Braddock Metro Station

The Braddock Metro Station is located at 700 N. West St., entrance at the North side Braddock Rd. Residents of the Braddock Road Metro neighborhood are participating in a comprehensive re-planning of the blocks between the Metro Station and Route 1. There are already several condo communities at Braddock Metro, including Colecroft Station Condos and the Lofts at Braddock. Toward Rosemont and Del Ray, the neighborhood is mostly composed of upscale single-family detached homes.

Braddock Metro Station has relatively low Metro ridership. Near the metro there are acres of empty lots and warehouses in what was once an industrial area, but is now a highly sought after neighborhood. So, this neighborhood is poised for redevelopment. Residents, activists and developers are working with local government to plan architecture, public spaces and parks, safe and pedestrian friendly streets, local retail and restaurants, transit, and a mix of housing types for all incomes.

The first train departs at 4:55am at Huntington Station, and last train departs at 12:33am Huntington Station. Braddock Metro is 7 blocks from the center of Old Town Alexandria, of Washington Street, and 5 blocks to the Potomac River.

Parking available using SmarTrip cards with 10 short metered spaces. There are 46 bike racks and 12 lockers at the station.

Note that up to 2 children 4 years or younger ride free with an adult paying full fare. Children 5 or older pay adult fares.
Seniors 65+ ride for half price of the regular fares.

Braddock Rd. Metro Station --- Click to search property for sale near Braddock Metro Station. Or for a list of property for sale by Metro stations in Northern VA, check here.

DASH Bus

DASH (Driving Alexandrians Safely Home) buses are seen around, across and near the City of Alexandria , Virginia. The City of Alexandria wholly owns the DASH bus system and operates the system as a non-profit public service cooperation. But day to day management of the system is provided by Alexandria Transit Company.

If you're new to the area, you'll soon find out what others already know. The DASH buses are a clean, safe and effective way to get about the city. Boarding the bus is simple and easy. When the bus arrives, just step into the bus and then deposit the exact fare or use your WMATA SmarTrip card.If you have any questions about routes or transfers ask the driver and then take a seat. On some of the most popular routes or during rush hours, there might not be any available seats. In that case just move as far to the rear of the bus as possible. This makes it easier for others to board easily.

Be aware that the bus driver doesn't always stop at all bus stops! To signal to the driver that your stop is approaching, press the yellow signal strip or pull the bell cord. It's best to do this about a block from your destination so the driver has timely notice to stop at the next bus stop. When exiting the bus the rear door is easiest because others may be waiting to board through the front door.

DASH has great service because it has great employees but also because area passengers observe a few simple rules of safety and courtesy:

• There is no smoking, eating, or drinking allowed on the bus.
• Radios, I-pods and other devices may only be used if they cannot be heard by others
• There are a limited number of priority seats that are reserved for senior citizens and disable persons. You may sit in these seats, but riders are expected to volunteer that seat if the seat is needed by a senior citizen or disabled person. If the bus is full, riders are expected to volunteer seats as needed.
• All passengers keep feet off passengers' seats.

To maintain the high level of quality offered by DASH, drivers may refuse service to anyone who does not observe these rules or to anyone whose behavior is disruptive or hazardous to vehicle or passenger safety.

The manager of the DASH system, the Alexandria Transit Company (ATC), has been chosen by Metro Magazine as one of the top ten transit systems to work for in the United States. Metro Magazine identified the the top transit agency employers in the U.S. and Canada by survey employees from around the country. Alexandria Transit Company exhibit traits that are great for any employer:

• An open-door policy among managers;
• Relaxed, family atmosphere;
  
• Work-schedule flexibility;
• Strong employee recognition practices;
• Approachable senior executives;
• Opportunities for advancement;
• Lack of micro-management;
• Encouraging, supportive environment.

Metro Magazine is quoted saying, "the ability of transit systems to attract, hire, and retain top candidates to their organization hinges on their willingness and desire to become employers of choice in their communities." In the Washington area, where there is a significant amount of competition in transportation jobs, Alexandria Transit has worked hard to be that employer of choice.

General Manager Sandy Modell graciously commented on the achievement, "DASH prides itself on providing the highest level of customer service possible to its riders and its employees. If we treat our employees with respect and appreciation, they are more likely to treat our external customers with that same respect and appreciation."

King St. Metro and Trolley

King St. is about 5 blocks from the Alexandria House. King St. Metro is a bit further.

The King St. Metro is a great station for commuters, day-trippers or tourists. Near the Metro, one will find many interesting things to fill an afternoon, an evening or an entire day.

The King St. Metro serves both the Yellow and Blue Lines. It is a hub for many bus routes and the King St. Trolley. Most hours there are cabs waiting at the station to serve as needed.

In addition, this station links the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Amtrak to the Washington Metro Transit Authority. There are a variety of fun things to do here, just a few blocks from the new Patent and Trademark Office, and I'll describe a few below.

The King St. Metro stops at the foot of the Shooters Hill, the location of the "Alexandria Lighthouse" (aka the George Washington National Masonic Memorical.)

This structure is visible from miles around owing to its great size and strategic position atop the hill just outside Old Town Alexandria. The George Washington Masonic Memorial performs many functions. First and foremost, it is a Masonic Memorial, honoring and perpuating the memory and character of a fellow mason, George Washington.

In addition this edifice serves as a tourist attraction and destination for many. The building hosts a research center and masonic library. The facilities can be rented for the purpose of community activities including performing arts and concerts.

The building houses banquets hosts celebrations. It regularly serves as a meeting site for Masonic and appendant Bodies. If you have never toured the building, it's an interesting and fun way to get a new perspective on Alexandria, Old Town and Masonry.

The King St. Metro stops at the foot of the hill where King St. veers away from Old Town. From the Memorial, and from the Metro, one can look down King St. toward the Potomac to the unique shops, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs and activities of Old Town Alexandria. The area has some of the shops you would expect in an upscale mall, but many of shops and restaurants you'll find only here.

Old Town Alexandria was a Colonial seaport. It is located down-river and within eyesight of Washington DC. Alexandria was George Washington's hometown. The city's roster of historic sites underlines how historically influential it has been. Thomas Jefferson entertained at Gadsby's Tavern; Robert E. Lee worshipped at Christ Church.

The Old Town district includes more than 4,000 historic buildings, outstanding examples of early American architecture that now house small businesses and gracious homes, all waiting to give you a modern welcome. Old Town is characterized by brick sidewalks that line historic structures. Elegant modern structures are carefully planned to fit with the feel of Old Town.

Real Estate in Old Town is generally pricey and prestigious. Parking can be a bit of a hassle, especially in touristy areas along King St. Therefore, a great way to explore the area is to take the Metro to King St. and then hop a ride on the King St. Trolley. The trolley runs its route from 10 am to 10 pm every day. A printable map is available for those who know nothing about the area.

There is no charge to ride the trolley and it makes stops about every two blocks between the King St. Metro and the Potomac. The length of this circuit can be walked in about 20 minutes, so many choose to take the trolley to the Potomac and then walk back to the Metro through Old Town.

The Trolley makes it final stop before returning to the Metro near the Torpedo Factory. Just as the name implies, the Torpedo Factory was torpedo factory in the early part of the last century. Today it is a world-renowned art center with three floors of open studios and galleries. Here, one can observe artists and purchase original artwork. The Torpedo Factory is on the waterfront where street musicians and entertainers play nearly every night.

The Trolley was designed to compliment service by the National Harbor's new Water Taxi. The National Harbor is located across the Potomac in Maryland and is the site of a brand new convention center. The convention center and many restaurants are already open in this brand new area landmark. Additionally boat service is available up and down river from the Strand in Old Town.

What's for sale?

Click King St. Metro to see a map of King St. Metro and to search property for sale near the metro. If you're looking for a comprehensive list of properties for sale near the metro check here.

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The Woodrow Wilson Bridge (seen here from Alexandria House) is easily accessed via the Parkway to Rt. 1 at the Beltway.

George Washington Parkway

The George Washington Memorial Parkway, often called the GW Parkway by locals, meanders through parks on both sides of the road and is usually within close proximity to and sight of the Potomac River. The US Park Service maintains this and all parkways. Parkways are designed to be scenic meandering roads with light traffic. Despite finding a path through the most urban parts of Northern Virginia, the GW Parkway largely accomplishes these goals.

Top posted speed on the Parkway is 50 mph, and cruising speeds rarely exceed this limit. On the other hand, even during the worst of rush hour, speeds are rarely less than 45 mph. Those who are unfamiliar with traffic in the national Capitol region might not fully appreciate what an accomplishment this is.

To put these numbers in perspective, posted speeds on I-495 (the Beltway) are generally 55 mph. Traffic on the Beltway often exceeds 65 mph, but during rush hour, there are several points where the traffic slows to less than 25 mph. The Beltway is bumper to bumper madness squeezed between concrete sound-walls, while the GW Parkway is an easy cruise along the Potomac. Is it any wonder why I love the GW?

The GW Parkway winds along the banks of the Potomac River, starting near Great Falls in Mclean and then travels downriver all the way to Mt. Vernon, George Washington's Mansion. The parkway is an ideal drive for a tourist or visitor who would like to see some of the best views and sites the area has to offer.

A broad well-maintain bike and jogging trail runs the length of the GW Parkway, and is well used by residents and tourists alike.

Driving Down River

From the CIA Headquarters, downriver to the hieghts of Rosslyn, there are several overlooks that provide nice views of Georgetown in Washington DC. Picnicers will find parks and pull-overs where they can take a break from their drive along the Potomac.

After passing under the beautiful Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Parkway passes one of my favorite (and one of the area's least known) Presidential memorials---Teddy Roosevelt Island. This forested island on the Potomac takes visitors into another world, and as you walk the trails on the island it is easy to forget that you are in an urban environment. If you've never done so, walk the trails and discover T. Roosevelt's statue and memorial---a fitting tribute to a man who love the outdoors and who helped establish the national park system.

If you're travelling south, or downriver, you won't have access to the island at this point and you'll have to save that bit of fun for your return. But just minutes past the Key Bridge, you'll clear the woods of Teddy Roosevelt Island and Rosslyn's bluff and will get your first glimpse of the national Capitol in all it's glory.

At the Monuments

From the road you'll have views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial across the Potomac in Washington DC. On the hill above you in Virginia, you'll have a glimpse of the Iwo Jima Memorial. There is a mish-mash of poorly marked connecting roads entering and leaving the Parkway as you approach Memorial Bridge at and around the Iwo Jima Memorial.

These connectors can be confusing to tourists, but locals zip on and off the Parkway to access DC or Arlington. Despite the potential for accidents with slower moving site-seers and quick moving commuters, there are few incidents here: a testament to the fine design of the Parkway.

Memorial Bridge marks the entrance to Arlington National Cemetary, a solemn and beautiful place where Presidents, soldiers and honored citizens of the United States have taken their final rest. Fittingly, Memorial Bridge connects Arlington House, Robert E. Lee's home in Virginia, with the Lincoln Memorial, symbolizing the bridge that connects North and South in union.

National Airport

As one passes the Memorial Bridge the Jefferson Memorial with its famed Tidal Pools, becomes more visible. Past the Jefferson Memorial, the Parkway crosses Humpback Bridge onto Columbia Island, home to Lady Bird Johnson Memorial Grove. At this point, travellers downriver will have access to a pleasant picnic area which provides excellent views up to the Pentagon and the Air Force Memorial.

As the parkway leaves the island, it jogs away from the Pentagon and the hi-rise skyline of Crystal City toward Ronald Reagan National Airport. The airport's runaway nearly meets the road as the parkway gentle wends its way downriver. Here the parkway offers pleasant views of the Potomac and local air traffic landing at Reagan National. Just past the airport is the first of two marinas on the parkway.

Old Town Alexandria

After the marina, the Parkway slows to a traffic light and then for the next mile or so, makes its way through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. Old Town is a delight, with shops, boutiques and historical sites. Past Old Town the view opens up again with a sweeping view of the River toward National Harbor. The Belle Haven Country Club marks the approach to the Belle Haven Marina. This provides a great spot for a picnic as well as an opportunity to rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats.

Past the marina is the Dyke Marsh, a wetlands filled with birds, fish and wildlife. Across the river Fort Washington, a relic of the War of 1812 watches the narrows of the Potomac. Fort Washington, once a military stronghold, now a pleasant park, is a destination in itself and is worth an afternoon. The Virginia side of the river has Fort Hunt, where moldering remnants of World War II stand silent watch over a peaceful park.

Mansion at Mount Vernon

After several scenic vistas at and around Stratford Landing and Arcturus, the Parkway at last comes to an end at George Washington's mansion at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the country. Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America. The grounds are well-preserved as is the home itself.

Summary

The GW Parkway runs from Mt. Vernon to Mclean and Great Falls through the Alexandria and Arlington. At it's southern end it meets Old Mount Vernon Highway. Upriver, it is connected by the American Legion Bridge to a continuation in Maryland on the Clara Barton Parkway. The GW Parkway provides excellent views that are impressive to even a jaded commuter.

A commuter will find this is one of the best routes around the nation's Capitol.
As a result of this, or because of this, some of the priciest and most exclusive neighborhoods in Northern Virginia are found along the GW Parkway. Here's a sampling what's currently on the market in some of these neighborhoods along the Parkway.

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Ronald Reagan National Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, formerly Washington National Airport, is on the Potomac across the river from Washington DC. Along with Baltimore Washington International and Dulles International, Reagan National is one of three major airports serving the Washington Metro area. Reagan National is easily my favorite of the three airports for a number of reasons.

Dulles and BWI are massive sprawling airports with shuttle buses and mobile lounges. Reagan National barely has enough room for the runway. I always like smaller airports. They feel like they are scaled to human beings. There is plenty of security at National, but it seems to move along more smoothly than Dulles or BWI.

Dulles and BWI are outside the Beltway at the periphery of the Washington Capitol Area. Reagan National is at the heart of everything, wedged at the confluence of DC, Alexandria and Arlington. For me, it's a long drive just to get to BWI or Dulles, but Reagan National is here, and it's accessible by Metro. Reagan National is a station on both the Yellow and Blue lines.

Extended parking is available at Dulles or BWI, but on the shuttle bus, the ride from the parking lot to the terminal seems like a mile or more. At Reagan National, extended parking is at my house. Because instead of taking a shuttle, I can take the Metro to the airport.

The runway is a short at Reagan National and it launches planes up over GW Parkway and at the Washington Monument, requiring a steep climb and a hard left on take off. Some folks find this terrifying, but I have to admit I love it. I know it's a safe path, because planes take off here day and night, so I sit back and enjoy the abrupt take-off and turn.

Reagan National is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, although many ticket counters and restaurants in the airport close during off-hours. Reagan National is located within the Commonwealth of Virginia, but it has a Washington DC address to identify the airport's location more easily for travelers.

The Perimeter Rule and the High Density Rule affect flights at Reagan National. Under the Perimeter Rule, nonstop aircraft flights are limited to a range of 1,250 miles or less. In 2000, Congress permitted the FAA to allow six round-trip flights to points outside the perimeter. The High Density Rule (or "Slot" rule) limits the number of landings or takeoffs allowed in an hour. The rule affects Reagan National because of the Airport's limited airfield capacity.

Reagan National is located in Arlington County near/in Crystal City. It is most easily accessed from the George Washington Parkway. There are a good many condos and homes in the Crystal City area and they're all just a metro stop away from Reagan National. The take-off and approach to Reagan National is down the Potomac, so that area residents get very little noise or fly-over from the jets at Reagan National.

The George Washington Memorial Parkway, often called the GW Parkway by locals, meanders through parks on both sides of the road and is usually within close proximity to and sight of the Potomac River. The US Park Service maintains this and all parkways. Parkways are designed to be scenic meandering roads with light traffic. Despite finding a path through the most urban parts of Northern Virginia, the GW Parkway largely accomplishes these goals.

Top posted speed on the Parkway is 50 mph, and cruising speeds rarely exceed this limit. On the other hand, even during the worst of rush hour, speeds are rarely less than 45 mph. Those who are unfamiliar with traffic in the national Capitol region might not fully appreciate what an accomplishment this is.

To put these numbers in perspective, posted speeds on I-495 (the Beltway) are generally 55 mph. Traffic on the Beltway often exceeds 65 mph, but during rush hour, there are several points where the traffic slows to less than 25 mph. The Beltway is bumper to bumper madness squeezed between concrete sound-walls, while the GW Parkway is an easy cruise along the Potomac. Is it any wonder why I love the GW?

The GW Parkway winds along the banks of the Potomac River, starting near Great Falls in Mclean and then travels downriver all the way to Mt. Vernon, George Washington's Mansion. The parkway is an ideal drive for a tourist or visitor who would like to see some of the best views and sites the area has to offer.

A broad well-maintain bike and jogging trail runs the length of the GW Parkway, and is well used by residents and tourists alike.

Driving Down River

From the CIA Headquarters, downriver to the hieghts of Rosslyn, there are several overlooks that provide nice views of Georgetown in Washington DC. Picnicers will find parks and pull-overs where they can take a break from their drive along the Potomac.

After passing under the beautiful Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Parkway passes one of my favorite (and one of the area's least known) Presidential memorials---Teddy Roosevelt Island. This forested island on the Potomac takes visitors into another world, and as you walk the trails on the island it is easy to forget that you are in an urban environment. If you've never done so, walk the trails and discover T. Roosevelt's statue and memorial---a fitting tribute to a man who love the outdoors and who helped establish the national park system.

If you're travelling south, or downriver, you won't have access to the island at this point and you'll have to save that bit of fun for your return. But just minutes past the Key Bridge, you'll clear the woods of Teddy Roosevelt Island and Rosslyn's bluff and will get your first glimpse of the national Capitol in all it's glory.

At the Monuments

From the road you'll have views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial across the Potomac in Washington DC. On the hill above you in Virginia, you'll have a glimpse of the Iwo Jima Memorial. There is a mish-mash of poorly marked connecting roads entering and leaving the Parkway as you approach Memorial Bridge at and around the Iwo Jima Memorial.

These connectors can be confusing to tourists, but locals zip on and off the Parkway to access DC or Arlington. Despite the potential for accidents with slower moving site-seers and quick moving commuters, there are few incidents here: a testament to the fine design of the Parkway.

Memorial Bridge marks the entrance to Arlington National Cemetary, a solemn and beautiful place where Presidents, soldiers and honored citizens of the United States have taken their final rest. Fittingly, Memorial Bridge connects Arlington House, Robert E. Lee's home in Virginia, with the Lincoln Memorial, symbolizing the bridge that connects North and South in union.

National Airport

As one passes the Memorial Bridge the Jefferson Memorial with its famed Tidal Pools, becomes more visible. Past the Jefferson Memorial, the Parkway crosses Humpback Bridge onto Columbia Island, home to Lady Bird Johnson Memorial Grove. At this point, travellers downriver will have access to a pleasant picnic area which provides excellent views up to the Pentagon and the Air Force Memorial.

As the parkway leaves the island, it jogs away from the Pentagon and the hi-rise skyline of Crystal City toward Ronald Reagan National Airport. The airport's runaway nearly meets the road as the parkway gentle wends its way downriver. Here the parkway offers pleasant views of the Potomac and local air traffic landing at Reagan National. Just past the airport is the first of two marinas on the parkway.

Old Town Alexandria

After the marina, the Parkway slows to a traffic light and then for the next mile or so, makes its way through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. Old Town is a delight, with shops, boutiques and historical sites. Past Old Town the view opens up again with a sweeping view of the River toward National Harbor. The Belle Haven Country Club marks the approach to the Belle Haven Marina. This provides a great spot for a picnic as well as an opportunity to rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats.

Past the marina is the Dyke Marsh, a wetlands filled with birds, fish and wildlife. Across the river Fort Washington, a relic of the War of 1812 watches the narrows of the Potomac. Fort Washington, once a military stronghold, now a pleasant park, is a destination in itself and is worth an afternoon. The Virginia side of the river has Fort Hunt, where moldering remnants of World War II stand silent watch over a peaceful park.

Mansion at Mount Vernon

After several scenic vistas at and around Stratford Landing and Arcturus, the Parkway at last comes to an end at George Washington's mansion at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the country. Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America. The grounds are well-preserved as is the home itself.

Summary

The GW Parkway runs from Mt. Vernon to Mclean and Great Falls through the Alexandria and Arlington. At it's southern end it meets Old Mount Vernon Highway. Upriver, it is connected by the American Legion Bridge to a continuation in Maryland on the Clara Barton Parkway. The GW Parkway provides excellent views that are impressive to even a jaded commuter.

A commuter will find this is one of the best routes around the nation's Capitol.
As a result of this, or because of this, some of the priciest and most exclusive neighborhoods in Northern Virginia are found along the GW Parkway. Here's a sampling what's currently on the market in some of these neighborhoods along the Parkway.

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