Porto Vecchio - it is on the water and near restaurants, shopping, etc. They have a shuttle service to various places. Many older people live in the building

I live in St Asaph Square. I know there is a place on the market in the building, and loads of seniors (they love the elevator, underground parking, and the pool). Some of them are very friendly and nice and no doubt your mom could make a few pals. Very nice location, a few blocks to the water, lots of places to walk to.

OP here - thank you for the suggestions!

I don't think she's opposed to living at a 55 and older place, she's just terrified of the old-school nursing home environment. I've explained to her how things have changed since her mother was elderly but now I just need to show her some places.

She's coming up to visit so we'll see how it goes.

Alexandria House in Old Town.

I would check out the Montebello condominiums. It's across the beltway from OT, but it has flats (rare in OT proper), it's on the water, and it has a car service for folks who don't want to drive.

Is she opposed to an independent living 55 and older place?

Check the Alexandria government's website alexandriava.gov They have recreation classes and activities for senior citizens. My mom lives in Old Town and plays tennis with a group of people she met through a class.

I'm moving my mother up here from Florida and she's not quite ready for an Assisted Living facility. Does anyone know where the still very mobile, active senior citizens live and "hang out" in Alexandria? She's hoping to be near the water which is why we're doing Old Town.

Any help is much appreciated.