Fort Washington began as a defensive battlement guarding the nation’s capital, just a few miles up the Potomac River. Today, it's a suburban community whose consistent development in the last 10 years has spurred minor population growth and regional interest. According to Terry Catalano of Re/Max Leading Edge, one of Fort Washington's biggest draws has long been its proximity to highways, the National Harbor and Washington, D.C. Living right beneath the Capitol Beltway allows residents of Fort Washington to commute to Federal and corporate employers all around the greater D.C. Metro area. But over the last 20 years, the area has also been growing into a shopping and entertainment hub. The National Harbor mixed-use shopping district opened in 2007, the Tanger Outlets Mall opened in 2013, and MGM National Harbor Casino & Hotel opened in 2016. According to the U.S. Census, Fort Washington’s population has grown gradually from 23,717 in 2010 to 24,261 in 2020. “The neighborhood has evolved from smaller homes to what it has become now,” says Catalano.
Fort Washington sits on the Potomac River at the intersection of DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
The MGM Casino draws people from all over the area to Fort Washington.
Explore the original gun emplacements overlooking the Potomac River in Fort Washington.
Enjoy a night out and take in the sights at the National Harbor in Fort Washington.
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Modest to expansive homes
Housing prices range from $120,000 to $1.1 million, varying by square footage and lot size. Buyers can find one- to two-bedroom condos and upscale townhouses around the mixed-use area of National Harbor. Most single-family homes start around $400,000 and sit in tree-shaded subdivisions south of National Harbor. Styles range from split-level, ranch- and New Traditional-style houses to modern farmhouses and Colonial Revivals. “Fort Washington has been known for being the home of D.C. political insiders, like G. Gordon Liddy,” says Catalano, who has sold homes in the region for nearly 40 years.
Prince George’s County Police data suggests downward trends in violent and property crime rates in 2024, ending a four-year rise.
The Fort Washington neighborhood is home to many large estate homes.
Ranch style homes of all types are common in Fort Washington.
New build Craftsman style homes and other American traditional styles are everywhere.
Colonial revivals line peaceful streets in the city of Fort Washington.
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Elementary school boasts low student-to-teacher ratio
Students attend Prince George’s County Public Schools, which earns a C-plus on Niche and serves over 130,000 students. Private schools like the Beddow School also teach kindergarten through sixth grade using the Montessori method. Fort Washington is also only a few miles from major colleges and universities in D.C., like Georgetown University, George Washington University, Catholic University of America, and Howard University.
Oxon Hill High School is just outside of Fort Washington and gets a B+ from Niche.
The Beddow School in Fort Washington uses the Montessori teaching method.
Georgetown University in DC is a prominent college in the area.
The Catholic University isn't far away in north east Washington, DC.
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Hiking trails attract residents
Due to its proximity to the nation’s capital, the region has been strategically important throughout most of U.S. history. Many forts were built along the Potomac shore, including the community’s namesake, Fort Washington, now a national park. Its distinctive lighthouse and the fort’s stone remnants are the site of historic reenactments, and there are several biking and hiking trails and plenty of space for outdoor events. Close to Fort Washington Park, the National Golf Course offers members the benefits of playing on greens designed by renowned golf course architect Ted Robinson. In addition to the neighborhood’s namesake park, residents can walk along trails at Fort Foote Park, a former Civil War fort that provides river views.
Harmony Hall Regional Center, located on the grounds of a former estate, has an art gallery, concert hall and fitness room. The original 18th-century Georgian manor house is surrounded by land now managed by the National Park Service. Children scramble along the jungle gym and playground equipment at neighborhood parks like Betty Blume Park. When driving to National Harbor, it’s hard to miss the Capitol Wheel, a 180-foot-tall Ferris Wheel where folks can see skyline views of Alexandria, Virginia or Washington, D.C. National Harbor also has a trail along the Potomac River for picturesque sunset views or a leisurely morning bike ride. Many cyclists and hikers take to the almost 6-mile-long Henson Creek Trails that connect to community parks and recreation centers.
Harmony Hall Regional Center has regular live prefomances.
The National Golf Club is a popular place to go play in Fort Washington.
Fort Washington Park is still home to the ruins of the Civil War Era fortifications.
Henson Creek Park has hiking and biking trails.
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Top-flight dining and shopping
National Harbor began as a commercial port shortly after the nation was founded. However, it wasn’t until the mid-2000s that this district along the Potomac became a bustling shopping and dining destination for the DMV region. At the mouth of the river is a 72-foot aluminum sculpture dubbed The Awakening, which depicts a man clawing out of the sand-covered shoreline and is a popular climbing spot for kids. National Harbor's waterfront district is about four blocks of boutiques and restaurants, from fast-casual diners to high-end gastropubs like Succotash, which serves refined cocktails and platefuls of Southern comfort food. Bond 45, which has New York steaks, seafood dishes and homemade pasta, is also a popular stop. Farther north on Oxon Hill Road is Tanger Outlets National Harbor, with 85 designer outlets including H&M, Brooks Brothers and Hollister. Finally, there’s MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino, which offers gambling, as well as a spa, salon, and several restaurants. Locals looking for practical shopping in less busy areas can head to Indian Head Highway, which has a Giant and Safeway. Another popular local move is a late-night drive to Hovermale’s, a cash-only ice cream stand that has been selling soft-serve cones since 1954.
Bond 45 has New York steaks, seafood dishes and homemade pasta.
The Tanger Outlets Mall has all the shopping you could hope for.
Succotash serves refined cocktails and platefuls of Southern comfort food.
there are multiple restaurant options within the MGM Casino like Voltaggio Steak House.
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Easy to navigate the D.C. area
This is a car-dependent area. The community is just south of the Capitol Beltway and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, allowing Fort Washington drivers to reach Virginia in about 10 miles. WMATA and Prince George’s County buses serve the area along main streets like Oxon Hill Road and Indian Head Highway. Folks can also take the Potomac Water Taxi ferry from National Harbor to Alexandria or spots in D.C. like Georgetown or the Wharf. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a 16-mile drive north of Fort Washington, while Downtown D.C. is 19 miles north along Interstate 295.
The future of Fort Washington
Fort Washington will likely continue to grow as more people make National Harbor a popular attraction in the coming years. The nonprofit Fort Washington Forward released a 2023 survey that suggested 87% of locals support extending the Metrorail to National Harbor. Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center is an ongoing construction project in the area, so residents can be close to a state-of-the-art medical facility without leaving the community.
The New Adventist Healthcare center is one of the many amenities bringing in new residents.
The developments at the National Harbor have been a huge success for Fort Washington.
As Fort Washington continues to grow, condo and apartment development will accelerate.
The future seems bright for Fort Washington, just like the Capitol Wheel at night.
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Climate in Fort Washington
The EPA warns that particle pollution, such as dust and dirt, is moderate in the region and recommends that those affected by this limit time outdoors. Fort Washington also has a moderate flood risk, especially in subdivisions like Tantallon on the Potomac.
Sharyn Ahmad has over ten years of experience as a Realtor. Sharyn is passionate about her work, finding great joy in assisting individuals with significant, life-changing decisions. In her real estate transactions, Sharyn is dedicated to making the process easy, stress-free, and exciting, recognizing the importance of this substantial investment in shaping the future for her clients and their families.
Sharyn Ahmad collaborates with both sellers and SMAR buyers from various parts of the USA, priding herself on being the Realtor who prioritizes clients' needs and desires. Her approach is characterized by a lack of pressure and negative energy. Clients working with Sharyn can expect prompt responses to their questions or concerns, whether through phone, text, or email, with a commitment to reply within the same day, typically within 24 hours.
Driven by genuine love for her profession, Sharyn brings a positive perspective to the home buying process, ensuring that client satisfaction remains her primary focus. She is eager to embark on the journey of finding the best investment for you, one that will undoubtedly shape a promising future.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
