Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. A large portion of adjacent Fairfax County is named "Alexandria". It is mostly south but also west of the city. But, it is under the jurisdiction of Fairfax County and separates from the city. The city is sometimes referred to as the City of Alexandria to avoid confusion.
The Alexandria postal area extends into Fairfax County and includes addresses outside of the city. Many areas outside the city have an Alexandria mailing address yet are a part of Fairfax County including: Hollin Hills, Franconia, Groveton, Hybla Valley, Huntington, Lincolnia, Belle Haven, Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, Engleside, Burgundy Village, Waynewood, Wilton Woods, Rose Hill, Virginia Hills, Hayfield, and Kingstowne. Some refer to these areas as Lower Alexandria, South Alexandria, or Alexandria, Fairfax County.
The original City of Alexandria was smaller than today. At the beginning of the last Century, Virginia created sovereign independent Cities that were not associated with any County. When Alexandria became an independent City, the County of Alexandria became the County of Arlington. In fact, the City annexed the Town of Potomac where the Potomac Yards is located.
Needing room to grow, the independent City of Alexandria used its powers to annex parts of Fairfax County until a truce was called between Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria. Between the continued annexation and the desire for the more prestigious "Alexandria" address, the US Postal Service imposed the 223XX ZIP codes for Fairfax County between the City of Alexandria and Mount Vernon.
In short, the City of Alexandria is a "county", just like Fairfax County is a county. Properties in the City of Alexandria are not in Fairfax County and properties in Fairfax County are not in the City of Alexandria. However, every address has a post office and your post office isn't necessarily in the same county. Therefore, homes in Franconia, Lee District, Fort Hunt, and Mount Vernon District all have an Alexandria post office but are in Fairfax County.
Maryam
View posts by MaryamMaryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.