Del Ray is a vibrant and active community within the City of Alexandria. It was once its own town in the late 1900s, designed around the major railroad line that ran north to south. Its growth was stimulated by the opening of The Potomac Yards railroad yards in 1906. At that time, Del Ray incorporated with the town of St. Elmo to become the Town of Potomac with its own governance system.
It was annexed by the City of Alexandria in 1930, which is why Del Ray feels like a small town city within Alexandria.
Del Ray Real Estate
Del Ray real estate grew to be a diverse community and began a renaissance in the 1980s when its Sears bungalows became a popular home style. Soon after, The Del Ray Artisans established a studio and the neighborhood began to be recognized for its funky and eclectic feel. During the 1980s, an effort was made to revitalize its main thoroughfare, Mount Vernon Avenue (which had lost businesses during the 1970s), now often referred to as “The Avenue” for short.
Del Ray Entertainment
You will often find residents out enjoying life on “The Avenue.” Del Ray is known for its annual Art on the Avenue festival, its Halloween parade, and First Thursdays along the avenue. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the local Saturday morning Farmer’s Market.
♥ Click here for our top reasons to live in Del Ray!
Del Ray Favorites
When we lived in the neighborhood during the 1980s, one of our local favorites was Los Amigos–where Kaizen Tavern is today. It wasn’t until the Evening Star Cafe moved in late 1997 that a “trendy” restaurant proved it could have an audience. In 1999, Taqueria el Poblano opened its doors. Since then, restaurants, fitness studios and boutiques have made the area vibrant and exciting.
♥ Discover more Del Ray favorites in:
- The Best Bagels in the DC Area
- The Best Pizza in Alexandria and Beyond
- Brunch Takeout and Delivery in Alexandria…and Beyond
- Spend a Day: Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray
♥ Discover more Alexandria favorites in:
- Fall Hiking in Alexandria and Where to go Apres Hiking
- Your Complete Guide to Living in Alexandria with Pets
- Is Alexandria Good for Commuters? Here’s What to Know!
- Alexandria Summer Guide
- Reasons to Move to Alexandria: A Perfect Blend of Work, Lifestyle, and Beauty
- The Beauty of Alexandria
- The Best Pizza in Alexandria and Beyond
- Best Happy Hours in Old Town Alexandria
- Complete List of Alexandria Playgrounds & Parks
- Biking and Trails in Alexandria
- The Best Sports Bars in Alexandria
- The Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Alexandria
- Best Burgers in Alexandria and Beyond
- The Best Coffee Shops in Alexandria
- The Best Breakfast Spots in Alexandria
Want to know what it’s like to live in Del Ray real estate? No problem! Let’s go on a neighborhood orientation tour.