November 2009 Average sold price in the 22305 ZIP code: $445,000
Average list price in the 22305 ZIP code: $465,000
Average days on market for homes sold: 79
November 2008 Average sold price in the 22305 ZIP code: $539,000
Average list price in the 22305 ZIP code: $580,000
Average days on market for homes sold: 136
With high-rises and town homes springing up around Potomac Yards and a new Metro station slated to open in two years, the Lynhaven neighborhood remains an affordable option only minutes from D.C. — but it won’t be affordable for long. Originally consisting of a cluster of brick row homes built in the 1940s, the small transitional community features a diverse mix of residents and housing options as well as a landscape that will drastically change in years to come.
“It’s a part of Alexandria that time forgot,” said ReMax agent Ray Gernhart. “It’s at the beginning of what you are seeing in Logan Circle and Shaw — [Lynhaven] is becoming part of the greater Del Ray metropolitan area.”
Built as housing for railroad workers, options consist of small duplexes reminiscent of shotgun shacks like those seen in New Orleans, row homes, condominiums, and stand-alone dwellings. Prices range from $200,000 to $500,000.
“It’s very close to the shops and restaurants of Del Ray but without the price tag,” said Coldwell Banker agent Jill Stoltzfoos. “The top reasons to live here are location, location, location.”
Located between Route 1 and Glebe Road, the neighborhood sits across the street from the retail stores in Potomac Yards and minutes from Del Ray. A new Harris Teeter just opened and plans call for something similar to the development at Hoffman Center.
“The retail that’s in there now was always meant to be a placeholder,” said Gernhart.
On a recent Sunday evening, Lynhaven residents strolled babies down the sidewalk, leaned against cars as they chatted, and surveilled the scene from their front porches.
“There are a lot of people who watch out for the neighborhood,” said resident Megan Masitto who works for an association in Old Town. “Hopefully it will be a good investment. That’s why we moved here.”
Lynhaven was developed by J. Wesley Buchanan who founded the National Association of Home Builders. The name refers to his daughter Rosalyn. The brick and steel row homes contained two and three bedrooms and one bath. An article in 1942 refers to the basements being designed as “rumpus” rooms and decorators who’ve “provided unique ideas for nominal cost.” Advertisements offered homes for payments of as little as $31.65 a month.
Now, developers are moving in again.
“Somebody already tried to buy out the street,” said Masitto. “It’s gonna explode.”
Lynhaven continues to be one of the last areas where money can still be made if you move quickly.
