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Del Ray is one of Alexandria's most loved neighborhoods: a walkable, close-knit area of early 1900s homes centered on Mount Vernon Avenue. It began as a streetcar suburb, became the Town of Potomac in 1908, and was annexed by Alexandria in 1930. Browse Del Ray homes for sale.
Mount Vernon Avenue
The Avenue is Del Ray's main street, lined with independent cafés, restaurants, shops, and some Art Deco storefronts. The year-round Del Ray Farmers Market runs on Saturday mornings at East Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues, and the Art on the Avenue festival fills the street each October. It's about a mile from Old Town.
What the housing looks like
- Classic homes: Bungalows, foursquares, and Victorian-era houses on smaller lots, many renovated and expanded. See Alexandria single-family homes.
- Townhomes and condos: Newer townhomes and small condo buildings sit along and near the Avenue. See Alexandria townhomes.
- Nearby neighborhoods: Lynhaven and Arlandria sit to the north near Four Mile Run, often at lower prices. Warwick Village is another option nearby.
What to know before you buy
- Renovations and additions: Many older homes have been expanded. Ask for permits on past work; see selling a house with unpermitted work in Alexandria and what renovations actually raise home value in Alexandria.
- Older systems: Check foundations, drainage, and electrical in homes that haven't been updated; see fixing foundation issues before listing.
- Parking: Many homes rely on street parking, so check the block.
Getting around
The Braddock Road and Potomac Yard-VT Metro stations are a short walk, bike ride, or fare-free DASH bus away, and Route 1 leads north to Potomac Yard and National Landing. See the Alexandria commuter guide and the best commute to the Pentagon from Alexandria. The Four Mile Run Trail and Mount Vernon Trail are close by; see Alexandria's parks and trails.
Del Ray is popular with first-time buyers who want character; see the best area in Alexandria for a first home and whether Alexandria is underrated for first-time buyers. For schools, see Alexandria City Public Schools, and for bigger lots nearby, compare Rosemont, North Ridge and Seminary Hill.
Find the right Del Ray home
Del Ray homes move quickly when they're priced right. Let's look at recent sales on the blocks you like. Contact Johnny Quilenderino to map out your buying or selling strategy, or browse homes for sale in 22301.
More Alexandria neighborhood guides:
- Old Town Alexandria: historic homes, BAR rules and the waterfront
- Potomac Yard and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
- Alexandria commuter guide: Pentagon, DC and National Landing
- Alexandria City Public Schools guide
- City of Alexandria vs. Fairfax County Alexandria addresses
- Alexandria parks, trails and waterfront
- Alexandria's West End and the Landmark redevelopment
- Single-family neighborhoods: Rosemont, North Ridge, Seminary Hill
For more Alexandria buyer and seller questions, visit our Alexandria real estate hub.