Alexandria ranked second on a new list of the best places to live on the East Coast, according to real estate experts surveyed by Travel + Leisure magazine.
The city was praised for its proximity to Washington, D.C., while offering lower costs than the nation’s capital, according to the article published Monday.
“Of all of D.C.’s surrounding areas, Alexandria is arguably the most attractive, essentially acting as a suburb of D.C. but benefiting from its own local government,” said Darren Robertson, founder and realtor at Northern Virginia Home Pro, in the Travel + Leisure piece.
Robertson noted that home insurance and closing costs are “markedly less expensive in Virginia than in D.C.” He said Alexandria’s location near D.C. and access to public transit networks make it worth the higher cost compared to more distant areas like Manassas or Waldorf.
Old Town Alexandria received specific mention from Maryam Redjaee, principal at Maryam Homes at Compass, who called the neighborhood “incredibly walkable.”
“Whether you’re picnicking by the water or strolling down King Street, you’ll feel like you’re living in a storybook,” Redjaee said in the article. “It’s a favorite among younger professionals and families who want charm and convenience.”
However, the experts noted Alexandria’s competitive housing market. Entry-level homes in Old Town start around $1.2 million for a townhouse, according to Redjaee.
Charleston, S.C., topped the list, followed by Alexandria. Other cities included Gloucester, Mass.; Newport, R.I.; and Southampton, N.Y.
The rankings were based on factors including walkability, cultural amenities, proximity to major cities and housing options, according to the magazine.
This marks another recognition for Alexandria from Travel + Leisure. In July, the city climbed to fifth place on the magazine’s “Best Cities in the U.S.” list, its highest position ever on that annual ranking.
