Living and Working in Alexandria, Virginia

 Alexandria is renowned for its historic charm and relaxed atmosphere. It has become increasingly popular with those looking to settle down and start a family. Old Town is a must-see area of the city, featuring cobbled streets, red brick buildings, and local businesses that date back centuries. This historic district boasts numerous small museums and galleries, cozy cafes, and leafy parks.

Living and Working in Alexandria Virginia

If you're seeking a lifestyle and working environment that is more inclusive than most, Alexandria Virginia is the place for you. It has plenty to offer its residents in terms of pay/benefits, equity, work-life balance, advancement opportunities, as well as positive working conditions. Living in Alexandria is an ideal option for those who appreciate its historic neighborhoods and cultural attractions. The city's 159 distinct neighborhoods feature homes of all eras, from pre-Revolutionary War and Georgian structures to contemporary 21^st-century architecture. Gadsby's Tavern Museum and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum are two unique museums located within the city that provide a fascinating insight into its past and culture. These historical establishments are an excellent way to get acquainted with residents' daily life.

Many residents enjoy being so close to Washington D.C. with plenty of Metro stops available, making commuting around town hassle-free without needing your car. Alexandria is renowned for its vibrant arts scene. The city hosts various events throughout the year, such as music festivals and theater performances, in addition to having numerous local art galleries. Alexandria is the perfect destination for those who enjoy exploring the world outside of work. The city boasts numerous parks, hiking trails and other outdoor activities that draw both tourists and locals alike.

The area is home to numerous universities and colleges, such as the University of Virginia, George Mason University, Virginia Tech, and George Washington University. There is something for everyone here - schools and programs tailored toward students of all ages and interests. Though the city is a desirable place to live, it's also expensive. Living here tends to be 5-15% higher than the national average cost of living, making it difficult for some individuals to afford housing and utilities. Though housing affordability may be an issue for some, Alexandria is an exciting destination for those who appreciate art and want to live in a vibrant city. Furthermore, Alexandria boasts some of America's largest employers such as Amazon which chose the city for its HQ2 project in November 2018. This makes Alexandria an ideal home base for professionals working in fast-growing industries.

Housing

Alexandria, Virginia offers a diverse housing stock with apartments, condos, and single-family homes. Its historic Old Town and vibrant Potomac Yard make Alexandria an attractive home for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Affordable apartments in Alexandria can be found through various government programs and local agencies. Many of these apartment communities are income-based, meaning residents must contribute no more than 30% of their monthly income toward rent and utilities. In Virginia, there are various affordable housing programs that offer rental assistance to those meeting certain criteria - such as people with disabilities or low incomes. These initiatives aim to increase apartment affordability and availability throughout the state, including Alexandria apartments.

Another way to find affordable apartments in the city is through HUD's Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which has numerous resources that can assist you with finding an affordable apartment near your current or future job. Their program provides guidance on locating apartments near you, such as what type of housing options are available for different income levels. DHCD administers various funding sources that can assist the City of Alexandria in creating affordable housing. These resources include resources for building or renovating multifamily housing, supporting community development initiatives and affordable housing construction, as well as making energy-efficiency improvements to residential buildings.

While Alexandria is set for some significant developments, such as Amazon's second headquarters in National Landing, which will bring thousands of new employees to the region, it should be noted that these changes won't significantly affect most vacancy rates currently present in Alexandria. As a result, Alexandria's rental market is on the rise. The City of Alexandria is in the process of overhauling its zoning code to create a comprehensive package that emphasizes affordable and inclusive housing for all citizens. This project involves taking an extensive look at large sections of city zoning to assess any residual effects past discriminatory practices have had on quality of life for populations of color or low-income individuals, as well as setting new policy objectives and metrics.

Nightlife

Alexandria offers visitors a diverse range of nightlife and activities to enjoy. Whether you're looking for an intimate setting or want to celebrate with friends, Alexandria has something special for everyone in this charming city. Old Town Alexandria is a historic area featuring centuries-old architecture, shops, restaurants and cafes. This has become an increasingly popular shopping destination for locals who appreciate independent boutiques and one-of-a-kind finds. Old Town Alexandria is not only a major shopping destination, but it also hosts numerous special events and festivals throughout the year. These include First Thursday - when galleries open their doors to shoppers - UnCorked - which celebrates Virginia's wine and beer industry - plus much more!

Enjoy live music and an inviting atmosphere at several lounges in Alexandria. They range from upscale and intimate to casual and family-friendly, so you're sure to find one that fits your taste and style perfectly! Don't forget to check out their event calendar to see what exciting activities are planned! If you enjoy dancing, Alexandria has plenty of clubs that host regular party nights with DJs and an extensive selection of drinks. There are also plenty of lounges that offer hookah and premium cocktails. These bars make for great socializing opportunities with friends.

Another way to have an exciting time is taking a ghost tour. These tours are led by a costumed Colonial-costumed guide who will take you around Old Town with stories of ghost stories and eerie legends. Old Town Alexandria is not only home to some stunning historic buildings, but it's also home to several museums and art galleries. Popular destinations include Torpedo Factory Art Center and Carlye House - both worth visiting for a unique experience. Alexandria boasts an array of waterfront dining options. In recent years, Hummingbird by James Beard-nominated chef Cathal Armstrong opened its doors as a popular riverside restaurant serving up clam bakes, crab boils, and oyster roasts. Other nearby options include Vola's Dockside Grill and BARCA Pier and Wine Bar.

Weather

Alexandria's climate is mild and temperate. Winters rarely dip below freezing, while summers are hot and humid. When deciding when to visit Alexandria, the best time depends on your interests and plans for the trip. Beachgoers might prefer June or August as relaxing beach vacations while water enthusiasts and those seeking moderate snow conditions might opt for cooler winter months. Temperatures in Alexandria typically range from 41 degrees Fahrenheit in January to an average high of 90 degrees in July. While weather patterns can change throughout the year, Alexandria generally enjoys cool enough temperatures for outdoor activities most months. Spring in Alexandria is an idyllic time to experience nature's stunning blooming flowers, trees, and other plants that thrive there. It also makes for great skiing or snowboarding conditions as it's the ideal time of year for these activities.

April is typically warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures reaching 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees C), while nighttime lows can drop to 45 degrees F (7 degrees C). April is generally dry, with an average rainfall of 0.41 inches each month. On the other hand, July has the highest rainfall total at 119mm (4.7 inches), giving that month its name. Rainfall in Alexandria varies by month, with most precipitation falling between October and November. Snowfall also varies seasonally as well, falling mostly between December and February. Alexandria experiences extreme wind speeds throughout the year. From October 21 to May 8, these days typically experience winds in excess of 7.4 miles per hour. Alexandria's weather can be stunningly picturesque in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant colors and days become crisp. Enjoy this time to take in all its glory but remember - autumn will soon turn into winter as temperatures plummet rapidly.