Old Town Alexandria - North Columbus Neighborhood

[Anonymous]

We are thinking about renting a home on the 700-block of North Columbus in Alexandria, 22314. I know that the area is under redevelopment, and walking east towards Washington looks better than the walk towards Braddock Road. My other concern would be that my husband would be walking from Columbus to Braddock Road metro often early in the morning and late in the evenings.

We currently live overseas and would be committing without actually having a chance to see the area. Anyone have any insight on the area for me? Should we skip the Columbus rental and hold out for something cjavascript:void(0);loser to King Street? Thank you in advance!

[Anonymous]

If your question concerns safety, there's no real issue for you to worry about in either direction.

Schools suck, though.

[Anonymous]

That's good to hear. Schools aren't an issue for us. We have toddlers and are planning to move after two years. Thank you!

I would welcome any additional opinions as well.

[Anonymous]

I've lived in that neighborhood for 8 years and its perfectly safe. Yes, there is some public housing-but the area is rapidly gentrifying. I walk to metro by myself and the worst thing that's ever happened on my walk was an 8 year old boy bending over and shaking his butt at me (clearly on a dare from his friends). There is always street traffic and the walk is well lit.

The 700 block of Columbus has a church and a daycare on it, and a mix of older and brand new town homes (that sell starting in the $700s). It's a pretty nice street in my opinion.

You can walk to metro, walk to a couple of grocery stores, a library, several small parks, down to the river, etc. you're less than a mile from the shops and restaurants on King St.

Alexandria overall is very safe, and in my experience the property theft is in the more expensive neighborhoods and the violent crime is pretty self-contained (ie against people who know each other, not strangers).

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for your detailed response and endorsement of the area. It is very helpful to hear firsthand accounts of the area.

[Anonymous]

We live in the 800 block of Columbus st and love it. We also have a toddler and have never felt unsafe -- my husband walks to and for metro and I have too. No problems. There are some issues with trash/littering and package stealing, but that's normal urban (in my opinion).

[Anonymous]

Personally, I can't see paying the premium to live next to really ugly public housing. And yes, there is crime there so don't complain about it once you rent there and are paying top dollar.

Also, if you have kids, that is not the area you want to live in.

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much! Any local parks that are particularly good for toddlers?

[Anonymous]

bump. I am thinking about moving to Braddock Road with a 16 month old (school not an issue obviously). Which local library is good?

[Anonymous]

If you are going to move after 2 years, rent don't buy.

[Anonymous]

Thanks - we are renting!

[Anonymous]

Re parks:

My daughter (20 months) likes the playground at Montgomery Park (which is at Montgomery and Royal Sts, near the river) a lot.

There's also a brand new park at Madison and Alfred--but it's not really a playground, just a small open space. But it would be right around the corner from the OP.

Re library:
We mainly go to the Barrett Branch on Queen Street. They have a good children's area with lots of toys so we use it for rainy days when we need to get out of the house. This preference is mainly just because it's close by. I mainly request books online, and they'll transfer them over from any of the other branches so even though it's not a huge library I've been satisfied with getting books from there.