Alexandria is a city of around 150,000, located along the Western Bank of the Potomac River. It is generally considered a part of the larger Washington D.C. metro area, but also offers plenty to see and do in its own right. It’s a very walkable, friendly, and welcoming area with a historic character and a forward-thinking, progressive perspective. Even better, it has a growing and thriving LGBTQ community where all can feel welcome and at home.
A Look at Alexandria’s History
Alexandria is a city with a long history. It was first established in 1695 by the English as a conglomerate of tobacco fields. Many bloody battles were also fought here during the American Civil War. As the Washington D.C. area began to grow rapidly, so too, did Alexandria, and today it is a city known for its being home to many military families, many involved in politics, and many who simply enjoy being close to the capital and all that is has to offer. Alexandria is truly a wonderful place to call home!
A Few Fun Facts About Alexandria
Read more fun facts about Alexandria here.
Alexandria’s LGBTQ Community
Alexandria is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
The Equality Chamber of Commerce
The Equality Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit network of nearly 3,000 community members and professionals who own or operate a business in the greater Washington D.C. metro area. The center’s mission is to promote, facilitate, and advocate for the success of local LGBTQ businesses.
PFLAG Alexandria is Alexandria’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
What's the Weather Like in Alexandria?
Alexandria residents can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. Generally, fall and spring are the two most pleasant seasons to enjoy the outdoors each year, with fall bringing brightly colored leaves and crisp breezes, and spring bringing the stunningly beautiful cherry blossoms that the Washington D.C. area is well known for. Winter can be quite cold in Alexandria, with temperatures dropping to an average of 27°F in January. Some snowfall can also be expected each year. Summers can be very warm and humid, with highs in July reaching an average of 88°F. The Alexandria area receives around 43 inches of rainfall each year.
The Best Events in Alexandria
A 4-day event that takes place adjacent to Capitol Hill, Capital Pride is the greater Washington D.C. area’s biggest gay event each year. Every year sees more participants – sometimes as many as 650,000 people. It’s one celebration that you definitely won’t want to miss!
Alexandria Old Town Springtime Art Festival
Held in the heart of Old Town each year, this festival is a wonderful place to enjoy fun, food, and wonderful art on a beautiful Alexandria afternoon. You’ll definitely want to put it on your calendar!
Where to Live in Alexandria
Unlike some larger cities that have one particular “gayborhood” where most of the LGBTQ community lives, Alexandria’s LGBTQ community is somewhat spread out across the city. One very popular area of town is Old Town, which is known for its historic character, and bustling, walkable, tree-lined streets filled with boutique shops, eclectic restaurants, and happening nightspots. The average median sale price of homes in Old Town over the last year was approximately $760,000.
Another popular neighborhood is Lincolnia Park. It is one of the older areas of the city and is a very gay-friendly community. The neighborhood has a safe and cozy feel, and a historic character, while offering much to see and do. A variety of home styles in varying price ranges are available.
Arts and Entertainment
Birchmere Music Hall is known as Alexandria’s “legendary” music hall – and it’s known for hosting many great performances by musicians from around the country (and the world) each year. It’s a great place to have fun and enjoy some excellent music on a night out in Alexandria.
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is one of the most popular art galleries in Alexandria, and as its name implies, it was also the former home of an actual torpedo factory. Today, it's home to one of the largest collections of publicly accessible working artist studios in the country. Visitors can observe and talk to the artists as they work, purchase pieces of art that they love, enjoy shows and exhibits, and even take a few classes themselves!
Parks and Recreation
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Alexandria’s waterfront area in Old Town is not to be missed for a fun day or evening out. With a wide variety of restaurants, shops, boating and water activities, street performers, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here!
Alexandria is known for its beautiful city parks and green spaces – more than 100 of them in fact! They are wonderful places to enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful Alexandria day, and there are plenty to choose from.
Alexandria Nightlife
Gadsby's Tavern has been an Alexandria institution since 1785, and it's a must-try dining experience. Guests can still dine in the original dining room built in the 1700s and can enjoy a wonderful mixture of period and modern foods, excellent drinks, and a truly unique atmosphere.
Located in D.C., this bar is a staple of LGBTQ nightlife, and one-stop you'll definitely want to put on your list. It's known for its fun show tune-themed singalongs, friendly crowds, strong drinks, and great atmosphere.
Contact an Alexandria Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Alexandria, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Alexandria, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact an Alexandria gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
