Old Town Alexandria Architecture

It’s probably one of my favorite cities. Old Town Alexandria has been around for a long time and the architecture is lovely - particularly if you like the look and feel of the 17 - 1800’s. Everything is brick and cobblestone. It reminds you of a place long ago even though we are living in the twenty first century. Unfortunately the area floods whenever it rains, although there have been mitigation efforts with new condominiums being built along the Potomac River. We visited this place long before we moved to the DC area sixteen years ago. We used to go for lunch at least twice a month before the pandemic. Now we drive in for a morning walk about twice a month. We usually park next to Founders Park and walk along the waterfront first. Then we take a turn in to the old neighborhoods along the well known street names. Every time we notice something different. Obviously the spaces are decorated for the seasons. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas all look like old paintings. I don’t really know the names of the architectural styles but they are all represented. They look idyllic and lovely. But I know from experience that living in these structures is a lot different than looking at them. Our 1890’s condo on Capitol Hill had all sorts of issues, and our son’s row house had more than anyone would want. But that doesn’t stop people from buying these properties because the location is so wonderful. It’s a great place for a morning walk - but I’m not sure I’d want to live there.