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Old Town

Old Town

$1,164,652 Average Value
$691 Average Price per Sq Ft
66 Homes For Sale

A historic Alexandria neighborhood with a small-town feel

Old Town, aptly named, is nothing, if not historic. Here, residents can visit a Gadsby’s Tavern, where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson once dined, check out Christ Church, one of the oldest in Virginia, or attend a performance at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, which has been in operation since 1934. It is a popular tourist destination for good reason. But, among the history surrounding Old Town is a fresh neighborhood and active community enjoying what Old Town offers from the past and embracing what it has become. “I always tell clients the three R’s of living in Old Town are restaurants, retail and the river,” Phyllis Patterson, the Executive Vice President of TTR Sotheby's International Realty says. “It’s got a small-town feel to it. Everyone knows each other. People are always out and exercising. It just has this nice, slower pace to it.”

From 1700s historical homes to an array of condominiums

Flanked on one side by the Potomac River and extending westward via gridded streets, Old Town offers variety in residential housing. On the one hand, there are historic homes lining cobblestone or brick-laden streets from the 1700's. Architecture styles include colorful row houses and Colonials maintaining their original facades, shutters and transom windows. “Properties here sell in a matter of days; it’s always been that way,” Patterson, who has been selling real estate in Old Town for 38 years says. “There’s never really a slow period here.” Homes here start at $800,000 and can go for as much as $4.8 million. A select few of these homes offer coveted riverside views starting at the $1.7 million mark.
Meanwhile, condominium developments offer a different lifestyle, bringing comfort and convenience to Old Town. They provide a more affordable option while overlooking Old Town’s streets. Residents can find a condo priced as low as $280,000 and as high as $3.9 million. Those prices are dependent on the square footage, bedroom count and the age of the building and condo. The newer the building, the more expensive it gets. For residents looking to explore Old Town or take a walk down to the riverfront, streets are lined with sidewalks.

Old Town’s array of parks

The local parks and sights reflect Old Town’s interesting juxtaposition of historic and modern feel. Old Town has over 15 parks, but The Armory Tot Lot is extra special. What once was the rubble of a burned-down army building is now the go-to children’s play date spot. Some residents enjoy heading over to Huntley Meadows Park, which includes hiking and biking trails, an auditorium and picnic shelters perfect for birthday parties or barbecues. Others cherish their time at Founders Park, which features walking paths, a dog exercise area and beach volleyball courts. The green space in Founder’s Park is also perfect for a weekend picnic.

Historic Old Town food spots

When it’s time for coffee, locals go to Misha’s, a neighborhood staple since 1961. For those who want to try something unusual, try the Nutella latte. Otherwise, they can also visit the unique Killer ESP, Old Town’s go-to for hand-held pies, espresso and sorbet. This spot can get very busy for date night, so visitors should make sure to plan accordingly. There is plenty of competition to get a seat inside their comforting interiors, complete with twinkling lights, a cozy couch and a stack of board games to play.
When ready for a full meal, Old Town has excellent options, both new and tried-and-true. Gadsby’s Tavern, considered the oldest restaurant in Alexandria, opened in 1792. Their menu offers meals inspired by this era, like meat with roasted potatoes cooked in homemade butter. The servers are also dressed in colonial-era get-ups, and all its original architecture has been maintained. On a Friday night, you might find yourself at the hip Hank’s Oyster Bar, sharing a plate of raw oysters or indulging in their happy hour Punch of the Day. For the morning after, grab brunch at Café 44 for their trendy breakfast specials and aesthetically pleasing plating. One of their most popular dishes, shrimp and grits, pairs well with the riverside views from their balcony.
When it’s time for shopping, Old Town is filled with charming local businesses. Your Hobby Place has all the board games, and Gossypia Boutique has been a staple in local women’s fashion since 1969. Many appreciate the convenience and familiarity of national chains, too, so many locals make the short drive to Potomac Yard for shops like Target, Harris Teeter and HomeGoods.

Annual Old Town events

For those interested in the history of Old Town’s homes, annually in April is the Historic Homes and Garden Tour. Visitors can tour gorgeous homes and gardens as part of the annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia. For the 4th of July, residents also enjoy the USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration, where residents can see a patriotic performance with dazzling fireworks and live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra.

Alexandria City Public Schools

Residents of Old Town send their children to Alexandria City Public Schools. For Pre-K through 5th grade, children may attend Lyles-Crouch Elementary before heading to George Washington Middle School. Both earned a B grade from Niche. For high school, students attend Alexandria City High School, known for being featured in the 1971 film Remember the Titans. Formerly known as T.C. Williams High School, it earned a B grade from Niche. As for private options, some attend Bishop Ireton High School, which earned an A-plus grade from Niche.

Conveniently located just 8 miles from the nation’s capital

For commuters, Old Town is conveniently located just 8 miles from Washington D.C. Some commuters take the Metrorail into the city, using either the Braddock Road or King St. Old Town Stations. The Metrobus also has various stops throughout the neighborhood, giving locals a public transportation option to get around. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is just a 4-mile drive from Old Town. The closest hospital is Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4 miles away.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is an enormous eclectic art gallery inside of a refurbished factory. It’s home to the largest number of publicly accessible working artist studios in the United States.

Kevin Haswell
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Caleb Jones
Photography Contributed By
Caleb Jones
Alex Jacobsen
Video By
Alex Jacobsen

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl

12 min drive

Bus

King St & N Patrick St

Bus

S Washington St & Gibbon St

Bus

Madison St & N Washington St

Bus

S Royal St & Gibbon St

Bus

N Fairfax St & Oronoco St

Bus

N Pitt St Sb & Pendleton St

Bus

Montgomery St & N Pitt St

Old Town Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$999,500
Median Sale Price
$992,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,415,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,197,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$835,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
340
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-10%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$691

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5,482
Number of Homes for Sale
66
Median Year Built
1975
Months of Supply
2.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,120
Above the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,922
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,339
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
790
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
403
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742

Open Houses

  • Thursday, Sep 18
    6 - 8pm

    651 S Columbus St, Alexandria, VA 22314

    $819,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,348 Sq Ft
    • 651 S Columbus St
    • New 3 days ago

    Welcome to your charming haven in Old Town—where historic elegance meets modern comfort. Tucked behind a stately brick wall with a shaded brick walkway to the front door, this beautifully reimagined townhome presents an inviting blend of style and practicality. Bright, Open Layout: Rich hardwood floors stretch across the main level, complemented by crown molding and a beautifully restored

    Agent Photo
    Arshia Kia
    EXP Realty, LLC
    (833) 370-9572
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  • Sunday, Sep 21
    1 - 3pm

    607 S Saint Asaph St, Alexandria, VA 22314

    $1,645,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,956 Sq Ft
    • 607 S Saint Asaph St

    OPEN HOUSE SUN SEPT 21st 1PM to 3PM - Stunningly Reimagined 1850s Row House in the Heart of Old Town Alexandria. Nestled in the sought-after Southeast quadrant of Old Town, this exquisite home blends the timeless charm of an 1850s row house with modern-day luxury and convenience. Rebuilt to perfection in 2013, this residence offers over 1,900 square feet of beautifully designed living space,

    Albert Pasquali Redfin Corporation

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  • Saturday, Sep 20
    2 - 4pm

    223 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

    $4,500,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 3,338 Sq Ft
    • 223 S Union St
    • New 13 days ago

    Situated on Old Town Alexandria’s most prestigious street, this River Row Elevator Residence at 223 South Union Street is the last available home of the six newly constructed, LEED Gold-certified homes redefining luxury living along the Potomac River. Developed by the visionary JC Development, this four-level residence offers a rare fusion of refined design, advanced engineering, and an

    Phyllis Patterson TTR Sotheby's International Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
15,460
Median Age
47
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$145,854
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$164,495

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.1%
College Graduates
76.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
47.7%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

79 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

99 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

72 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Old Town