DC Neighborhoods

With their prime locations, history, and real estate options, these five neighborhoods in D.C. have been named as the most luxurious by Washingtonian.com. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Great Falls (22066)

Fans of British period drama Downton Abbey (and outdoor space) will love Great Falls with its beautiful acreages, sprawling mansions, and winding two-lane roads. The average size of a home in Great Falls fall somewhere between 10,000 o 12,000 square feet, and the median sold price is $1,060,000. Public transportation is unheard of in this wealthy community.

Who lives here? A variety of people, from powerful lobbyists and lawyers to tech executives and defense contractors.

2. McLean (22101)

Known as one of D.C.’s power centers, McLean real estate is characterized by a mix of imposing older homes and newer McMansions. The median sold price is around $988,000. It’s a community where families root for their kids’ sports teams, making it rather warm and wholesome. You can trust your neighbor to take your kid to school for you, if you happen to live here.

Who lives here? Families, mostly, due to McLean’s charming, suburban appeal. Professionals working in D.C. and Tysons also call McLean home.

3. The Chevy Chases (20015 and 20815)

Whether it’s D.C.’s version of Chevy Chase or Maryland’s, rest assured both Chevy Chases are highly desired and expensive. Chevy Chase MD (median sold price: $885,000) is known for its collection of handsome brick houses—the favored homes of Washington elites. And although Chevy Chase DC (median sold price: $949,000) is its less aristocratic brother, the neighborhood boasts a community of respectable profssionals. Both Chevy Chases are also known for access to some of the best schools in the area.

Who lives here? Chevy Chase MD has long attracted the likes of established Washington families, while Chevy Chase DC is home to successful professionals.

4. North Arlington (22207)

Although homes in North Arlington don’t have the seemingly endless space available in Great Falls, the neighborhood boasts a convenient location. Real estate, with a median sold price of $887,500, is mostly made up of brick Colonials, but the commute is fantastic. Parks, shopping, schools, outdoor recreation—they’re all located mere minutes away.

Who lives here? In general, people who would rather pay top dollar to be near the center of everything. After all, stress-free commutes are a rarity these days.

5. Georgetown (22207)

Georgetown is all about historic charms and prestige. It’s one of D.C.’s most established neighborhoods, and the housing stock is unparalleled. From simple clapboard homes to impressive estates, Georgetown has just about everything, and people seems to agree that the median sold price of $875,000 is totally worth it.

Who lives here? Young, well-to-do families, professionals—it’s a diverse community that has all the makings of the perfect urban neighborhood.

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For avid followers of the Curbed Cup, it might have come off as a surprise when Petworth was crowned the best neighborhood in the city in 2015. One thing is for sure, however—the uninitiated will definitely fall in love with Petworth’s residential charms, from neighborhood joints to interesting characters that make life in this enclave a little more colorful.

Where you’ll find calm and diversity in the city

Washington D.C. is a bustling urban metropolis, and calm oases may be hard to come by especially for the newbies. This is where Petworth comes in. Still located within the city, the neighborhood is known for its slow-paced, calm atmosphere and friendly community. It’s a place where you can make lifelong friends out of your neighbors, which is composed of a diverse mix of people from different walks of life.

Full of interesting surprises

Unbeknownst to many, Petworth has its own fair share of stories that will definitely pique your interest. For one, President Lincoln used to vacation and relax at Lincoln’s Cottage. The church that currently stands at the corner of 8th and Shepherd was actually once a synagogue. Petworth is also home to attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Armed Forces Retirement Home and the Rock Creek Cemetery, which dates back to the early 18th century.

Petworth’s “porch culture”

A family-friendly neighborhood, Petworth is the kind of place where you’ll want to spend some time in your front porch. It’s up to you to decide what you’ll do, of course. Greet people walking down the street, play your favorite instrument, or just enjoy a nice glass of your preferred drink. It’s a great place to settle down and raise your kids.

There is still so much more to know about Petworth. Read our area guide for more information, or get in touch with us today to explore the neighborhood.

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For most people, Kalorama Triangle is just another D.C. neighborhood oozing with old colonial charm. Well-manicured gardens look immaculate, and the trimmed gardens and marble fountains lend this sophisticated enclave another layer of elegance.

For locals, however, Kalorama Triangle means so much more. It’s a community full of character, history — a neighborhood you definitely don’t want to miss.

A trip down memory lane
An established neighborhood, Kalorama Triangle began spreading its roots in the late 19th century. Then, the community was already being populated with dignified buildings. Real estate during the early days of Kalorama Triangle was a lively mix of modest apartments and grand residences.

Plans for urban development took shape in the late 1880s, but these plans did not materialize until ten years later. Kalorama Triangle slowly shed its rural character in favor of more cosmopolitan tastes. Streetcar lines were established, existing roads redesigned, and construction of several infrastructures bloomed until the turn of the century.

As Kalorama Triangle became more urbane, the housing stock in the neighborhood expanded. Rowhouses and apartment buildings popped up for the middle-class market. Meanwhile, high society retreated to their grand mansions in Sheridan-Kalorama, known that time as the wealthiest neighborhood in all of Washington, D.C.

Kalorama Triangle’s most popular residents
For such an esteemed neighborhood, it’s no surprise Kalorama Triangle served (and still serves) as the home of a number of luminaries and people who made a mark on American history. Some of Kalorama Triangle’s most popular residents since its early days include

• Jeanette Rankin, the first woman to be elected to Congress
• Samuel W. Woodward and Alvin M. Lothrop, co-founders of the Woodward & Lothrop department store
• George Truesdell, engineer and developer
• Thomas Fuller, architect

Today, Kalorama Triangle continues to attract some of the best and the brightest in the country.

Kalorama Triangle and the 21st century
Today, Kalorama Triangle is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. Aside from its affluence, history, and architectural variety, one thing that makes Kalorama Triangle a dynamic and urban neighborhood are its people.

Looking for more iconic places in the capital? Read about the historic Union Market historic district here.

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Often overlooked in the past, it’s safe to say that the neighborhood of Columbia Heights has been through a lot. It began as a farmland and horse track in the 19th century, a heavily damaged neighborhood after the riots of 1986, and finally, the up-and-coming enclave we now know today. So, what’s with Columbia Heights, and why is it one of the most popular D.C. neighborhoods today?

The simple answer? It has everything you’re looking for.

Family-friendly yet urbane: a well-rounded community

It’s not often you come across an urban neighborhood with all the trappings of a family-friendly community. It’s one of the main reasons why so many homebuyers are eager to explore their opportunities in Columbia Heights.

Served by its own Metro stop, Columbia Heights also has an impressive collection of retail shops and restaurants. There’s a wholesome atmosphere that will suit families of all ages, but you’ll still find great bars for a nice night out with friends. Excellent schools are located nearby, and Columbia Heights has plenty of playgrounds and spaces where kids can make friends and enjoy their childhood.

11th Street: Columbia Heights’ hidden gem

If you really want a taste of Columbia Heights, stray from the crowded 14th Street and visit 11th Street, a quieter neighborhood block where you can find some of the best local restaurants and bars. Gatherings are frequent here, but 11th Street remains undiscovered by tourists and newbies. Better take advantage of this before the place gets overrun by visitors.

Find out if Columbia Heights is the neighborhood for you

Up-and-coming Columbia Heights has everything, from good food to great real estate. Explore the area with us today to learn more about the neighborhood and the real estate offerings in the area. You can read our area guide or, better yet, get in touch with us today.

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Washington, D.C.’s real estate landscape is always evolving. New developments and renovation projects are constantly being drawn up somewhere in the city. Here are some of the latest in Petworth, Shaw, Mount Pleasant, and Chevy Chase.

Petworth

1. The Montage South – A condo project currently under construction, The Montage South will feature 20 units built under D.C.’s green compliance code. Features include elevators and a green rooftop terrace.
2. Fahrenheit – Featuring 31 apartments for rent, Fahrenheit also has approximately 32,000 sq. ft. of mixed-use space. Building amenities include bike storage, and 24-hour emergency maintenance.

Shaw

1. 7th Flats – A mixed-use development, 7th Flats will feature approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of office space, 20,000 sq. ft. of retail space, and 205 residential apartments. Building amenities include a fitness center, a rooftop terrace, and a multimedia lounge.
2. 1512 6th St NW – A planned residential project by Sean Joiner and Matthew Grace. The development will consist of 12 shipping containers transformed into two-bedroom condos sitting atop a concrete foundation.
3. Northern Liberties – Currently under construction, the Northern Liberties project will transform the 40-bed halfway house into an 8-unit residence by Lock7 Development.

Mount Pleasant

1. Mont Plaisant – A renovated residential project, Mont Plaisant is a four-unit boutique condo housed in a building over a hundred years old. The units feature high ceilings, hardwood floors, exposed brick, and private outdoor spaces, among others.

Chevy Chase

1. The Collection – The Collection consists of 8 two-bedroom condo units housed in two separate four-story buildings. The project is currently under construction.
2. Fifty Three Thirty Three – A 263-unit apartment project by Calvin Cafritz Enterprises, Fifty Three Thirty Three (5333) also features a community room, a dog-walking area, and a fitness center, among others.

For more information about Washington, D.C. neighborhoods, check out this page.

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Washington D.C. is a great place to raise a family, but some neighborhoods in the capital are just better than others. Let’s get to know the cream of the crop of D.C.’s family-friendly communities.

1. Georgetown

The oldest neighborhood in D.C. (it was founded in the mid-18th century), Georgetown is an established neighborhood known for its distinctive 18th century architecture.

For such a relatively compact area, Georgetown is packed with over 500 stores that cater to a variety of needs and services. Great education is also located nearby, and you’ll be pleased to learn that the neighborhood has community partnerships with George Washington University and Georgetown University.

2. Glover Park

Due to its tight-knit community and support system, Glover Park is well-known to be a very family-friendly community. Aside from being the home of a topnotch school (Stoddert Elementary), Glover Park is also home to a collection of community gardens, softball fields, and more. Last but not the least, Georgetown is located right around the corner.

3. DuPont Circle

Home to a relatively young and well-educated community, DuPont Circle is another family-friendly neighborhood you should check out. Amidst its expensive townhomes are more affordable real estate options, walkable streets, and a growing art and food scene. You’ll need to check the schools, however, if they can accommodate your child once you move to the neighborhood.

4. Chevy Chase

D.C.’s Chevy Chase, one of the first “streetcar suburbs,” is one of the cleanest and safest neighborhoods in the capital. Lafayette Elementary, a highly rated school, is located in the area, and working parents will find the public transportation commendable.

5. Friendship Heights

It’s not hard to make a friend at Friendship Heights, a family-friendly neighborhood lined with spacious apartments and upscale retail boutiques. Aside from the great commute, Friendship Heights boasts well-maintained and walkable streets and access to the efficient train system. Janney Elementary is located in close proximity to Friendship Heights, and you can easily walk your kids to school.

Learn more about D.C.’s wonderful neighborhoods by checking out our comprehensive area guides.

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Washington, D.C. is blessed with beautiful public spaces. Today, take a walk and explore three of the best parks in the capital.

Potomac Parks

Divided by the iconic Potomac River, the Potomac Parks are divided into two parts: East and West. Together, the parks encompass approximately 395 acres.

East Potomac Park
Located southwest of the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Channel, East Potomac Park is frequented by a bevy of locals. East Potomac Park’s well-maintained paths are a favorite among cyclists, runners, and inline skaters.

East Potomac Park is home to a number of popular D.C. attractions. Within the expansive park, you’ll find the following:

• East Potomac Park Golf Course
• East Potomac Pool
• Athletic fields and sports courts (for American football, baseball, softball, rugby, and soccer).

West Potomac Park
West Potomac Park is a designated national park located near the Washington Monument and the National Mall. The park, which encompasses approximately 395 acres, is the site of many national memorials and recreation fields.

Here are some of the key sites you’ll find within the West Potomac Park:

• Vietnam War Veterans Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Jefferson Memorial
• World War II Memorial
• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
• FDR Memorial
• Constitution Gardens
• The Tidal Basin

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Also known as the C&O Canal or the Grand Old Ditch, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is a national park that starts at Georgetown and ends in Cumberland, Maryland.

The C&O Canal is a popular spot for outdoor recreation and history. Seasonal public boat rides are offered to take visitors down the canal, which once transported coal from the Allegheny Mountains downstream. Other activities at C&O Canal include hiking, biking, and camping. For more information, click here.

Rock Creek Park

Encompassing over 2000 acres, Rock Creek Park is a protected landscape/seascape and a registered historic district. Aside from flourishing nature, you will find a well-preserved collection of buildings — perfect examples of NPS Rustic, Late Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Revival, and Early Republic architecture.

Aside from outdoor recreation and history, visitors flock to Rock Creek Park to observe and learn more about the night sky. You can find the high-tech Rock Creek Park Planetarium within the grounds.

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