Arlington and Alexandria are two of the most desirable places to live in Northern Virginia. They share a border, they both sit minutes from Washington, D.C., and they both attract buyers who want urban convenience without actually living in the District. But they are not the same place, and choosing between them is one of the most common decisions NoVA homebuyers face.
This guide breaks down the differences that actually matter: pricing, neighborhoods, commute, schools, lifestyle, and what kind of buyer each city tends to reward.
Quick Comparison
| | Arlington | Alexandria | |---|---|---| | Median Home Price | $750K | $680K | | Days on Market | 10 | 12 | | Neighborhoods | 13 | 8 | | Metro Access | Orange, Silver, Blue lines | Blue, Yellow lines | | School System | Arlington Public Schools | Alexandria City Public Schools | | Vibe | Urban energy, fast-paced | Historic charm, neighborhood-driven | | Best For | Young professionals, transit commuters | Walkability seekers, character lovers |
Both markets move fast, but Arlington is the more competitive of the two, with 10 days on market versus Alexandria's 12. The $70K median price difference is meaningful but narrows or widens depending on the specific neighborhood.
Arlington: A Deep Dive
The Market
Arlington is one of the tightest real estate markets in the D.C. metro area. With a median price of $750K and homes averaging just 10 days on market, well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods routinely attract multiple offers within the first weekend. The market is driven by proximity to D.C., exceptional Metro access, and the continued impact of Amazon's HQ2 in National Landing.
The Neighborhoods
Arlington has 13 distinct neighborhoods. Here are the ones that come up most in buyer conversations:
Rosslyn. High-rise living with direct Metro access and skyline views. Condos offer the most accessible price points, often below the county median.
Clarendon and Courthouse. The social hub of Arlington. Restaurants, shops, and walkable energy along Wilson Boulevard. Pricing tends to run above the median.
Ballston. New development mixed with established residential streets. Good Orange and Silver line Metro access.
Columbia Pike. Arlington's most diverse corridor and one of its best values. Prices run below the median, making it a strong entry point.
Lyon Village and Ashton Heights. Classic single-family neighborhoods with tree-lined streets. Among the most expensive areas, with homes frequently exceeding $1M.
National Landing. Anchored by Amazon's HQ2. Rapid development, modern condos, and strong transit connections. Still evolving, which means opportunity.
For a deeper look at all 13 neighborhoods, explore the Arlington city guide or find verified agents in Arlington.
Who Arlington Is For
Arlington attracts buyers who value convenience, energy, and urban infrastructure. If you want to walk to Metro, grab dinner at a new restaurant on a Tuesday, and live in a place that feels more city than suburb, Arlington delivers. The tradeoff is price and pace. This market does not wait for indecisive buyers.
Alexandria: A Deep Dive
The Market
Alexandria offers a different rhythm. The $680K median is $70K below Arlington, and homes average 12 days on market. That is still fast by national standards, but enough breathing room to feel less frantic. The market is shaped by Alexandria's historic character, its waterfront, and the strong identity of its individual neighborhoods.
The Neighborhoods
Alexandria has 8 main neighborhoods, and the personality differences between them are significant:
Old Town. The crown jewel. Cobblestone streets, 18th-century row houses, waterfront dining, and exceptional walkability. Many homes exceed $1M, though condos offer more accessible entry points.
Del Ray. Often described as a small town within a city. Independent restaurants and shops line Mount Vernon Avenue. Strong family-friendly reputation with bungalows and craftsman homes on tree-lined streets.
Carlyle and Eisenhower. The modern counterpoint to Old Town. Newer developments near Eisenhower Metro offer some of the most affordable options in the city.
West End. Alexandria's most suburban feel. Larger lots, more green space, and a quieter pace.
Potomac Yard. Rapidly developing with a new Metro station catalyzing growth. New condos and improved connectivity make this an area worth watching.
Seminary Hill and Beverly Hills. Established single-family neighborhoods with mature trees and mid-century homes on generous lots.
Read the full Alexandria neighborhood guide or find verified agents in Alexandria.
Who Alexandria Is For
Alexandria attracts buyers who want character, community, and a softer pace than Arlington. If walking to a farmers market on Saturday morning, having a favorite neighborhood coffee shop, and living in a home with architectural personality appeals to you, Alexandria is worth serious consideration.
Commute Comparison
To Washington, D.C.
Arlington has the edge along the Orange and Silver lines. Rosslyn to Foggy Bottom is one Metro stop. Ballston to Metro Center is about 15 minutes.
Alexandria serves the Blue and Yellow lines well. The Yellow Line provides a fast shot to Gallery Place and downtown. The new Potomac Yard station has improved access significantly.
To Tysons and the Dulles Corridor
Arlington wins here. The Silver Line runs from Ballston through Tysons and out to Reston. If you work in Tysons, Arlington is one straight shot.
Alexandria requires a transfer or a drive. Commuting from Alexandria to Tysons is doable but less convenient.
By Car
Both cities sit along I-395 for direct D.C. access. Arlington also connects to I-66 heading west. Alexandria links to the George Washington Parkway for a scenic Potomac route.
If your commute is Metro-dependent, the specific line matters more than the city. Map your work address against station locations before deciding.
Schools
This is where the two cities diverge meaningfully.
Arlington Public Schools is well-regarded with strong academic outcomes, a wide range of programs, and consistent investment in facilities.
Alexandria City Public Schools has made significant improvements in recent years. The system is smaller and serves a more economically diverse student population. Some families opt for private or magnet school options.
If school quality is your top priority, Arlington generally has the stronger system-wide reputation. But individual school quality varies within both systems, so research the specific schools in your target neighborhoods.
Lifestyle
Dining: Arlington's Clarendon corridor is the region's most concentrated dining and nightlife scene outside D.C. Alexandria counters with character. Old Town's waterfront restaurants and Del Ray's independently owned eateries feel curated rather than concentrated.
Outdoors: Arlington has miles of trails including the Custis Trail and Four Mile Run. Alexandria has the Mount Vernon Trail along the river and waterfront parks in Old Town.
Shopping: Arlington's retail concentrates in Ballston, Clarendon, and Pentagon City. Alexandria's is more distributed. King Street in Old Town mixes boutiques with national chains, and Del Ray's Mount Vernon Avenue offers a small-business feel.
The Verdict
Choose Arlington if:
- You prioritize Metro access, especially to the Orange/Silver lines
- You want a fast-paced, urban-energy environment
- You work in Tysons, Rosslyn, or along the I-66 corridor
- You are comfortable with a $750K median and fierce competition
- School system quality at the county level is a top priority
Choose Alexandria if:
- You value neighborhood character and historic architecture
- Walkability to local shops and restaurants matters more than nightlife
- You want a slightly lower entry price ($680K median) with more breathing room
- You work along the Blue or Yellow Metro lines
- Community feel and a calmer pace appeal to you
There is no wrong answer. Both are exceptional places to own a home. The right choice depends on your commute, your budget, your lifestyle priorities, and which neighborhoods feel like home when you walk through them.
Find Your Agent
Whichever city you choose, the right agent makes a meaningful difference in a market this competitive. You want someone who knows the specific streets, buildings, and pricing patterns of your target area.
On smover, you can compare agents across both cities using real sales data. See who is actively closing deals in Arlington's 13 neighborhoods or Alexandria's 8, and make your decision based on verified performance rather than advertising.
- See top verified agents in Arlington
- See top verified agents in Alexandria
- Browse all Northern Virginia agents
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