Historic Federal and Georgian rowhouses, waterfront condominiums, and cobblestone streets in the historic heart of Alexandria, on the Potomac River.
Old Town is the historic heart of Alexandria, Virginia, an independent city on the Potomac River about seven miles south of Washington, DC. Founded in 1749 as a colonial tobacco port and named for the Scottish merchant John Alexander, it is one of the oldest communities in the region and home to the third-oldest locally designated historic district in the country. Old Town is known for its preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, red-brick sidewalks, and cobblestone streets, its mile-long King Street corridor of independent shops and restaurants, and a revitalized Potomac waterfront. It sits within ZIP code 22314, has its own Metro stations on the Blue and Yellow lines, and was George Washington's hometown, with his Mount Vernon estate a few miles down the river.
The Old Town real estate market is one of the most sought-after in Northern Virginia, and it centers on historic homes and condominiums rather than large single-family houses. In recent years the median sale price in the 22314 ZIP code has run in the range of roughly $870,000 to $1.1 million, with homes selling quickly and close to asking. Condominiums generally start around $350,000 and rise into the seven figures for large or waterfront units, historic Federal and Victorian rowhouses commonly range from about $800,000 to well over $1.5 million depending on block and condition, and the largest historic homes and new waterfront residences trade above $3 million. Because Old Town is a protected historic district, inventory is limited and well-prepared homes tend to sell within weeks.
What sets Old Town apart is a rare combination of genuine colonial history, a walkable urban village, and a waterfront setting, all a short trip from Washington. Its streets hold homes dating to the 1750s, some on land originally owned by George Washington, alongside taverns the Founding Fathers frequented, and every historic property is protected by the city's Board of Architectural Review. At the same time, King Street offers more than 200 independent shops and restaurants, the waterfront has been reinvented with parks, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and new luxury residences, and residents can reach downtown Washington in about twenty minutes by Metro, water taxi, or car. That mix of history, walkability, and location draws professionals, historic-home enthusiasts, and buyers who want a true neighborhood rather than a commuter subdivision. Old Town's history also includes a significant and painful chapter in the domestic slave trade, now told at sites such as the Freedom House Museum and the Alexandria Black History Museum.
Advisory Partners brings boutique, concierge-level guidance to the Old Town market and the wider DMV. Affiliated with Compass, the team pairs data-driven valuations and marketing built for the luxury market with the block-by-block knowledge Old Town rewards, since a historic rowhouse, a waterfront condominium, and a new-construction residence are three very different transactions, each with its own buyer and its own preservation considerations under the Board of Architectural Review. Whether you are buying a Federal rowhouse near Captain's Row, selling a waterfront condominium at Robinson Landing, or navigating the architectural-review process on a historic home, Advisory Partners treats every transaction as the high-stakes decision it is, from the first conversation through closing.
Genuine Colonial History, Historic Rowhouses and Cobblestone Streets, King Street Shopping and Dining
Founded in 1749, Old Town is one of the oldest communities in the region and home to the third-oldest locally designated historic district in the country. It was George Washington's hometown, and its streets hold homes and taverns dating to the 1700s, some on land the first president once owned.
Old Town is defined by its preserved Federal, Georgian, and Victorian rowhouses, red-brick sidewalks, and cobblestone blocks such as the iconic Captain's Row on Prince Street. Every historic property is protected by the city's Board of Architectural Review, so the neighborhood's character endures.
King Street, the mile-long spine of Old Town, holds more than 200 independent shops, boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants, from historic taverns to acclaimed modern kitchens. A free trolley runs its length, and Market Square hosts one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the country.
Old Town's revitalized waterfront pairs the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former munitions plant now home to more than 80 artist studios, with parks, marinas, and new luxury residences. A water taxi connects Old Town to Washington, Georgetown, and National Harbor.
Old Town is one of the most walkable communities in Northern Virginia, and it has its own Metro stations on the Blue and Yellow lines. Downtown Washington is about twenty minutes away by Metro, water taxi, or car, and Reagan National Airport is only about ten minutes north.
Designated a National Historic Landmark district, Old Town blends its past with a lively present, from a costumed town crier and lantern-lit ghost tours to house museums and civil rights landmarks. Its history includes the story of Black Alexandrians, told at the Freedom House Museum and the Alexandria Black History Museum.
Old Town is a compact, historic neighborhood with three broad groups: historic rowhouses, waterfront and luxury residences, and condos and townhomes, including Old Town North. The ranges below reflect typical recent sales and are a general guide, as location, condition, historic status, and water views affect value. Del Ray, Rosemont, and Carlyle are separate adjacent Alexandria neighborhoods.
The ranges below reflect typical recent sales and should be treated as a general guide rather than a guarantee, since condition, square footage, lot, and building drive Kalorama values significantly, and sales volume is low.
The heart of Old Town is its historic rowhouses, the Federal, Georgian, and Victorian townhouses that line its cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks. Blocks such as Captain's Row on the 100 block of Prince Street, built for sea captains in the late 1700s, and Gentry Row on the 200 block, home to wealthy merchants, are among the most photographed in the country. These homes range widely with size, block, and condition, generally from about $800,000 for smaller rowhouses to well over $1.5 million for larger, fully restored houses, with the grandest historic homes trading above $3 million. Buyers here are seeking history and character, and should plan for the Board of Architectural Review process on any exterior work.
Along the Potomac, Old Town's revitalized waterfront offers the neighborhood's most contemporary luxury housing. New and recent developments such as Robinson Landing and Ford's Landing, along with condominiums on Union Street and The Strand, place residents steps from the water, the marina, and the Torpedo Factory, often with river views, concierge service, and modern finishes. This is the part of Old Town for buyers who want low-maintenance, full-service living rather than a historic house. Waterfront and new-construction condominiums range widely with size and view, generally from the high $500,000s to well over $2 million for large residences with river views.
Beyond the historic core and the waterfront, Old Town offers a broad market of condominiums and townhomes, including the growing Old Town North area toward the Braddock Road Metro, along with pockets such as Yates Gardens, Printers Row, and Old Town Commons. These range from studios and one-bedroom condominiums to newer townhomes, and they provide the most attainable entry points into the neighborhood. Condominiums here generally start around $350,000, and townhomes range from the high six figures upward. This part of Old Town appeals to first-time buyers, downsizers, and professionals who want walkability and Metro access without the cost of a historic rowhouse.
Browse current homes for sale in Old Town Alexandria, from historic Federal rowhouses in the core to waterfront condominiums, new luxury residences, and townhomes in Old Town North.
Old Town has one of the deepest dining scenes in Northern Virginia, concentrated along King Street and the waterfront, with more than 200 restaurants ranging from historic taverns to acclaimed modern kitchens.
on the waterfront at Union Street, is a chef-owned restaurant from James Beard-nominated chef Cathal Armstrong, serving regional American seafood with river views and indoor and outdoor seating.
is a popular waterfront restaurant where nearly everything is wood-fired, from steaks and seafood to vegetables, with sweeping views of the Potomac.
.jpg)
on King Street, is a farm-to-table modern American restaurant often ranked among the best in Alexandria, committed to Mid-Atlantic growers and watermen.
a King Street institution since 1979, serves upscale Italian cuisine in a cozy, historic space with cobblestone-style walls.
on North Union Street, pairs fresh seafood and a raw bar with a waterfront setting and the Hi-Tide Lounge upstairs.
King Street is one of the premier independent shopping districts in the region, lined with locally owned boutiques
One of the premier independent shopping districts in the region, lined with boutiques, antique dealers, galleries, home stores, and specialty shops.
At Alexandria City Hall, hosts a Saturday farmers market tracing its roots to 1753, one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the country.
Located within and just beyond Old Town.
Additional shopping options a short drive away.
Old Town's setting on the Potomac gives residents a walkable waterfront and miles of trails.
Line the river along Old Town's Potomac waterfront.
Runs along the water for walking, running, and cycling, connecting north toward Washington and south to Mount Vernon.
Located beneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, holds the original boundary stone of the District of Columbia.
Links Old Town to Washington, Georgetown, and National Harbor.
Anchors the waterfront with dozens of working artist studios.
House museums that trace the neighborhood's colonial past.
Tell the story of Black Alexandrians.
Serves as the city's history museum.
A seasonal event that fills the streets, among other year-round celebrations.
Old Town is served by Alexandria City Public Schools. Because Alexandria is an independent city, it has a single citywide public high school, Alexandria City High School, so unlike the Virginia and Maryland suburbs, there is no variation in high school assignment from one neighborhood to another. Elementary and middle schools are assigned by attendance zone, and Old Town's in-boundary elementary for many addresses is Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, a well-regarded school in the heart of the neighborhood. Families should confirm the current assignment for a specific address using the Alexandria City Public Schools attendance-zone locator.
Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, on South Saint Asaph Street in Old Town, serves kindergarten through grade 5 and is known for its traditional Core Knowledge curriculum, strong test scores, and high parental involvement; it is one of only a few certified Core Knowledge schools in Virginia. Parts of Old Town are also served by Jefferson-Houston, a prekindergarten through grade 8 school on Cameron Street. For middle school, Old Town students attend George Washington Middle School, and for high school, all Alexandria students attend Alexandria City High School, formerly T.C. Williams High School, the school made nationally famous by the film Remember the Titans. Families should confirm the current elementary and middle assignments for their address with the school system.
Alexandria is also home to well-regarded private and independent schools. Episcopal High School, a historic boarding and day school, and the Episcopal St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School are both in Alexandria, and Bishop Ireton High School, a Catholic school, sits near Old Town. Additional private options in Northern Virginia and across the river in the District are within a reasonable drive. As with any move, families should research individual schools, ratings, and admissions timelines.
~35,000 across the wider 22314 ZIP code
On the Potomac River, about seven miles south of Washington, DC
Few detached single-family homes; a protected historic district
Old and Historic Alexandria District
A colonial tobacco port; the third-oldest historic district in the United States
Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, George Washington Middle, and the citywide Alexandria City High School
Free King Street Trolley, DASH bus, water taxi; ~20 min to downtown DC, ~10 min to Reagan National Airport
Condos from ~$350,000; historic rowhouses ~$800,000–$1.5M+; waterfront and large historic homes above $3M
Well above the regional median
U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey estimates); Bright MLS; City of Alexandria; Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; Walk Score. Figures should be reviewed at least annually and confirmed against the latest data.
Navigating the DMV luxury real estate market requires unparalleled expertise. Here is what you need to know before we begin.
Book a ConsultationOld Town is one of the most sought-after markets in Northern Virginia, and its prices reflect a market of historic homes and condominiums rather than large single-family houses. In recent years the median sale price in the 22314 ZIP code has run in the range of roughly $870,000 to $1.1 million, with homes selling quickly. Condominiums generally start around $350,000, historic Federal and Victorian rowhouses commonly range from about $800,000 to well over $1.5 million depending on block and condition, and the largest historic homes and new waterfront residences trade above $3 million. Because Old Town is a protected historic district with limited inventory, well-prepared homes tend to sell within weeks.
Old Town is defined by historic architecture. The neighborhood is best known for its Federal, Georgian, and Victorian brick rowhouses, set along cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks, some dating to the 1750s. Along the Potomac, the waterfront adds newer luxury condominiums and developments such as Robinson Landing, and throughout Old Town, and especially in Old Town North, there are condominiums and townhomes at a range of prices. Detached single-family homes are relatively rare. Because the neighborhood is a protected historic district, exterior changes are reviewed by the Board of Architectural Review, so most homes retain their historic character.
Old Town is served by Alexandria City Public Schools. Because Alexandria is an independent city, it has a single citywide public high school, Alexandria City High School, formerly T.C. Williams, so high school assignment does not vary by neighborhood. Elementary and middle schools are assigned by attendance zone: Old Town's in-boundary elementary for many addresses is the well-regarded Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, with Jefferson-Houston serving parts of the area, and the middle school is George Washington Middle. Because assignments are address-specific, families should confirm the current zone using the Alexandria City Public Schools locator.
Old Town sits about seven miles south of Washington, and it is one of the best-connected communities in Northern Virginia. It has its own Metro stations, King Street-Old Town and Braddock Road, on the Blue and Yellow lines, and downtown Washington is about twenty minutes away by train. A free King Street Trolley runs from the Metro to the waterfront, a water taxi connects Old Town to Washington, Georgetown, and National Harbor, and Reagan National Airport is about ten minutes north. The historic core is highly walkable, and the Mount Vernon Trail offers a scenic route for cyclists and runners.
Yes, but exterior work in Old Town is subject to review because the neighborhood is a protected historic district. The city's Board of Architectural Review oversees the Old and Historic Alexandria District and must approve exterior changes and new construction, from windows and doors to additions and materials, to preserve the area's historic character. Interior renovations generally have more flexibility. Buyers planning to renovate should factor the review process and timeline into their plans, and it helps to work with an agent and contractors familiar with the local requirements.
Old Town pairs a walkable historic district with a lively waterfront. King Street holds more than 200 independent shops and restaurants, from historic taverns to acclaimed modern kitchens, and Market Square hosts one of the oldest farmers markets in the country. Along the Potomac, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Waterfront Park, and a water taxi anchor the riverfront, and the Mount Vernon Trail runs south to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. House museums such as Carlyle House and Gadsby's Tavern, plus the Freedom House Museum and the Alexandria Black History Museum, trace the neighborhood's full history.
Advisory Partners is a boutique, Compass-affiliated team suited to a market as historic and varied as Old Town, where a Federal rowhouse, a waterfront condominium, and a new-construction residence are three very different transactions. The team pairs data-driven valuations and marketing built for the luxury market with block-by-block knowledge and experience navigating the Board of Architectural Review process, along with access to off-market and Compass Private Exclusive listings. For buyers weighing a historic rowhouse against a waterfront condominium and for sellers who want their home positioned against the right comparables, the team offers local knowledge and high-touch service. Advisory Partners works across Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland, and the Delaware beaches.
Advisory Partners helps buyers and sellers across Old Town Alexandria and the wider DMV, from historic Federal rowhouses and cobblestone streets to waterfront condominiums and new luxury residences on the Potomac. As a boutique team affiliated with Compass, Advisory Partners pairs data-driven pricing and marketing built for the luxury market with the block-by-block knowledge, historic-district experience, and off-market access that a neighborhood like Old Town rewards. To talk through your search, your sale, or a move you are planning, call 202-559-8988 or email info@advisorypartnersdmv.com.
.jpg)
