Alexandria : Virginia

What Alexandria is like for active adults
Alexandria has much to like as a retirement community for active adults. It has an historic district, Old Town, which is set against the Potomac River amongst brick buildings from the 1700’s. It has a strong economic base due to the presence of many non-profits which have their headquarters here. Many employees of the federal government tend to live here as well.

The downtown provides a vital area for dining, nightlife, shopping, art gallery cruising, and walking along the many riverside parks. Downtown Washington D.C. and all of its attractions are just a short ride on the Metro. Alexandria is an independent city in Virginia. The city of Washington is about 6 miles away. Photo of Old Town courtesy of Wikipedia and Ser Amantio di Nicolao.

Where to Live and Home Prices
Retirees can either live downtown in an older building or high rise, or further out in single family homes or a condo. If working is important to you in retirement Alexandria has many possibilities for employment. Median home price at the end of 2009 was just under $350,000.

For a list of profiles on over 450 cities and towns go to reviews of the best retirement communities  Here are some helpful facts about retiring in Virginia, including tax rates and climate.
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What is special about this retirement community
• Plenty of employment possibilities • Parks along the Potomac • Historic and lively historic Old Town District • Proximity to Washington DC
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What is not special about this retirement community
City living. Expensive
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What kinds of people like retiring here
As a retirement community it has history, a vital and prosperous downtown, and a strong economic base with ample opportunities for work – paid or volunteer. You can choose to live in a house downtown, or you can choose an apartment or free-standing house farther out to the west. Living in Alexandria is an alternative to the expense and crime of Washington D.C. and the sterility of the suburbs.
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Local economy is driven by
Non-profits and government.
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Climate and Physical Environment
Alexandria is located on the west bank of the Potomac River near Washington. The terrain is mostly flat with a few rolling hills. Chesapeake Bay is nearby.
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Cultural environment
Old Town provides considerable cultural possibilities, while Washington D.C. is one of the country’s richest cultural locations
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Medical facilities
There are 3 hospitals in Alexandria
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Transportation
Reagan/Washington National Airport is 4 miles away. Dulles is 28 miles. Amtrak and the Metro have service from Alexandria, so public transportation is excellent. .
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Facts about ALEXANDRIA
  • State: VA
  • Environment: Urban,Suburban,
  • City Population: 100,001+
  • Median age of Population: 25-44
  • Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
  • Median HH Income: 80,000+
  • Average Home Price (MLS): $300,001-$500,000
  • Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
  • Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
  • Cost of Living Index: 121+ (very high)
  • Culture Index: 121+ (very high)
  • State Sales Tax: Yes
  • State Income Tax: Yes
  • Name of the Guide: john

Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts

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1. Overall Retirement Ratings Discuss

1. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)

2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury Discuss

2. Rating: 4.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive Discuss

3. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 4 votes cast)

4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan Discuss

4. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)

5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp Discuss

5. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub Discuss

6. Rating: 5.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)

7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox Discuss

7. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 4 votes cast)

8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent Discuss

8. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)

9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal Discuss

9. Rating: 4.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)

10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green Discuss

10. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)