Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria: A city in Virginia.
About
Alexandria is a city located in the county of City of Alexandria in the U.S. state of Virginia. Its population at the 2010 census was 139,966 and a population density of 3,490 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 158,726 inhabitants.
The city was created 277 years ago in 1748.
Alexandria is an historic city located along the Potomac River in Northern Virginia, just south of Washington D.C. With a population of about 160,000, it is one of Virginia's largest independent cities.
History and Origins
Alexandria was founded in 1749 as a port city along the Potomac. It was named after John Alexander, an early Scottish merchant who purchased the land.
In the late 18th century, George Washington helped develop Alexandria and it became an important commercial hub. Alexandria also played a major role in the Civil War as an occupied Confederate city.
Old Town Alexandria
Today, Alexandria is best known for its beautifully preserved Old Town historic district. This waterfront area features colonial architecture, boutique shops, restaurants, and museums. It provides a window into Alexandria's 18th century history.
Popular attractions include the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Gadsby's Tavern, and the Alexandria waterfront.
Community Features
Some other features that define Alexandria today include:
- A robust arts, cultural, and foodie scene
- Historic 18th and 19th century homes like the Lee-Fendall House
- Major employers like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Department of Defense
- Close proximity to Washington D.C.
Alexandria balances its colonial past and historic charm with appealing modern amenities. The scenic waterfront, walkable neighborhoods, and historic sites make Alexandria a popular place to live, work, and visit.
Quick Facts about Alexandria
| Population | 158,726 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Virginia (United States) |
| County | City of Alexandria |
| Postal code | 22302, 22305, 22311, 22312, 22304, 22206, 22301, 22314 |
| Phone Area Codes | 571, 703 |
| Area | 40.1 km2 |
| Official name | Alexandria |
| Latitude & Longitude | 38.8048,-77.0469 |
| Official language | English |
| Altitude | 39 feet / 12 meters |
| Establishment | January 01, 1749 (277 years ago) |
| Time Zone | UTC−05:00, Eastern Time Zone |
| Local time | 19:51:16 (16th April 2026) |
| Density | 3,958 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 11.82% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 92℉ Partly Sunny 7-days weather |
Geography
Alexandria is located at 38°48'17"N 77°2'49"W (38.8048400, -77.0469200). It has 4 neighbors: District of Columbia, Prince George s County, Arlington and Fairfax County.
Alexandria map
Weather
Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
7-Day ForecastOfficial website of Alexandria
Official Website- Caen (1991 )
- Dundee (1993 )
- Gyumri (1988 )
- Helsingborg Municipality
Demographics
The population of Alexandria increased by 11.82% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 140,024 | - | |
| 2010 | 139,966 | -0.04% | census |
| 2011 | 144,219 | 2.95% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 147,291 | 2.09% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 149,637 | 1.57% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 151,375 | 1.15% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 153,654 | 1.48% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 156,698 | 1.94% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 159,215 | 1.58% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 159,069 | -0.09% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 159,428 | 0.23% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 158,726 | -0.44% | estimation process |
Best Things to Do in Alexandria
1Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
1 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States View details
Phone: +17038385005 | Website available
2Huntley Meadows Park
3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22306, United States View details
Phone: +17037682525 | Website available
3Founders Park
351 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States View details
Website available
4The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22301, United States View details
Phone: +17036832007 | Website available
5Waterfront Park
1A Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States View details
Phone: +17036525367 | Website available
Where to Eat in Alexandria
1Chart House
1 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States View details
Phone: +17036845080 | Website available
2Red Lobster
555 S Van Dorn St, Alexandria, VA 22304, United States View details
Phone: +17033709422 | Website available
3Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
6630 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306, United States View details
Phone: +17036608541 | Website available
4Denny's
7214 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306, United States View details
Phone: +17037650171 | Website available
5Chili's Grill & Bar
6601 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306, United States View details
Phone: +17037188877 | Website available
Where to Stay in Alexandria
1Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
5000 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22311, United States View details
Phone: +17038451010 | Website available
2Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town
1900 Diagonal Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States View details
Phone: +17036845900 | Website available
3The Westin Alexandria Old Town
400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States View details
Phone: +17032538600 | Website available
4The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection
480 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States View details
Phone: +17035496080 | Website available
5Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria
1757 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States View details
Phone: +17038373400 | Website available
Services and Civic Places in Alexandria
1Alexandria City Hall
301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 View details
Phone: +17037464357 | Website available
2Alexandria Finance Department
301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 View details
Phone: +17037463900 | Website available
3Alexandria City Council
301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 View details
Phone: +17037464500 | Website available
4USDA Food and Nutrition Service
3101 Park Center Dr # 906, Alexandria, VA 22302, United States View details
Phone: +17033052060 | Website available
5Department of Defense Education Activity
4800 Mark Center Dr, Alexandria, VA 22311, United States View details
Phone: +15713720590 | Website available
6Alexandria Engineering
301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 View details
Phone: +17038384360 | Website available
7Alexandria Taxpayer Assistance
301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 View details
Phone: +17038386437 | Website available
8Alexandria Management & Bdgt
301 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 View details
Phone: +17038384780 | Website available
People born in Alexandria (200)
People born in Alexandria, including politician Cuthbert Powell, politician George W. Summers, actor Zachary Knighton, .
More notable people
- Matt Bondurant (American writer) he was born in 01/01/1971
- Diane Neal (American actress) she was born in 17/11/1975
- Kiely Williams (American singer) she was born in 09/07/1986
- Belle da Costa Greene (American librarian) she was born in 13/12/1883
- Willard Scott (American actor) he was born in 07/03/1934
- Stewart Copeland (American musician and composer; drummer of The Police) he was born in 16/07/1952
- Abner Lacock (American politician (1770-1837)) he was born in 09/07/1770
- George Fawcett (actor) he was born in 25/08/1860
- Dermot Mulroney (American actor) he was born in 31/10/1963
- James Pearce (American politician (1805-1862)) he was born in 14/12/1805
- Chatham Roberdeau Wheat (Captain in the United States Army Volunteers) he was born in 09/04/1826
- Edwin J. Houston (American businessman) he was born in 09/07/1847
- Neko Case (American singer-songwriter) she was born in 08/09/1970
- Clarence Goodson (American soccer player) he was born in 17/05/1982
- Diedrich Bader (American actor, voice actor and comedian) he was born in 24/12/1966
- Donna Dixon (actress) she was born in 20/07/1957
- Mackenzie Phillips (American actress and singer) she was born in 10/11/1959
- Kara Lawson (American professional women's basketball player) she was born in 14/02/1981
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Alexandria, VA. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 460871 | Chamberlain University-Virginia | Arlington (VA) | 22202 |
| 482653 | DeVry University-Virginia | Arlington (VA) | 22202 |
| 427894 | CET-Alexandria | Alexandria (VA) | 22312 |
| 436030 | Hair Academy II | Hillcrest Heights (MD) | 20748-1401 |
| 486424 | Saint Michael College of Allied Health | Alexandria (VA) | 22309-2348 |
Nearby Transit Stations (22)
Rail and bus stations connected to Alexandria, VA. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALX | Union Station | 110 Callahan Drive | RAIL |
| WAS | Washington Union Station | 50 Massachusetts Ave NE | RAIL |
| LOR | Lorton station | 8006 Lorton Road | RAIL |
| BCV | Burke Centre | 10399 Premier Court | RAIL |
| NCR | New Carrollton station | 4300 Garden City Drive | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Alexandria.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| George Mason Post Office | Alexandria (VA) | 22320 |
| Alexandria Post Office | Alexandria (VA) | 22314 |
| Memorial Annex Post Office | Alexandria (VA) | 22314 |
| Potoma Post Office | Alexandria (VA) | 22301 |
| Naval Research Laboratory Post Office | Washington (DC) | 20375 |
Other cities in City of Alexandria
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in City of Alexandria , VA.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Wakefield | 805 | City in Sussex County, Virginia, United States of America |
Distance to Other Cities
Alexandria distances to largest Virginia cities