Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Alexandria, VA
Considering a move to Alexandria, VA? Home to 159,467 residents, Alexandria offers a vibrant, walkable community with a high median home price of $660,000 and average 2-bedroom rents around $1,950. The city boasts a strong job market, excellent education (64.1% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher), and easy D.C. access with 24.5% public transit use. Residents enjoy relatively low violent crime (158 per 100K), a mild climate with 58% sunny days, and a 33.7-minute average commute. Explore historic charm, urban amenities, and outstanding schools in this thriving Northern Virginia city.
Demographics - Alexandria, VA
Demographics - Alexandria, VA
Alexandria is home to approximately 159,467 people, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere with a high population density. The city is notably diverse, with 27.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and a balanced mix of White, Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups. With a median age of 37.6, Alexandria attracts a wide range of residents, from young professionals to families.
Population:
159,467
Density:
10,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.6
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
27.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.4%
Black:
21.8%
Asian:
6.7%
Others:
11.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Alexandria, VA?
Alexandria has a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $660,000 and average rents near $1,900 per month. The cost of everyday expenses, such as groceries and transportation, is above national norms, reflecting the city's desirable location and urban amenities. State income tax rates range from 2% to 5.75%, impacting overall affordability for new residents.
Median House Value:
$660,000
Gross Rent:
$1,900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$830
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
149.2
Grocery:
114.8
Housing:
202.5
Utilities:
103.7
Transportation:
118.1
Health Care:
104.5
Miscellaneous:
110.9
Crime
Is Alexandria, VA a safe place to live?
Alexandria enjoys a relatively low crime rate for an urban area, with violent crime occurring at 158 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,640 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 633 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to a sense of safety in many neighborhoods. This makes the city appealing to families and professionals seeking a secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
158
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,640
Crime Index:
1,798
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 633
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Alexandria, VA year-round?
Alexandria features a mild climate, with winter lows around 29°F and summer highs near 89°F, making it comfortable year-round. The city receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. These weather patterns create an inviting outdoor environment for residents to enjoy local parks and activities.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Alexandria's residents benefit from a strong economic base, with a median household income of $113,500 and high educational attainment—over 64% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The community is diverse and well-educated, with nearly a quarter of adults using public transportation for their 33.7-minute average commute. Despite a poverty rate of 9.8%, the area offers a high quality of life and many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Median Income:
$62,200
Household Income:
$113,500
Family Income:
$136,000
Per Capita Income:
$64,900
Income Male:
$75,000
Income Female:
$60,000
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
27.5%
Rent:
$1,900
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
24.5%
Commute Time:
33.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
64.1%
Education
How are the schools in Alexandria, VA?
Alexandria boasts excellent educational opportunities, with strong public schools such as T.C. Williams High School (Alexandria City High School) and a variety of private and parochial options. Higher education is readily available through the local campus of Northern Virginia Community College and nearby George Mason University. Over 64% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a commitment to academic achievement in the community.
Public Schools
Name:
T.C. Williams High School (Alexandria City High School)
Street:
3330 King St
Phone:
703-824-6800
Students:
4,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
George Washington Middle School
Street:
1005 Mt Vernon Ave
Phone:
703-706-4500
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Street:
1000 St. Stephen's Rd
Phone:
703-751-2700
Students:
1,150
Colleges
Name:
Northern Virginia Community College – Alexandria Campus
City:
Alexandria
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
15,000
Name:
George Mason University
City:
Fairfax
State:
VA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
39,000
Healthcare
Alexandria offers robust healthcare options, including major hospitals like Inova Alexandria Hospital and Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, both providing emergency services. The city has a high physician density (3.2 per 1,000 residents) and strong insurance coverage, with 91.5% of the population insured. These resources ensure residents have ready access to quality medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Inova Alexandria Hospital
Address:
4320 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304
Phone:
(703) 504-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
Address:
2501 Parkers Ln, Alexandria, VA 22306
Phone:
(703) 664-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Alexandria, VA?
The Alexandria housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $660,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,950. Homeownership is balanced by a significant rental population, as only 45.8% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain low at 4.8%. The area has seen steady appreciation, making it attractive for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$660,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
45.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Alexandria can access DMV services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles office located at 2681 Mill Road. This local branch provides convenient access for vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor vehicle needs. For more information, the DMV maintains an informative website and offers customer support by phone.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2681 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.