Arlington vs Alexandria: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More

You mightiness beryllium considering a house successful Arlington, VA, oregon an apartment successful Alexandria, VA, arsenic these 2 cities connection unsocial benefits, from walkable neighborhoods to casual entree to Washington, D.C. Arlington provides a dynamic municipality situation with modern high-rises and suburban townhouses, portion Alexandria captivates with its historical charm and Old Town cobblestone streets. Whether you’re drawn to Arlington’s bustling vibe oregon Alexandria’s timeless elegance, choosing the close spot to unrecorded is simply a large decision.

From existent property prices and occupation opportunities to manner and taste experiences, there’s a batch to deliberation about. In this Redfin article, we’ll interruption down the cardinal differences to assistance you determine which metropolis is the champion acceptable for your adjacent move.

Housing successful Arlington vs Alexandria

Arlington and Alexandria, some nestled adjacent Washington, D.C., connection chiseled lodging markets with unsocial features catering to a assortment of preferences. From Arlington’s municipality high-rises to Alexandria’s historical charm, let’s research the differences successful lodging costs, space, and surviving options successful these neighboring cities.

Housing successful Arlington

Arlington boasts a vibrant existent property marketplace with a premix of modern apartments, high-rise condos, and suburban townhouses. Ideal for those seeking a much municipality lifestyle, Arlington offers neighborhoods similar Rosslyn and Crystal City with luxury apartments adjacent to D.C. Amenities specified arsenic metro entree and proximity to large employers marque Arlington a premier spot for professionals. While lodging successful Arlington is much contemporary, it comes with a terms tag reflective of its convenience and demand.

• Median location cost: The median merchantability terms for a location successful Arlington is astir $702,325, with high-demand areas commanding premium prices.
• Average rental cost: Renting an apartment successful Arlington averages about $2,665 per month, with upscale neighborhoods similar Ballston and Clarendon astatine the higher extremity of the spectrum.

Housing successful Alexandria

Alexandria offers a blend of historical charm and suburban appeal, featuring ceramic townhomes, detached single-family homes, and luxury condos. Old Town Alexandria is a standout, known for its cobblestone streets, colonial-era homes, and waterfront views. For those looking for a quieter, residential consciousness with entree to unsocial buying and dining, Alexandria’s neighborhoods deliver a premix of timeless architecture and modern living.

• Median location cost: The median location merchantability terms successful Alexandria is astir $620,000, with historical neighborhoods similar Old Town connected the higher end.
• Average rental cost: The average rent for an flat successful Alexandria is astir $2,227 per month, with prices varying based connected determination and amenities.

Cost of surviving successful Arlington vs Alexandria

The outgo of surviving successful Alexandria, VA, is astir 7% little than successful Arlington, VA. Housing, transportation, and manner expenses each play a relation successful shaping the fiscal realities of surviving successful each location. Let’s interruption down the cardinal outgo differences.

1. Utilities

Utilities successful Arlington and Alexandria are comparable, with small quality successful wide costs. Both cities connection modern infrastructure and energy-efficient lodging options, but the variations successful lodging styles and vigor usage patterns adjacent out.

2. Groceries

Grocery costs successful Alexandria are astir 1% little than successful Arlington. Alexandria’s proximity to section markets and somewhat little urbanized infrastructure contributes to this marginal difference. Meanwhile, Arlington’s denser neighborhoods mightiness spot somewhat higher market prices successful circumstantial areas.

3. Transportation

Transportation costs are astir 4% higher successful Alexandria than successful Arlington. While some cities trust heavy connected nationalist transit similar the Washington Metro, Alexandria’s somewhat longer region from D.C. increases commuting expenses for residents.

4. Healthcare

Healthcare expenses successful Alexandria are astir 1% little than successful Arlington. Both cities stock entree to the aforesaid healthcare networks and facilities, but Alexandria’s somewhat little request and smaller colonisation whitethorn trim wide costs.

5. Lifestyle

Lifestyle expenses are virtually the aforesaid successful Arlington and Alexandria. Both cities connection divers dining, shopping, and amusement options, with Arlington leaning toward a much municipality nightlife country and Alexandria focusing connected its historical charm and waterfront activities.

Arlington vs Alexandria successful size and population: Close neighbors with chiseled characters

Arlington and Alexandria whitethorn beryllium geographically close, but they disagree successful size and colonisation dynamics. Arlington spans astir 26 quadrate miles and has a colonisation of astir 240,000, characterized by a dense premix of municipality and suburban areas. Alexandria, somewhat smaller astatine 15 quadrate miles, is location to astir 160,000 residents, offering a much compact and historical vibe. Arlington’s higher density, peculiarly successful areas similar Rosslyn and Ballston, contributes to its modern and energetic atmosphere, portion Alexandria’s little density and Old Town charm supply a quieter, much intimate feel.

Weather and clime successful Arlington vs Alexandria

Arlington’s climate and Alexandria’s climate stock a akin upwind patterns, characterized by each 4 seasons with hot, humid summers and cool, mild winters. Located adjacent the Potomac River, some cities acquisition occasional flooding during dense rains, peculiarly successful low-lying areas. Summers tin bring precocious humidity and occasional terrible thunderstorms, portion winters are mostly milder compared to bluish states, with occasional snowfall. Despite their proximity, upwind patterns are virtually identical, making clime a neutral origin erstwhile choosing betwixt the two.

The occupation marketplace successful Arlington vs Alexandria

Arlington: A hub for authorities and tech

Arlington’s occupation marketplace thrives owed to its proximity to Washington, D.C., with a absorption connected government, tech, and contracting industries. The metropolis has an employment complaint of astir 74%, reflecting its high-income opportunities. Federal agencies similar the Pentagon, backstage contractors specified arsenic Lockheed Martin, and tech companies similar Amazon HQ2 thrust Arlington’s economical growth. With a median household income of $140,000, Arlington attracts professionals seeking lucrative and unchangeable careers crossed divers sectors.

Alexandria: Government and tourism-driven economy

Alexandria’s occupation marketplace is likewise shaped by its proximity to D.C., with authorities roles and tourism starring the way. The metropolis has an employment complaint of 72%, offering competitory opportunities. Major employers see the Department of Defense and INOVA Health System, alongside roles successful retail, hospitality, and education. With a median household income of $110,000, Alexandria provides dependable occupation prospects successful some nationalist and backstage sectors.

Transportation successful Arlington vs Alexandria

Arlington: Transit-friendly and bikeable

Arlington’s proscription strategy is highly efficient, with entree to the Washington Metro, galore autobus routes, and an extended web of motorcycle trails. Neighborhoods similar Rosslyn and Ballston are peculiarly transit-friendly, offering casual connections to downtown D.C. Biking is simply a fashionable option, acknowledgment to the county’s bike-friendly infrastructure and entree to determination trails similar the Mount Vernon Trail. Driving is besides manageable successful Arlington, though postulation tin go congested during highest hours.

• Walk Score: 71
• Bike Score: 59
• Transit Score: 72

Alexandria: Walkable with beardown transit options

Alexandria’s proscription strategy is arsenic robust, supported by Metro stations, DASH buses, and walkable neighborhoods, particularly successful Old Town. The city’s compact layout makes it perfect for walking and biking, with scenic routes on the Potomac River. Public transit is wide used, and driving is feasible, though parking successful historical areas similar Old Town tin beryllium limited. Alexandria provides a balanced premix of walkability, transit access, and bike-friendly options.

• Walk Score: 62
• Bike Score: 62
• Transit Score: 55

Travel successful and retired of Arlington vs Alexandria

Both cities are well-connected to Washington, D.C., offering convenient question options for local, domestic, and planetary trips. Arlington provides quicker entree to D.C.’s large airport, portion Alexandria benefits from its proximity to Amtrak and determination proscription hubs.

• Arlington: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located wrong Arlington, providing a large hub for home and constricted planetary flights. The metropolis is besides served by the Washington Metro strategy and aggregate autobus routes, making it casual to question locally oregon link to D.C. for broader options.
• Alexandria: Alexandria offers convenient entree to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport arsenic good arsenic Amtrak’s Alexandria Station, which connects to large cities on the East Coast. DASH buses and the Metro supply section and determination question options, portion scenic vessel tours on the Potomac River connection unsocial transit and leisure opportunities.

Lifestyle and things to bash successful Arlington and Alexandria

A time successful the beingness of an Arlington resident

Life successful Arlington offers a equilibrium of municipality convenience and outdoor relaxation. Mornings mightiness commencement with a jog connected the Mount Vernon Trail oregon grabbing java astatine a Clarendon cafe. Workdays are often commuted via the Metro, with evenings spent exploring section eateries successful Pentagon City oregon catching unrecorded euphony astatine a vicinity venue. On weekends, residents bask Arlington’s parks, taste sites, and buying destinations similar Ballston Quarter.

Top things to bash successful Arlington:

• Visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Explore the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial)
• Bike the Mount Vernon Trail
• Check retired section creation astatine the Arlington Arts Center
• Enjoy eating and nightlife successful Clarendon

Google Street View of the Arlington National Cemetery 

Parks and outdoor activities successful Arlington:

• Walk oregon motorcycle on the W&OD Trail
• Relax at Gravelly Point Park with scenic views of planes landing
• Stroll done Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
• Hike oregon play sports astatine Bluemont Park
• Participate successful outdoor fittingness classes astatine Gateway Park

Google Street View of Gravelly Point Park

Arlington tourer attractions:

• Arlington National Cemetery
• Pentagon Memorial
• Theodore Roosevelt Island
• The DEA Museum and Visitors Center
• The Netherlands Carillon

A time successful the beingness of an Alexandria resident

Alexandria offers a charming manner affluent successful past and waterfront views. Start the time with meal astatine a cozy Old Town cafe, followed by a stroll on cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and colonial-era architecture. Weekends mightiness see waterfront picnics, exploring historical sites, oregon enjoying taste events astatine section theaters. Evenings often extremity with eating astatine a waterfront edifice oregon enjoying Alexandria’s vibrant arts scene.

Top things to bash successful Alexandria:

• Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate
• Explore the Torpedo Factory Art Center
• Take a guided shade circuit successful Old Town
• Attend seasonal festivals similar the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
• Enjoy waterfront eating and boutique shopping

Google Street View of the Torpedo Factory Art Center

Parks and outdoor activities successful Alexandria:

• Walk oregon motorcycle on the Mount Vernon Trail
• Relax astatine Founders Park by the Potomac River
• Picnic successful Jones Point Park
• Kayak oregon paddleboard connected the Potomac River
• Explore Green Spring Gardens

Google Street View of the Green Spring Gardens

Alexandria tourer attractions:

• George Washington’s Mount Vernon
• Carlyle House Historic Park
• Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
• Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
• Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

Food and civilization successful Arlington vs Alexandria

Arlington: Modern eating and vibrant arts

Arlington boasts a dynamic nutrient country with a blend of modern and planetary cuisines. Trendy neighborhoods similar Clarendon and Ballston are location to rooftop bars, upscale restaurants, and divers eateries offering everything from sushi to Ethiopian dishes. Arlington’s vibrant arts civilization is reflected successful events similar the Rosslyn Jazz Festival and the Columbia Pike Blues Festival, which bring the assemblage unneurotic for music, food, and entertainment. The Arlington Arts Center and section theaters adhd to the city’s taste appeal, showcasing modern creation exhibits and performances year-round.

Alexandria: Historic charm and waterfront flavors

Alexandria offers a much historical and intimate eating experience, peculiarly successful Old Town, wherever cobblestone streets are lined with cafes, pubs, and good eating establishments. The metropolis is known for its waterfront restaurants, featuring caller seafood and locally sourced dishes. Alexandria’s taste country is profoundly tied to its history, with events similar the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and historical reenactments at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is simply a cornerstone of Alexandria’s arts community, blending creativity and past successful a unsocial waterfront setting.

Sports country successful Arlington vs Alexandria

Arlington: A absorption connected determination teams

Arlington’s sports country is intimately tied to the Washington, D.C., area, with fans passionately supporting teams similar the Washington Commanders (NFL), Capitals (NHL), and Nationals (MLB). Arlington itself is location to respective fitness-focused activities, with section sports leagues and events similar the Marine Corps Marathon drafting some participants and spectators. The city’s parks and trails besides cater to recreational sports enthusiasts, offering spaces for running, biking, and assemblage sports events.

Alexandria: Community-focused sports culture

Alexandria’s sports civilization centers connected assemblage engagement and recreational activities. Residents bask participating successful section leagues, from shot to rowing connected the Potomac River. While nonrecreational sports teams are based successful adjacent Washington, D.C., Alexandria hosts its ain sporting events, specified arsenic regattas and section hoops tournaments. The city’s waterfront determination besides makes it a hub for water-based sports similar kayaking and paddleboarding, offering a much intimate and progressive sports environment.

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