Overlooking the captivating Potomac River, sits the urban metropolitan city of Alexandria. This historic city and national landmark is steeped in its time-honored American heritage, offering a plethora of well-preserved historic and cultural sites of great value to the entire family. A center of urban life, Alexandria is rich in the visual as well as performing arts, fine dining, and much more. The unique combination of old and new creates an exciting, affluent atmosphere in which to live and flourish. At the time of the 2000 census, Alexandria had a population of 128,284. 

Location
The beautiful independent city of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia -- adjacent to Arlington County to the north, Fairfax County to the west and south, and bordered by the scenic Potomac River to the east. Our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., and the state of Maryland are just a mere 8-mile drive northeast, across the Potomac River. 

Geography/Terrain
Fast-paced and exciting Alexandria sits 30 feet above sea level overlooking the beautiful and scenic Potomac River. The independent city is centrally located adjacent to the diverse and thriving urban counties of Arlington and Fairfax. Just an 8-mile drive away, Washington D.C., the nation’s capital, is just a hop, skip and a jump away. 

Alexandria encompasses 15.4 square miles, of which 15.2 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles, or 1.4%, is water.  

Distance to 3 closest major cities
Alexandria is just an 8-mile drive across the Potomac to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Another close nearby major city is Baltimore, Maryland which is an hour’s drive northeast of Alexandria, or 47 miles. Other nearby major cities include Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is 101 miles to the south, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 145 miles northeast.

Jobs
The city of Alexandria, like the rest of northern Virginia and southern Maryland, has been shaped by its proximity to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Most residents are tradesmen or professionals working for the federal civil service, the federal government, the military, or one of the many contract support companies established in the area. The United States Department of Defense is one of the largest employers of Alexandria. Another such employer is the United States Patent and Trademark Office, whose headquarters are located within the city limits of Alexandria. The job market is competitive, but employment is on the rise as the metropolitan area gained 60,400 jobs since 2005.

Housing
There are a wide variety of housing options in Alexandria -- cozy condos and apartments, modern single and multi-family homes, and even spacious multi-acre estates! If you are looking to relocate your business or for a real estate investment opportunity, there are plenty of commercial spaces available -- from the traditional retail / office setting to the empty, ready-to-use-as-you-wish warehouse. You name it, Alexandria’s got it.  

Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf
The urban city of Alexandria has much more to offer than its hip attitude and high-class style. It boasts over 70 lush, green parks and wide open spaces, totaling 944 acres, for the entire family to enjoy. Six parks offer spaces to rent for special occasions such as birthday parties, family reunions, or weddings to name a few. For you dog lovers, there are several dog parks scattered across the city – 4 fenced parks, 13 unfenced parks for you to enjoy with your best friend. 

The City Marina is at the southeast tip of Founders Park surrounded by lush greenery, scenic views, historic sites, and the best restaurants and shops the city has to offer. Go for a boat ride while taking in the refreshing marine air along the 3-mile picturesque stretch reaching Washington DC and Maryland. There are 59 boating slips along the marina, as well as restroom and shower facilities for those wishing to spend the evening wining and dining on deck.  

There are so many things to do in the city of Alexandria! Visit any one of the 187 flower garden and horticultural sites. Or hit the road, and take an afternoon stroll along any stretch of the 20 miles worth of walking / hiking / biking trails. There are 52 athletic fields, 39 tennis courts, 29 basketball courts, 6 outdoor pools, and 45 playgrounds. Looking to socialize? Join the club… literally! If your passion is country dance, join the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. If fencing is more your forte, join the Old Town Fencing Club. There are clubs and societies of every variety and flavor to participate in. 

Alexandria offers several area golf courses with breathtaking views overlooking the Potomac River. There are 5 courses within the Alexandria city limits itself, with 51 more within a 20-mile radius. Five of the top rated golf courses in the state of Virginia are among these neighboring golf courses: the Country Club of Fairfax offers a challenging 18-hole course featuring 6,639 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71; the Chevy Chase Club offers an 18-hole course featuring 4,800 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 69; the Columbia Country Club offers an 18-hole features 6,545 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70; the Congressional Country Club offers two 18-hole courses featuring 7,245 yards of golf from the longest tee for a par of 70, and 6,588 yards of golf from the longest tee for a par of 70 respectively; the Country Club at Woodmore offers an 18-hole course featuring 7,089 yards of golf from the longest tee for a par of 72. 

Special Attractions/Events
The city of Alexandria has great historical and cultural value which is meticulously preserved for generations into the future to enjoy. Visit such historic sites as Mount Vernon, our nation’s first president, George Washington’s estate, and gardens. Step back through time and visit Virginia of the 18th century at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. At that time, the tavern was the pulse of the then town, serving as the setting for such occasions as community gatherings, theatrical performances, dance assemblies and more. Noteworthy patrons included George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.  

The Old Town district dates back to the year 1749. It is the oldest section of the city, and the entire district is valued for its historic nature. The historic buildings and sites have been carefully preserved and attract tourists all year round. Old Town is also known for its unique art galleries and antique shops, the fine dining and active nightlife. 

There are countless year-round events and activities to experience in Alexandria such as the many popular festivals and fairs. Such noteworthy happenings include the Annual Needlework Exhibition, the largest such exhibit in the nation drawing artists and visitors from around the world; the Annual Teddy Bear Tea, an exciting event offered to kids of all ages to learn the etiquette of how to conduct a proper tea party; Mount Vernon’s Wine Festival, celebrating the history of wine amidst live entertainment; and the Memorial Day Jazz Festival, featuring professional talented performers from all over the area. 

Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places
Alexandria is an independent city, meaning it does not belong to any particular county. It was once a part of the District of Columbia, but was ceded to Virginia in 1846, along with the rest of the land west of the Potomac River. 

The movie, “Remember the Titans” (2000) was based on Alexandria’s own T.C. Williams High School’s former football coach, Herman Boone. 

The city of Alexandria was occupied by federal militia during the entire span of the Civil War, making it the longest held city during the Civil War. 

Noteworthy people born in Alexandria include Jim Morrison, the lead singer from the 60s group The Doors, and actress Sandra Bullock.  

The Old Presbyterian Meeting House is the site where our nation’s first president, George Washington’s memorial services were held. 

Gunston Hall Plantation was the home of George Mason, the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights.