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Belle View is in Alexandria VA, but no part of Belle View is in the City of Alexandria!

This is because of how the Commonwealth of Virginia organizes its jurisdictions. The state is organized into counties and county-like jurisdictions called "independent cities" or just "cities". In most respects, a city is not much more than a county that wants to be called a city. For example, the county of Arlington is larger, more populous and more urban than most cities in Virginia; while the city of Falls Church is about the same size as the town of Vienna which is in Fairfax County.

Speaking of towns, newcomers sometimes confuse a city with an "incorporated town". An incorporated town, like a city, has its own government. However a town is located inside a county. Like a town, a city has its own government, but a city is not part of any county.

Northern Virginia has several independent cities and the City of Alexandria is one such independent city. The City of Alexandria borders Fairfax County, but Alexandria is not in Fairfax County.

However, to make things especially confusing for newcomers and for folks hunting houses, there are large parts of Fairfax County that have an Alexandria postal address. These areas of "Greater Alexandria" are most definitely part of Fairfax County and are not in the City of Alexandria. In general, postal Alexandria is more suburban than addresses in the City of Alexandria, but this is not always the case. A few of neighborhoods with an Alexandria post office but in Fairfax County include:

• Fort Hunt
• Franconia
• Huntington
• Kingstowne
• New Alexandria
• Parts of Springfield

To make things a little more confusing, Fairfax County surrounds the City of Fairfax. Locals generally refer to the county as "Fairfax County" and the city as "Fairfax", but Alexandria uses the opposite nomenclature. "Alexandria" generally refers to greater/postal Alexandria, while "City of Alexandria" refers to the jurisidiction of the City of Alexandria.

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Reston in the Snow

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Marlan Forest

A choice location and woodsy feel make Marlan Forest (and its conjoined sister development Marlan Heights) a highly desirable address.

Set just across the George Washington Parkway from the Potomac River, Marlan Forest gives its residents easy access to the Mt. Vernon bike path for walking, running, biking and wildlife viewing.  It is bordered on the west by Ft. Hunt Road, which, along with nearby Route 1, provides abundant shopping opportunities.  Wilson Bridge is a stone's throw away, the Parkway connects commuters to Alexandria and other points north, and the area is served by the Huntington Metro stop.

The "forest" in Marlan Forest is more than just a name; it is a fact.  Builders took pains to spare as many trees as possible, and so today's residents are blessed with the luxury of towering old growth trees in and around their yards.  Homes tend to be beautifully landscaped, adding to the lush, green feel of the development.

Most of the homes were built in the '50's--a variety of ramblers, Colonials and Cape Cods, avoiding the cookie-cutter feel of some developments.  Prices range from $500K to just over $1 million, with an average price of about $800K.

Buyers are also drawn to the Fort Hunt/Mount Vernon area by the excellent Fairfax County Public Schools, county services and safety.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Celebrate Black History Month in Northern Virginia -- February 2010

The Workhouse Arts Center is mounting an exhibition of works by several well-known African-American artists.  The Center is located in Lorton on the site of the defunct prison.

Sully Mansion in Chantilly, built in 1799, offers guided tours which highlight the lives of its early 19th century owners, tenant farmers and slaves, whose original quarters have been preserved.

Guides at Mount Vernon Estate emphasize the lives and contributions of the resident slaves.  Be sure to visit the gift shop for further materials highlighting the African American experience in America in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Attend gospel music concerts, movies and cultural celebrations in Arlington County.

Visit the website of the Arlington County Publc Libraries for a list of exhibits, programs, brochures and suggested readings in Black History.

Check out the Alexandria Black History Museum at 902 Wythe Street.  Its collection includes documents related to the first public schools for African Americans, records of Civil War exploits by black soldiers, a large collection of historic photographs and even some African artifacts.  The Robert H. Robinson library was originally established in 1940 because the Alexandria public libraries were segregated.  The museum and library also have their own adjacent park.  Then take a walk through beautiful, historic Old Town.

Finally, cross the river to celebrate the life Frederick Douglass--abolitionist, businessman and journalist.  Frederick Douglass House is located on the banks of the Anacostia River.  On February 14 historians will celebrate Douglass' birthday with readings, tours, films and music.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Tax Credit Encourages Buyers to Shop Early

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Fun for the Whole Family at Upton Hill Regional Park

Upton Hill Regional Park, located at 6060 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, offers local residents and visitors alike a versatile, wooded recreational commons in the heart of one of the most densely populated areas of Northern Virginia. The park features an outdoor swimming pool complex that includes a lap pool, a full-sized recreational pool, a separate kiddie pool, multiple water slides, and a children's water house with a huge bucket that fills up with water and empties out onto everyone in its path!! The park also features a deluxe miniature golf course as well as batting cages that include baseball and softball both.

Although the park facilities are presently closed for the winter season, the park itself remains open every day for hiking, picnicking, and playing on the playground. The batting cages and mini-golf facilities will reopen for the season in March of 2010. The water park and swimming pool complex will reopen Memorial Day weekend. In addition, Upton Hill Regional Park hosts and annual Easter Egg Hunt in early March and welcomes the whole family to come and join in the festivities. Children can enjoy hunting for eggs filled with candy as well as a moon bounce, coloring, and other games. The Easter Egg Hunt is recommended for children ages 2 through 10 and reservations are required. Call 703-534-3437 for more information or to make reservations.

Located between the Arlington and Fairfax County line at the intersection of Patrick Henry Drive and Wilson Boulevard, Upton Hill Regional Park is a great venue with a wide range of activities that provide fun for the whole family! In 2007, the Park's facilities underwent a $2 million renovation as part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's effort to attract local residents and visitors to an innovative, public facility representative of both the area and the local governments' commitment to its community.  

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

The McLean House Condominiums

The McLean House Condominiums are located in the heart of McLean, Virginia, and are one of the areas most sought after condo communities. Located at 6800 Fleetwood Road in McLean, this condominium community is a premier location in a unique area of Fairfax County in Northern Virginia. The McLean House Condominiums are located conveniently close to both the Langley and McLean Shopping Centers, and the surrounding neighborhood is home to a wide variety of restaurants, parks, banking centers, and grocery stores.

The McLean House feature gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, specialized track lighting, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, walk-in closets, balconies, and a washer and dryer in each unit. Other facilities include basketball and tennis courts, a beauty salon, an exercise room, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour security desk in the main lobby. The McLean House is located within a short driving distance of many of the areas major highways including I-495, the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Chain Bridge Road. The McLean House Condominiums provide quick and easy access to a multiplicity of business and retail centers while also maintaining a calm, suburban appeal, making this condo community an ideal residential location in Northern Virginia.  

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Midtown Alexandria Station --- Condos on the Yellow Line Metro near Alexandria VA

The Midtown Station Alexandria is a high-rise condominium community just outside Old Town Alexandria. The Midtowns is located on Huntington Avenue directly across the street from the lower entrance to the Huntington Metro. This proximity to the metro means that you can access many of Northern Virginia and DC's best attractions without moving your vehicle. These condos are one metro stop from the AMC Hoffman at Eisenhower Metro and two stops from King St. at Old Town. In Old Town the King Street Trolley (free) can drop you off anywhere between the Metro and the Potomac.

The Midtowns is a beautiful building with excellent vistas. It's on the Metro and close to I-495 (the Beltway). There are bargains to be found here, but you have to know where to look. Although the Midtowns still has an on-site staff for sales of new condos, the on-site staff will not show you any pre-owned condos at the Midtowns. If you're thinking of buying a brand new condo you might find this article by the Boston Condo Guy helpful. The short story is that having you're own representation doesn't cost you anything, so you would do well to contact Will Nesbitt of Condo 1 Alexandria to tour the property at any time.

The hallmarks of a Midtown condo are expansive windows, many with pleasant city, river and sunset views. The kitchen features Italian cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and gas cooking. Berber carpeting is standard as are the stylish and modern light fixtures. The bathroom has equally stylish fixtures with generous oversize tubs. Many units have built-in computer nooks.

The common areas are very sleek and stylish with broad hallways and tiled floors. The club room has an amazing city view and is well-proportioned with stylish furnishings. There is a rooftop deck (half-way up the building) with recreational amenities such as propane grills, pool and shaded picnic tables. The focus of the rooftop deck is an expansive swimming pool with sundeck, Jacuzzi and beautiful landscaping. On the same level the fitness room is ready with tread mills, work out machines and more, all beside a wall of windows.

The lobby has a view of the Huntington Metro entrance and features a bright new cyber cafe with high-speed Internet access. The front desk is attended and access to the building and the garage is controlled. The garage has a structured parking scheme with reserved spaces and there is guest parking outside.

There are several condo communities in this neighborhood, the most obvious being the Huntington Club, the Hunting Creek Club and Montebello. All three developments are much older and somewhat cheaper. If you're seeking a bargain you probably will prefer the Huntington Club. Montebello offers a gated community and famed amenities. Hunting Creek Club offers views that equal or exceed the Midtowns in a structure that lacks the appeal and newness of the Midtowns.

• Self-search condos at Midtown or call Will Nesbitt with Condo 1 Alexandria at 703 765 0300.
  

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Belle View after the December storm of 2009

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Kingstowne homes and condos for sale -- an overview

Kingstowne real estate includes 2788 townhouses (many with a one or two-car garage), 712 condominiums, 421 luxurious single-family houses and 1213 rental apartments. In total there are 5100 pieces of real estate, providing 5100 homes in a planned community that provides a suburban lifestyle in the Franconia/Springfield area of Northern Virginia's Fairfax County. These numbers go up even higher if you include nearby Franconia and Springfield. Kingstowne is located just outside the Capital Beltway I-495 and close to I-395. (Interstate 395 feeds directly into downtown Washington DC from Kingstowne.)

Click Kingstowne to see a map of homes for sale in Kingstowne. (Check here for latest sales updates.) You might find the following links useful if you're search for a home in Kingstowne or near Kingstowne.

• Carrdinal Place -- New condos with a suburban feel.
• Eton Square -- In close proximity to the Kingstowne Towne Center.
• Founder's Walk -- Within walking distance of the Van Dorn Metro
• Island Creek -- Homes, townhomes and condos near Springfield Metro and Kingstowne
• Kingstowne -- Kingstowne provides a choice of lifestyles and homes.
• Manchester Lakes -- A mix of condos near the Kingstowne Towne Center.
• Rose Hill -- Solid construction in older (mostly brick) homes near Franconia
• Springfield -- North of Kingstowne with easy access to the Springfield Metro
• Sycamores at Van Dorn -- Walk to the Van Dorn Metro from these condos just outside the Beltway.
• Tiers of Manchester Lakes -- One of my favorite Manchester Lakes communities, offering swiss-style living.
• Victoria Crossings -- Nice sized garden-style condos near the Towne Center.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Population Density in Fairfax County

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·