Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria: A city in Virginia. It is located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Alexandria is known for its many historic buildings, its many parks and green spaces, and its many attractions, such as the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the Alexandria Museum of Art.

About

Alexandria is a city located in the county of City of Alexandria in the U.S. state of Virginia. Its population at the 2010 census was 139,966 and a population density of 3,490 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 158,726 inhabitants.

The city was created 275 years ago in 1748.

Alexandria is an historic city located along the Potomac River in Northern Virginia, just south of Washington D.C. With a population of about 160,000, it is one of Virginia's largest independent cities.

History and Origins

Alexandria was founded in 1749 as a port city along the Potomac. It was named after John Alexander, an early Scottish merchant who purchased the land.

In the late 18th century, George Washington helped develop Alexandria and it became an important commercial hub. Alexandria also played a major role in the Civil War as an occupied Confederate city.

Old Town Alexandria

Today, Alexandria is best known for its beautifully preserved Old Town historic district. This waterfront area features colonial architecture, boutique shops, restaurants, and museums. It provides a window into Alexandria's 18th century history.

Popular attractions include the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Gadsby's Tavern, and the Alexandria waterfront.

Community Features

Some other features that define Alexandria today include:

  • A robust arts, cultural, and foodie scene
  • Historic 18th and 19th century homes like the Lee-Fendall House
  • Major employers like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Department of Defense
  • Close proximity to Washington D.C.

Alexandria balances its colonial past and historic charm with appealing modern amenities. The scenic waterfront, walkable neighborhoods, and historic sites make Alexandria a popular place to live, work, and visit.

Alexandria locator map
Location of Alexandria on Virginia map.

Quick Facts about Alexandria

Population : 158,726 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : Virginia (United States)
County : City of Alexandria
Head of government : Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia
Postal code : 22302, 22305, 22311, 22312, 22304, 22206, 22301, 22314
Phone Area Codes : 571, 703
Area : 40.1 km2
Official name : Alexandria
Official language : English
Altitude : 39 feet / 12 meters
Establishment : January 01, 1749 (275 years ago)
Time Zone : UTC−05:00, Eastern Time Zone
Local time : 19:56:54 (9th November 2024)
Density : 3,958 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 11.82% (2010-2020)
AlexandriaVAWaterfront image
AlexandriaVAWaterfront
AlexandriaVAWaterfront image

Geography

Alexandria is located at 38°48'17"N 77°2'49"W (38.8048400, -77.0469200). It has 4 neighbors: District of Columbia, Prince George s County, Arlington and Fairfax County.

Alexandria map

  • Justin Wilson , 2019-01-02T00:00:00Z
  • Allison Silberberg , 2 January, 2019 2016-01-05T00:00:00Z

  • Caen (1991 )
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  • Helsingborg Municipality

Alexandria has 4 neighbours.

  • District of Columbia capital city of the United States
  • Prince George's County county in Maryland, United States
  • Arlington The third most populous city in Texas and the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. It is located in northeastern Texas. Arlington is known for its sports teams, such as the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers, and its many attractions, such as the Globe Life Field and the Six Flags Over Texas.
  • Fairfax County county in Virginia, United States

Demographics

The population of Alexandria increased by 11.82% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2007 140,024 -
2010 139,966 -0.04% census
2011 144,219 2.95% estimation process
2012 147,291 2.09% estimation process
2013 149,637 1.57% estimation process
2014 151,375 1.15% estimation process
2015 153,654 1.48% estimation process
2016 156,698 1.94% estimation process
2017 159,215 1.58% estimation process
2018 159,069 -0.09% estimation process
2019 159,428 0.23% estimation process
2020 158,726 -0.44% estimation process

Alexandria zip code is 22301. County name: Alexandria, County fips: 51510

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Best Things to Do in Alexandria

1 Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

Rating: 4.8 (1491)

1 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17038385005 🔗 Url

Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

2 Huntley Meadows Park

Rating: 4.7 (1380)

3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22306, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17037682525 🔗 Url

Huntley Meadows Park

3 Founders Park

Rating: 4.7 (1316)

351 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ 🔗 Url

Founders Park

4 The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Rating: 4.6 (1202)

101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22301, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17036832007 🔗 Url

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

5 Waterfront Park

Rating: 4.7 (1107)

1A Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17036525367 🔗 Url

Waterfront Park

Where ot Eat in Alexandria

1 Chart House

Rating: 4.3 (2583)

1 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17036845080 🔗 Url

Chart House

2 Red Lobster

Rating: 3.9 (1696)

555 S Van Dorn St, Alexandria, VA 22304, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17033709422 🔗 Url

Red Lobster

3 Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que

Rating: 4.3 (1501)

6630 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17036608541 🔗 Url

Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que

4 Denny's

Rating: 3.9 (1452)

7214 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17037650171 🔗 Url

Denny's

5 Chili's Grill & Bar

Rating: 3.9 (1371)

6601 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17037188877 🔗 Url

Chili's Grill & Bar

Where to Stay in Alexandria

1 Hilton Alexandria Mark Center

Rating: 4 (2222)

5000 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22311, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17038451010 🔗 Url

Hilton Alexandria Mark Center

2 Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town

Rating: 4.4 (1622)

1900 Diagonal Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17036845900 🔗 Url

Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town

3 The Westin Alexandria Old Town

Rating: 4.4 (1278)

400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17032538600 🔗 Url

The Westin Alexandria Old Town

4 The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection

Rating: 4.3 (1179)

480 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17035496080 🔗 Url

The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection

5 Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria

Rating: 4.4 (820)

1757 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17038373400 🔗 Url

Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria

Other Places in Alexandria

1 Alexandria City Hall

Rating: 4.4 (55)

301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 ➦ Show Map

☎ +17037464357 🔗 Url

Alexandria City Hall

2 Alexandria Finance Department

Rating: 3.5 (8)

301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 ➦ Show Map

☎ +17037463900 🔗 Url

Alexandria Finance Department

3 USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Rating: 2.3 (3)

3101 Park Center Dr # 906, Alexandria, VA 22302, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +17033052060 🔗 Url

4 Alexandria City Council

Rating: 3.7 (3)

301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 ➦ Show Map

☎ +17037464500 🔗 Url

Alexandria City Council

5 Department of Defense Education Activity

Rating: 4 (1)

4800 Mark Center Dr, Alexandria, VA 22311, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +15713720590 🔗 Url

6 Alexandria Engineering

301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 ➦ Show Map

☎ +17038384360 🔗 Url

7 Alexandria Taxpayer Assistance

301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 ➦ Show Map

☎ +17038386437 🔗 Url

8 Alexandria Management & Bdgt

301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 ➦ Show Map

☎ +17038384780 🔗 Url

People born in Alexandria (200)

People born in Alexandria, including politician Cuthbert Powell, politician George W. Summers, actor Zachary Knighton, .

List

Schools in Alexandria

College & universities near Alexandria, VA

Code Name City ZIP
482653 DeVry University-Virginia Arlington (VA) 22202
460871 Chamberlain University-Virginia Arlington (VA) 22202
427894 CET-Alexandria Alexandria (VA) 22312
436030 Hair Academy II Hillcrest Heights (MD) 20748-1401
486424 Saint Michael College of Allied Health Alexandria (VA) 22309-2348

Stations (22)

Amtrak & bus stations near Alexandria, VA

Code Name Address Type
ALX Union Station 110 Callahan Drive RAIL
WAS Washington Union Station 50 Massachusetts Ave NE RAIL
LOR Lorton station 8006 Lorton Road RAIL
BCV Burke Centre 10399 Premier Court RAIL
NCR New Carrollton station 4300 Garden City Drive RAIL

Post offices near Alexandria

Post Office Name City ZIP
George Mason Post Office Alexandria (VA) 22320
Alexandria Post Office Alexandria (VA) 22314
Memorial Annex Post Office Alexandria (VA) 22314
Potoma Post Office Alexandria (VA) 22301
Naval Research Laboratory Post Office Washington (DC) 20375

Other cities in City of Alexandria

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in City of Alexandria , VA.

City Name Population Title
Wakefield 805 City in Sussex County, Virginia, United States of America

Distance to Other Cities

Alexandria distances to largest Virginia cities