You is perhaps contemplating a home in Arlington, VA, or an condo in Alexandria, VA, as these two cities provide distinctive advantages, from walkable neighborhoods to easy accessibility to Washington, D.C. Arlington gives a dynamic city surroundings with fashionable high-rises and suburban townhouses, whereas Alexandria captivates with its historic attraction and Outdated City cobblestone streets.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 an enormous choice.
From actual property costs and job alternatives to life-style and cultural experiences, there’s quite a bit to consider. On this Redfin article, we’ll break down the important thing variations that can assist you determine which metropolis is the most effective match on 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 attraction, let’s discover the variations in housing prices, area, and residing 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. Superb for these searching for a extra city life-style, Arlington gives neighborhoods like Rosslyn and Crystal Metropolis with luxurious flats near D.C. Facilities equivalent to metro entry and proximity to main employers make Arlington a major spot for professionals. Whereas housing in Arlington is extra modern, it comes with a price ticket reflective of its comfort and demand.
Housing in Alexandria
Alexandria gives a mix of historic attraction and suburban attraction, that includes brick townhomes, indifferent single-family houses, and luxurious condos. Outdated City Alexandria is a standout, identified for its cobblestone streets, colonial-era houses, and waterfront views.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 residing.
Value of residing in Arlington vs Alexandria
The value of residing in Alexandria, VA, is roughly 7% decrease than in Arlington, VA. Housing, transportation, and life-style bills all play a task in shaping the monetary realities of residing 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 types and power 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 may see barely increased grocery costs in particular areas.
3. Transportation
Transportation prices are roughly 4% increased 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 services, however Alexandria’s barely decrease demand and smaller inhabitants could scale back general prices.
5. Way of life
Way of life bills are nearly the identical in Arlington and Alexandria. Each cities provide numerous eating, buying, and leisure choices, with Arlington leaning towards a extra city nightlife scene and Alexandria specializing in its historic attraction 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 increased density, significantly in areas like Rosslyn and Ballston, contributes to its fashionable and energetic environment, whereas Alexandria’s decrease density and Outdated City attraction 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 an identical climate patterns, characterised by all 4 seasons with scorching, humid summers and funky, delicate winters. Positioned close to the Potomac River, each cities expertise occasional flooding throughout heavy rains, significantly in low-lying areas. Summers can convey excessive humidity and occasional extreme thunderstorms, whereas winters are usually milder in comparison with northern states, with occasional snowfall. Regardless of their proximity, climate patterns are nearly similar, 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 as a result of its proximity to Washington, D.C., with a concentrate on authorities, tech, and contracting industries. Town has an employment price of roughly 74%, reflecting its high-income alternatives. Federal companies just like the Pentagon, personal contractors equivalent to Lockheed Martin, and tech corporations like Amazon HQ2 drive Arlington’s financial development. With a median family revenue of $140,000, Arlington attracts professionals searching for profitable and secure careers throughout numerous 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. 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 schooling. With a median family revenue of $110,000, Alexandria gives 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 intensive community of motorcycle trails. Neighborhoods like Rosslyn and Ballston are significantly transit-friendly, providing simple connections to downtown D.C. Biking is a well-liked possibility, because of the county’s bike-friendly infrastructure and entry to regional trails just like the Mount Vernon Path. Driving can also be manageable in Arlington, although site visitors can develop into 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. Town’s compact structure makes it supreme for strolling and biking, with scenic routes alongside the Potomac River. Public transit is extensively used, and driving is possible, though parking in historic areas like Outdated City might be restricted. Alexandria gives 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 gives 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 situated inside Arlington, offering a serious hub for home and restricted worldwide flights. Town can also be served by the Washington Metro system and a number of bus routes, making it simple to journey regionally or connect with D.C. for broader choices.
- Alexandria: Alexandria gives 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 gives a stability of city comfort and outside leisure. Mornings may begin with a jog on the Mount Vernon Path or grabbing espresso at a Clarendon cafe. Workdays are sometimes commuted by way of the Metro, with evenings spent exploring native eateries in Pentagon Metropolis or catching stay music at a neighborhood venue. On weekends, residents take pleasure in Arlington’s parks, cultural websites, and buying locations like Ballston Quarter.
High issues to do in Arlington:
Google Avenue View of the Arlington Nationwide Cemetery
Parks and outside actions in Arlington:
Google Avenue View of Gravelly Level Park
Arlington vacationer points of interest:
- Arlington Nationwide Cemetery
- Pentagon Memorial
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
- The DEA Museum and Guests Middle
- The Netherlands Carillon
A day within the lifetime of an Alexandria resident
Alexandria gives an enthralling life-style 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 may embrace waterfront picnics, exploring historic websites, or having fun with cultural occasions at native theaters. Evenings typically finish with eating at a waterfront restaurant or having fun with Alexandria’s vibrant arts scene.
High issues to do in Alexandria:
Google Avenue View of the Torpedo Manufacturing facility Artwork Middle
Parks and outside actions in Alexandria:
Google Avenue 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: Trendy eating and vibrant arts
Arlington boasts a dynamic meals scene with a mix of latest and international cuisines. Stylish neighborhoods like Clarendon and Ballston are residence to rooftop bars, upscale eating places, and numerous eateries providing all the things from sushi to Ethiopian dishes. Arlington’s vibrant arts tradition is mirrored in occasions just like the Rosslyn Jazz Pageant and the Columbia Pike Blues Pageant, which convey the neighborhood collectively for music, meals, and leisure. The Arlington Arts Middle and native theaters add to the town’s cultural attraction, showcasing fashionable artwork displays and performances year-round.
Alexandria: Historic attraction and waterfront flavors
Alexandria gives a extra historic and intimate eating expertise, significantly in Outdated City, the place cobblestone streets are lined with cafes, pubs, and fantastic eating institutions. Town is understood for its waterfront eating places, that includes recent seafood and regionally 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 Middle 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 concentrate on regional groups
Arlington’s sports activities scene is carefully 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. Town’s parks and trails additionally cater to leisure sports activities lovers, providing areas for working, 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 take pleasure in 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, equivalent to regattas and native basketball tournaments. 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 surroundings.
