We will be moving to Alexandria, VA for work. Are there any "bad" areas to avoid when looking for homes/condos in Alexandria? Any comments would be helpful, as we know nothing about the area and this is a last minute assignment. Thank you!

Well you don;t say what type of home you're looing for , where you're coming from (so if prices will be higher or lower), or yor expectations. If this is an assignment won;t the company provide guidance and services.

I reco that you rent something initially to see what the area is liek and where you want to live before trying to buy (which can be a very lengthy process at this point).

Also, will youwork right in Alexandria and need to live n the immediate vicinity versus any sort of commute.

And - the areas I'm familiar with are fairly upscale -but I don't know every corner.

Will be working in Alexandria and hoping to find lodging near Old Town or Carlyle. Willing to rent for now, for a few months and then look into something more permanent later. Could you possible tell me which areas are fairly upscale? Prices are not too much of an issue, as we are coming from Hawaii where housing is pricey.

You might find the forums at http://www.city-data.com/forum/ helpful if you aren't already signed up there

Saka, I live in Maryland, but work in Alexandria which is close to the Old Town area and also right next to the USPTO. The Carlyle offers very nice condo's/townhouses. My office building is actually owned by Carlyle. I also love the Del Ray area, but not sure it's as upscale as you're looking for. It's lined with more homes of the historic nature.

I absolutely love Alexandria/Old Town area and if I were to sell my house, I would consider moving to that area. Housing can be on the expensive side, but as you say that's not much of an issue. I definitely think you would love the area. Great shopping/restaurants/movie theater, you have Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and if you drive up Route 1/Patrick Street, there's a Harris Teeter. You also have easy access to the Metro and you're only a short drive into the DC.

Any more questions, let me know as I'm well familiar with the area.

jdc

There is a lovely Farmers Market in the Old Town Square.
Wonderful restaurant scene.
Used to be a fabulous Gourmet shop that I met Sara Brady in once as well as a cuope of other "Washington Insiders".

Alexandria is a great place. I loved working in Old Town for 4 years. I assume that you have a reputable realtor lined up. To do a little added research on your own, go to the city's website
Www.alexandriava.gov
There's all sorts of valuable info here. On the right hand side of the screen, there are city departments listed. You can check " police department" . When their screen comes up you can select "crimereports.com" and "crime mapping."
alexamdria is a great place, but it's not all cute shops, charming homes, great restaurants, and dogs. There's also gang a tivity and crime ( like anyplace else).
Good luck!