Alexandria, VA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Alexandria is a riverside city in Northern Virginia, just south of the Baltimore-D.C. metro area, that offers active adults a dynamic lifestyle with plenty of things to do. A frequently sought after travel destination, Alexandria’s Old Town area features an abundance of shopping and dining options, as well as a popular local farmers market and dock area. Besides that, the city offers serene nature areas and historic museums that showcase the area’s rich history.

Climate & Geography

Most of the state of Virginia has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Alexandria's location in between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean impacts the local weather conditions. Residents can typically expect more rainfall and less snowfall than average, and approximately 201 sunny days throughout each year. 

Alexandria is situated on low-lying land in northern Virginia. The Potomac River flows along the city’s eastern border, and Holmes Run passes through the western end of the city.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Alexandria’s Old Town area offers active adults plenty of antiquated charm. The region features several shops and restaurants that have been built out of historic buildings, as well as a centuries old farmers market that holds an important place in the city’s history. Locals can pick up artisan goods and fresh produce at the market every Saturday. The area’s scenic waterfront features a dock for locals to enjoy a relaxing stroll.

The city is home to plenty of museums that provide active adults with opportunities to explore the local history. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum offers an inside look at the location where many historic figures, including George Washington, passed the time. Built over 200 years ago, the Carlyle House provides tours of the expansive mansion, as well as lush gardens for visitors to walk through. 

Active adults interested in exploring Alexandria’s natural surroundings will enjoy Huntley Meadows Park. The historic location features hiking trails where retirees can appreciate a peaceful stroll in a quiet natural setting. The city offers several nearby golf courses for additional recreational options.

Locals who enjoy big city amenities will appreciate the fact that Alexandria is less than 10 miles away from Washington D.C., allowing convenient access to all of the entertainment, dining, and historic sites that can be found there.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Alexandria is higher than the state and national average. The main contributor to this is the high cost of homes and housing. On the other hand, utility and health care costs in Alexandria are below the national average.

Virginia does not tax Social Security benefits, and residents who are 65+ can claim deductions of up to $12,000 on all other forms of retirement income. Property taxes are relatively low in the state, but because of the extremely high price of homes in the city, this expense can get costly. Some residents may be eligible for property tax relief programs based on age or income. Sales tax in Alexandria is below the national average, at 6 percent.

Health Care

The Alexandria area scores high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 22 areas to live in the country.

Active adults seeking healthcare options will find that there are a number of conveniently located hospitals within close proximity to the city. Inova Alexandria Hospital is ranked the No. 8 hospital in Virginia, and is rated as high performing in several procedures and conditions by U.S. News. Inova Mount Vernon Hospital is rated as high performing in two procedures and conditions. Virginia Hospital Center, located in Arlington, is ranked the No. 6 hospital in the state, and is high performing in six procedures and conditions.