New Alexandria, VA Homes For Sale
Located in the southern part of Alexandria is a neighborhood known curiously as New Alexandria. This small subdivision has a fascinating history but is relatively unknown, and in fact, is more typically associated with its larger next-door neighbor, Belle Haven. With only about 150 families (and missing from many maps), this charming community features some very attractive homes for sale.
This is a place that once had big dreams. But alas, those plans were never fully realized. At least not in the way that the early founders had hoped for.
The land here goes all the way back to 1658 and a 500-acre land parcel that was part of the origins of colonial settlement in the Alexandria area. But while other parts (such as Old Town to the north and the massive Mount Vernon estate to the south) prospered, this particular parcel laid dormant, changing hands repeatedly over subsequent generations but without any noticeable advancement.
New Alexandria Homes for Sale
- All Listings
- $100,000 - $200,000
- $200,000 - $300,000
- $300,000 - $400,000
- $500,000 - $600,000
- $600,000 - $700,000
- $700,000 - $800,000
- Over $1,000,000
But that finally changed when the New Alexandria Land and River Improvement Company acquired the land in the late 1880’s and combined it with other neighboring plots to total 1600 acres. A fledgling community was officially founded in 1892 with some very grand plans for the future. And for a short while there was a hotel, industry (the Deis Company made chairs and another factory produced baskets), a sprinkling of gracious homes on one-acre lots and one of the fastest new electric streetcar lines in the nation.
But the auspicious plans never quite panned out due to a series of unfortunate events. A giant fire destroyed the Deis factory within three months of its construction. The structure was subsequently rebuilt in brick, but couldn’t recover from its financial losses. There was also a deep water channel dredged to facilitate shipping, but that soon filled up with silt. By 1924, the New Alexandria Company had gone bankrupt.
Some of the land became the Belle Haven Country Club, and over time, New Alexandria settled into a very low-key yet happy routine as a charming little community with an interesting, albeit sidetracked past.
Today, you’ll find a blend of homes built over time, most of which were constructed from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. As with the southern Alexandria coastline in general, this is an area that leans toward luxury homes for sale, many of which have either been renovated and built up over time, or even torn down and rebuilt altogether.
The Potomac River is just a short stroll away for residents, as is the Mount Vernon Recreation Trail. Membership at the famed country club is a favorite perk, along with time spent at the local sailing marina. Belle Haven has a nice little shopping center and restaurants, and there’s also a well-organized New Alexandria Citizens Association that coordinates local activities. Plus, Old Town is close by, and Washington DC is also an easy drive away.
To many outsiders, New Alexandria is the community that time forgot. But that’s okay with longtime residents. With appealing real estate properties, a few historical remnants, local coffee shops and the nearby river, this is an intriguing place with a small town atmosphere. Call District Partners at Compass to learn more about homes for sale in the area, (202) 798-3600.
