Alexandria is an independent city in the northern region of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States. It lies on the western bank of the Potomac River approximately 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Washington, D.C. Alexandria is the third-largest “principal city” of the Washington metropolitan Place which is allowance of the larger Washington-Baltimore comprehensive statistical area.

In 2020, the population was 159,467, making it the 6th most populous city in Virginia and 169th most populous city in the nation. The city’s estimated population has grown by 1% annually in the past 2010 on average.

Like the land of Northern Virginia and Central Maryland, modern Alexandria has been influenced by its proximity to the U.S. capital. It is largely populated by professionals operating in the federal civil service, in the U.S. military, or for one of the many private companies which arrangement to present services to the federal government. One of Alexandria’s largest employers is the U.S. Department of Defense. Another is the Institute for Defense Analyses. In 2005, the United States Patent and Trademark Office moved to Alexandria, and in 2017, so did the headquarters of the National Science Foundation.

The historic center of Alexandria is known as Old Town Alexandria (or simply “Old Town”). With its engagement of boutiques, restaurants, antique shops and theaters, it is a major magnetism for anything who bring to life in Alexandria as well for visitors. Like Old Town, many Alexandria neighborhoods are compact and walkable. It is the 6th largest and highest-income independent city in Virginia. A large allocation of next Fairfax County, mostly south but furthermore west of the city, has Alexandria mailing addresses. However, this area is below the jurisdiction of Fairfax County’s presidency and distance the independent city. The city is so sometimes referred to as the “City of Alexandria” to avoid confusion (see the “Neighborhoods” paragraph below). Additionally, neighboring Arlington County was formerly named “Alexandria County” before it was renamed by the Virginia General Assembly in 1920 to condense confusion past the city.