Home : Blogs : Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services : Perspective and News On Northern Virginia Real Estate

Del Ray-An Alexandria Front Porch Community

Del Ray Front Porch Scene Are you looking for a neighborhood where residents hang out on their porches in the evening and call out a friendly hello as you take a stroll? Want to grab a cup of coffee at the type of place where everyone knows your name or walk to the farmers market on Saturday morning? Then you need to take a look at the community of Del Ray in Alexandria.

Del Ray is one of the original and still thriving "front porch" communities that you find in Northern Virginia. Founded as a railroad community for workers at the nearby Potomac Rail Yard, Del Ray's history can be tracked back to the mid 1800's. With the Alexandria area being a major point for multiple train companies no longer in existence, Del Ray was crisscrossed by not only a significant number of train lines but streetcar tracks as well. As the train companies went out of business the fortunes of Del Ray turned as well.

When the bulldozers arrived at so many other smaller communities close to DC a small but vocal group of citizens fought to maintain the feel of Del Ray. Their success is evident as you walk through the antique stores, eateries and small business that line the "avenue". Shop owners have water dishes out for the dogs and the work of local artists can be found in the shops fronting on the main through street. The Del Ray Artisans have classes for children that are booked solid every year. Locals head for breakfast at St Elmos, dinner at Evening Star and ice cream at Dairy Godmother to name just a few of the great local spots.

Life in Del Ray doesn't come cheap. Due to the close proximity to DC, Old Town Alexandria and the metro prices can seem steep to anyone not familiar with the area. A two bedroom, one bath bungalow with 800 square feet is priced at $379,000 and on the other extreme a completely renovated five bedroom, 4 bath house with 2800 square feet is priced at $1,099,000.

Take a Tour of Del Ray Homes

Search for your new home in Del Ray

Posted by Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services on 07/16/2008 07:40 AM

Comments (3)

Northern Virginia Relocation in the Moving Channel

del ray, alexandria, northern virginia real estate, cindy jones

This post has been included in Virginia Information Alexandria City County, VA Information
Post is included in group: Local Expert
Post is included in group: Localism Success and Accountability Group
Post is included in group: Northern Virginia Real Estate
Post is included in group: Posts to Localism
Post is included in group: VIRGINIA

3 Comments on Del Ray-An Alexandria Front Porch Community

Cindy,

What a tremendous presentation!

Front porches are what we are missing now days, at least what I am missing. The time spent on the porch really. I actually have a porch, though it is not as inviting as those in you slide show.

And yes, the prices do seem a tad high to a boy living in Chattanooga. :)

Richard

07/16/2008 09:11 PM

by Richard Smith Mortgages Home Loans FHA TN GA AL (American Acceptance Mortgage, Inc)

Richard-for anyone not familiar with this area the prices for Del Ray can be a shock. I can't get enough of the atmosphere of the small town within a big city that Del Ray offers. I can imagine that Chattanooga has a lot ot offer and you just need to grab your favorite beverage and go enjoy your front porch!

07/17/2008 12:58 PM

by Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World)

Cindy,

Thank you for your advice. My wife and I taking today off cleaning up a bit. And we will just take some time to sit on the front porch, inspired by your post, photos, and comments.

Thanks,

Richard

07/17/2008 03:43 PM

by Richard Smith Mortgages Home Loans FHA TN GA AL (American Acceptance Mortgage, Inc)

Leave a response…

Name:

Notify me of new comments:

Comment:

What does the graphic say?