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Photo from iStock.com/DavidByronKeener
Military families sing the praises of the neighborhoods found in the Alexandria, VA, zip code 22315 (also sometimes referred to as Franconia) for many reasons. Sought-after schools, manageable commutes to Fort Belvoir and the Pentagon, and a strong sense of community are three of the major factors for choosing the area, but this section of Alexandria, Fairfax County, also has so much to offer in the way of shopping and entertainment amenities.
Neighborhoods: Kingstowne, Hayfield, Island Creek, and Windsor Estates
Although there are dozens of enviable neighborhoods within the zip code, home searchers with military friends in the area are often referred to the Hayfield, Island Creek, Windsor Estates, and Kingstowne neighborhoods.
Kingstowne is the largest of these and is a planned community that was established in the mid-1980s. The community is expansive, with more than 5,000 homes. Townhouses are the most prevalent style, but single family homes, condos, and apartments are available. This is a military-heavy community, and rental homes are common.
Traditional and Colonial-style single family homes comprise most of Hayfield, Island Creek, and Windsor Estates. All have exceptional locations in relation to Fort Belvoir’s Beulah Gate (currently closed), but you’ll want to keep up with temporary and permanent gate closures. These change often due to staffing shortages, holidays, and military exercises. There’s also quick access to Humphreys Engineer Center/Army Geospatial Center.
In case you didn’t know, Alexandria has a small Coast Guard outpost where the Telecommunications and Information Systems Command (TISCOM) resides. It happens to be the nearest to the Hayfield neighborhoods.
Community engagement is strong throughout these areas, and families enjoy the planned activities, impromptu neighborhood parties, miles of walking trails, public and private swim clubs, and various other public recreation access.
Take a look at homes for sale or rent in Alexandria 22315:
Alexandria Shopping and Entertainment
One of the reasons military families frequently choose this part of Alexandria is the access to everyday amenities. Most major retail outlets are available from one end of the zip code to the other, all without navigating heavy traffic on the nearby major interstates.
Regional grocery store and community favorite Wegmans anchors the Hilltop Village Center near Beulah Gate. The relatively new shopping center includes LA Fitness, many recognizable eateries, small businesses, and even doctors' offices.
Photo from Canva
Kingstowne has a dense commercial site, Kingstowne Towne Center, just outside its residential borders. A movie theater complex, national chain restaurants, clothing, and home stores are just minutes away. Current residents are thrilled that a new Aldi grocery store has recently opened on Kingstowne Village Parkway.
This bubble of commerce and neighborhoods provides for most everyday needs, but if you’re on the hunt for a change of scenery or a specific store, another popular city military families prefer is Springfield. Some parts of Springfield are less than five miles from 22315, including the Springfield Town Center. It has a traditional mall and additional national stores, such as Barnes & Noble, not found in neighboring Alexandria.
Photo of Van Dorn Metro station - David Wilson
Commuting from Alexandria Zip Code 22315
Consider your preferred commute options to build a strong quality of life in the greater Washington, DC, suburbs. The 22315 zip code is ideally positioned for an enviable commute to Fort Belvoir but is also a strong contender for those headed to the Pentagon.
Access to I-95 and I-395 is a short drive away, but two Metro stops, Van Dorn Street and Franconia-Springfield, are used by throngs of military members daily. Slug lines, bus routes, and shuttles are also widely accessible. Some bus and shuttle stops are found within neighborhood streets, and servicemembers choose to walk from home to catch a ride.
Check out the Newcomers' Guide to Alexandria, Virginia
Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) draws military families for many reasons, including widespread access to special education and the system's strong relationship with military families. Take a look at this overview of Alexandria public school systems.
For example, the Virginia Purple Star Designation has been awarded to several military-friendly schools within the area. Military families make up a significant and vocal part of the education system in Alexandria, and FCPS has more accommodations than most similarly sized public school systems.
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Alexandria 22315 School Boundaries and Pyramids
When choosing a home in this area, your student will likely fall into FCPS’s Region 3 mid-Hayfield school map, but small portions of the zip code fall into Region 3 Pyramid-Edison. Always start with the FCPS Boundary Locator to verify your potential address.
Hayfield Pyramid
- Gunston Elementary School
- Hayfield Elementary School
- Island Creek Elementary School
- Lane Elementary School
- Lorton Station Elementary School
- Hayfield Secondary School-Middle
- Hayfield Secondary School-High
Edison Pyramid
- Bush Hill Elementary School
- Cameron Elementary School
- Clermont Elementary School
- Edison High School and Academy
- Franconia Elementary School
- Mount Eagle Elementary School
- Rose Hill Elementary School
- Twain Middle School
- Edison High School
There’s no doubt that if your family chooses to live in the 22315 section of Alexandria, you’ll be in good company. Military families feel at home because of the camaraderie and the conveniences of work life, access to desirable schools, and the location of amenities that increase quality of life.
However, military families should note that overall affordability does not frequently reflect BAH rates. There’s a high probability you’ll be paying out of pocket for this location.
By Dawn M. Smith
For more information about moving to Alexandria, download MilitaryByOwner's free guide to the area below:
