Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a population of over 140,000 residents. Located on the west bank of the Potomac River – six miles below Washington, DC – Alexandria is also a part of the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Area. It is surrounded by the Potomac River, Arlington County and Fairfax County. Alexandria has also received the top honor as “America’s Most Improved Driving City” from Allstate Insurance Company. The historic center of Alexandria, known as Old Town, is a major draw for residents, visitors and those interested in exploring local nightlife. Like Old Town, most Alexandria neighborhoods are upper-middle class suburbs, which is a main attraction for those interested in moving to Alexandria. In 2005, an assessed-value study of homes and condominiums found that about 40 percent of homes were in the highest bracket, worth $550,000 or more.
Economy:
The city's robust business environment is fueled by stable economic drivers such as its large number of technology companies, the fourth-largest concentration of professional associations in the country, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Institute for Defense Analyses and the Center for Naval Analyses. The city is populated with professionals working for federal civil service, the U.S. military or for one of the many private companies that are under contract to provide services to the federal government. The tourism industry contributes to the city’s economy with nearly three million visitors shopping, dining and visiting Alexandria’s historical attractions. Numerous people choose Alexandria moving companies to relocate to the area for these exciting employment opportunities.
History:
Incorporated in 1749, Alexandria was a busy seaport filled with ships that were en route to England and the Caribbean. The streets were lined with significant brick houses, and the sounds of skilled laborers and craftsmen at work. In 1796, a visitor – the Duc de La Rochfoucauld Liancourt – commented that "Alexandria is beyond all comparison the handsomest town in Virginia - indeed is among the finest in the United States." During the War of 1812, Alexandria surrendered to a British fleet in 1814 without a fight. As agreed in the terms of surrender the British looted stores and warehouses of mainly flour, tobacco, cotton, wine, and sugar. The City of Alexandria became independent of Alexandria County in 1870. The remaining portion of Alexandria County changed its name to Arlington County in 1920, which ended years of confusion.
Tourism:
Alexandria, Virginia offers a treasure trove of attractions and exciting things to do. Visitors and residents enjoy entertaining the family with fun-filled sightseeing or planning a romantic weekend for two. With more than 250 years of history and hospitality to its credit, Alexandria offers an array of historic and cultural attractions. Alexandria's many historic homes, churches and museums such as the National Portrait Gallery and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum allow residents and visitors to experience how the past has made this city the charming and historic town it is today. Walking through the Farmer's Market and Boat Tours on the Potomac River are popular activities locals and visitors enjoy.
Colleges/Universities:
• American University
• Howard University
• Georgetown University
• George Washington University
• University of the District of Columbia
Interesting Facts:
• Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors and 1960s sex symbol, attended high school in Alexandria.
• The median income for a household in Alexandria is $56,054.
• Alexandria was named by Prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association as one of the top “100 Walking Cities in America.”
Helpful Links:
• Alexandria Real Estate
• Alexandria Insurance
• Alexandria Moving Guide
• Alexandria Website