North Old Town Alexandria VS. South Old Town Alexandria.
There’s a common debate regarding Alexandria, and it is often raised by those who are exploring homes and condos for sale—North versus South Old Town, which is better? There are plenty of easy observations to make but a final conclusion can be difficult. In fact, the challenge is complicated by the evolving nature of this wonderfully independent city. Indeed, the old distinctions are rapidly blurring.
North Old Town (also sometimes referred to as Old Town North) is the smaller of the two major components of Alexandria’s historic seat. Rectangular in shape, it is generally thought to be bordered by Slaters Lane to the north, the Potomac River on the east, Pendleton Street to the south and North Washington and George Washington Memorial Parkway to the west. Many also consider Potomac Yard and the Del Rey neighborhood to be part of the north and northeastern fringes of Old Town.
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Meanwhile, South Old Town covers more land, also running along the waterfront and extending south to the Capital Beltway, and having a western border that pokes further than South Washington Street in certain places. Both the North and South portions date back to early colonial plantation owners, and tobacco warehouses along the waterfront where crops would be inspected before being shipped out.
During the modern era, Old Town Alexandria has evolved into a quintessential destination place for visitors and shoppers with its vibrant cultural scene. But it is equally popular with residents who attracted to a blend of historic and contemporary architecture and a quality way of life.
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South Old Town has generally been perceived as the trendier sector, due in no small part to King Street with its plethora of uber-hip boutique retailers and hot-spot restaurants. On the other hand, North Old Town has, to a certain extent, lagged behind—saddled with industrial plants and warehouses along the river’s edge and fewer high-end condos, shops and dining options.
In recent years, however, the old norms have begun to change. It’s not that South Old Town is any less popular, but simply that North Old Town is playing catch-up. The Oronoco Flats from EYI is a super-high end complex of modern condos for sale that has been fashioned from the skeleton of an old office building. Also, Old Town North Small Area Plan is an ambitious remaking of the waterfront that focuses on redeveloping former industrial sites.
Where should real estate buyers be focusing their search for properties—North Old Town or South Old Town? There’s plenty to consider. South has a Whole Foods market while North has a Trader Joe’s and a Harris Teeter. South has the King Street shops, trolley and Metro station while North has an increasing number of fun gastropubs and other indie-spirited businesses. Perhaps it’s better not to limit the search but to keep an open mind. After all, Old Town Alexandria is going through a metamorphosis and today’s comparisons may not hold true tomorrow.
To learn more about the parts of Old Town or to schedule a home tour, call Andre Perez at District Partners at Compass, (202) 798-3600.
