Alexandria Blogs Offer In-Depth Neighborhood Information and Resources

It should come as no surprise to anyone that blogs in the Northern Virginia area are abundant both in number and variety of topics.

We have quite a few that we follow but our favorites are the Alexandria blogs that offer in-depth neighborhood information and resources - and a touch of fun.

We talked here before about the wealth of information to be found on neighborhood list servs in Beverley Hills, Kingstowne, Rosemont and Del Ray.  Neighborhood blogs take it in a slightly different direction whether by theme or the personality behind the blog.

One of the other hallmarks of neighborhood blogs is how generously everyone is willing to link and be linked.  Sharing information, not hogging it, is the order of the day.  

The following are some of the neighborhood blogs I follow and link to:

• The Arlandrian focuses on the Alexandria/Arlington neighborhood known as Arlandria  - a triangular area bordered by East/West Glebe, Four Mile Run and Route 1.  Nick Partee and his fellow editors have taken the high road on this often overlooked area, working to galvanize the neighborhood and develop a strong civic association.  
• Carlyle Community represents residents and businesses in the Carlyle development on Duke Street.  Because the Carlyle was literally built from the ground up, this blog is really a 'must have.'

• The LesDunBelle Diary is the brainchild of Fox Vernon and celebrates the inhabitants of Leslie, Duncan and Bellefonte Avenues, all close neighbors of mine.  Recently, a young couple new to the area, took advantage of the LesDunBelle Diary to introduce themselves to the neighborhood with a hello and a hint about how to recognize them.  What a great way to get involved!
• Lincolnia Hills and Heywood Glen represents the folks who live parts of western Alexandria.  As the blog explains, Heywood Glen and part of Lincolnia Hills is in Fairfax County while the other part of Lincolnia Hills falls under the municipal jurisdiction of the City of Alexandria.  One of their on going concerns is the projected increase in traffic that will come with the BRAC realignment and closure.
• Lokalgood is one of the newest entries on our blog roll.  This blog bills itself as a community resource for Del Ray/Rosemont, etc. and works to corral resources into one central location for the local good.  (Get it, lokalgood?)  The author also has an open invitation for contributing writers who want to contribute a resource (plumber, hair stylist, carpenter, dog walker, etc.) for the greater good - a nice feature and good way to spark community involvement.
• The Nelson Avenue Gang is one of the oldest blogs in the area, dating back to 2005.
  
• The Parker-Gray Growl is a fierce advocate for the Parker-Gray neighborhood and takes no prisoners when it comes to City Hall.  In fact, if the "Growler" ran for office we'd work on his campaign!
• Q's Eats combines a love for good food, cooking and fitness - not a bad combination.
  
• You, Madam, are no Sei Shonagon is a whimsical look at all things Japanese with a dash of Del Ray living thrown in.  Really interesting.

Oh - we almost forgot GWSleptHere, our blog.  GWSleptHere is first and foremost a real estate blog because I want to be the realtor you call to list your house or find you a new one. 

The thing is though, real estate is much more than just buying and selling houses.  It's about knowing and being involved in the community.  It's about celebrating neighborhoods and the people who live and work in them.   It's about being a resource.

So there you have it, our favorite Alexandria blogs offering in-depth neighborhood information and resources.  Do you have or read a blog not listed here?  Write me and let me know what I've missed.

Michael