The City of Alexandria is located in Northern Virginia south across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. The city encompasses 15.75 square miles at an average elevation of 30 feet above sea level (maps). Founded in 1749, Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. During its long history, Alexandria was a tobacco trading post, one of the ten busiest ports in America, a part of the District of Columbia, home to both the largest slave-trading firm in the country and a large free-black community, a Civil War supply center for Union troops, and a street-car suburb for Federal workers. Alexandria was also the hometown of George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Jim Morrison and "Mama" Cass Elliot. 

A beautifully-preserved historic district on the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria is the heart of the city George Washington called home. Today, Old Town’s cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks hum with an energy that attracts everyone from presidents to pet lovers to some of the city’s best restaurants, arts, events, shopping and historic attractions. Learn more about tourism in Alexandria at visitalexandriava.com

The City of Alexandria is proud to present our awards and accomplishments in our efforts for service excellence.

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Located at 301 King Street, Alexandria City Hall was erected on the site designated for the market and city hall when Alexandria was founded in 1749. The tall, steepled tower, which contrasts with the building's Second Empire-style massing and detailing, is a reconstruction of a tower designed by Benjamin H. Latrobe that was part of Alexandria's 1817 town hall. That hall burned in 1871, necessitating construction of the current building, designed by Adolph Cluss, a locally prominent architect who had designed the U.S. Department of Agriculture building in 1869 and Washington's Central Market in 1870.

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View some fun facts about Alexandria's history, geography, population and more.

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With more than 250 years of history and hospitality to its credit, Alexandria offers an array of historic and cultural attractions. Alexandria's many historic homes, churches, businesses and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the hand of the past that makes our city the charming and historic town it is today. 

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Alexandria lies to the north of I-95, on the Virginia side of the Wilson Bridge. To access the city from I-95, take the Route 1 exit north (Patrick Street). Turn right on King Street to reach downtown Alexandria. From National Airport, take the George Washington Memorial Parkway south, it becomes Washington Street which passes through downtown. From Washington, D.C., take I-395 south to Route 1 south. After passing through Crystal City and Potomac Yards, Route 1 becomes Henry Street. Downtown is left on King Street.

Public parking is available throughout the downtown area. Because of rush hour traffic limitations, street parking restrictions are strictly enforced.

Average January temperature is 35.6 degrees, average July temperature is 78.7 degrees. Winter snows are generally mild but ice storms occasionally hit during January and February. Summers are generally humid from July through early September. 
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

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Understand the diverse mix of residents who live in Alexandria. Understand the state of the local economy through a variety of resources related to jobs, employment statistics, industry, commuting patterns, transportation and economic development activities. Access a list of Alexandria's 5-year American Community Survey Maps and 10-year Census Maps. 

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