Torn between the charm of a historic rowhouse and the convenience of a modern townhome in Old Town? You are not alone. With so many beautiful streets and housing styles here, it can be hard to know what fits your lifestyle and budget. In this guide, you will learn how these homes differ in architecture, maintenance, outdoor space, parking, and price patterns so you can buy with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Old Town context you should know
Old Town sits along the Potomac River with strong access to the King Street (Old Town) Metro on the Blue and Yellow lines, nearby Amtrak and VRE, the DASH bus network, and water taxi service to DC and National Harbor. Walkability is a major draw, with many errands and dining options along King Street within reach. These access points shape daily life and resale value.
Much of Old Town falls within the Old & Historic Alexandria District. Exterior changes often require review by the City’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR). That can influence your plans for windows, doors, roofs, and façades. Interior updates usually allow more flexibility, but always verify what applies to your specific property.
What is a rowhouse in Old Town?
Architecture and layout
Historic rowhouses in Old Town often date to the 18th, 19th, or early 20th century. Common styles include Federal, Georgian, Italianate, and brick vernacular. You will typically see narrow frontages, shared party walls, sash windows, and brick façades that give Old Town its signature look.
Inside, expect stacked rooms across 2 to 4 levels with central or side staircases. Footprints can feel narrower than modern homes, and basements or cellars are common for storage and utilities. Ceiling height varies by floor and era, with some parlor levels feeling taller and lower ceilings possible in older sections.
Outdoor space and parking
Many rowhouses offer a small rear yard, patio, or alley access, with a front stoop rather than a yard. Some owners add roof decks or rooftop terraces when allowed, but you should plan for BAR review for visible exterior changes. On-site parking varies widely. Private off-street spots are less common for older homes, and street parking rules can differ by block.
Systems and alterations
Older materials and systems can require more attention. You may encounter masonry repointing needs, aging foundations or settlement, historic windows that need maintenance, and older wiring or plumbing in homes that have not been fully updated. Lead paint is possible in older construction. Exterior alterations visible from public ways often require BAR approval, which can add time and cost to projects.
What is a townhome in Old Town?
Ownership types
Townhomes here range from late 20th-century infill to newer builds and some townhouse-style condos. The look may be traditional brick or more contemporary. Many are fee-simple (you own the land and structure), while others sit within an HOA or a condominium structure with shared elements. The legal form matters for how costs and responsibilities are handled.
Layout and parking
Townhomes often provide wider floor plans with open living areas and larger kitchens and bathrooms. Many include attached garages or dedicated off-street parking. You may also see modern primary suites, larger closets, and flexible bonus spaces for offices or gyms.
Outdoor space and HOA rules
You tend to get more private outdoor space, such as fenced patios, small yards, or rooftop decks, and some communities add shared courtyards or landscaped areas. In HOA situations, exterior standards and changes are governed by community rules rather than the BAR if the property sits outside the historic district. Always confirm whether a specific townhome is inside the historic district and what that means for approvals.
Key differences that matter
- Space and flow: Townhomes often deliver wider rooms, open plans, and larger kitchens and baths. Rowhouses offer historic proportions and details, with more modest room sizes unless renovated.
- Light and ceiling height: Newer townhomes often have modern ceiling heights and larger window openings. Rowhouses may vary by floor and era, with some tall parlor levels and some lower historic ceilings.
- Parking: Townhomes frequently include private parking or a garage. Many rowhouses rely on street parking or alley access unless they have been adapted for on-site parking.
- Exterior changes: Rowhouses in the historic district usually require BAR review for visible exterior changes. Townhomes often follow HOA architectural rules; if outside the historic district, approvals may be more straightforward.
- Maintenance: Rowhouses can need specialty work on masonry, windows, and older systems. Townhomes often have newer systems and materials, and HOA coverage can reduce exterior responsibilities in some communities.
- Sound and privacy: Both housing types share party walls. Acoustic performance depends on construction quality and any renovations.
Costs and maintenance overview
Rowhouse maintenance
Historic homes shine with character but can demand more specialized maintenance. Plan for potential masonry repointing, window restoration, and periodic foundation or settlement checks. If prior owners did not modernize systems, you may face electrical, plumbing, or HVAC upgrades. For exterior projects, work with pros who know historic materials and expect extra time for permits and BAR review.
Townhome HOA fees
HOA fees vary based on services and amenities. Some communities cover roof and exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, and common-area insurance. Others keep dues low by limiting services. Review the HOA’s budget, reserve study, meeting minutes, and any history of special assessments. Low dues can signal low reserves, while higher dues often reflect broader services.
Insurance, taxes, and flood risk
Insurance premiums can be higher for older homes with older systems. Lenders typically require flood insurance when a property sits in a FEMA-designated flood zone. Old Town includes blocks with flood considerations near the waterfront, so verify a property’s map status and elevation information. Alexandria real estate taxes are based on assessed value. Historic designation by itself does not reduce taxes, and most homeowner historic tax credits focus on income-producing properties rather than primary residences.
Utilities and operations
Energy performance depends on renovation quality more than the label of rowhouse versus townhome. Masonry-heavy rowhouses retain heat differently than modern insulated builds. Ask about the age of plumbing, including any galvanized pipes or potential lead service lines in older blocks, and confirm who is responsible for the sewer lateral.
Price and resale patterns in Old Town
Prices in Old Town depend on location, condition, proximity to King Street and the waterfront, access to Metro, and the presence of off-street parking. Historic rowhouses that blend original details with modern updates often command premiums due to scarcity and character. Townhomes with garages and modern layouts tend to compete strongly, especially when bedroom count and square footage align.
As a general orientation, in recent years smaller or modest-condition historic rowhouses have at times listed in the mid-six-figure to low-seven-figure range, while larger or fully renovated rowhouses on prime blocks often reach the upper seven figures. Fee-simple and infill townhomes overlap these ranges, with newer townhomes featuring garages and open layouts often trending higher for comparable size and bedroom count. Exact prices change quickly, so rely on current comps in the local MLS for exact numbers.
For resale, homes with modernized interiors and clear parking solutions appeal to wider buyer pools. Well-preserved historic homes hold value due to uniqueness, though highly quirky layouts can narrow demand without renovations.
Which home fits your lifestyle?
- Choose a rowhouse if you love historic character, walkable streetscapes, and original features like brick facades and sash windows. You are comfortable planning for specialty maintenance and potential exterior approvals for visible changes.
- Choose a townhome if you prioritize modern floor plans, larger kitchens and baths, predictable systems, and private parking or a garage. HOA coverage can simplify exterior upkeep in some communities.
- On a tight budget? A smaller unrenovated rowhouse can have a lower list price, but factor in renovation costs and timelines. Total cost of ownership matters more than the sticker price.
- Want easier resale? Homes with updated interiors and defined parking usually reach more buyers and can be easier to sell in Old Town’s competitive market.
Due diligence checklist for Old Town buyers
- Title and ownership form: Confirm fee-simple versus condominium or townhome with HOA. Get CC&Rs, bylaws, budget, reserve study, meeting minutes, and any special assessment history.
- Historic status and permits: Verify whether the home is in the Old & Historic Alexandria District. Ask for past permits, BAR approvals, and any preservation covenants or easements.
- Structural and systems inspection: Order a full inspection of roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. For older properties, add specialists for moisture, settlement, or historic systems as needed.
- Hazard and environmental: Check FEMA flood zone status and obtain elevation information if applicable. For older homes, test for lead paint and consider asbestos and lead service line checks.
- Parking and right-of-way: Confirm on-site parking or garage, alley easements, and residential permit parking rules on the block.
- Utilities and sewer lateral: Ask who owns the sewer lateral and whether service lines have been replaced. Review average utility costs if available.
- Insurance and financing: Get insurance quotes, especially near the waterfront. If you plan major updates, explore renovation loan options and lender requirements for historic properties.
- Neighborhood and quality of life: Walk the block at different times to gauge activity and noise. Map your commute, access to transit, and proximity to daily errands.
- Cost projections: Gather bids for planned renovations, confirm BAR timelines and costs for exterior work, and review expected HOA assessments.
Common buyer scenarios
- You want historic charm near King Street: A renovated rowhouse with well-preserved details can give you a signature Old Town experience. Ask for recent system upgrades and any BAR documentation.
- You commute and need a garage: A newer townhome with an attached garage and modern layout can simplify daily life while keeping you close to transit.
- You love projects and long-term equity: An unrenovated rowhouse on a good block may offer value if you are ready to invest in systems and thoughtful updates. Budget for specialty trades and potential BAR review.
- You prefer low exterior upkeep: A townhome with a well-funded HOA can reduce your to-do list. Confirm what the HOA covers and the health of reserves.
Next steps with a local advisor
Choosing between a rowhouse and a townhome in Old Town comes down to the lifestyle you want and the maintenance you are willing to take on. The right plan starts with clear priorities, a realistic budget, and current comps tailored to your block and property type. A local advisor can help you weigh trade-offs, source vendors, and navigate BAR or HOA processes.
If you are ready to compare real homes, tour target blocks, and build a confident offer plan, connect with Adrianna Vallario for a neighborhood-first, concierge-style experience backed by Compass tools. From pre-inspections and vendor coordination to curated tours and renovation guidance, you will get the hands-on support you need to buy well in Old Town.
FAQs
What is the difference between an Old Town rowhouse and a townhome?
- Rowhouses are often historic with narrower footprints and BAR oversight for exterior changes, while townhomes tend to be newer with wider layouts, garages, and HOA rules.
How do BAR approvals affect Old Town renovations?
- In the Old & Historic Alexandria District, many exterior changes require BAR review, which can add time and specify materials; interior work usually allows more flexibility.
What HOA documents should you review for an Alexandria townhome?
- Obtain CC&Rs, bylaws, budget, reserve study, recent meeting minutes, and any special-assessment history to understand coverage, reserves, and rules.
Do Old Town homes face flood risk and require flood insurance?
- Some blocks near the waterfront can fall within FEMA flood zones; if your property is in a mapped zone, lenders typically require flood insurance.
How does parking usually work for Old Town homes?
- Many historic rowhouses rely on street parking or alley access, while townhomes often include off-street parking or garages; confirm permits and any easements.
What price ranges can you expect in Old Town?
- Ranges vary by location and condition, but recent patterns show overlap: smaller or modest rowhouses in mid-six to low-seven figures and renovated or larger homes, including newer townhomes with garages, often higher.
