The Palisades Homes for Sale & Alexandria Real Estate, VA

The Palisades is an established community of detached homes in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County. Sometimes described as Palisades at Oak Run, the neighborhood is concentrated around Colfax Avenue and Reservoir Heights Avenue in the 22311 ZIP code.

Although properties have Alexandria mailing addresses, The Palisades is located in Fairfax County rather than the independent City of Alexandria. Residents receive Fairfax County services and are served by Fairfax County Public Schools.

The Palisades Fast Facts

• Community: The Palisades
• Alternative name: Palisades at Oak Run
• Location: Colfax Avenue and Reservoir Heights Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22311
• Jurisdiction: Fairfax County
• Property type: Detached single-family homes
• Ownership: Fee simple
• Construction period: Primarily 1984 and 1985
• Architectural styles: Colonial, Dutch Colonial, and transitional designs
• Typical layouts: Four- and five-bedroom floor plans
• Home size: Commonly approximately 2,400 to more than 4,000 finished square feet
• Stories: Two main levels plus basements
• Parking: Attached two-car garages and private driveways
• Lots: Commonly approximately one-quarter to two-fifths of an acre
• Association: The Palisades Homeowners Association
• ZIP code: 22311

The Palisades Real Estate

The Palisades real estate consists of substantial detached homes built during the mid-1980s. The neighborhood is characterized by curving streets, mature trees, landscaped lots, and homes with varied elevations rather than a single repeated exterior design.

Many residences feature center-hall Colonial layouts with formal living and dining rooms, eat-in kitchens, family rooms, fireplaces, and attached garages. Bedroom levels commonly provide four bedrooms, while finished basements may add guest rooms, recreation areas, offices, exercise rooms, full bathrooms, workshops, or storage.

Finished square footage varies considerably because some lower levels remain partially unfinished while others have been extensively remodeled. Buyers should compare above-grade living area separately from basement space when evaluating homes.

Architecture and Interior Features

Exterior details may include brick, siding, cedar-shake roofs, dormer windows, covered entrances, shutters, and two-story façades. Interior finishes depend on the home’s original selections and subsequent renovations.

Available properties may offer hardwood floors, remodeled kitchens, expanded primary suites, updated bathrooms, built-in cabinetry, screened porches, solar panels, or electric-vehicle charging equipment. Other homes may retain more of their original 1980s design and provide opportunities for customization.

Buyers should evaluate roofs, windows, electrical panels, plumbing, HVAC equipment, water heaters, fireplaces, and basement moisture protection. Any additions or major renovations should be reviewed for Fairfax County permits.

Lots and Natural Setting

The Palisades is known for its wooded environment and relatively generous lots. Some properties back to trees, protected natural areas, streams, or neighborhood open space. Others have more open yards suitable for decks, patios, gardens, or recreation.

Lot characteristics can differ substantially. Buyers should examine drainage, slopes, retaining walls, mature trees, easements, and the location of protected areas before planning fences, additions, or major landscaping projects.

The Palisades HOA

The Palisades is governed by a homeowners association with fees historically collected annually. Association responsibilities may include administration, architectural review, common-area maintenance, insurance, and community reserves.

Buyers should review the current resale disclosure package, budget, covenants, meeting minutes, architectural standards, and reserve information. Particular attention should be given to restrictions concerning exterior materials, roofing, fences, additions, sheds, solar equipment, and major landscaping changes.

Owners are generally responsible for maintaining their individual homes, lots, roofs, driveways, trees, and mechanical systems.

Living in the Alexandria 22311 Area

The Palisades offers a residential setting near Bailey’s Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Alexandria’s West End. Shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, and everyday services are available along Leesburg Pike, Seminary Road, Beauregard Street, and Columbia Pike.

Nearby communities include Dowden Terrace, Lincolnia, Bailey’s Crossroads, Alexandria West, and Skyline Village.

Area recreation options include Holmes Run Stream Valley Park, Dora Kelley Nature Park, Winkler Botanical Preserve, neighborhood trails, and Fairfax County athletic facilities.

Transportation

Residents can use Seminary Road, North Beauregard Street, Columbia Pike, Leesburg Pike, Interstate 395, and the Capital Beltway. These routes provide connections to the Pentagon, National Landing, Arlington, Washington, D.C., and central Alexandria.

Bus service operates along nearby major corridors. Metro stations are not located directly within the neighborhood, so buyers relying on public transportation should compare bus routes, station access, and first-mile transportation options.

Buying or Selling in The Palisades

Buyers should compare lot placement, finished square footage, basement configuration, renovations, roof type, garage capacity, and association requirements. Sellers should emphasize the home’s architecture, lot, mature landscaping, flexible interior space, garage parking, and Fairfax County location.