Parker-Gray

When you picture a historic neighborhood just outside Washington, D.C., you imagine a place like Parker-Gray. Mature trees shade the worn brick sidewalks and hide the facades of centuries-old row houses, providing that classic Alexandria feel. “People come here for the Alexandria experience,” says Beth Cichowski, a Realtor with five years of experience in the neighborhood, “you get the historic charm, convenient commute and lower prices than Old Town.” The area can make you feel like you’re back in time, but you’re only a 30 minute metro ride from downtown D.C.

This section of Alexandria is named after the Parker-Gray School, which opened in 1920. The historic row houses reflect that age; many were built in the 1920s, and some as far back as the 1830s. These are highly desired, which is reflected in the prices. A 2,100-square-foot brick row house built in the 1920s, with a front porch and minimal garden space out front, will cost you about $1.2 million. For $1.5 million, you can find an 1830s row house with a wood exterior and classic colonial touches like wooden shutters and a sidewalk-level front door. If you’re looking for something newer in a similar price range, a 2,000-square-foot town house built in the 2000s goes for about $1 million. For around $650,000, you can find a condo built in the 2000s that’s nearly half the size. Most homes have parking spaces out back, but the grid-patterned streets make the neighborhood easily walkable. “The location makes it an easy commute,” says Cichowski, “The King Street-Old Town and Braddock Metro Stations are less than a mile walk from any home.”

The kids here go to Alexandria City Public Schools, which Niche graded a B-minus overall and ranked it the No. 1 most diverse school district in Virginia. They could begin at Jefferson-Houston Elementary, which Niche graded a C or Naomi L. Brooks Elementary, graded a B-minus by Niche. Students move on to George Washington Middle School, which received a C-plus grade from Niche. They finish at Alexandria City High School, which Niche grades a B. You may recognize Alexandria City High School by its former name, T.C. Williams, the subject in the movie “Remember the Titans.” If you prefer a private education for your children, Alexandria is home to some of the most prestigious day and boarding schools in the country, such as Alexandria Country Day School or Episcopal High School. At Alexandria Country Day, students can exercise their creative muscles in their Innovation Lab. This features 3D printers, video production equipment and a digital maker space.

There isn’t too much traffic on the neighborhood streets compared to nearby D.C., so you’ll see many people walking around and taking in the scenery. You won’t find large green spaces in the neighborhood, so residents like to make the most of communal areas like the Braddock Interim Open Space. This park’s central location makes it a great meeting ground for locals to play bocce ball and ping pong or grab a bench and take in the pleasant weather. If you have young kids who need to burn off some energy, take them to the playground at Helen Miller-Bernard Hunter Park over on Queen Street. Head east for a few blocks on any of the thoroughfares and you'll find yourself on the picturesque Old Town Waterfront.

If you live in Parker-Gray, you have to go to the Old Town Farmers’ Market, which happens every Saturday without fail. This is the oldest farmers market in the country, held continuously at the same site. It’s believed that George Washington sold his produce from Mount Vernon here. While you’re out walking around, get your regular groceries at the nearby Trader Joe’s. Stop into some of the neighborhood restaurants like The Lost Dog Café. This Northern Virginia chain slings out fresh pizzas and has a library of beers on tap. The Lost Dog runs a foundation called the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, which helps find a forever home for abandoned dogs and cats.

If you’re looking for the classic Alexandria experience with historic streets and an easy commute into D.C., take your search to Parker-Gray.

Written By

Ed Coombs

Photography Contributed By

Caleb Jones

Video By

Samantha Houtchens