Neighborhoods full of character and great local restaurants
Del Ray and Rosemont are adjacent Alexandria neighborhoods to the immediate northwest of the historic Old Town district. Both offer a walkable lifestyle within easy reach of metro stops and eclectic shopping and dining. Del Ray is also adjacent to the newly-branded National Landing neighborhood, home to Amazon’s HQ2 and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. Del Ray is known as the place “Where Main Street Still Exists,” offering a great concentration of independent stores and eateries in a vibrant area covered with street art murals.
Rosemont sprung up as a streetcar suburb in the early 20th century. Most homes lining Rosemont’s tree-lined streets are classic Colonials built between 1900 and 1920. Del Ray’s real estate includes an enticing mix of pre-war and mid-century single-family homes, bungalows, and townhouses in a variety of styles. There are also newer properties and condominium buildings sprinkled throughout both neighborhoods.
Del Ray and Rosemont are compact, walkable, and family-friendly neighborhoods with great local shops and restaurants. Most residents are urban professionals who commute to other parts of the Washington Metropolitan Area for work, as the communities are within easy reach of other D.C. metro areas.
Del Ray’s dynamic main street is Mount Vernon Avenue. Here, you’ll find a delightful selection of laid-back cafes, high-quality restaurants, and locally run stores. Cheesetique combines a chic wine bar with a specialty wine store. Bon Vivant Café + Market sells a variety of food made with fresh local produce that can be eaten in its café or taken home.
The Evening Star serves chef-driven seasonal fare in a stylishly old-fashioned place with a convivial neighborhood vibe. As sunset draws in, groups gather around the fire pits at The Evening Star’s Front Porch for bourbon slushies and elevated bar food or head to the upstairs lounge to enjoy live music.
The Evening Star is adjacent to Planet Wine Shop, which stocks close to 1,500 wine labels and an extensive craft beer selection. Craft beers are also on offer at Del Ray Pizzeria, along with delicious pan and thin-crust pies. Junction Bakery & Bistro has a wide-ranging menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes that draw on Asian and European influences. Los Tios Grill serves tasty margaritas and delicious Tex-Mex and Salvadoran food, while Royal Nepal is another authentic international dining spot beloved for its flavorful Indian and Nepalese dishes.
Del Ray’s vibrant music scene is celebrated each summer with the Del Ray Music Festival on Mount Vernon Avenue and in Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. Residents can also catch concerts every night of the week at The Birchmere, a legendary music hall with an eclectic live music calendar.
Another popular annual event is A Taste of Del Ray. More than a dozen local restaurants provide food and wine tastings for this celebration of Del Ray’s dining scene, with awards for the favorite foods of judges and attendees. The 500 general admission tickets usually sell out in advance!
Awards are also handed out at the Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade for costumes and decorated homes, businesses, and strollers. Around 7,500 people attend this fun and festive celebration with free goodie bags and refreshments handed out to participants.
Del Ray and Rosemont are zoned to the Alexandria Public School District. Highlights include:
Whether you have a general question, you want to talk about how I can help you find your dream home, or you want to begin the conversation about how you can get your home sold faster than you think possible… you’re in the right place.