Belle Haven is an elegant neighborhood just south of Alexandria City in the Fairfax County portion of Alexandria. The nearly 500 homes in this neighborhood were built primarily in the 1920s when farmland became a residential neighborhood. Manors, cottages, classic Colonials, and new construction are all found in this quiet, leafy enclave. Rolling hills and cul-de-sacs add to the charm of the community, with Fort Willard Park in the center of the neighborhood as the primary location for neighborly gatherings.

If you are looking for that perfect blend of a true community, quiet well-manicured streets, and easy access to dining and transportation, this neighborhood is for you. This charming, early 20th-century neighborhood offers classic architecture, friendly neighbors, and nature close by. What more could you ask for? Well, here are a few more reasons to love where you live, Belle Haven edition!

Neighborhood Layout

Belle Haven is a wonderful place if you like to take long walks while catching up with neighbors or for kids to bike between friends’ houses. There are a few cul-de-sacs, perfect for socializing for adults and kids alike. However, much of the neighborhood loops back around to Fort Willard Park, the centerpiece of the neighborhood.

Convenient to Dining and Entertainment

Much of Belle Haven’s real estate is walkable to the Belle View shopping center. There you can grab a burger at Bun Papa, part of the Bread and Water Restaurant, a casual dinner at Primo’s restaurant, or a glass of wine (and fantastic dinner) and the gorgeous bar at Revel. Don’t forget about beer and wine at Unwined right next door. Del Ray Pizza and the famed Custard Shack are an even shorter walk away! For those who belong to Belle Haven Country Club, you are located directly across the street for very easy access. Old Town is within a longer walking or biking distance as well.

River Views

Belle Haven has some of the best views of the Potomac River, especially during the winter months from homes sited towards the top of the hill. If water views are important to you, Belle Haven is one of the best neighborhoods in Alexandria to put on your list.

Belle Haven Country Club

If you want to belong to a country club community, then the Belle Haven neighborhood might be for you. The Belle Haven Country Club is just across Fort Hunt Road from Belle Haven, making it a very convenient place to live if you are a member of the club. Belle Haven country club has a beautiful golf course, tennis and racquet facilities, formal and casual dining as well as a fitness center, swimming pool, and lots of member events. 

Variety of Architecture

Charm abounds in Belle Haven! Unlike some neighborhoods where you may see only one type of house, Belle Haven has quite a variety. While classic colonials are the most predominant style, there are also cape cods, dutch colonials, and a variety of other styles of home that sit on the hillside overlooking the Potomac River.  While the architecture can vary, the neighborhood has a very cohesive and stately feel, with the majority of the homes built in the early 1900s.

An Active Community

Belle Haven is not a neighborhood where folks keep to themselves. Belle Haven residents are quite social and active. Throughout the year there are several popular neighborhood events including a cocktail party, a Fourth of July parade, and an Easter egg roll. Belle Haven also has a Women’s Club, which throws many of the events in the community and has more than 250 members.

Fort Willard Park

Fort Willard Park is a 1.6-acre park and the former site of a historic Civil War fort. Today, Fort Willard Park is in the center of the Belle Haven neighborhood and is often the primary location for neighborhood gatherings. 

Close to Nature

The nearby Mount Vernon Trail is a great place for biking, running, and walking. You can take the trail heading north toward Old Town, or south along the GW Parkway toward Mount Vernon. Water and nature lovers will also love the nearby Dyke Marsh, Belle Haven Marina, and the Belle Haven Marina sailing school.

Access to Major Highways and Transportation

One of Belle Haven’s most touted features is its easy access to the Beltway, a feature that a lot of Alexandria neighborhoods can’t necessarily claim. In just a few minutes, you can be on your way on either the Beltway, Route 1, or the GW Parkway. In Belle Haven, you’re also not far from Huntington Metro on the Yellow Line.

Rolling Hills

One of the more unique features of Belle Haven is the many rolling hills. If you like classic hillside streets, then you’ll love Belle Haven!

The Bottom Line

If you’d like to learn more about Belle Haven Hills or take one of our neighborhood orientation tours, please reach out. We’d love to introduce you to this charming Alexandria neighborhood!