Del Ray Or Old Town For Your First Home?

Trying to choose between Del Ray and Old Town for your first home in Alexandria? You are not alone. Both neighborhoods are walkable, charming, and well located for commuting, which makes the decision feel tougher than it needs to be. In this guide, you will get a clear, side‑by‑side look at housing types, price ranges, commute options, daily lifestyle, and recurring costs so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Quick comparison for first-time buyers

• Price reality: Del Ray’s median home price is about $761,000, while Old Town’s median recent sale price is about $1.16M. Entry-level condos exist in both, but Old Town’s single-family and townhomes often command a premium.
• Walkability: Both areas are highly walkable, with Del Ray posting a strong score on Walk Score’s Del Ray page. Daily errands on foot are realistic in either neighborhood.
• Vibe: Del Ray centers on Mount Vernon Avenue and neighborhood events. Old Town is the historic waterfront core that draws residents and visitors to King Street and the river.
• Transit: Old Town has the King St-Old Town Metro and adjacent Amtrak/VRE. Del Ray is near Braddock Road and Potomac Yard stations, but most addresses require a short walk, bike, or bus connection.
• Practical costs: Budget for HOA or condo fees where applicable, Alexandria permit parking rules in some areas, and the city’s FY2026 real estate tax rate of $1.135 per $100 of assessed value.

What you can buy

Old Town housing and prices

Old Town blends historic brick rowhouses and townhomes with boutique and upscale condo buildings, including luxury options along the waterfront. You will see a mix of preserved 18th and 19th century homes and modern, high-amenity developments near the river. For a snapshot of the area’s mix and growth, see the city’s overview of Old Town as a submarket.

For pricing, the recent neighborhood median sits around $1.16M, with a high price per square foot that reflects the premium for walkable historic streets and waterfront proximity. First-time buyers often look at smaller condos for entry points. One- to two-bedroom units can appear from the low-to-mid $300k into the $700k range, though inventory is limited and varies by season. Townhomes and single-family homes in prime locations often push well beyond the median.

Del Ray housing and prices

Del Ray is known for early 20th century bungalows, Cape Cods, and modest single-family homes, plus a smaller supply of townhomes and low-rise condos. Many lots include yard space, and the neighborhood reads like a classic residential area anchored by a central main street. Neighborhood context and community events are highlighted by the Del Ray Business Association.

The median in Del Ray is about $761,000, typically lower than Old Town’s median. Move-in-ready detached homes and renovated bungalows commonly land from the upper hundreds into the low seven figures, depending on size and updates. If you are shopping below the median, focus on 1–2 bedroom condos or smaller townhomes to capture value and stay close to Mount Vernon Avenue.

HOA and maintenance costs

Condo and HOA fees vary widely by building and amenities. Luxury waterfront condos often post higher monthly dues, while small boutique buildings may be lower. Always request the current budget, reserve study, and any pending special assessments before you commit. Listing histories in premium buildings, such as Robinson Landing, illustrate how fees can reach into the four figures each month. For a representative example of fee context, see this recently sold Robinson Landing unit. If you buy a townhome or detached home, you may avoid monthly dues, but you will take on full responsibility for exterior and systems maintenance.

Walkability and daily life

Del Ray’s main street rhythm

Del Ray’s daily life centers on Mount Vernon Avenue. You can stroll to coffee, fitness studios, independent restaurants, and the Saturday farmers’ market. The Del Ray Business Association coordinates recurring neighborhood events that add to the small-town main street feel. Explore event calendars and member businesses via the Del Ray Business Association page.

Who it tends to fit: You may prefer Del Ray if you want a quieter residential setting with local shops close by and a strong neighborhood identity. The area’s layout makes it easy to build routines around walking, biking, and local gathering spots.

Old Town’s waterfront and King Street

Old Town is Alexandria’s historic downtown and tourism hub, defined by the King Street Mile, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and the waterfront promenade and parks. It offers a dense mix of dining, cultural venues, boutiques, and regular public events, all within a compact grid. For a useful snapshot of what the waterfront offers, start with this Old Town waterfront guide.

Who it tends to fit: You might choose Old Town if you value a livelier scene, easy riverfront access, and a broad restaurant and cultural mix within a few blocks of home.

Transit, commute, and parking

Old Town’s rail access advantage

Old Town puts you next to the Blue and Yellow lines at King St-Old Town Metro. Alexandria Union Station, adjacent to the Metro, provides Amtrak and VRE service for regional trips. If a short, predictable walk to rail is your top priority, Old Town has the edge.

Commute times to central DC by Metro from the King St or Braddock Road corridor often fall in the 20 to 30 minute range, depending on your final stop and transfer needs. Always check a trip planner for your office address and time of day.

Del Ray’s improving connections

Most of Del Ray is not immediately on a Metro entrance, but rail access has improved. Braddock Road remains a key station for the southern end, and the opening of Potomac Yard station in 2023 brought a closer option for parts of Del Ray and nearby neighborhoods. Your exact address will determine whether walking, biking, a short bus ride, or a quick drive makes the most sense.

Parking and permit rules

Old Town’s commercial core has meters and limited on-street parking, especially near King Street and the river. In Del Ray, residential streets often feel less constrained, but rules still apply near busy corridors. Before you buy, confirm whether your block is inside a Residential Permit Parking district and how guest permits work. The City’s overview of parking restrictions and districts is a helpful reference.

Costs to budget beyond the mortgage

• Property taxes: Alexandria’s FY2026 real estate tax rate is $1.135 per $100 of assessed value. Use the city’s published rate to estimate your annual bill and confirm with the latest assessment. You can review the official rate on the City’s tax rates page.
• HOA and condo fees: Fees can range from low hundreds to over $1,000 or more per month in premium buildings. Ask what each fee includes, how reserves are funded, and whether any special assessments are planned. For context on higher-end condo dues, see a representative Robinson Landing listing.
• Insurance and flood risk: If you are exploring homes near the Potomac or in low-lying areas of Old Town, review flood-zone maps and factor in potential flood insurance. Your lender will tell you if coverage is required, but it is smart to price it early in your search.
• Maintenance: Older homes in both neighborhoods can come with system updates and exterior upkeep. Budget for inspections and a maintenance plan so small issues do not become big projects.

How to choose for your first home

Use these steps to reach a confident choice based on your needs and budget.

1. Define your ceiling and must-haves

• Match your maximum price to neighborhood medians and current listings. If you value a bungalow or small single-family home under Old Town’s median, Del Ray may offer more options. If you are set on a historic rowhouse or a waterfront condo, expect Old Town pricing.

2. Pick your home type and layout

• If you want character-rich rowhouses or newer luxury condos, Old Town is a direct fit. If you prefer detached homes with yards and a main-street neighborhood feel, Del Ray aligns well.

3. Map your commute tolerance

• If a short walk to rail is essential, Old Town likely wins. If you are comfortable with a slightly longer walk, bike, or quick bus to Braddock Road or Potomac Yard, Del Ray remains very practical.

4. Verify parking and guest needs

• Check whether your block is in a Residential Permit Parking district and how many permits you can obtain. In Old Town’s core, plan for tighter on-street supply. In Del Ray, street parking may feel easier, but permit rules still apply near Mount Vernon Avenue.

5. Gather the fee and tax details early

• For condos, review the HOA budget, reserve study, and fee inclusions. For all homes, price out Alexandria taxes using the current rate and confirm with recent assessments.

6. Screen for flood exposure

• If you are considering Old Town’s waterfront or lower-elevation blocks, have your agent pull flood-zone data and get an insurance quote before you write.

Which one is right for you?

Choose Del Ray if you want a quieter, neighborhood-first feel, likely at a lower price point, with strong walkability to local shops and a practical commute via Braddock Road or Potomac Yard. Choose Old Town if you prioritize a short walk to the Metro, a vibrant historic core with restaurants and culture at your door, and are comfortable with a higher median purchase price.

Either way, you are choosing a truly walkable Alexandria neighborhood with access to parks, transit, and daily amenities. The best choice comes down to matching your budget and lifestyle to the streets you will call home.

If you are ready to compare specific homes, lean on expert guidance and neighborhood insight. Connect with Jackie Eul to tour listings, map commutes, and build a clear game plan for your first home in Alexandria.

FAQs

What are the key differences between Del Ray and Old Town for first-time buyers?

• Old Town offers historic homes and immediate Metro access at higher median prices, while Del Ray offers a neighborhood main street feel, lower median prices, and close but not immediate Metro access.

How walkable are Del Ray and Old Town for daily errands?

• Both are highly walkable for groceries, dining, and services. Del Ray’s Mount Vernon Avenue and Old Town’s King Street put many essentials within a short walk.

How does transit access compare if I need a short Metro walk?

• Old Town has a clear advantage with the King St-Old Town Metro. Del Ray often requires a short walk, bike, or bus to Braddock Road or Potomac Yard.

What ongoing costs should I expect beyond my mortgage in Alexandria?

• Budget for city property taxes at the published rate, potential HOA or condo dues, condo master insurance if applicable, homeowners insurance, and maintenance for older homes.

Are parking and permits an issue for residents in these neighborhoods?

• Expect tighter on-street parking in Old Town’s core and rules across both areas near busy corridors. Review the City’s parking restrictions and districts before you buy.

What flood or insurance considerations apply near Old Town’s waterfront?

• Homes close to the Potomac can face higher flood risk. Check FEMA flood-zone status and price flood insurance early if you are targeting waterfront or low-lying blocks.