Sylvan Hills Homes for Sale & Alexandria Real Estate, VA

Sylvan Hills is an established residential neighborhood of detached homes in Alexandria, Virginia. Located near David Lane and Dawes Avenue, the community offers tree-lined streets, mature landscaping, spacious properties, and convenient access to the western side of Alexandria, Bailey’s Crossroads, Arlington, and Washington, D.C.

The neighborhood is located in Fairfax County and uses an Alexandria mailing address. It is not part of the independent City of Alexandria. This distinction affects public schools, property taxes, utilities, and certain government services.

Sylvan Hills Fast Facts

• Location: Alexandria, Virginia
• County: Fairfax County
• ZIP Code: 22311
• Property Type: Detached single-family homes
• Construction Period: Primarily the early 1960s
• Common Styles: Split-foyers, ramblers, and traditional two-story homes
• Typical Lots: Approximately one-quarter acre or larger
• Parking: Driveways, off-street parking, and garages in select homes
• Public Schools: Fairfax County Public Schools
• Nearby Metro: Van Dorn Street Metro station

Sylvan Hills Real Estate

Sylvan Hills consists primarily of detached homes constructed around 1960 through the mid-1960s. Split-foyer and split-level designs are particularly common, although buyers may also encounter ramblers and traditional two-story residences.

Many homes feature brick exteriors, hardwood flooring, fireplaces, formal and informal living areas, and finished lower levels. Original floor plans often provide multiple bedrooms, flexible recreation rooms, storage areas, and direct access to patios or backyards.

Renovations vary significantly from one property to another. Updated homes may include open kitchens, expanded primary suites, renovated bathrooms, replacement windows, newer mechanical systems, decks, and finished home offices. Other residences retain original architectural details and provide opportunities for buyers interested in personalizing an older home.

Lots and Outdoor Space

Properties in Sylvan Hills generally offer more outdoor space than buyers might find in nearby townhouse or condominium communities. Many lots are approximately one-quarter to one-third acre, with some larger parcels located along Dawes Avenue.

Mature trees, established gardens, decks, patios, and wooded views contribute to the neighborhood’s residential character. Lot configurations and terrain vary, so buyers should review drainage, retaining walls, tree maintenance, easements, and property boundaries during the inspection and due-diligence period.

Parking and Community Ownership

Most homes provide driveway or other off-street parking. Some residences include carports or garages, while street parking may also be available. The specific parking arrangement should be confirmed for each property.

Sylvan Hills is composed primarily of fee-simple detached homes rather than condominium or townhouse ownership. Buyers should review the title report and seller disclosures to determine whether an individual property is subject to recorded covenants, easements, or other restrictions.

Parks and Recreation

Residents have access to several parks and recreation facilities in western Alexandria and nearby Fairfax County. Dora Kelley Nature Park and the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center provide wooded trails, environmental programs, and opportunities to explore the Holmes Run stream valley.

Additional destinations include Dowden Terrace Park, Glen Hills Park, Holmes Run Trail, Mason District Park, and the Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria Campus. The area’s interconnected trails provide opportunities for walking, running, and bicycling.

Shopping and Dining

Everyday shopping, grocery stores, restaurants, and professional services are available along Seminary Road, Columbia Pike, Duke Street, and Leesburg Pike. Bailey’s Crossroads provides a broad selection of international restaurants and retail destinations.

Additional shopping can be found at Bradlee Shopping Center, Shirlington, Landmark, and Old Town Alexandria. The neighborhood’s location places residents between several commercial areas without positioning the community directly inside a major retail district.

Transportation and Commuting

Sylvan Hills offers access to Seminary Road, Beauregard Street, Columbia Pike, Braddock Road, Interstate 395, and the Capital Beltway. These routes connect the neighborhood with Arlington, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Tysons, and other Northern Virginia employment centers.

Van Dorn Street is the nearest Metrorail station for many residents, although travel time depends on the home’s location and traffic conditions. Metrobus and Fairfax Connector routes operate throughout the surrounding area. Reagan National Airport and Amtrak service at Alexandria Union Station are also within driving distance.

Schools Serving Sylvan Hills

Sylvan Hills is served by Fairfax County Public Schools. Depending on the property’s exact address and current boundary maps, homes may be associated with:

• Parklawn Elementary School
• Glasgow Middle School
• Justice High School

Elementary assignments can differ by address, and school boundaries may change. Buyers should confirm the current assignment for a particular property directly with Fairfax County Public Schools.

Nearby Alexandria Communities

• Parklawn homes for sale
• Lincolnia homes for sale
• Lincolnia Heights homes for sale
• Seminary Hill homes for sale
• Dowden Terrace homes for sale
• Glenwood Mews homes for sale
• Landmark homes for sale
• Bailey’s Crossroads homes for sale

Frequently Asked Questions About Sylvan Hills

Where is Sylvan Hills located?

Sylvan Hills is near David Lane and Dawes Avenue in Alexandria’s 22311 ZIP code. It is located in Fairfax County rather than the independent City of Alexandria.

What types of homes are available?

The neighborhood consists primarily of detached single-family homes, including split-foyers, split-levels, ramblers, and traditional two-story residences.

When were Sylvan Hills homes built?

Most homes were constructed during the early 1960s, although renovation and expansion dates vary by property.

Does Sylvan Hills have an HOA?

Sylvan Hills is not generally presented as a conventional mandatory-HOA community. Buyers should verify any recorded covenants or property-specific obligations through the title documents.

Which schools serve the neighborhood?

Commonly referenced schools include Parklawn Elementary, Glasgow Middle, and Justice High School. Buyers should verify assignments for the exact address with Fairfax County Public Schools.