You is likely to be contemplating a home in Arlington, VA, or an residence in Alexandria, VA, as these two cities provide distinctive advantages, from walkable neighborhoods to quick access to Washington, D.C. Arlington offers a dynamic city atmosphere with fashionable high-rises and suburban townhouses, whereas Alexandria captivates with its historic appeal and Outdated City cobblestone streets. Whether or not you’re drawn to Arlington’s bustling vibe or Alexandria’s timeless magnificence, choosing the proper place to stay is a giant choice.
From actual property costs and job alternatives to way of life and cultural experiences, there’s loads to consider. On this Redfin article, we’ll break down the important thing variations that will help you determine which metropolis is the perfect match in your subsequent transfer.
Housing in Arlington vs Alexandria
Arlington and Alexandria, each nestled close to Washington, D.C., provide distinct housing markets with distinctive options catering to a wide range of preferences. From Arlington’s city high-rises to Alexandria’s historic appeal, let’s discover the variations in housing prices, house, and dwelling choices in these neighboring cities.
Housing in Arlington
Arlington boasts a vibrant actual property market with a mixture of fashionable flats, high-rise condos, and suburban townhouses. Ultimate for these in search of a extra city way of life, Arlington presents neighborhoods like Rosslyn and Crystal Metropolis with luxurious flats near D.C. Facilities reminiscent of metro entry and proximity to main employers make Arlington a chief spot for professionals. Whereas housing in Arlington is extra up to date, it comes with a price ticket reflective of its comfort and demand.
Housing in Alexandria
Alexandria presents a mix of historic appeal and suburban enchantment, that includes brick townhomes, indifferent single-family houses, and luxurious condos. Outdated City Alexandria is a standout, recognized for its cobblestone streets, colonial-era houses, and waterfront views. For these in search of a quieter, residential really feel with entry to distinctive buying and eating, Alexandria’s neighborhoods ship a mixture of timeless structure and fashionable dwelling.
Value of dwelling in Arlington vs Alexandria
The price of dwelling in Alexandria, VA, is roughly 7% decrease than in Arlington, VA. Housing, transportation, and way of life bills all play a job in shaping the monetary realities of dwelling in every location. Let’s break down the important thing value variations.
1. Utilities
Utilities in Arlington and Alexandria are comparable, with little distinction in general prices. Each cities provide fashionable infrastructure and energy-efficient housing choices, however the variations in housing kinds and vitality utilization patterns even out.
2. Groceries
Grocery prices in Alexandria are about 1% decrease than in Arlington. Alexandria’s proximity to native markets and barely much less urbanized infrastructure contributes to this marginal distinction. In the meantime, Arlington’s denser neighborhoods would possibly see barely greater grocery costs in particular areas.
3. Transportation
Transportation prices are roughly 4% greater in Alexandria than in Arlington. Whereas each cities rely closely on public transit just like the Washington Metro, Alexandria’s barely longer distance from D.C. will increase commuting bills for residents.
4. Healthcare
Healthcare bills in Alexandria are about 1% decrease than in Arlington. Each cities share entry to the identical healthcare networks and amenities, however Alexandria’s barely decrease demand and smaller inhabitants might cut back general prices.
5. Way of life
Way of life bills are just about the identical in Arlington and Alexandria. Each cities provide various eating, buying, and leisure choices, with Arlington leaning towards a extra city nightlife scene and Alexandria specializing in its historic appeal and waterfront actions.
Arlington vs Alexandria in dimension and inhabitants: Shut neighbors with distinct characters
Arlington and Alexandria could also be geographically shut, however they differ in dimension and inhabitants dynamics. Arlington spans about 26 sq. miles and has a inhabitants of roughly 240,000, characterised by a dense mixture of city and suburban areas. Alexandria, barely smaller at 15 sq. miles, is residence to round 160,000 residents, providing a extra compact and historic vibe. Arlington’s greater density, significantly in areas like Rosslyn and Ballston, contributes to its fashionable and energetic ambiance, whereas Alexandria’s decrease density and Outdated City appeal present a quieter, extra intimate really feel.
Climate and local weather in Arlington vs Alexandria
Arlington’s local weather and Alexandria’s local weather share the same climate patterns, characterised by all 4 seasons with scorching, humid summers and funky, gentle winters. Situated close to the Potomac River, each cities expertise occasional flooding throughout heavy rains, significantly in low-lying areas. Summers can carry excessive humidity and occasional extreme thunderstorms, whereas winters are typically milder in comparison with northern states, with occasional snowfall. Regardless of their proximity, climate patterns are just about an identical, making local weather a impartial issue when selecting between the 2.
The job market in Arlington vs Alexandria
Arlington: A hub for presidency and tech
Arlington’s job market thrives on account of its proximity to Washington, D.C., with a give attention to authorities, tech, and contracting industries. The town has an employment price of roughly 74%, reflecting its high-income alternatives. Federal companies just like the Pentagon, personal contractors reminiscent of Lockheed Martin, and tech firms like Amazon HQ2 drive Arlington’s financial development. With a median family earnings of $140,000, Arlington attracts professionals in search of profitable and steady careers throughout various sectors.
Alexandria: Authorities and tourism-driven financial system
Alexandria’s job market is equally formed by its proximity to D.C., with authorities roles and tourism main the way in which. The town has an employment price of 72%, providing aggressive alternatives. Main employers embrace the Division of Protection and INOVA Well being System, alongside roles in retail, hospitality, and training. With a median family earnings of $110,000, Alexandria offers regular job prospects in each private and non-private sectors.
Transportation in Arlington vs Alexandria
Arlington: Transit-friendly and bikeable
Arlington’s transportation system is extremely environment friendly, with entry to the Washington Metro, quite a few bus routes, and an in depth community of motorcycle trails. Neighborhoods like Rosslyn and Ballston are significantly transit-friendly, providing straightforward connections to downtown D.C. Biking is a well-liked choice, due to the county’s bike-friendly infrastructure and entry to regional trails just like the Mount Vernon Path. Driving can be manageable in Arlington, although site visitors can turn out to be congested throughout peak hours.
Alexandria: Walkable with sturdy transit choices
Alexandria’s transportation system is equally strong, supported by Metro stations, DASH buses, and walkable neighborhoods, particularly in Outdated City. The town’s compact format makes it best for strolling and biking, with scenic routes alongside the Potomac River. Public transit is broadly used, and driving is possible, though parking in historic areas like Outdated City may be restricted. Alexandria offers a balanced mixture of walkability, transit entry, and bike-friendly choices.
Journey out and in of Arlington vs Alexandria
Each cities are well-connected to Washington, D.C., providing handy journey choices for native, home, and worldwide journeys. Arlington offers faster entry to D.C.’s main airport, whereas Alexandria advantages from its proximity to Amtrak and regional transportation hubs.
Arlington: Ronald Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport is positioned inside Arlington, offering a significant hub for home and restricted worldwide flights. The town can be served by the Washington Metro system and a number of bus routes, making it straightforward to journey domestically or hook up with D.C. for broader choices.
Alexandria: Alexandria presents handy entry to Ronald Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport in addition to Amtrak’s Alexandria Station, which connects to main cities alongside the East Coast. DASH buses and the Metro present native and regional journey choices, whereas scenic boat excursions alongside the Potomac River provide distinctive transit and leisure alternatives.
Way of life and issues to do in Arlington and Alexandria
A day within the lifetime of an Arlington resident
Life in Arlington presents a steadiness of city comfort and outside leisure. Mornings would possibly begin with a jog on the Mount Vernon Path or grabbing espresso at a Clarendon cafe. Workdays are sometimes commuted through the Metro, with evenings spent exploring native eateries in Pentagon Metropolis or catching stay music at a neighborhood venue. On weekends, residents get pleasure from Arlington’s parks, cultural websites, and buying locations like Ballston Quarter.
High issues to do in Arlington:
Google Road View of the Arlington Nationwide Cemetery
Parks and outside actions in Arlington:
Google Road View of Gravelly Level Park
Arlington vacationer points of interest:
Arlington Nationwide Cemetery
Pentagon Memorial
Theodore Roosevelt Island
The DEA Museum and Guests Heart
The Netherlands Carillon
A day within the lifetime of an Alexandria resident
Alexandria presents a captivating way of life wealthy in historical past and waterfront views. Begin the day with breakfast at a comfortable Outdated City cafe, adopted by a stroll alongside cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and colonial-era structure. Weekends would possibly embrace waterfront picnics, exploring historic websites, or having fun with cultural occasions at native theaters. Evenings usually finish with eating at a waterfront restaurant or having fun with Alexandria’s vibrant arts scene.
High issues to do in Alexandria:
Google Road View of the Torpedo Manufacturing facility Artwork Heart
Parks and outside actions in Alexandria:
Google Road View of the Inexperienced Spring Gardens
Alexandria vacationer points of interest:
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Carlyle Home Historic Park
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Outdated City Alexandria Waterfront
Meals and tradition in Arlington vs Alexandria
Arlington: Fashionable eating and vibrant arts
Arlington boasts a dynamic meals scene with a mix of latest and world cuisines. Stylish neighborhoods like Clarendon and Ballston are residence to rooftop bars, upscale eating places, and various eateries providing all the things from sushi to Ethiopian dishes. Arlington’s vibrant arts tradition is mirrored in occasions just like the Rosslyn Jazz Competition and the Columbia Pike Blues Competition, which carry the neighborhood collectively for music, meals, and leisure. The Arlington Arts Heart and native theaters add to the town’s cultural enchantment, showcasing fashionable artwork displays and performances year-round.
Alexandria: Historic appeal and waterfront flavors
Alexandria presents a extra historic and intimate eating expertise, significantly in Outdated City, the place cobblestone streets are lined with cafes, pubs, and positive eating institutions. The town is thought for its waterfront eating places, that includes contemporary seafood and domestically sourced dishes. Alexandria’s cultural scene is deeply tied to its historical past, with occasions just like the Scottish Christmas Stroll Parade and historic reenactments at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. The Torpedo Manufacturing facility Artwork Heart is a cornerstone of Alexandria’s arts neighborhood, mixing creativity and historical past in a singular waterfront setting.
Sports activities scene in Arlington vs Alexandria
Arlington: A give attention to regional groups
Arlington’s sports activities scene is intently tied to the Washington, D.C., space, with followers passionately supporting groups just like the Washington Commanders (NFL), Capitals (NHL), and Nationals (MLB). Arlington itself is residence to a number of fitness-focused actions, with native sports activities leagues and occasions just like the Marine Corps Marathon drawing each members and spectators. The town’s parks and trails additionally cater to leisure sports activities fanatics, providing areas for operating, biking, and neighborhood sports activities occasions.
Alexandria: Group-focused sports activities tradition
Alexandria’s sports activities tradition facilities on neighborhood engagement and leisure actions. Residents get pleasure from taking part in native leagues, from soccer to rowing on the Potomac River. Whereas skilled sports activities groups are based mostly in close by Washington, D.C., Alexandria hosts its personal sporting occasions, reminiscent of regattas and native basketball tournaments. The town’s waterfront location additionally makes it a hub for water-based sports activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, providing a extra intimate and energetic sports activities atmosphere.