Belle Haven, VA (CDP)

Tucked just south of Alexandria along the Potomac River, Belle Haven offers a relaxed suburban pocket in Fairfax County with an easy commute to D.C. The neighborhood blends a variety of housing styles, from stately single-family homes near the Belle Haven Country Club to classic mid-century garden apartments, condos, and townhouses. Running along the western edge, Richmond Highway covers all your everyday shopping and dining needs, while heading east brings you to quiet residential streets shaded by mature trees and scenic views along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Because Belle Haven sits right on the water, elevation plays a big role in where you choose to live. Low-lying waterfront sections like New Alexandria, Belle View, and River Towers offer fantastic river access, but they also carry a history of flooding during major coastal storms. Local infrastructure projects and pump stations help protect these areas, but prospective buyers should still do their homework. When touring homes close to the shoreline, be sure to check the flood zone designations, ask about elevation certificates, and factor flood insurance costs into your monthly budget.

Commuting and outdoor recreation are two of the biggest perks of settling here. The Huntington Metro station sits just minutes away, giving you a straightforward rail connection into Washington, and the George Washington Parkway provides a scenic drive straight into Old Town Alexandria. For weekends outdoors, Belle Haven Park and Belle Haven Marina make it easy to launch a kayak or paddleboard onto the river. You can also hop on the paved Mount Vernon Trail for biking and jogging, or wander the boardwalks through the neighboring Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve to spot local herons and bald eagles.