Alexandria, VA, has become a destination for many people relocating to the Mid-Atlantic region. From its iconic landmarks to its easy access to all Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland have to offer, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that nearly 159,500 people call Alexandria home.
As you start your homebuying or renting journey, there are four key points to keep in mind. The housing market is somewhat competitive, the median home sale price is $640,000, the average sale price per square foot is $360, and the average rent price for a two-bedroom apartment in Alexandria is $2,364.
If those numbers are out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up a list of the 10 best affordable suburbs of Alexandria, VA to consider living in – and they’re all under a 30-minute drive from the city. That way, you can live near Alexandria and all its unique activities without paying the premium price of owning a home there.
#1: Belle Haven
Median home price: $308,500
Average sale price per square foot: $359
Driving distance from Alexandria: 5 minutes
Belle Haven, VA homes for sale
Belle Haven, VA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of nearly $330K less than Alexandria, Belle Haven claims the first spot on our list of affordable suburbs of Alexandria, VA. About 6,900 people live in this suburban area, and you’ll only be about a 5-minute drive away from downtown Alexandria. If you’re considering moving to this area, enjoy the views of the Potomac River at Belle Haven Park.
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#2: Huntington
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Median home price: $475,000
Average sale price per square foot: $382
Driving distance from Alexandria: 8 minutes
Huntington, VA homes for sale
Huntington, VA apartments for rent
Huntington takes second place on our list. Just about 8 minutes from Alexandria, you can quickly visit Alexandria’s historic attractions. Explore the city’s roots with a visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in just a short drive. Living amongst Huntington’s 13,900 residents, be sure to check out the trail at Huntington Park or stroll through the charming downtown.
#3: Newington
Median home price: $543,750
Average sale price per square foot: $308
Driving distance from Alexandria: 20 minutes
Newington, VA homes for sale
Newington, VA apartments for rent
Just 20 minutes away, you’ll find the suburb of Newington. From parks and outdoor recreation to supporting local businesses, there are lots of things that make Newington a great place to live. Make sure to visit the Historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse and explore Middle Run Stream Valley Park if you move to the third most affordable suburb.
#4: Franconia
Median home price: $543,750
Average sale price per square foot: $313
Driving distance from Alexandria: 20 minutes
Franconia, VA homes for sale
Franconia, VA apartments for rent
Franconia is the next suburb on our list. The sale price per square foot is a little more than Newington, but this is still a great area to consider buying a home in. About 18,900 people live in this Alexandria suburb, where you can visit the Franconia Museum and many other hidden gems.
#5: Lincolnia
Median home price: $544,000
Average sale price per square foot: $296
Driving distance from Alexandria: 25 minutes
Lincolnia, VA homes for sale
Lincolnia, VA apartments for rent
25 minutes away from downtown Alexandria is Lincolnia, another great suburb to consider moving to. With 22,900 people living in this affordable town, Lincolnia is a great option to consider when looking to stay close to Alexandria without paying the premium for a home in the city. In Lincolnia, you can explore Holmes Run Stream Valley Park, enjoy the greenery at Green Spring Gardens, or play a round of golf.
#6: Annandale
Median home price: $580,000
Average sale price per square foot: $315
Driving distance from Alexandria: 30 minutes
Annandale, VA homes for sale
Annandale, VA apartments for rent
Another noteworthy Alexandria suburb is Annandale, where the median home sale price is about $60K less than in Alexandria. With roughly 43,400 people calling Annandale home, it’s a great area to consider buying or renting a house. Whether you visit the Mason District Park, explore the trails at Mill Creek Park, take a guided tour of the historic Hooff’s Run Stone House, shop and dine at the Annandale Towne Center, or pick up a pastry at a local bakery, there are many activities to do and see in Annandale.
#7: Groveton
Median home price: $595,000
Average sale price per square foot: $327
Driving distance from Alexandria: 10 minutes
Groveton, VA homes for sale
Groveton, VA apartments for rent
Coming in seventh place on our list of affordable Alexandria suburbs is Groveton, which is only a 10-minute drive into the heart of the city. With a population of nearly 15,700, you’ll live in a smaller area, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Groveton. If you’re moving to this suburb, explore Historic Huntley, visit the sprawling Huntley Meadows Park, and check out some of the amazing restaurants in town.
#8: North Springfield
Median home price: $622,500
Average sale price per square foot: $485
Driving distance from Alexandria: 25 minutes
North Springfield, VA homes for sale
North Springfield, VA apartments for rent
If you’ve been living in Alexandria for some time, you’ve maybe heard about the suburb of North Springfield. Just about 7,400 residents call this affordable suburb home, so you’ll have a fraction of Alexandria’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. Be sure to spend the afternoon at Lake Accotink Park and stop by the Ravensworth Historical Marker once you move to North Springfield.
#9: Rose Hill
Median home price: $630,000
Average sale price per square foot: $305
Driving distance from Alexandria: 10 minutes
Rose Hill, VA homes for sale
Rose Hill, VA apartments for rent
Moving to Rose Hill will give you access to downtown Alexandria in close to 10 minutes – as long as you don’t end up in traffic. Roughly 21,000 people live in this suburb, but there are plenty of things to do in Rose Hill, such as exploring Loftridge Park.
#10: Hybla Valley
Median home price: $642,000
Average sale price per square foot: $330
Driving distance from Alexandria: 15 minutes
Hybla Valley, VA homes for sale
Hybla Valley, VA apartments for rent
Last but not least on our list of affordable suburbs of Alexandria, VA, is Hybla Valley. If you’re lucky to avoid traffic, it’ll only take about 15 minutes to drive into Alexandria. This suburb has a population of 16,300, and you can check out Colonel John R. Byers Park. There’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend while living in Hybla Valley.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Alexandria and under a 30-minute drive from downtown Alexandria. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com November 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
Learn more about Alexandria:
Unique Things to Do in Alexandria: 11 Things to Experience as a Newbie
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