Northern Virginia has several independent cities and the City of Alexandria is one such independent city. The City of Alexandria borders Fairfax County, but the City of Alexandria is not in Fairfax County. Fairfax County is not in the City of Alexandria. However, there are large parts of Fairfax County that have an Alexandria postal address. The Alexandria area which is outside of the City of Alexandria can be roughly categorized into the following areas:
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Lower Alexandria — so-called because the area south of Old Town Alexandria is downriver from Alexandria. (Lower Alexandria is sometimes called “South Alexandria”.) Lower Alexandria includes the Fairfax County Districts of Mount Vernon and Lee.
Franconia — Franconia is mostly in Lee District. Some residents of Franconia have a Franconia address but many homes in Franconia have an Alexandria address. Rose Hill is one of many communities in and around Franconia
Alexandria West — Not to be confused with West End Alexandria (which is in the City of Alexandria), Alexandria West includes many inside the Beltway but outside the City of Alexandria residences such as the homes of Bryn Mar.
Here's an interest local tidbit for newcomers. Fairfax County surrounds the City of Fairfax. Locals generally refer to the county as “Fairfax County” and the city as “Fairfax”, but Alexandria uses the opposite nomenclature. “Alexandria” generally refers to whole of the Alexandria area, while “City of Alexandria” refers to the jurisdiction of the City of Alexandria.
Nine miles south of Old Town is Wessynton, a Mount Vernon community filled with history and contemporary homes.
Being located near the Mount Vernon Estate and George Washington’s Grist Mill, it seems only natural that this site would be home to plenty of history. However, this area is particularly heavy with American history and tradition.
George Washington’s Gristmill and Distillery
At one point, Quakers lived on the Wessynton site, which was originally settled by Native Americans. Eventually, George Washington’s half-brother, Lawrence, inherited the land where George Washington built the Mansion House. A South Carolinian restored the Mansion House, at the time in disrepair, shortly before the Civil War.
Homes that stand in the area today were built mostly in the 1960s and they tend to have a more contemporary style than other homes in the Mount Vernon area. Architectural features include odd sizes, tall windows and a lack of ornamentation.
Wessynton homes tend to enjoy partially or fully furnished basements along with garages and plenty of windows to let in natural light. Plus, community amenities include a boat ramp, common grounds, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, tot lots and playgrounds, making this community a great place for families with children.
