Seminary Ridge, now a welcoming neighborhood of 235 homes, was developed in the early 1970’s from a plot of land that  had been the site of Fort Worth during the Civil War. After the war,  Colonel Arthur Herbert of the Herbert Family (later associated with Burke & Herbert Bank), built a grand estate on the property.  The main house, located on Moss Place (after one of the former owners of the estate), and the gatehouse which guarded it, were the first homes on the property. Both still stand today! In the 1970’s, the Moss Family sold the land surrounding the estate to a developer. Their new neighborhood was named Seminary Ridge after the Virginia Theological Seminary, situated just across Seminary Road from the main entrance of the neighborhood.

Seminary Ridge immediately became popular as it was the first and only community in Alexandria to offer two car garages, gas heat and livable basements.

These are still some of the neighborhood’s most desirable features today! Below are ten more fantastic reasons Seminary Ridge is a fabulous neighborhood to call home — which Sue and Marty do!

1) One of Alexandria’s Best Commutes

Whether you work at the Pentagon, on the Hill, or downtown, in Tyson’s, or in Old Town, your commute from Seminary Ridge will be a breeze. The neighborhood is ideally situated just minutes from I-395, The Beltway, Old Town, and multiple Metro stops. The driving commute is much easier from Seminary Ridge as opposed to Del Ray or Rosemont. If you travel frequently, Reagan National Airport is just 15 minutes away.

2) Spacious Homes on Quarter Acre Lots

Every home in Seminary Ridge is situated on at least a quarter acre lot, which is quite large (and rare) within the City of Alexandria. The lots offer play space for kids, dogs, and outdoor entertaining. The homes themselves average between a generous 3,800-5,000 sq. feet- downright palatial by Alexandria standards! Your housing dollar goes far in Seminary Ridge – you will get a lot more bang for your buck in square footage as compared to other parts of Alexandria.

3) Close to Schools

Alexandria’s four high schools (TC Williams, Bishop Ireton, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes, and Episcopal) are all within a five minute drive – some are even walkable! SSSAS lower and middle school students can catch a bus from the upper campus located right in Seminary Ridge to either campus, offering parents one convenient drop off location.

4) Two Car Garages

Practically unheard of in Alexandria – the coveted two car garage! Seminary Ridge homes offer garages with storage and plenty of room for two large cars.

5) The Sidewalks & Mature Trees

Young families with strollers and tricycles will appreciate the sidewalks that line the streets of Seminary Ridge as will dog owners and walkers! Sidewalks are a great place to meet and greet your neighbors throughout the year.

The plentiful and mature trees of Seminary Ridge offer welcoming shade during our blazing hot summers, plus amazing fall foliage. Come spring, Seminary Ridge is a sight to behold when the trees blossom.

6) Welcoming Neighbors

When you move in, a welcoming committee will greet you with the Seminary Ridge community directory and a calendar of events. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have about living in the community.  As you walk or drive down the street, you will often see groups of neighbors gathered around chatting as they walk their dogs or play with their kids. It is a very friendly community!

7) Social Events

Seminary Ridge offers a full schedule of social events throughout the year! Residents look forward to the annual Halloween Pumpkin Patch and Parade, Summer Picnic, Holiday Party and community yard sale. There is a group or club for many popular interests such as Ladies Night, Wine Tasting, and Book Clubs. Seminary Ridge is one of those rare, Norman Rockwell neighborhoods that offers a true community feel. If you’re not the social type – no worries!  These events are open to all.

8) Civic Mindedness

The community has its own active civic group, the Seminary Ridge Civic Association. It is also a member of Seminary Hill Association, which promotes the general welfare of local residents. These groups take on important local issues such as traffic and transportation, crime, education, taxes, and recreation.

9) Nearby Shopping & Dining

Bradlee Shopping Center and Alexandria Commons shopping areas are both less than five minutes away. Giant, Safeway, and Fresh Market are all options for a quick grocery stop. Or visit Unwined, a locally owned wine shop, for that special bottle of wine on your way home from work.

Nearby dining options include Clyde’s at Mark Center, Rockland’s Barbeque, Panera Bread, Ramparts Tavern & Grill, Cafe Pizzaiola, Great Harvest Bread, and Fairlington Pizza. And rest assured, multiple Starbucks are within a five minute drive!  The shops and restaurants of Old Town and Del Ray are also just a short drive.

10) Cul de Sacs

Something you will not see again! Cul de sacs are no longer approved by builders. Seminary Ridge has 10 (yes, you read that correctly!) cul de sacs where you will see children playing and neighbors gathering. Living in a cul de sac can be a very special experience and you have plenty of cul de sac options in Seminary Ridge — including Sue’s street! Seminary Ridge’s cul de sacs are: N. Garland Street, Fort Worth Avenue, Moss Place, Griffith Place, Featherstone Place. Harris Place, Terry Place, Templeton Place, Hardee Place and Sharp Place.

Want to live in Seminary Ridge?

Sounds pretty amazing, right? If you’re interested in learning more about Seminary Ridge, watch this video then contact us! We’d be happy to give you a neighborhood orientation tour and tell you more about this Alexandria gem that we know and love!