Aerial view of Alexandria, VA. Photo from iStock.com/Kyoshi Tanno
The Belle Haven (22307) and Fort Hunt (22308) sections of Alexandria, VA, in Fairfax County are popular with a wide range of home buyers and renters. Neighborhoods are in prime locations and tight-knit with strong community support. The picturesque communities run along the Potomac River to the east and south, while the northern border is I-495, which is perfect for commuters heading into Washington, DC, and Maryland.
Residents in both zip codes share easy access to the George Washington Memorial Parkway (which runs along the Potomac River) and count the straightforward commute and connection to a biking and walking trail as some of the best perks of the area.
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The area’s land was once part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, known as River Farm. The estate is located in the southern portion of Fort Hunt on the Potomac River and a quick drive from any neighborhood streets in 22307 and 22308.
The neighborhoods within the 22307 and 22308 zip codes are, in some cases, just blocks apart. Both communities total about 8-10 square miles from north to south. They share common shopping, dining, parks and recreation opportunities, and students attend some of the same schools.
Old Town Alexandria. Photo from Canva.
22307 Belle Haven Neighborhoods
Without a doubt, one of the best aspects of the location of these neighborhoods is the walkability to Old Town, Alexandria. For some, the distance to quaint cafes and restaurants is a short stroll. For others, the drive is just a mile or two.
The Belle View Shopping Center provides the necessary conveniences, like Safeway and CVS, but is also home to locally owned small businesses, including a pizzeria, bakery, and gourmet store.
Belle View, Belle Haven, Westgrove, and White Oak are the most sought-after neighborhoods and advertise home prices that are some of the most expensive in this part of Alexandria. Home shoppers find a varied collection of housing, including relatively affordable apartments, townhouses, and condos, but the limited selection of new construction single family homes typically sell for about $2 million. In the middle, prices range from $600,000-$900,000.
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22308 Fort Hunt Neighborhoods
Similar to their neighbors in Belle Haven, Fort Hunt neighborhoods are coveted by military and civilian families for the ideal setting to raise a family. Walkable and bikeable, families connect through community activities, including multiple private pool clubs dotted throughout the neighborhoods. It’s common for neighbors to pull together impromptu block parties for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to the Belle View Shopping Center, Fort Hunt residents take advantage of the easy access to Hollin Hall Shopping Center, which is anchored by a smaller Safeway but is also home to a local institution, The Variety Store, which has been entertaining generations of families with penny candy, toys, and household items for decades. Residents also make good use of the locally owned restaurants, a veterinarian’s office, and Walgreens in the same shopping center.
For more area information, read the Alexandria Guide For Newcomers.
Waynewood, Stratford Landing, Riverside Gardens, and Hollin Hall are sought-after neighborhoods, but smaller adjacent enclaves exist and are in just as much favor. Expect to find post-WWII colonials, split-level style floor plans, and a very desirable section of mid-century modern homes in Hollin Hall. Home prices range from about $500,000 for a home that needs major updates to more recently renovated or new construction homes with views of the river priced in the millions.
Aerial view of the Dyke Marsh via NPS
Shopping and Entertainment
Much of this community’s entertainment stems from the camaraderie within the neighborhoods. Residents will find plenty of school and church activities, as well as casual meetups in nearby parks.
However, residents consider themselves lucky to have access to the Belle Haven Marina and the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (part of the National Park Service). Both offer access to the tidelands of the Potomac River.
The Belle Haven Country Club draws golfers and offers tennis and swimming. Just a quick drive down Fort Hunt Road from the golf course is Mount Vernon Rec Center. It is home to an often-used ice rink and an aquatic center. Plans are in the works for an extensive update to the facility.
Fort Hunt Park is a staple for family and community gatherings. From Girl Scout Camps to concerts in the park, this National Park Service facility is a common gathering space for many today, but its history dates back to the Spanish-American War. The U.S. military used the fort to guard against attacks from the river, but ultimately, it is best known as an interrogation site during WWII. The remains of the fort are available to explore and walk through.
Commuting from Belle Haven and Fort Hunt
Part of the reason for high home prices in Belle Haven and Fort Hunt relates to the convenient commute factor. The George Washington Memorial Parkway, Fort Hunt Road, and Route 1 are the main thoroughfares that lead directly to I-495 and I-295.
Fort Hunt via NPS
Each road points to destinations in Washington, DC; Maryland; Fort Belvoir; the Pentagon; Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling; and throughout Alexandria. Although these destinations are between 8-15 miles away, traffic snarls make for longer time spent in the car, which is why the proximity of Fort Hunt and Belle Haven is in demand.
Metro bus, shuttle, and train access are readily available throughout the communities, and public transit is a normal part of life, so much so that many neighborhood streets have bus or shuttle stops. The closest Metro train stops are Huntington, Eisenhower, and King Street.
Young boy on field trip to Mount Vernon. Photo from iStock.com/eurobanks.
Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) draws military families for many reasons, including widespread access to a variety of special education programs and the strong relationship the system maintains with military families.
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.
Take a look at an overview of Alexandria’s public school systems.
If choosing a home here, your student will likely fall into FCPS’s Region 3 West Potomac Pyramid, but small portions of 22306 adjacent to the 22307 and 22308 zip codes also attend the schools in this pyramid. Always start with the FCPS Boundary Locator to verify your potential address.
- Belle View Elementary School
- Bryant Alternative High School
- Bucknell Elementary School
- Fort Hunt Elementary School
- Groveton Elementary School
- Hollin Meadows Elementary School
- Hybla Valley Elementary School
- Pulley Center
- Sandburg Middle School
- Stratford Landing Elementary School
- Quander Road School
- West Potomac High School and Academy
- Waynewood Elementary School
Fort Hunt and Belle Haven are desirable sections of Alexandria because of the access to quality schools, strong community engagement, and fast commutes to work. You’ll notice housing prices reflect the high demand and small inventory of available homes.
Houses for rent and for sale are often passed from friend to friend, avoiding the need to list the property publicly. This can be a challenge for incoming families from out of town unfamiliar with this intimate style of real estate transactions.
For more information about moving to Alexandria, click the image below to download MilitaryByOwner's free guide.
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