Alexandria VA

Alexandria, Virginia – A charming riverside city where rich American history meets modern living. Nestled on the western bank of the Potomac River, just minutes from Washington, D.C., Alexandria boasts cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a vibrant arts and dining scene. Whether you're strolling through Old Town, exploring historic landmarks, or enjoying waterfront views, Alexandria offers a perfect mix of past and present.

• Population: ~160,000
• Weather: Four seasons; hot summers, chilly winters, mild spring and fall (30–90°F).
• Places To Visit: Old Town Alexandria, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Carlyle House, King Street Mile.
• Top Activities: Walking tours of historic sites, shopping in boutique stores, dining by the waterfront, kayaking on the Potomac, visiting weekend farmers markets.
• Famous Food: Virginia oysters, crab cakes, Southern-style shrimp and grits, artisan coffee from local cafés, and craft beer from Port City Brewing Company.

Alexandria, VA, located just south of Washington, D.C., is known for its historic charm and strong professional workforce. This city thrives with careers in government, tech, healthcare, and education. Access to federal agencies and contractors makes Alexandria a sought-after area for skilled job seekers. Below are the top jobs in Alexandria that combine growth, pay, and demand.

Top 5 Jobs in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria, VA offers a variety of cool spots where students can relax, unwind, and have some fun outside of school. Whether you're into history, nature, or food, Alexandria has something for you to enjoy.

Old Town Alexandria – Take a stroll through cobblestone streets and enjoy unique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries. Don’t miss the waterfront for beautiful views of the Potomac River.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center – Dive into the local art scene at this creative space filled with artists' studios and exhibits. It’s a great place to get inspired or just relax with friends.

Del Ray – Known as a neighborhood with a small-town feel, it offers eclectic shops and diverse eateries. It's perfect for a laid-back afternoon with good company and great food.

Cameron Run Regional Park – When the weather’s nice, this park is the spot for picnics, mini-golf, and lounging by the wave pool. Perfect for those who love being outdoors.

Jones Point Park – Hidden under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, this park offers trails, basketball courts, and a peaceful spot to unwind with views of the water, ideal for a relaxing day.

Masonic Temple & Observation Deck – For panoramic views of the city, head here and enjoy the stunning sights from above. A terrific spot to clear your mind or enjoy a quiet evening.

Alexandria, VA, a historic city just minutes from Washington, D.C., offers access to a variety of outstanding higher education institutions. The city and surrounding region are known for their strong academic programs in public policy, cybersecurity, liberal arts, and business.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Alexandria

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) – Alexandria Campus – One of the largest and most respected community colleges in the nation, NOVA’s Alexandria campus offers associate degrees and certificate programs in fields such as nursing, cybersecurity, and education. It provides affordable pathways to four-year universities.

George Mason University – Arlington Campus – Located nearby, this highly regarded public university offers advanced programs in law, public policy, and global affairs. It’s ideal for students interested in D.C.-area internships and policymaking careers.

University of the District of Columbia (UDC) – Just across the Potomac, UDC is a public land-grant university serving the broader D.C. metro area. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with a strong focus on urban sustainability and civil engagement.

Virginia Commonwealth University – School of Medicine Northern Virginia Campus – Though based in Richmond, VCU offers medical training rotations and partnerships in Northern Virginia, bringing students close to Alexandria for practical, high-level clinical experience.

Marymount University (Public-Private Partnership Programs) – While technically a private institution in nearby Arlington, Marymount partners with public systems to provide accessible, hybrid courses in Alexandria and across Northern Virginia in IT, business, and health sciences.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Alexandria

Virginia Theological Seminary – Founded in 1823, this Episcopal seminary in Alexandria is one of the most prominent religious institutions in the country. It prepares future church leaders and community servants through rigorous graduate-level theological education.

Stratford University (Alexandria Campus) – Though its future operations have faced changes, Stratford has offered practical, career-focused programs in nursing, culinary arts, and business administration tailored to adult learners and professionals.

National University – Alexandria Site – This private, nonprofit university serves working adults in the military, cybersecurity, and business fields. It offers flexible online and hybrid learning options with real-world application in mind.

DeVry University – National Capitol Area – With a learning center close to Alexandria, DeVry is known for its programs in technology, computer science, and business. Its flexible schedules and online platforms are ideal for career-focused students.

Institute of World Politics – Reston Campus – Though technically located just outside of Alexandria, this graduate school offers programs in national security, intelligence, and international relations geared toward professionals seeking roles in government or diplomacy.

Alexandria, VA is home to a variety of top-rated high schools that provide high-quality education and help prepare students for success in college and beyond. From strong academics to exceptional extracurricular opportunities, these public and private schools stand out in the region.

Top Public High Schools In Alexandria, VA

• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology – Located nearby in Fairfax County, this magnet school consistently ranks among the top in the nation for STEM education.
• T.C. Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School) – The largest high school in Alexandria offers strong Advanced Placement (AP) programs and diverse extracurricular activities.
• West Potomac High School – Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and vibrant arts and athletics offerings.
• Mount Vernon High School – Offers AVID and Dual Enrollment courses, helping students get a head start on college-level coursework.
• Justice High School – Located close to Alexandria, this school focuses on inclusivity and academic growth through its IB and STEM-focused programs.

Top Private High Schools In Alexandria, VA

• Episcopal High School – A prestigious boarding school offering rigorous academics in a close-knit, supportive community.
• Bishop Ireton High School – A Roman Catholic college-preparatory school dedicated to faith-based education and academic excellence.
• Commonwealth Academy – Offers personalized instruction and support, known for helping students with learning differences thrive academically and socially.
• St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School – An Episcopal school focused on academic challenge, ethical leadership, and community service.
• Burgundy Farm Country Day School – While it serves K-8, many students continue to top high schools in the region. The school earns praise for its progressive and experiential learning approach.

Alexandria, Virginia, while not home to any major league professional sports teams of its own, enjoys a passionate sports culture due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., and other surrounding cities. Fans in Alexandria often support the nearby D.C. teams, many of which are just a short drive or Metro ride away. These teams compete at the highest levels in their respective national leagues and have significant fan bases throughout Northern Virginia.

🏀 Basketball – Washington Wizards (NBA)

• Washington Wizards – Representing the Greater Washington area, the Wizards play their home games at Capital One Arena in D.C., just minutes from Alexandria. They have a storied history, winning their only NBA Championship in 1978. Over the years, they've featured standout players like Wes Unseld, Gilbert Arenas, and Bradley Beal.

⚾ Baseball – Washington Nationals (MLB)

• Washington Nationals – The Nationals brought major league baseball back to the D.C. region in 2005. Fans in Alexandria proudly supported them during their 2019 World Series Championship run. Key players from that season included Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Juan Soto.

🏈 Football – Washington Commanders (NFL)

• Washington Commanders – With a long and storied history, the Commanders have won three Super Bowl titles (1982, 1987, 1991). The team plays its home games at FedExField in nearby Maryland. Despite recent struggles, they maintain a strong and loyal fan base across Northern Virginia.

⚽ Soccer – D.C. United (MLS)

• D.C. United – One of the founding teams of Major League Soccer, D.C. United has an impressive record with four MLS Cup victories (1996, 1997, 1999, 2004). They now play in the modern Audi Field and continue to draw support from fans all over the D.C. metropolitan area, including Alexandria.

🏒 Hockey – Washington Capitals (NHL)

• Washington Capitals – The Capitals are one of the region's most beloved teams, especially after securing their first Stanley Cup Championship in 2018. Superstars like Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Braden Holtby helped the team reach championship glory. Alexandria residents proudly wear the red, white, and blue in support.

⚾ Minor League & Regional Sports

• Fredericksburg Nationals – Located about an hour south of Alexandria, this Minor League Baseball team is the Class-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals and offers affordable family fun in a more intimate setting.

Though Alexandria may not have teams with their name on the jersey, its community of sports fans proudly backs the nearby pro teams and shares in the region’s athletic victories and traditions.

Alexandria, VA is a charming and historic city located just outside of Washington, D.C. With cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a thriving arts scene, Alexandria has plenty of hidden gems and interesting tales. Here are some fun facts about this beautiful riverside city:

1. Founded in 1749 – Alexandria was officially founded in 1749 and quickly became a key port city on the Potomac River.
2. George Washington’s Hometown Favorite – Founding Father George Washington considered Alexandria his hometown and even helped design portions of the city’s layout.
3. Haunted Old Town – Old Town Alexandria is rumored to be one of the most haunted districts in the U.S., with many historic buildings hosting ghost tours.
4. Walkable Waterfront – The scenic Alexandria waterfront along the Potomac River is lined with parks, restaurants, and historic sites, all easily walkable.
5. The Spite House – Alexandria is home to the narrowest house in America, known as the Spite House, measuring just 7 feet wide!
6. Movie Scenes Filmed Here – Alexandria has served as a filming location for several movies and shows due to its historic charm and vintage architecture.
7. King Street’s 200+ Shops – The famous King Street corridor offers more than 200 shops, galleries, and restaurants, all packed into this lively mile-long stretch.
8. Free Trolley Rides – You can ride the free King Street Trolley that travels from the Metro to the waterfront, making sightseeing easy and fun.
9. A Dog-Lover’s Dream – Named one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S., Alexandria has dog-focused shops, bakeries, and even doggie happy hours!
10. Historic African American Heritage – Alexandria is rich in Black history and is home to the Freedom House Museum, once a major center in the domestic slave trade and now a powerful place of remembrance and education.