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Alexandria, VA Skyrockets to Top 5 in Travel Leisure's 2025 Best U.S. Cities!
By The Colgan Team | Published on: July 10, 2025
Imagine stepping onto cobblestone streets, where 250 years of American history whisper from every brick façade. Picture a bustling waterfront where sailboats glide past parks and promenades. This is the everyday magic of Alexandria, Virginia, and the secret is officially out. Based on recent reporting from Valerie Bonk at WTOP News, Alexandria, VA, has made a spectacular leap to claim the #5 spot on Travel Leisure’s coveted 2025 “Best Cities in the U.S.” list. This incredible jump from #15 last year is the city's highest-ever ranking, placing it firmly in the national spotlight.
For those of us who live and work here, this honor feels like a validation of what we’ve always known: living in Alexandria offers an unparalleled quality of life. But what exactly propelled our city past major hubs like New York and Chicago? Let's dive deeper into what the 180,000 voters loved.
The Irresistible Charm of Historic Old Town
At the heart of the city's appeal is Old Town Alexandria. It’s one of the best-preserved colonial districts in the country, and walking its streets is like traveling back in time. Voters consistently praised the authentic atmosphere created by the beautifully maintained 18th and 19th-century architecture. Beyond its general ambiance, key historic sites like the Georgian-mansion-turned-museum, Carlyle House, and the historic Christ Church, attended by George Washington, serve as powerful anchors to the past.
King Street: The Vibrant Heartbeat of the City
The energy of the King Street Mile is simply magnetic. Recognized as one of the "Great Streets of America," it’s the primary artery of Old Town, stretching from the Metro station down to the Potomac. It’s lined with a charming mix of independent boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and incredible restaurants. The free King Street Trolley makes it easy to explore the entire mile, from the bustling markets near the top to the creative hub of the Torpedo Factory Art Center at the waterfront, where you can watch artists at work in their studios.
A Reimagined Waterfront & Outdoor Oasis
Alexandria’s connection to the Potomac River has been completely transformed into a stunning public space. The waterfront is a destination for dining, recreation, and relaxation. It’s the starting point for the scenic Mount Vernon Trail, a favorite for cyclists, runners, and walkers. This focus on a connected, transit-friendly lifestyle is a key factor in what makes life here so appealing, a topic we explore in our post about the Top 10 Realities of Living in Northern Virginia.
What This Means for the Alexandria Real Estate Market
An accolade of this magnitude has a tangible impact on the local real estate market. National recognition elevates a city's profile, attracting not just tourists, but new residents considering moving to Alexandria. For homeowners, this can lead to increased property values and heightened desirability. For those looking to buy, it solidifies the city as a prime location with a stable and promising future. The lifestyle praised by Travel Leisure—walkability, historic character, and urban convenience—are the very same qualities that make Old Town Alexandria real estate a top-tier choice for homebuyers in the Northern Virginia region.
Make an Award-Winning City Your Home
Reading about one of America's best cities is one thing; living here is another. If the charm and lifestyle of Alexandria sound like the perfect fit for you, let our team of local experts guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Alexandria
1. How is the Travel Leisure list determined?
The list is the result of their annual "World's Best Awards" survey, where hundreds of thousands of readers rate cities on criteria like landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.
2. What specifically made Alexandria stand out this year?
Voters highlighted its unique combination of authentic colonial charm, the vibrant King Street shopping and dining district, a beautifully revitalized waterfront with access to trails, and its superb transit connectivity to Washington, D.C.
3. How does this ranking affect Alexandria's economy?
It provides a major boost by driving tourism, which means more spending at local shops, restaurants, and hotels. It also serves as a powerful marketing tool for attracting new businesses and residents, fueling broader economic growth.
4. What are the must-visit historical sites in Old Town?
Beyond the famous Christ Church and Carlyle House, don't miss Gadsby's Tavern Museum, where founding fathers socialized, and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a preserved piece of medical history.
5. Is Alexandria a good place for outdoor activities?
Absolutely. With the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail running through the city, numerous waterfront parks, and extensive bike lanes, it's fantastic for running, cycling, and walking. You can also kayak or paddleboard on the Potomac.
6. What is the food scene like in Alexandria?
It's diverse and acclaimed. You can find everything from historic taverns serving colonial-era fare to modern, chef-driven restaurants and casual international cuisine. The city is celebrated for its independent restaurant scene.
7. How easy is it to commute from Alexandria to Washington, D.C.?
Commuting is exceptionally easy. The city is served by four Metrorail stations (Blue and Yellow lines), the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), and an extensive DASH bus network, allowing many residents to live car-free and reach D.C. in minutes.
8. How does this ranking impact the Alexandria real estate market?
High-profile rankings increase a city's desirability, which typically supports strong and stable property values. It attracts motivated buyers looking for a premium quality of life, making it a competitive and sought-after market.
9. What kind of shopping can I find on King Street?
King Street is famous for its independent retailers. You'll find unique clothing boutiques, home decor shops, antique stores, specialty food markets, and art galleries, offering a distinct experience compared to a typical mall.
10. Is Alexandria family-friendly?
Yes, it's considered very family-friendly. It has excellent parks, safe neighborhoods, community events, and historical sites that make for great educational outings. The walkability and access to both city and nature are big draws for families.
Ready to explore moving to one of the best cities in the nation? Get in touch with the Colgan Team today!
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