Neighborhood Spotlight is a recurring column covering both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria in Fairfax County. This monthly column is sponsored and written by the Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
Recycled materials, accessible structures that blend into natural surroundings, affordable but with “high artistic values” — these were the standards set by a group of neighbors and friends who met in the early 1940s in the Arlington community of Buckingham.
Government workers by day and innovative developers by night, the Tauxemont neighborhood was a result of this New Deal-inspired creative thinking, and named in honor of the Native Americans that lived in the area in the 17th century.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it is considered to be one of the first suburban developments in Northern Virginia. Among the 20 families who “founded” Tauxemont were Robert Davenport, who later developed Hollin Hills to international acclaim and the architect Alexander Knowlton who also assisted with the planning and served as construction manager. The group formed a cooperative and acquired the land in 1941.
Most residential developments at that time featured regular rows of houses lined up along the road with very little landscaping. Tauxemont was composed of simple and affordable houses built in harmony with their natural setting, sited to provide privacy yet convenient to the community’s tennis courts, playground, community house, cooperative preschool and Wellemeyer Field. No curbs, gutters or street lights interfered with these wooded retreats and residents are still quite fond of having a community well.
The developers were interested in finding a peace time use for leftover World War II material and utilized these supplies in the construction of many of the homes. The simple design was the result of the “modern movement” using basic materials, large windows and open space.
Cost savings was also a result of a one-story design with three bedrooms, one bath, a kitchen and a combination living/dining room. They measured about 1200 square feet, but the openness and light made them seem larger. A few changes were made by flipping the floor plan, the choice of exterior materials, types of windows and location of the fireplace.
The original 100 houses were built in three phases and completed by the end of the decade. Although the community is considered historical, homeowners are permitted to tear down the original homes and rebuild as the county zoning laws allow. Thus some of the 1940s era homes have been replaced by much larger multi-level structures.
Prized by its long-time residents, including our Virginia State Senator Scott Surovell, many have lived in Tauxemont for generations. His grandparents, Sam and Flossie Surovell, were among the first 20 founding families and Scott’s children are fourth generation Tauxemonters!
And what does he like about living in this special neighborhood? He listed many attributes such as the large, secluded wooded lots and the innovative ways in which the houses were sited, the low profiles which blend into the landscaping and feature few steps, the year-round celebrations and suppers organized by the residents and the many amenities such as the tennis courts and playing fields.
Did you know a very unique feature of the Tauxemont neighborhood is that they get their water from their own private neighborhood well? This is a huge source of pride for the community. (Water System — Tauxemont)
The neighborhood of Tauxemont remains true to its roots: love of community and love of nature. It is truly a jewel in the Fort Hunt area.
Please Note: Much of the information contained in this article was found in the National Registry Archive.
Neighborhood website:Â Tauxemont
About Seward Group: We are award-winning real estate agents with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Lyssa Seward, Melody Abella, Anita Edwards, Laura Catron, Gina Wimpey and Elaine McCall make up our team. We offer our clients Full-Spectrum Concierge Real Estate Service at all price points, assisting with every step of the process from beginning to end. We are licensed in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Seward Group’s main office is in Old Town Alexandria.
Neighborhood Spotlight is a recurring column covering both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria in Fairfax County. This monthly column is sponsored and written by the Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
The Hayfield Farm neighborhood site dates back to 1761 when George Washington purchased the land to increase the holdings of his Mount Vernon Estate and to grow hay for his livestock — hence the name hay field.
The land was passed down to Washington’s relatives and then to many landholders until the property was purchased by Wills and Van Metre in 1963. Wills and Van Metre developed the subdivision as it is today. The first home was sold in 1965, and the project was completed in 1972. The original split-level home was sold for $25,950! As the housing development continued, Hayfield was still considered to be “in the middle of nowhere.” When Hayfield Secondary School opened in 1969, there was still a working farm next door and much of the area was rural.
Today, there are over 2,000 residents of Hayfield Farm and the 690 homes in the community include a mix of colonial-style homes, ramblers, and split-levels. Students can walk to all 12 years of public school — a rare luxury for northern Virginians. Hayfield Elementary School is in the neighborhood, and Hayfield Secondary School is across the street.
There are so many shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities close to the neighborhood, it is impossible to name them all. The Hayfield Shopping Center is within walking distance, Manchester Lakes Shopping Center with the new Amazon Fresh is a little over a mile away, and Kingstowne is only 2 miles away.
Hayfield has been a sought-after neighborhood for decades. One of the attractions is that the neighborhood is surrounded by government land, so it isn’t threatened by development. On the north is the Coast Guard Station, on the south is Fort Belvoir, and to the east is the Huntley Meadows floodplains. Hayfield is a quiet, tight knit community that has remained a well-known and well-loved area since the first houses were built.
Location is also key to the popularity of Hayfield Farm. Just off Telegraph Road and minutes to Route 1, Interstates 95, 395, and 495, the neighborhood is an easy commute to D.C. Near the Fairfax County Parkway, Ft. Belvoir, Franconia-Springfield Metro Station and the Van Dorn Street Metro make it a commuter’s dream.
The Hayfield Citizens Association plays an active role in the community, offering events, a Facebook neighbors page, and a listserv. The Hayfield Farm Swim Club is an amenity for all to enjoy.
Historically, Hayfield Farm is competitive in the real estate market. However, during this time of year, the housing market slows and as of this writing, there are no homes currently for sale in Hayfield Farm. The chart below shows some market data for the last two months of 2022.
If you, a family member, or friend are thinking about buying or selling in Hayfield Farm or any neighborhood in the DMV in 2023, we would be honored to help. Email us at [email protected], call/text 703-298-0562, or visit The Seward Group website to set up an appointment with us. We would be happy to review the current real estate market in your neighborhood and discuss how we can help you navigate your next move with ease.
All of us in The Seward Group wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year!
About Seward Group: We are award-winning real estate agents with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Lyssa Seward, Melody Abella, Anita Edwards, Laura Catron, Gina Wimpey and Elaine McCall make up our team. We offer our clients Full-Spectrum Concierge Real Estate Service at all price points, assisting with every step of the process from beginning to end. We are licensed in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Seward Group’s main office is in Old Town Alexandria.
Neighborhood Spotlight is a recurring column covering both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria in Fairfax County. This monthly column is sponsored and written by the Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
This month we spotlight all the neighborhoods in Alexandria as we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
There are so many wonderful festivities this month — here are just a few of our favorites!
December 3
- The Scottish Walk Parade — we will see you there!
- Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
- The District’s Boat Parade of Lights
December 3-17
December 4
December 9, 10 and 18
December 10
- Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square
- Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl to benefit Blessings in a Backpack
December 31
Ongoing Until January 1, 2023
It’s hard to believe it’s December already! It’s been another very busy year for those of us in the real estate market until late — and a roller coaster for interest rates.
Even though national headlines make the housing market seem like “doom and gloom”, our market is simply starting to trend back to the days of “seasonality” which was typical prior to 2020. In Alexandria (and the DMV) pre-pandemic, it was normal for many buyers to take a pause on their house hunt during the holiday season — and for most sellers to delay listing their home until the new year.
Listings in the City of Alexandria for the Last 7 Years
As the real estate market begins to turn toward pre-pandemic seasonality, we are excited to participate in some of the many holiday festivities our beloved Alexandria offers this time of year. We hope to see you at a few of them.
And as we look to 2023, we are excited to announce our popular, pre-pandemic Home Buying Workshop is back at Port City Brewing Company on January 16, 2023. This low-key, educational event is a great launch pad if you, or someone you know, is thinking about buying and/or selling in the new year. Complimentary beer (of course) and food is always provided. Contact us for more info!
Email us [email protected], call/text 703-298-0562 or visit The Seward Group website to sign up for the workshop or set up a one-on-one appointment with one of our local real estate experts. We would be happy to review the current real estate market in your Alexandria neighborhood and discuss how we can help you navigate your next move with ease.
The Seward Group wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season and hoping you can enjoy some of the magical events.
About Seward Group: We are award-winning real estate agents with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Lyssa Seward, Melody Abella, Anita Edwards, Laura Catron, Gina Wimpey and Elaine McCall make up our team. We offer our clients Full-Spectrum Concierge Real Estate Service at all price points, assisting with every step of the process from beginning to end. We are licensed in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Seward Group’s main office is in Old Town Alexandria.
Neighborhood Spotlight is a recurring column covering both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria in Fairfax County. This monthly column is sponsored and written by the Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
Visit the Taylor Run neighborhood and witness a mix of the city’s newest civic engagement efforts and some of the city’s oldest history, including the iconic George Washington Masonic National Memorial, a soaring landmark that overlooks Old Town all the way to the Potomac River and provides a visual reference for longtime residents and visitors alike.
The varied and vibrant Taylor Run area bridges the West End, the City of Alexandria’s largest neighborhood, and the Rosemont neighborhood and the very tip of Old Town, where the King Street Metro station and the Amtrak station are. This area is a mix of detached and attached homes, small pockets of condos and apartments, and several churches and historical landmarks.
The Taylor Run area is a triangle bound from the King Street intersections of Russell Road up to Braddock Road, Quaker Lane from King to Duke, and just below Duke Street. There are a few significant changes either recently completed or underway happening right in or close by to Taylor Run. The city’s only high school changed its name to Alexandria City High School in 2021 after shedding the name of T.C. Williams, a segregationist.
There is also the Taylor Run Stream Restoration project, a somewhat controversial project involving the restoration of 1900 feet of stream near the Chinquapin Recreation Center and along the walking path in Chinquapin Park and Forest Park. After a pause, the community collaboration on the project recently resumed. The stream corridor is highly eroded, and the city is proposing to use environmentally conscious practices to reconstruct the stream bank. The Chinquapin Park and stream is a forested respite with trails, taking visitors on a nature walk that parallels King Street.
Taylor Run, including the busy West Taylor Run Road — a street lined with duplexes — is a main component of the ongoing Duke Street in Motion project. The project has been changing traffic patterns around West Taylor Run and Duke Street, at the intersection of the Telegraph Road exits on 495, in an effort to ease neighborhood traffic congestion and cut-through traffic. The next community meeting is November 15, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Bishop Ireton Auditorium.
Finally, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial — locally nicknamed the Masonic Temple — is dedicated to the nation’s first President and a well-known mason. The 333-ft tower is designed after the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt. This landmark was built beginning in 1922, but the interior wasn’t finished until 1970. It is also a National Historic Landmark.
Here are some real estate statistics from the last six months, including detached homes, condos, and duplexes:
- Highest closed price last 6 months: $3,350,000
- Average sold price last 6 months: $821,821
- Lowest closed price last 6 months: $285,000
- Average Day on Market: 23
As with every neighborhood in the DMV, prices can vary greatly due to location, size, and property condition. Whether you are looking to sell, buy, or invest, we would be honored to help. Email [email protected] or call/text 703-298-0562 to set up an appointment with one of our agents.
About Seward Group: We are award-winning real estate agents with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Lyssa Seward, Melody Abella, Anita Edwards, Laura Catron, Gina Wimpey and Elaine McCall make up our team. We offer our clients Full-Spectrum Concierge Real Estate Service at all price points, assisting with every step of the process from beginning to end. We are licensed in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Seward Group’s main office is in Old Town Alexandria.
Neighborhood Spotlight is a recurring column covering both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria in Fairfax County. This monthly column is sponsored and written by the Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
Colorful landscaping and soothing sounds of the cascading waterfall greet residents and visitors alike to the Island Creek neighborhood. Island Creek is a planned community comprised of single-family homes, town homes and condominiums in the Kingstowne area of Alexandria.
Construction for the Island Creek neighborhood started in 1994 and development continued until 2000. Today, residents of this community have exclusive access to numerous amenities, including two outdoor swimming pools, five children’s playgrounds and an extensive network of tree-lined biking and jogging trails throughout the community.
Residents also enjoy tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts as well as a scenic pond for catch and release fishing! A spacious clubhouse is rented out to residents for parties, special events, or meetings. The clubhouse is also the site of community fairs, yard sales, Trunk or Treat, game nights and other neighborhood events. A true highlight of the neighborhood is the Island Creek Elementary School, built in 2003.
The Island Creek Homeowners Association (HOA) website is an online resource for residents, who also receive a monthly email from the HOA with current updates and happenings in the community.
Another advantage of this coveted neighborhood is everything is available within a short distance. The Hilltop Village Center with Wegman’s, LA Fitness and other retailers is right across the street. Literally around the corner is Landsdowne Centre with CVS, and many dining options.
Neighborhood Spotlight is a recurring column covering both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria in Fairfax County. This monthly column is sponsored and written by the Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
Riverside Gardens is sought-after by buyers looking for a beautiful, tree-laden community with neighborhood schools and a conveniently located recreation center.
Once part of Washington’s River Farm, this 219 home community tucked between Fort Hunt and Riverside Roads was built by Clarence Gosnell Inc., who had previously developed Westgrove and Waynewood in the 1950s and other communities throughout the area. The first home in Riverside Gardens was purchased in March 1963 and the last house built was in 1966.
Typical of many of the subdivisions built during the post-war years, Riverside Gardens features a variety of home styles divided among split levels, split foyers and colonials.
The larger split level, the Sweetbriar, and the two split foyers (the Oxford and the Portsmouth) are the most plentiful; the Lexington is the smallest split level, and the Haddon is a bit larger split level. The Carolina, is a handsome two-level colonial, which is in shorter supply.
The benefit of these simple designs is the ability to maximize the finished square footage in very economic ways, perfect to accommodate a growing family, but not so voluminous that empty nesters feel the need to downsize.
Below, please find a chart that illustrates closed sales in the Riverside Gardens neighborhood year to date for 2022. August figures are not available at the time of this publication.
Average sales price YTD is $847,450, noting there were only a few closed sales since the beginning of 2022. There is one active listing (a Carolina) currently listed at $924,900.00.
Please note:
DOM (days on market) and CDOM (cumulative days on market).
Neighborhood Spotlight is a recurring column covering both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria in Fairfax County. This monthly column is sponsored and written by the Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
Did you know in the early 1990’s the owner of the then Washington Redskins, unsuccessfully pushed for the construction of a new football stadium where Potomac Yard has transformed over the last 10 years?
Or that there was a push in the early 2000’s to build a baseball stadium in Pentagon City? Clearly, neither happened and the rumors of sporting stadiums popping up has long passed. A quick Google search today on the term “National Landing” immediately results in adjectives like transformation, innovation and dynamic.
National Landing is the umbrella term being used to identify what will become the nation’s most well-connected urban center over the next decade. It’s comprised of three bustling neighborhoods — Potomac Yard (Northeastern Alexandria) and Arlington’s Pentagon City and Crystal City — and is set to soon outpace some of the largest D.C. and suburban markets in the region (Read the full report here).
Amazon HQ2’s announcement to locate in Arlington might have been one of the primary drivers for the term National Landing, but there is plenty of excitement happening in the Potomac Yard section of NaLa (the latest nickname to recognize National Landing). The Virginia Tech $1B Innovation Campus, projected to be completed 2024, forecasts an enrollment of 600 masters and doctoral students a year supporting their goal to create the nation’s most diverse graduate technology campus.
The long-awaited Potomac Yard Metro Station (yellow line) is scheduled to open later this year. More retail continues to open such as Total Wine. Amazon Fresh will open any day now in the former Shoppers Food Warehouse spot.
For those looking to own a home in Potomac Yard, the most exciting option (with current availability) is the Dylan located at 701 Swann Avenue. This new six-story luxury condo building has become one of the fastest selling luxury condo projects in the DMV. Out of the 129 units that will be delivered starting the end of 2022, there are about 45 left for sale. One to three-bedroom floorplans exist ranging from the $600K’s to over $1.2M.
Neighborhood Spotlight is a recurring column covering both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria in Fairfax County. This monthly column is sponsored and written by the Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
The Rose Hill neighborhood in Alexandria is rich in history, dating back to the 18th-century.
Rose Hill gets its name from an 18th century plantation that was once located nearby. Historical events that occurred here are described on a Civil War Trails marker on Rose Hill Drive. Additional information can be found on the Rose Hill Civic Association website.
In the spring of 1954, building began for this new community. The model homes were on Apple Tree Drive, just off Rose Hill Drive. There were no phones, no stores, no school, and Rose Hill Drive was just a dirt road. In 1955, phone service arrived with four-digit phone numbers!
Now, the Rose Hill neighborhood consists of single-family homes, condos and apartments. Rose Hill Elementary School, John Marshall Library, and the Rose Hill Plaza are all located in the neighborhood on Rose Hill Drive.
The anchor of Rose Hill Plaza is Safeway, and Walgreens, Dollar Tree, Tuesday Morning and Gabe’s are some of the many retail shopping options. Restaurants are also plentiful in this neighborhood spot including Mama Mia Pizza, Pho Kim Vietnamese Restaurant, Namaste Indian Cuisine, and many more. For a complete directory of the Rose Hill Plaza, visit Shop Rose Hill Plaza.
Rose Hill is bordered by Franconia Road to the north, Greendale Golf Course to the south, Rose Hill Drive and Rose Hill Plaza to the west and Telegraph Road to the east. For an easy commute, Metro’s Blue Line Stations at Van Dorn and Springfield-Franconia are near the neighborhood, and the Fairfax Connector Bus runs on Rose Hill Drive.
As of this writing, there are 3 single-family homes and 1 condo for sale in Rose Hill:
- A 3-bedroom split foyer listed at $624,900
- A 3-bedroom rambler listed at $634,999
- A 2-bedroom rambler listed at $485,000
- A 1-bedroom condo listed at $215,000
Recent home sales for May and June ranged from $547,500 to $680,000. As with every neighborhood in our area, prices can vary greatly due to location, size and property condition.
If you are looking to sell, buy or invest, The Seward Group would be honored to help. Email [email protected] or call/text 703-298-0562 today!
About Seward Group: We are award-winning real estate agents with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Lyssa Seward, Melody Abella, Anita Edwards, Laura Catron, Gina Wimpey and Elaine McCall make up our team. We offer our clients Full-Spectrum Concierge Real Estate Service at all price points, assisting with every step of the process from beginning to end. We are licensed in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Seward Group’s main office is in Old Town Alexandria.
Neighborhood Spotlight is a recurring column covering both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria in Fairfax County. This monthly column is sponsored and written by the Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
The West End of Alexandria, the city’s largest neighborhood, is transforming at a rapidly evolving pace.
This highly residential neighborhood is undergoing several major revitalization efforts that will bring a new commercial and health hub to the heart of the West End, anchoring a new era.
Bordering both Fairfax and Arlington, the West End includes the Beauregard, Landmark and Van Dorn neighborhoods, along with other smaller communities. Along with playing a major role in the future of the City of Alexandria, the West End has deep historical roots in Fort Ward, a park and historical landmark built in 1861 to protect Washington during the Civil War. Today, Fort Ward hosts an active community of walkers, bikers, children and even schools on its spacious grounds.
It’s impossible to talk about the West End of the City of Alexandria without the new, forthcoming commercial and residential hub at the former Landmark Mall site. The Landmark Mall, once a thriving marketplace, has fallen into disuse over many years, and its only recent claim to fame was having part of “Wonder Woman 1984” filmed onsite.
Soon, this site will be the home of a much more modern town center. An Inova medical campus will be a linchpin of the development, creating more than 2,000 healthcare jobs and relocating the Inova Alexandria Hospital from its current location on Seminary Road. Construction will begin in 2023 and new buildings could be completed as soon as 2025.
With this new development, the West End will be an even more desirable place to live in the City of Alexandria. Breweries like Port City and Aslin are already making their mark, and new innovations like eLofts, a live/work concept occupying a former defense contractor building are popping up.
Here are some real estate statistics from the last six months, including single family homes, condos and duplexes.
- Highest closed price last 6 months: $2,261,000
- Average sold price last 6 months: $467,324
- Lowest closed price last 6 months: $141,500
- Average DOM: 26
As with every neighborhood in the DMV, prices can vary greatly due to location, size and property condition. Whether you are looking to sell, buy or invest, we would be honored to help. Email [email protected] or call/text 703-298-0562 to set up an appointment with one of our agents.
About Seward Group: We are award-winning real estate agents with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Lyssa Seward, Melody Abella, Anita Edwards, Laura Catron, Gina Wimpey and Elaine McCall make up our team. We offer our clients Full-Spectrum Concierge Real Estate Service at all price points, assisting with every step of the process from beginning to end. We are licensed in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Seward Group’s main office is in Old Town Alexandria.
Neighborhood Spotlight is a recurring column covering both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria in Fairfax County. This monthly column is sponsored and written by the Seward Group of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
We love Old Town for the history, the architecture, and the amazing waterfront.
But did you know that Old Town is a trivia night destination too? Now that the weather is nice, get out and test your trivia knowledge! (Use your Jeopardy skills!) Here are some fun places that offer in person trivial pursuits in Old Town. We hope to see you there!
- Mason Social — Sunday at 6 p.m. (728 North Henry Street)
Enjoy modern American cuisine at this chef-driven neighborhood restaurant in the thriving Parker-Gray district. The focus of this restaurant is locally sourced food, beer, and craft cocktails. - Del Ray Pizza — Monday at 7 p.m. (2218 Mount Vernon Avenue)
Great food. Good beer. Fun people. You’ve found the right place! Make your reservations online to enjoy the fun. - Murphy’s – A Grand Irish Pub — Tuesday at 8:15 p.m. (713 King Street)
Your home away from home for an Authentic Irish Pub. Tuesdays you can enjoy ½ price burgers from 4-9 p.m., so get there early and stay all night. - Hops & Shine — Wednesday at 7 p.m. (3410 Mount Vernon Avenue)
What’s better than beer, bites and moonshine? Awesome wings, loaded grilled cheese sandwiches and artisan dogs are what make them shine! - The Light Horse — Wednesday at 6 p.m. (715 King Street)
Great food, drinks, live music, your favorite NFL and College Team, games and a great time are what you can expect from this local American gastropub and bar. - Aslin Beer Company — Thursday at 7 p.m. (847 South Pickett Street)
From ales, to sours to those hefty DIPAs, Aslin Beer Co. invites you to dive in, the lager’s fine. Redefining American beer culture, reeducating palates and reviving the passion for really good beer. - Village Brauhaus — Thursdays 7:30 p.m. (710 King Street)
Great Food. Great Beer. Great Times. German and Austrian bier hall located in the heart of Old Town serving the most delicious German and Austrian imported beers, along side of schnitzel, sausages and of course giant Bavarian pretzels!
If you, a friend, or family member is thinking about buying or selling their home, we would be honored to help. Email us at [email protected], call 703-298-0562 or visit The Seward Group website to set up an appointment with one of our agents.
