Starting a new role in National Landing and want to keep your commute simple? You are not alone. Many transferees look to Alexandria for a short, predictable ride that still offers great neighborhood options. In this guide you will see which Alexandria spots keep you within roughly 20 minutes of Crystal City and Pentagon City by Metrorail, what the door-to-door math looks like, and how the housing vibe and tradeoffs differ. Let’s dive in.
How to time your commute
Crystal City and Pentagon City are served by the Blue and Yellow lines. Most Alexandria riders use King Street–Old Town, Braddock Road, or Potomac Yard. The Potomac Yard station opened in the early 2020s and noticeably shortened trips from nearby neighborhoods.
Plan with a door-to-door mindset, not just in-train minutes:
- Step 1: Time from your door to the nearest station by walk, bike, or drive. Plan 5 to 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In-vehicle rail time to Crystal City or Pentagon City. Plan 3 to 12 minutes depending on your origin station.
- Step 3: Time from your destination station to your office. Plan 3 to 10 minutes in National Landing.
Typical door-to-door runs range from about 15 minutes if you live next to Potomac Yard to roughly 35 minutes from farther west in Alexandria. Many addresses deliver reliable sub-30-minute routines.
Example scenarios:
- Potomac Yard resident: 5 to 7 minute walk to Potomac Yard station, 3 to 5 minute rail to Crystal City, 3 minute walk to the office. Total about 11 to 15 minutes.
- Del Ray resident near Mount Vernon Avenue: 8 to 12 minute bike to Braddock Road or Potomac Yard, 6 to 8 minute rail, plus the final walk. Total often 20 to 30 minutes.
Service frequency varies by peak and off-peak periods. WMATA sometimes adjusts schedules for maintenance, which can add wait time or require shuttle buses. If you have flexible hours, off-peak trips may feel less crowded.
Neighborhoods by rail time
Below are Alexandria choices grouped by typical rail ride to Crystal City or Pentagon City. Times refer to in-train minutes from the nearest station. Your total commute depends on how you reach that station and how far your office is from the Metro exit.
Under 10 minutes
Potomac Yard / Potomac Greens / Riverdale
- Transit: Walkable to the Potomac Yard station, one of the closest Alexandria access points to Crystal City and Pentagon City by rail.
- Vibe: Recently developed mixed-use blocks with new condos and townhomes, larger-format retail, and a contemporary urban infill feel.
- Best for: If you want the shortest rail time and prefer newer housing with easy bike and pedestrian access.
Eisenhower East / Carlyle
- Transit: Depending on your exact address, you can reach Potomac Yard or take a short ride to Braddock Road or King Street.
- Vibe: High-rise condos and office towers with planned redevelopment blocks and walkable access to grocery and amenities.
- Best for: Urban living with higher-density options and a quick ride into National Landing.
10 to 15 minutes
Braddock Road / North Old Town
- Transit: Walking distance to Braddock Road station for many blocks.
- Vibe: A mix of residential streets and small commercial corridors that feel quieter than the central Old Town core.
- Best for: A balance of residential scale and strong rail access, often at a lower price point than waterfront Old Town.
King Street–Old Town
- Transit: King Street is a major Blue and Yellow line stop. The rail ride to Crystal City or Pentagon City is typically 2 to 3 stops.
- Vibe: Historic rowhouses, a lively restaurant scene along King Street, and high walkability to the waterfront.
- Best for: If you prioritize historic character and amenities while keeping a short rail commute.
15 to 20 minutes
Del Ray and parts of Rosemont
- Transit: No station inside Del Ray. Many residents bike or take a short drive to Braddock Road or Potomac Yard. The in-train segment is brief, but the last mile adds time.
- Vibe: A classic main street along Mount Vernon Avenue with independent shops and cafés, plus tree-lined residential blocks in nearby Rosemont.
- Best for: If you value a neighborhood community feel and are fine with a quick bike or drive to reach the train.
West Old Town / Seminary Hill / Westmont
- Transit: Walk or bike to King Street or Braddock Road. Some pockets sit farther from stations, which pushes total time toward 20 minutes.
- Vibe: Primarily residential areas with a quieter, more suburban scale that still have access to Old Town amenities.
- Best for: Households seeking detached homes and space, and who accept a slightly longer trip to reach the station.
Walkability and amenities
- Old Town: The King Street corridor offers the highest walkability, dense dining options, and the waterfront.
- Del Ray: Strong local walkability around Mount Vernon Avenue with independent retail and cafés.
- Potomac Yard and Carlyle: Newer mixed-use nodes with grocery, larger-format retail, parks, and a growing dining scene.
- Braddock Road / North Old Town: Moderate walkability with local grocers and services.
Your day-to-day routine can look very different based on these patterns. If walking to dinner and errands matters most, prioritize Old Town or Del Ray. If you prefer new buildings and a 5 to 10 minute ride to National Landing, Potomac Yard and Carlyle rise to the top.
Housing types and cost tiers
- Premium tiers: Old Town near the waterfront and newly developed Potomac Yard and Carlyle often command premium pricing. Expect condos, renovated rowhouses, and some views to lead the market.
- Middle tiers: Del Ray, Rosemont, and Braddock Road areas offer a range of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos, with pricing that varies by block and station proximity.
- More relative value: North Old Town and some interior blocks can offer more affordability than waterfront Old Town, yet remain above regional averages given transit access and proximity to central DC.
Pricing changes with inventory and interest rates, and demand shifted after the HQ2 announcement. For a precise read, pair neighborhood priorities with a current, localized market analysis.
Transit tips: reliability, parking, bikes
- Reliability and crowding: Blue and Yellow lines see peak crowding. Short rides reduce exposure to it, and boarding at less-busy stations like Potomac Yard or Braddock Road can help.
- Service changes: WMATA maintenance and periodic single-tracking occur. Always check for planned work and service alerts when you plan your week.
- Parking and drop-off: Many Alexandria stations do not have large commuter lots. King Street and Potomac Yard favor walk, bike, and private garage options over free surface parking. Driving to Crystal City or Pentagon City is possible but is often slower at peak due to congestion and bridge traffic.
- Biking and micro-mobility: Capital Bikeshare stations and new bike lanes are common near Potomac Yard, King Street, and Del Ray. A 5 to 15 minute bike ride can make Del Ray and adjacent areas very practical.
Who this fits
- Minimalist commuter: You want a walkable building and a 10 to 15 minute door-to-door routine. Focus on Potomac Yard, Potomac Greens, and Carlyle high-rises.
- Historic home seeker: You want charm, dining, and a straight ride to National Landing. Old Town near King Street fits well.
- Neighborhood-centric buyer: You want a main street, local shops, and parks, and are fine biking to the train. Del Ray and Rosemont often deliver.
- Space-first shopper: You want a detached home and a quiet street, with a slightly longer station access. Look at West Old Town, Seminary Hill, and Westmont.
How to choose your spot
Use this quick checklist to test fit and timing:
- Map your door-to-station path. Can you walk or bike it comfortably year-round, or will you prefer a short drive?
- Time two test runs. Try one during peak and one off-peak to see crowding and wait times.
- Decide your last mile in National Landing. Is your office closer to Crystal City or Pentagon City, and how long is the station walk?
- Weigh housing tradeoffs. Do you want new construction, historic charm, or a detached home with more space?
- Consider resilience. If service is disrupted, can you switch to bike, bus, or ride-hail without blowing up your morning?
- Align budget and value. Use a current, neighborhood-level analysis to compare options by block and amenity set.
Next steps
If a short, predictable National Landing commute is a must, the right Alexandria address can make your day run smoothly. Our team pairs neighborhood knowledge with data-driven pricing and a structured plan for buyers and sellers. Whether you want a quick property tour focused on transit access or a localized CMA and go-to-market strategy, we can help you move with confidence.
Ready to refine your short list or prepare your sale? Connect with Sullivan Brownell Partners to start a tailored plan today. Request Your Home Valuation.
FAQs
Which Alexandria neighborhoods have the shortest Metro commute to National Landing?
- Potomac Yard and nearby Carlyle offer the shortest rail rides, with King Street–Old Town and Braddock Road close behind, depending on your exact address and station access.
Is Del Ray practical for a 20-minute National Landing commute?
- Yes. Many Del Ray addresses reach Braddock Road or Potomac Yard by a short bike or drive, and total door-to-door time often falls near 20 to 30 minutes.
How reliable is the Blue and Yellow line commute to National Landing?
- It is generally reliable, with peak crowding and occasional maintenance-based changes. Off-peak trips can feel smoother, and many riders use biking or ride-hail when needed.
What affects resale near National Landing from Alexandria?
- Proximity to stations, the Potomac Yard opening, and ongoing mixed-use redevelopment support demand. Market shifts still depend on inventory and interest rates, so use current local analyses.
Are parks and schools accessible near these Alexandria neighborhoods?
- Many areas, including Old Town, Del Ray, and Rosemont, offer parks, playgrounds, and access to local public schools. Specific offerings vary by block and should be verified during your search.
