Moving to Alexandria, VA: The city of Alexandria, Virginia, is rooted in an interesting cultural past. Many areas of Alexandria, which is located just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, retain their colonial ambiance with brick-paved sidewalks, cobblestone avenues, leafy neighborhoods, and lovely well-preserved historical buildings. The Union Army invaded Alexandria during the Civil War, and it was a key Underground Railroad stop for fugitive African-American slaves.
Alexandria was a part of Washington, DC for a brief period of time, and it remains a vital location for the headquarters of several federal government agencies, government contractors, non-profits, and related companies that employ a significant percentage of Alexandria’s people.
Alexandria is a vibrant smaller town with a cosmopolitan vibe, having been named a ‘Top Five Best Small Cities in the US 2018′ by Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and ‘South’s Prettiest Cities 2018′ by Southern Living. The city’s character and beauty are enhanced by over 200 unique boutiques, locally-owned trendy restaurants, and interesting historical attractions. Alexandria is a perfect place to raise a family in addition to having outstanding work opportunities. Welcome to Alexandria, if you’re moving here for a career, schools, or any other reason.
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Alexandria, Virginia, has a population of about 160,500 people as of 2020. Alexandria, which is about six miles south of Washington, DC, is home to many people who work for the federal government, government contractors, or nonprofit organizations.
As newcomers arrive, they will find that the locals are status-conscious: who you work for and how much money you make are important aspects of your identity. However, the quality of life is great, there are many utilities and facilities, and there is a decent public transportation system.
The cost of living in Alexandria is high. As of August 2019, the median price of homes for sale in Alexandria was $595,000. The value of homes has remained stable over the last year, and Zillow does not expect any major price shifts in 2020.
Just over half of the population – 51.4 percent – rents their houses, with a median rent of $2,400. Just 2.5 percent of the housing inventory is available for rent, so find an agent to assist you in your quest. They also have advance notice of vacant properties before they are advertised. Check out the Mark Center neighborhood in Alexandria for low-cost housing, where you can get a three-bedroom studio or less $2,000.
Generally speaking, living in Alexandria is extremely costly. As a national average, Bestplaces.net uses a cost of living index of 100. The cost of living index in Alexandria is 165.2/100. In contrast, the cost of living in Virginia is 114/100. Housing is by far the most expensive expense (277/100), followed by transportation (nearly 150/100), and groceries (105/100). Healthcare, with a score of 93 out of 100, and services, with a score of 97, are the least expensive products.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a modest but stable lifestyle for a family of two adults and two children in Alexandria includes a household income of $105,200. The median household income is $87,319, compared to $53,482 in the United States.
Alexandria has a booming labor market and a thriving economy. As of August 2019, the unemployment rate was a modest 2.3 percent, relative to the national average of 3.9 percent. Alexandria is a prosperous region, as evidenced by its low unemployment rate, high per-capita income of $57,000 (vs. $31,200 nationally), and median family income of $87,319 (vs. $57,700 nationally). Employment growth is nearly 2%, compared to 1.6 percent nationally, and the ten-year job growth prediction is a staggering 41%.
So, where do the Alexandrians go to work? The federal government is by far the most important sector. The Department of Defense, in particular, has many facilities here. The Patent and Trademark Office, the Food and Nutrition Service, and the National Science Foundation are among the government agencies that call Alexandria home.
Alexandria is also home to a number of nonprofit organizations. If working for a large company appeals to you, consider Giant Foods, Inova Health, or the Home Depot, all of which have large corporate offices in the region. Naturally, a wide range of law firms, trade associations, and advocacy groups do business here.
So, what do Alexandrians do for a living? The federal government is, by far, the biggest industry. The Department of Defense, in particular, has a number of bases here. The Patent and Trademark Office, the Food and Nutrition Service, and the National Science Foundation are among the other government agencies based in Alexandria.
Alexandria is also home to a number of non-profit organizations. If working for a large company appeals to you, Giant Foods, Inova Health, or the Home Depot all have large corporate offices in the area. Naturally, a wide range of law firms, trade associations, and advocacy groups do business in this city.
Do you want to work in Alexandria? Trying to get a job with the federal government or one of its contractors is your best choice. If you’re a US citizen with a high-level security clearance, getting one of these jobs is much easier, but it’s not your only choice. Many clerical workers have a low level of protection. High-paying positions are also available in the pharmacy, law, and various trade associations.
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