Parker-Gray, VA Homes For Sale in Alexandria
Located in the independent City of Alexandria is Parker-Grey, a neighborhood that despite its rich history, has been evolving substantially in recent years. It has also been referred to as Uptown or Uptown/Parker-Gray in the past and is also often associated with the densely populated next-door Braddock Road community.
Comprised of 40 blocks west of Washington Street in Old Town North, the area was used by the military before and during the Civil War for encampments, hospitals, a bakery, stables and more. But after the war ended, the land became a beacon to former slaves and other free African Americans. Before long, it was a thriving community.
Parker-Gray Homes for Sale in Alexandria, VA
- All Listings
- Over $1,000,000
During the 1920s, two neighborhood schools were merged to become the well-known Parker-Gray School. And by the 1940s, numerous blocks of garden-style apartments were built to house African American World War II workers. When the war ended, those units became affordable housing opportunities. Parker-Gray remained a thriving hub for Black culture for decades, and was declared a historic district in 1984. But the continuing transition of the City of Alexandria and the larger Washington Metro region ultimately caught up with this insulated community as more residents arrived and developers eyed areas of opportunity.
As a result, a large number of the old brick Colonial Revival structures have been torn down, despite the area’s historical status. The city has mandated a one-for-one replacement with other affordable housing. In some cases those lower rent options take shape as buildings within the new development and in other cases, they are rebuilt in other parts of Alexandria.
These days, Parker-Gray reflects a cross-section of interesting styles and home types. The largest single recent impact by a developer is Old Town Commons from the EYA group. There are 150 luxury three and four-story townhouses, with assorted other condos of sale as well as two new affordable housing structures. Other homes for sale include old row houses, Queen Anne-style houses, some Greek Revival architecture and assorted cottages and bungalows.
The location is also a large part of the allure, with the Braddock Road Metro Station within easy walking distance. Residents can also stroll to the Potomac River, a Trader Joe’s market, a new Harris Teeter, a new city park and the intriguing Torpedo Factory Art Center where visitors can look in on working artists in their art spaces. Call District Partners at Compass to learn more about homes, condos and townhouses for sale in the area, (202) 798-3600.
