AcW

The Braddock Road Metro area of Alexandria is going through something of a renaissance right now. This area is the more bohemian section of Alexandria, so if you like artisan shops, bistros, and quaint eateries, this is your spot. It's going through a bit of revitalization with new condos popping up in some areas but there are also longstanding residential homes that will be there forever as well. This is one of, if not the most family-friendly areas of Alexandria. The rental/home prices are a bit more reasonable than Old Town, which is a bonus as well so your money goes farther.

The Van Dorn area of Alexandria is an older part of town this has a lot of very nice people. It's inviting, but to be honest, if you're new to the area, you need to know that it's not very accessible to the Metro, and it has a much higher crime rate than the Eisenhower East or Old Town areas. On the flip sides, it's MUCH cheaper than those areas as well. It's a bit rundown so the resale values are less; however, it may be good for rental property purchases.

If you're new to the DC Metro area and looking for a safe area in which to live, I highly recommend the Eisenhower East area of Alexandria, which blends into the Carlyle and Old Town sections. It's also pretty safe, with most things being within walkable distance. There are lots of single professionals because you'll be hard-pressed to find a space of more than 800sqft (or anyone who can afford the $2K/month tag for it). The crime rate in this area has been extremely low overall, although it has picked up a bit lately. Still, it's nothing compared to DC or MD. There are a number of large Fed agencies in the area so lots of employees around. Little to no issues or complaints, close to two metro's so personal cars are optional. As a security- conscience woman, this is the area I'd choose if I was moving to the DMV due to the safety, access and comfort - either here or Old Town. It's not as 'sexy' as DC or MD, but hey, you don't get any of the 'drama' either.