I have recently been out to one of the properties that we manage in the Riverside subdivision and I was pleasantly surprised with not only the neighborhood, but the dwelling as well. The subdivision is close to Fort Belvoir, Old Town Alexandria and Washington DC.
The drive out to this house was very beautiful. I was surrounded by trees for a while, then had a view of mountains in the distance. When I did get to the neighborhood I realized another big perk. It is simply the fact that the neighborhood is well manicured and quiet. The traffic pattern wasn't crazy and loud and didn't make me want to put my hands over the back of my head and dive onto the front lawn. Trust me, I've felt this way in other neighborhoods before.
The pleasant vibe that I got from being there only added to the experience of the visit, because the house was not only well kept, but also very, very spacious. The four bedrooms and 2.5 baths made this and the others just like it in this neighborhood very desirable indeed.
Are you ready for your new chateau in the Alexandria area? Refer to the information below to get you started.
Did you fall under the spell of the Cubs?
The playoffs are a magical time of year. This beautiful part of the baseball season gives us the ability to follow our favorite team and be either filled with joy or beaten down in defeat. This season a recurring or regurgitating story stole headlines from coast to coast. It's almost as if the World Series was already won in April and the rest of us just had to wait it out to get to the trophy presentation.
Not so fast. Teams on paper or even ones that were created in the movies seldom pan out the way people expect. Why, you ask - simple really - there's a great game going on and it must be played on the field, not on paper. This season's example was the Chicago Cubs, who are beat on every year because they haven't won the World Series in over a hundred years. Well, be that as it may, some franchises have never won (Tampa Bay, Colorado, Seattle, Washington, San Diego, Milwaukee, Houston and Texas). So, while we pick on the Cubs, many have realized that this success doesn't come easily. You can have the best team ever assembled and still fall short.
Somber Look of Defeat
Don't hate your team or it's management, just because you didn't go all the way this season, enjoy the ride. This is a beautiful game and it's meant to be enjoyed. It is a game, by the way. No matter what it feels like to you. Another thing, don't always believe what you see in the movies - they're meant as entertainment. This season has proven just that.
Are you ready to find a new place to watch your sports or movies? Check out the links below.
Old Town feels small town, upscale and touristy. For most folks there is a bit of prestige attached to an Old Town address. There are two high rises near the waterfront at the Alexandria House and Port Royal. Some folks call the Torpedo Factory condos the "flagship Old Town" because of their fantastic location.
Old Town Alexandria has many townhouses, row houses and a smaller number single family homes. Click Old Town to search listings of properties in Old Town Alexandria.
Historic Old Town Alexandria is on the Potomac River.
Here are some possible choices, ready for you right now:
Location, location, location! Belle View is a community located in New Alexandria, right outside of Historic Old Town Alexandria, off of the George Washington Parkway. Within the community you will find parks, playgrounds and recreation centers spread throughout the development. Belle View has much to offer from local dining to outdoor adventures, and a commuters dream with short drives to Washington DC and easy access to major highways and metro. There are endless benefits of living in Belle View.
Belle View condominium building
If you are looking for convenient living, look no further. Belle View, being located between the George Washington Parkway and Route 1 allows for easy access to all major roadways and is less than two miles away from Huntington Metro. Across the George Washington Parkway is the Mount Vernon Trail and Dyke Marsh. It is here you can enjoy a scenic run or ride along the Potomac River or go boating, kayaking out of Dyke Marsh Park. Mount Vernon Recreational Center is a short walk away and features pools, an ice skating rink and a fitness center. Belle View also has a shopping center filled with a grocery store, restaurants, and a variety of specialty shops. Belle View is just the right place to make your new home.
River Towers is a high-rise condominium community, which is just outside of Washington DC. It is also less than two miles from Old Town Alexandria in Virginia. The location of this condo community is ideal, because of its proximity to the Potomac River and other attractions, such as National Harbor.
High-rise condominium
This condo community is made up of three buildings numbered as such: 6621, 6631 and 6641. These three buildings were constructed in 1963, then converted to condos in 1981. All together, these three comprise over five hundred units.
This community is also within walking distance to Safeway grocery store, the post office, a doughnut shop and an elementary school.
Three roads dead end at River Towers which makes for an easy drive back home and they are as follows: East Wakefield Drive, Potomac Avenue and West Wakefield Drive.
Are you looking for a reasonably prices abode to lay your head? Would you like to rent or maybe buy in the area? See below for some possible landing spots for you and your family.
Real Estate and Neighborhoods of Alexandria, VA
Alexandria dates back to the colonial era and many of the neighborhoods of Alexandria reflect that heritage. However, Alexandria is also home to newer and relatively new neighborhoods like the Carlyle District and Kingstowne. To learn more about these or other neighborhoods in Alexandria VA, surf through the tabs here.
Alexandria is a highly livable city with enviable amenities, culture and attractions. The Commonwealth of Virginia considers Alexandria an "independent city" which means that Alexandria is not in any county. However, parts of Northern Virginia have an Alexandria postal address, but are actually in Fairfax County. All this can be confusing for newcomers to the area, but we try to simplify this in our guide by organizing things so they make sense for the home buyer.
You won't have to be a Virginia jurisdictional authority to find the home you want to buy, but start here for a primer on Alexandria.
Are you looking to hibernate, now that it's getting colder?
I live in a beautiful state. The visual wonders of Virginia nature have no end. This is a good time of year to gaze at these wonders. With the colder weather, comes the changing of leaf color on the trees and then the falling of those leaves. These two things bring about two distinct opportunities for you.
View from Skyline Drive just before fall
The first of these is to gaze out at and photo all of the beauty entailed in the bright colored leaves adorning the trees. The second of these presents opportunities not realized until this time of year. With the falling of the leaves comes the addition of even more spectacular views. Virginia is not short on visual beauty anyway with the mountains, hills and valleys that can easily make you drop your jaw to the ground.
What this time of year does to this consistent beauty is kick it up a notch (as Emeril would say) or two. A great place to witness this in all its splendor is the Shenandoah National Forest. This forest, which was established in 1935, boasts the Blue Ridge Mountains and is over three hundred square miles.
Make some time this fall to head out to Front Royal to see some truly beautiful views and color that will amaze you. When you get there, go to Skyline Drive, stop at all of the designated stopping points and gaze out at the views. Take pictures of nature and selfies to prove that you were there. Along this drive, which would take over 3 hours to complete, you will have a tough time seeing all of the amazing views, even at the slow speed limit you will travel.
The second of these opportunities that this time of year presents is not so obvious right now. Skyline Drive this time of year is breathtaking and you will not forget it. But, keep in mind to come back later in the season, when the leaves have fallen and even more views become available. The drive will cost you $20.00, but it is more than worth it. Use the map to document the best views and stop at the souvenir shop for a keepsake.
Don't forget that this time of year is to be enjoyed, not forgotten. Nature is in the midst of a seasonal change and working hard to make you notice it - will you?
Are you looking for a new home or townhouse in a specific area? Maybe you are looking for a new location that will allow you to experience all beauty that nature has to offer? If so, use the guide below and it can help with your quest.
City — Inside the Beltway, near the Metro, close to shops and culture.
Suburbs — Close to town, but plenty of green grass.
Exburbs — For those who prefer a little longer commute to get a larger home.
Maybe, you want to be a little ways from nature, but still close enough to reach in a short drive, if so here are a couple of possibilities to consider:
