sized indoor pool, state of the art gym, extensive athletic courts and fields, a playground and an outdoor water park.

The majority of these areas are located in the 22306 area code.

Fun Fact Every May, Huntley Meadows hosts a birdathon where park staff and volunteers count birds in the park. Past events have tallied anywhere from 90 to 108 different species in one day!

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NEIGHBORHOODS

Fort Hunt

The grounds of the American Horticultural Society in Fort Hunt

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Along the shore of the Potomac River in Southeast Fairfax County, Fort Hunt is one of the area’s most unique and bucolic neighborhoods.

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It’s home to Fort Hunt Park, one of Fairfax County’s most unique parks. Inside, you’ll find a fort built in 1897 and used by the United States military as an interrogation center during World War II.

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FAVORITE THINGS Fort Hunt Park’s trails, pavilions, playgrounds and more.

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Resident’s Guide

Beautiful, wooded neighborhoods.

This area has some of the region’s most unique architecture.

Fort Hunt is also home to Hollin Hills, a nationally-recognized architectural gem of mid-Century Modern homes by architect Charles M. Goodman. Outside of this area, homes in Fort Hunt are often on lots with mature trees and quiet streets.

The Hollin Hall shopping center includes the Hollin Hall Variety Shop, a throwback to the 1950s five-and-dime, plus a grocery store, bank, drug store and much more.

Stratford Landing, Stratford on the Potomac and more.

Other small neighborhoods in the Fort Hunt area include Tauxemont, Herbert Springs, Waynewood, Collingwood,

Fort Hunt is primarily in the 22308 area code. The 2010 census found the population of Fort Hunt to be 16,045.

Fun Fact

Fort Hunt was named after Brig. Gen Henry Hunt, who fought in the Civil War.

Tracy Dunn,

Lifelong resident of 22308.

From grade school to high school, both public and private, to volunteer leadership and constant community involvement, Tracy lives, breathes and loves 22308 like no other.

Proud, loyal, and committed to her hometown, Tracy is a trusted, reliable, hardworking and fun resource for all your real estate endeavors.

Tracy Dunn, Realtor m. 571.212.3658 I NVAR Lifetime Top Producer TDunn@McEnearney.com I TracyBDunn.com 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.549.9292 Equal Housing Opportunity

NEIGHBORHOODS

Mount Vernon

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George Washington’s Gristmill and Distillery / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Mount Vernon is a neighborhood with a special connection to America’s first president.

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The entire area was once farmland that was part of George Washington’s expansive Mount Vernon plantation. Now, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate attracts more than 1 million tourists a year, who come to see the grounds, the home, the whiskey distillery, grain silo, library and much more.

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FAVORITE THINGS George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.

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Large stately homes.

Quiet streets and many trails for walking, running and biking.

However, Mount Vernon is not just a relic of the past. The neighborhood is bordered by the Potomac River, Fort Belvoir (a large U.S. Army installation), Route 1 and Little Hunting Creek. Mount Vernon is home to 12,416 residents (as of the 2010 census), many of whom love taking advantage of access to the Potomac River, numerous trails and parks.

Nearby is the Pope–Leighey House, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The house is on the grounds of the Woodlawn Plantation.

Fun Fact

Mount Vernon is named for a commanding officer in the British Royal Navy named Edward Vernon. It was George Washington’s older half-brother who named the plantation.

“Becky’s impressive background in real estate, renovations and finance was the triple threat we needed when it came time to sell our beloved New Alexandria home.”

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Rebecca McCullough, Realtor m. 571.384.0941 I MRP - Military Relocation Professional RMcCullough@McEnearney.com I RebeccaMcCullough.com 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.549.9292 Equal Housing Opportunity

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD! There’s so much to see and do at Mount Vernon, and it’s all in your own backyard.

Step back in time to experience the sights and sounds of George Washington’s lifetime, and tap into the great benefits you receive as a member.

RECEIVE A SPECIAL $20 DISCOUNT OFF YOUR MEMBERSHIP

But perhaps the most important membership benefit is knowing you are joining a special community of friends and neighbors who are doing something meaningful to preserve Mount Vernon for future generations and protect the legacy of our nation’s greatest Founding Father.

All members enjoy: • Free, unlimited daytime admission, 365 days a year • Express Member entry to the Mansion • Invitations to special programs and lectures throughout the year • Reduced pricing and presale access to popular events such as the Spring and Fall Wine Festivals and Mount Vernon by Candlelight • 10% discount at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, Food Court, and The Shops

Learn more about membership at mountvernon.org/join or present this ad at the ticket counter to claim your new member discount.

For questions, email: Kara Hershorin Membership Manager membership@mountvernon.org

• Free subscription to our popular Mount Vernon magazine

mountvernon.org

T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

About Alexandria City Public Schools

Today, Alexandria continues to be a pioneer in education. Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is embarking on a new era in high school education, creating a “connected network” of school buildings and programs to prepare students for the future.

The school system’s mission statement is ‘Every student succeeds: Educating lifelong learners and inspiring civic responsibility.’

• 2 K-8 schools • 2 middle schools • 1 high school • 2 alternative school programs • plus, early childhood education and adult education programs Alexandria City Public Schools is a diverse community of more than 15,700 students who hail from more than 114 countries and speak 119 total languages. Children are typically assigned to a neighborhood school based on their home address, and all schools are fully accredited.

The Superintendent, Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr., is a graduate of T.C. Williams High School here in Alexandria (class of 1995).

In addition, ACPS has:

The central office for ACPS is located at

• 12 elementary schools (including one for Math, Science and Technology and another on a year-round schedule)

1340 Braddock Pl. The school district’s main phone number is 703-619-8000.

Learn more at acps.k12.va.us.

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EDUCATION

Alexandria is a pioneer in education. One of the first experiments in public education in the nation started in Alexandria. The Alexandria Academy’s Washington Free School was founded in 1785 to educate orphans and children from low-income families.

EDUCATION

About Fairfax County Public Schools Fairfax County Public Schools serve students all across Fairfax County, and it is one of the largest school districts in the United States.

With more than 189,000 students, FCPS is the 10th largest school division in the nation. Students are diverse, speaking more than 200 languages.

Most students attend their neighborhood school, and all FCPS schools are accredited. More than 90 percent of graduating students plan to pursue further education.

FCPS has a long history: The first 41 schools opened in 1870, and were mostly 84

Resident’s Guide

one-room frame schoolhouses with one teacher for multiple grades. There are now 198 schools and educational centers in Fairfax County. The schools are divided into 9 districts, each with a school board representative. There are also three at-large school board members. The Superintendent of Schools is Scott S. Brabrand.

The school system’s mission is: Fairfax County Public Schools inspires and empowers students to meet high academic standards, lead healthy, ethical lives, and be responsible and innovative global citizens.

More information is available at fcps.edu.

The central office is located at 8115 Gatehouse Rd. in Falls Church, and the main phone number is 571-423-3000.

Learn more at fcps.edu.

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Alexandria Country Day School / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Choosing a Private School

There are dozens of private and parochial schools in the Alexandria area serving different grades and needs of students and their families.

Organizations like the Virginia Association for Independent Schools (VAIS) and the Private School Review say there are largely five questions that you can use to help evaluate nearby schools and help you narrow down the list of options: • What type of student is your child, and do they have specific practical or specialized needs?

• How does your child learn best?

• Is a religious school important to your family? Boarding or day school?

Single-sex or co-ed?

• How far are you willing (and able) to travel to get your child to school every day?

EDUCATION

Public Schools in the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County are good — but different students thrive in different environments.

• How much can you afford to pay in tuition and other costs?

“No two children are the same. Finding the right fit for your child means aligning the school’s mission and values with your own, as well as taking into account the temperament, interests, intellectual ambition and personality of your child as they relate to the school you’re considering,” the Virginia Association for Independent Schools recommends.

You can learn more about your options and find a list of private and parochial schools in the Alexandria area at alexandrialivingmagazine.com/news/ is-private-school-a-good-fit-for-your-child.

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Libraries

EDUCATION

Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library

The Alexandria area has some beautiful libraries that host a variety of interesting events in addition to housing thousands of books.

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library

Whether you’re looking for a new spinechilling mystery novel, a source for a research paper or just a quiet place to study or work, the library is the perfect place to be. Don’t forget to sign up for a library card! Once you have a library card, you can check out e-books. Learn more at alexlibraryva.org or fairfaxcounty.gov/ library.

6209 Rose Hill Dr., Alexandria 703-971-0010

LIBRARIES IN ALEXANDRIA:

James M. Duncan Branch Library 2501 Commonwealth Ave. 703-746-1705

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library 717 Queen St. 703-746-1703

Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library 5005 Duke St. 703-746-1702

4701 Seminary Rd. 703-746-1704

LIBRARIES IN SOUTHEASTERN FAIRFAX COUNTY:

John Marshall Library

Kingstowne Library

6500 Landsdowne Ctr., Alexandria 703-339-4610

Martha Washington Library

6614 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria 703-768-6700

Sherwood Regional Library

2501 Sherwood Hall Ln., Alexandria 703-765-3645

Fairfax County Public Library

7001 Little River Tnpk., Annandale 703-256-3800

Thomas Jefferson Library

7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church 703-573-1060

Richard Byrd Library

7250 Commerce St., Springfield 703-451-8055 88

Resident’s Guide

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Alexandria Gives Back Alexandria is a very generous community. Whether it’s through volunteering time, fundraising or building awareness, Alexandrians are hugely supportive of their community.

There’s no shortage of options for giving.

There are more than 150 nonprofit organizations throughout the Alexandria area that focus on a variety of causes and

needs from seniors to veterans, animals to parks, religious organizations and political causes.

In fact, some of Alexandria’s most fun events and biggest parades throughout the year are sponsored by nonprofits.

Plus, volunteering is a great way to make new friends! Get involved today!

Looking for ways to get involved in your community?

Join Volunteer Alexandria!

Volunteer Alexandria is your volunteer center and the community resource for volunteerism. We serve as a link between individual and group volunteers and nonprofit organizations in need of volunteer support. Our mission is to inspire and mobilize people to volunteer for a stronger Alexandria community.

Visit VolunteerAlexandria.org and search for an activity. There are several opportunities to make a difference. Ready to join? Sign up today! twitter.com/volalex

facebook.com/VolunteerAlexandriaVA

Welcome Home!

Moving to a new community can be overwhelming. One of the best ways to get to know our community is by getting involved and participating in the civic life of our city.

ACT for Alexandria is the home for philanthropy in Alexandria. We are your community foundation and we are here to help you connect to nonprofits, learn about important issues facing our community and discover ways you can achieve the biggest impact with your giving.

Address Community Needs

Amplify Your Giving

We raise awareness of community needs and mobilize action to support these needs.

We partner with donors to amplify the impact of their giving. Every dollar donated to ACT returns $4 to the community.

Partner with Local Nonprofits We provide local nonprofits the resources they need to address critical issues that affect Alexandrians by providing capacity building grants and hosting Spring2Action, Alexandria’s Giving Day.

Connect with Your Community We connect you with your neighborhood, local nonprofits, business leaders and other residents to help you feel engaged and part of your new community!

ACT is here to help connect with your new community!

Visit www.ACTforAlexandria.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

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Pet-Friendly Alexandria

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Alexandria is a very pet-centric area, nationally known for its dog-friendly happy hours, accommodations, offices and more. It’s common to see water bowls for dogs outside local businesses, so expect many of your new neighbors to eagerly introduce themselves to your furry friend.

The cost of registering your pet will vary based on its species and whether or not it is spayed or neutered. Multi-year licenses are also available, and will expire the month the pet’s rabies vaccination expires.

Registering Your Pet in Alexandria

City of Alexandria Animal Licensing ℅ PetData

PETS

The City of Alexandria requires licenses for all dogs and cats over the age of four months. Owners must license their pets within 30 days of acquiring the pet or moving the pet to the city.

You can register your pet online through alexandriaanimals.org/licensing-your-pet.

Or, you may send a check and required documentation (vaccination record, spay or neuter documentation if applicable and proof of the pet’s age for senior pet discounts) to:

PO Box 141929 Irving, TX 75014-1929 You can also register your pet in person at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter at 4101 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria Living Magazine

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Registering Your Pet in Fairfax County Fairfax County also requires registration for all dogs over the age of four months.

Similar to the City of Alexandria, pets should be licensed promptly after moving.

Renewal pet registrations can be done online at fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/ dog-license-information, where residents can also fill out change-of-address information. New registrations should be completed by mail or in person.

The cost in Fairfax County for a dog license is $10. For first-time pet owners or new residents, complete and print the dog license application (available at the website above) and mail a $10 check payable to the County of Fairfax.

Include a copy of the pet’s current rabies vaccination and mail the information and check to:

Department of Tax Administration 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Suite 223 Fairfax, VA 22035 Dog licenses can also be purchased in person with the documentation previously noted by visiting 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223 in Fairfax.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

There are no breed restrictions on dogs, but there are restrictions on what animals you can keep as pets in our area. Fairfax County just recently started to allow residents to keep hedgehogs as pets, but you must have at least one acre of land to have goats or chickens, for example. Swine are not allowed in the City of Alexandria, and there are strict requirements on other animals, such as chickens and sheep, including acreage requirements and noise ordinances.

It’s really best to check the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County animal codes before bringing home that baby goat or building a chicken coop.

PETS

Animal Shelters and Adoption If you’re looking to foster or adopt a new best friend, there are several wonderful shelters in the area. They all welcome volunteers as well!

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

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is an independent, non-profit organization that facilitates animal adoptions to

the entire D.C. metro area. They run the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, 4101 Eisenhower Ave. The AWLA cares for over 2,000 animals a year, including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles. Profiles of adoptable pets and other useful information can be found at alexandriaanimals.org.

Fairfax County Animal Shelter is Fairfax

family is often less expensive than dogs from breeders.

Dog Parks If your dog loves to run around and be social, you’re in luck. Many of Alexandria’s parks include areas where dogs can play.

One is guaranteed to be close by!

County’s only open-access, municipal animal shelter, located on 4500 West Ox Rd., in Fairfax. They care for 4,000 to 5,000 animals a year, including dogs, cats and small animals. Same-day adoptions are available. For more information, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter.

Westgrove Park

In addition, you may want to look at such organizations at King Street Cats, Lost Dog & Cat Foundation, Homeward Trails or other homeless pet rescue groups.

There are many, and giving a pet a new

Fort Ward Park

6801 Fort Hunt Rd.

Grist Mill Park PETS

4710 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy.

Eugene Simpson Stadium Park 426 East Monroe Ave.

4301 W. Braddock Rd.

Founders Park 351 N. Union St. Alexandria Living Magazine

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Hooffs Run Park and Greenway 18A E. Linden St.

Monticello Park 320 Beverly Dr.

Mount Jefferson Park and Greenway 300 Hume St.

Tarleton Park

4420 Vermont Ave.

Timberbranch Park

Timberbranch Pkwy.

Windmill Hill Park

PETS

501 S. Union St.

Carlyle Dog Park and Tennis Courts 450 Andrews Ln.

Wildlife As the Alexandria area becomes more densely populated, animal encounters are becoming much more common. If you have a raccoon in your attic or you 98

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discover a sick or injured wild animal, call the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at 703-746-4774 or call Fairfax County Animal Control at 703-691-2131.

In Fairfax County, in addition to Animal Control officers, the Wildlife Rescue League operates a wildlife assistance hotline that provides advice, resources and referrals to licensed wildlife rehabilitators. More information is available at wildliferescueleague.org.

Virginia law prevents animal welfare officers from interfering with animals outside who not ill, injured or presenting a threat to people. More information on the wildlife in our community is available at alexandriaanimals.org/living-with-wildlife or at fairfaxcounty.gov/wildlife.

A Dog’s Day Out Where is YOUR dog today?

Contact us today!

403-B Swann Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301 703-739-ADDO (2336) | 703-684-0125 (fax) infoalexandria@adogsdayout.com www.adogsdayout.com

Have a dog that’s a joy to live with!

Alexandria’s premier training and learning center for people and their dogs!

Wholistic Hound Academy

18 Roth Street, Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22314

703-962-6335 www.wholistichound.com

Private Lessons Classes & Workshops Agility & Dog Sports Positive Training Powerful Results

Above: Founder’s Park / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

RECREATION

Alexandria Parks & Recreation Centers Despite an increasing population, the Alexandria area is dedicated to maintaining green space, parks, trails and access to nature.

The City of Alexandria has more than 566 acres of City-owned park land, plus dozens of athletic fields, playgrounds, dog parks and 20 miles of trails. Plus, there are 100

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multiple community rec centers, pools, picnic spots and sports courts.

The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is where to go to reserve spaces for events and gatherings, plus sign up for recreational and educational classes, sports and much more. Visit alexandriava.gov/recreation or call 703-746-4343.

City of Alexandria Parks and Recreation RECREATION CENTERS:

Charles Barrett Recreation Center 1115 Martha Custis Dr. Alexandria, VA 22305 703-746-5551

Charles Houston Recreation Center 901 Wythe St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-746-5552

Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center 25 West Reed Ave. Alexandria, VA 22305 703-746-5554

Lee Center 1108 Jefferson St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-746-5405

Mount Vernon Recreation Center 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria, VA 22305 703-746-5556

Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center 1108 Jefferson St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-746-5535

Patrick Henry Recreation Center 4653 Taney Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304 703-746-5557

William Ramsay Recreation Center 5650 Sanger Ave. Alexandria, VA 22311 703-746-5558

Waterfront Park

POPULAR CITY OF ALEXANDRIA PARKS INCLUDE:

Jones Point Park (1 Jones Point Dr., Alexandria, VA 22314). Jones Point features trails, historic lighthouse, basketball court, community garden plots, canoe/kayak launch, picnic tables, restrooms, water fountains and playground.

Founder’s Park (351 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314). An unfenced dog park, views of the water, a sand volleyball pit and other features are here.

Waterfront Park (1 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314). Alexandria’s most popular and one of its newest parks, Waterfront Park includes an Interactive public art installation, picnic areas, a waterfront walkway and more.

Winkler Botanical Preserve (5400 Roanoke Ave., Alexandria VA 22311). With over 44 acres of plants and trees indigenous to the Potomac River Valley, the preserve has a hidden “hobbit house” build into a hillside and finding it is a fun activity for kids. No pets or bicycles allowed.

Ben Brenman Park (4800 Brenman Park

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Dr., Alexandria, VA 22304). Seasonal farmer’s market, ADA accessible picnic benches and pathways, amphitheater, athletic fields, fenced dog park, parking, picnic pavilion with grill, playground, pond, restrooms and trails.

Fairfax County Parks and Recreation Fairfax County has more than 23,000 acres of park land throughout the county, including 427 parks and 325 mile of trails.

There are also eight golf courses, several nature centers, lakefront parks, historic

Lee District Rec Center

properties and more.

POPULAR FAIRFAX COUNTY PARKS IN ALEXANDRIA INCLUDE:

The Fairfax County Park Authority is

Huntley Meadows (3701 Lockheed Blvd.,

reachable at 703-324-8702 (TTY 711) or visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.

FAIRFAX COUNTY RECREATION CENTERS IN ALEXANDRIA

George Washington RECenter 8426 Old Mount Vernon Rd. Alexandria, VA, 22309 703-780-8894 (TTY 711)

Lee District RECenter 6601 Telegraph Rd. Alexandria, VA, 22310 703-922-9841 (TTY 711)

Mount Vernon RECenter 2017 Belle View Blvd.

Alexandria, VA, 22307

RECREATION

703-768-3224 (TTY 711)

Huntley Meadows / PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

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Alexandria, VA 22306). Miles of trails, boardwalk, a nature center, event shelters, the Historic Huntley House (6918 Harrison Ln., Alexandria VA 22306) and much more are in this large park in Southeast Fairfax County. There’s another entrance at 6901 S. Kings Hwy.)

Fort Hunt Park (National Park Service, 8999 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria, VA 22308). This park includes trails, historic fortifications, restroom facilities, event shelters, a softball field and a playground.

Mount Vernon Trail (National Park Service). This 18-mile pedestrian/bicycle path that runs along the Potomac River from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington D.C. The trail is popular with bikers and runners.

Golf Courses

The Alexandria area is home to two gorgeous public golf courses in addition to some fun places to practice.

The two public courses in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County are:

Greendale (6700 Telegraph Rd.) is an 18hole regulation course spread out on 148 acres. The course features a challenging design, tight fairways and water hazards.

Learn more at fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ golf/greendale.

9-hole executive course that provides challenges for experienced golfers and is also a great place to learn. It is also the only FootGolf facility in Fairfax County.

In addition, the Kingstowne neighborhood is home to the first ever TopGolf, a facility that combines golf with target practice, a sports bar and entertainment venue. It also has a miniature golf course. Learn more at topgolf.com

Cameron Run Regional Park on Eisenhower Avenue, operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, also features a miniature golf course.

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Pinecrest (6600 Little River Tnpk.) is a

Mini golf course at Cameron Run Regional Park

RECREATION

Pools & Water Parks

The Alexandria area’s public outdoor pools open Memorial Day weekend every year and close shortly after Labor Day.

Memorial Pool at Charles Houston Rec Center. The Memorial Pool at Charles

Fees vary at different public pools.

For information about special events, holiday hours, prices, season passes and more, visit alexandriava.gov/aquatics or fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/recenter/ swimming-locations.

therapeutic benefits. 901 WYTHE ST.

Pools

playground. 1609 CAMERON ST.

Warwick Pool. The pool complex at 3301

Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool. This pool

Landover Street includes a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool with an accessible ramp entry.

Water depths now range from zero to five feet. There is also a bathhouse, lockers and other amenities. 3301 LANDOVER ST.,

in the Gum Springs neighborhood is

ALEXANDRIA

8115 FORDSON RD.

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Houston Recreation Center has a beachstyle entry and spray features great for young children and adults who wish to get

Old Town Pool. The eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool and diving well and accessible training pool (up to 3 feet) is at 1609 Cameron St. The site also includes a picnic area and tot

operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority and includes two slides and a wading pool for children. Admission is free.

Great Waves Waterpark

Spraygrounds For children who aren’t swimmers yet or just love running through the sprinkler, there are a few splash parks in our region.

Our Special Harbor Spray Park. The Lee District Rec Center features a fully accessible Chesapeake Bay-themed splash pad for children (and their parents).

Aquatic shoes or sandals with a back strap (no flip flops!) are required and can be purchased on site. 6601 TELEGRAPH RD.

Montgomery Park (Potomac Yard Park) Sprayground. The interactive water fountain, located between the two playgrounds, features thirty-six water jets.

2501 POTOMAC AVE.

Waterparks Great Waves Waterpark. This Northern

AVE.; NOVAPARKS.COM/WATERPARKS/ GREAT-WAVES-WATERPARK

In addition to the pools listed above, there are several neighborhood private pool clubs in Alexandria. Some of these have a waiting list, and most offer more than just a pool with BBQ areas, playgrounds, tennis courts and events. Some have a swim team and private or group instruction for children and adults, as well. Talk to your neighbors for inside information on where they go.

Local Tip The Northern Virginia Park Authority offers a summer waterparks pass that is valid at Great Waves and several other waterparks in Northern Virginia. It can save you money on admission fees throughout the summer.

Learn more at novaparks.com/waterparks/ memberships.

Alexandria Living Magazine

RECREATION

Virginia Regional Park Authority waterpark at Cameron Run includes several slides, a wave pool and other recreation opportunities (mini golf, batting cages, etc.). 4001 EISENHOWER

Private Pool Clubs

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Bowling Alleys

If bowling is right up your alley, grab your friends and family and check out these fun local lanes.

Bowl America Shirley offers bowling fun for everyone! Bring your kids, your friends or host a company or birthday party. The facility features snacks, drinks and an arcade. The alley is open until midnight every night except on Fridays and Saturdays when it is open until 1 a.m.

6450 EDSALL RD., ALEXANDRIA; 703-354-3300; BOWL-AMERICA.COM/LOCATIONS/SHIRLEY

RECREATION

JB Myer-Henderson Hall Bowling Center in Arlington eatures a 20-lane bowling alley perfect for parties or just a casual game. Stop by Saturday or Friday night for Glow Bowling! Hungry? The bowling center also offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s just over the Alexandria border in Arlington. 411 MCNAIR RD., FORT MYER; 703-528-4766; JBMHH.ARMYMWR.COM/ PROGRAMS/BOWLING-CENTER

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AMF Annandale Lanes/Bowlero is currently under renovation. It is scheduled to reopen on October 1, 2019 as Bowlero! They will be back and better than ever with backlight bowling, tasty snacks, cocktails and craft beer. 4245 MARKHAM ST., ANNANDALE; 800-342-5263; AMF.COM/LOCATION/ AMF-ANNANDALE-LANES

Indoor Play Spaces

If your little ones need to burn off some energy, take them to one of these fun indoor play spaces. These spaces are perfect for your most energetic youngster!

It’s time to play at Scramble! Kids can simply enjoy unlimited play in the space or participate in classes and summer camps.

Play is intended for children 2 & up with adult supervision. 5412 EISENHOWER AVE.,

feature dozens of trampolines, event space and more. 340 S. PICKETT ST., ALEXANDRIA; 801-917-1935; GETAIRALEXANDRIA.COM

In addition, several of the Alexandria area’s recreation centers have soft playrooms for younger children (usually 5 and younger) to play. See p. 100 for information about the region’s rec centers.

ALEXANDRIA; 571-858-5064; GOSCRAMBLE.COM

Pump It Up is the place to be! In addition

EISENHOWER AVE., ALEXANDRIA; 571-406-4748; PUMPITUPPARTY.COM/ALEXANDRIA-VA

Get Air Trampoline Park is opening in the West End in late 2019. The space will

RECREATION

to offering weekly events in their huge inflatable indoor playground, Pump It Up also provides space for birthday parties and group events. 2000

In late 2019, Alexandria’s West End welcomed a new laser tag, arcade and sports bar called Doyle’s Outpost. Check online for more information about this new venue.

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Local Movie Theaters

Grab some popcorn and enjoy the latest blockbuster or indie film at one of Alexandria’s many movie theaters.

Regal Kingstowne & RPX (5910 Kingstowne

AMC Hoffman (206 Swamp Fox Rd.,

844-462-7342; REGMOVIES.COM/THEATRES/ REGAL-KINGSTOWNE-RPX

Alexandria) features the latest movie releases and select movies are available in IMAX and 3D. Enjoy snacks at the concession stand or dinner and a movie at one of the theater’s neighboring restaurants. 703-236-1083; AMCTHEATRES.COM/MOVIE-THEATRES/ WASHINGTON-D-C/AMC-HOFFMAN-CENTER-22

RECREATION

Regal Potomac Yard (3575 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria) located at Potomac Yards Shopping Center, offers new release films, plush seating and a concession stand. Showings available in IMAX and 3D. This theater is scheduled to close to make way for development related to Amazon and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in early 2020. Plans call for a new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to open in nearby Crystal City in 2020.

844-462-7342; REGMOVIES.COM/THEATRES/ REGAL-POTOMAC-YARD

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Center, Alexandria) plays all the latest movies as well as IMAX and 3D options.

The theater also offers RPX, which brings higher sound and picture quality.

A concession stand is also available.

AMC Shirlington 7 (2772 S Randolph St., Arlington) shows both blockbuster and indie films. Just over the Alexandria border in Arlington’s Shirlington neighborhood, it is located among several Shirlington eateries. Moviegoers can also savor bites from the concession as they sit back and relax on plush recliner seating. This theater also features 3D showings.

703-671-0978; AMCTHEATRES.COM/ MOVIE-THEATRES/WASHINGTON-D-C/ AMC-SHIRLINGTON-7

Go Local!

Be sure to catch films from local filmmakers through the Alexandria Film Festival, too. Learn more about the local film community and this award-winning festival at alexfilmfest.com.

Just five miles South of the White House is a 1926 bungalow which is home to Truly-Life. This small business crafts handmade skin care products using herbs and loofahs grown in the garden. Discover the best eco-friendly and sustainable gifts in Northern Virginia.

truly-life.com

$55M

Data obtained from Bright™ MLS for all residential sales settled in Alexandria City for January 1-September 30, 2019.

Sales data is deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

Alexandria, Old Town Office | 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 tel. +1 703 549 9292 | www.McEnearney.com | #WeAreAlexandria

209 S Lee Street offered at $4,300,000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Coldwell Banker (Old Town)

$77M

RE/MAX (Alexandria)

$77M

Weichert (Old Town)

$87M

Keller Williams (Old Town)

$93M

TTR Sotheby’s (Old Town)

$120M

Compass (Old Town)

$133M

Long & Foster (Old Town)

$327M

McEnearney Associates (Old Town)

Helping Alexandria residents buy and sell homes for 40 years.