$769,275Average Value$244Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
A former Civil War battleground turned walkable northwest D.C. neighborhood
One of the oldest neighborhoods in northwest Washington, D.C., Brightwood blends Civil War-era history with a growing, metropolitan atmosphere. Free, formerly enslaved people originally settled the community in the early 1800s. However, in 1861, Union troops seized the land and built Fort Stevens, which would eventually become the site of D.C.’s only Civil War battle. Earthworks and canons from the war still exist at Fort Stevens Park. But even though Brightwood has been around for centuries, the neighborhood is still developing. “It’s an old, well-established neighborhood, but right now, it’s in its prime,” says Stephanie Cooper, a Realtor with RLAH Real Estate who has sold several homes in the area. “There’s a new housing development where the Walter Reed [General] Hospital used to be. It’s also extremely walkable, and that’s a big reason people are moving here.” Locals can walk to the Takoma Metro station, one mile away, and Rock Creek Park, a green space stretching from Silver Spring, Maryland, to the Potomac River. Latin and Caribbean restaurants line Georgia Avenue NW, a bustling thoroughfare also within walking distance.
A Tudor-Style brick home on Van Buren St NW in Brightwood, Washington, DC.
A standalone townhome on Tuckerman St NW in Brightwood, Washington, DC
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Walter Reed General Hospital is now a housing development
Homes primarily built between the 1920s and ’50s dot Brightwood’s sidewalk-lined streets. Freestanding Colonial Revivals and Traditional styles, often in red brick, sit on lots that tend to be around 4,000 square feet and may have Chestnut and white oak trees. Many have stone retaining walls and concrete staircases leading up to front doors. There are also rowhouses, usually in Tudor or Colonial Revival styles. Houses can have three to four bedrooms, and street parking is common. Single-family homes can cost between $600,000 and $700,000, while multifamily homes may cost between $700,000 and $900,000.
Though there are typically houses for sale, renters make up 70% of the neighborhood, largely due to new housing developments like The Parks at Historic Walter Reed. Walter Reed General Hospital used to be in the neighborhood’s northern area before it moved to its current Bethesda campus in 2011. The hospital’s beaux arts-style main building from 1909 now sits empty as the 3.1 million-square-foot mixed-use development, The Parks at Historic Walter Reed, is built around it. Several townhouses, apartments and condo buildings are already finished, though the project likely won’t be complete until 2030. “There’s going to be a shopping center, tons of restaurants and office space eventually,” Cooper says. “Right now, there’s mainly just housing, but even that’s bringing more people to Brightwood.”
Homes in Brightwood tend to have small lawns and alleys for parking and trash.
Families have many choices when looking for a home in Brightwood.
Stately colonials are common in the Brightwood neighborhood.
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Fort Stevens is preserved in Brightwood
In 1864, Confederate troops attempted to capture the capitol during a conflict now known as the Battle of Fort Stevens. Abraham Lincoln allegedly stood atop a wooden wall during the battle and came under enemy fire before a general yanked him down. The Union Army successfully defended the city after two days of fighting. Today, historical markers detailing the event dot walking paths at Fort Stevens Park on 13th Street NW. Across the street, produce and flowers grow at the Fort Stevens Community Garden, where locals can rent plots. Fort Stevens Recreation Center sits on Van Buren Street. The ranch-style building has fitness equipment inside, and youth soccer leagues play on the fields outside.
Emory United Methodist Church on Georgia Avenue NW has been integral to Brightwood since 1832. The original building was torn down when Union troops needed the land for Fort Stevens’ weapon storage. Another church was built after the war in 1870, but the current Classic Revival-style building wasn’t constructed until 1922. A low-income apartment complex called the Residences at The Beacon Center now wraps around the church, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fort Stevens in Brightwood boasts two Civil War cannons.
Fort Stevens in Brightwood is the site of DC's only Civil War battle.
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Tennis, hiking and horses at Rock Creek Park
Established in 1890, Rock Creek Park was the third national park in the U.S. The green space spans 1,745 acres, and several amenities are within a mile of Brightwood. For instance, crowds cheer during the Washington Open held every July at the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center, which also offers children's lessons and adult leagues. Hikers and bike riders can explore 32 miles of trailway, stretching alongside the park’s namesake waterway and through sugar maple and oak tree forests. Red clapboard stables cover the Rock Creek Park Horse Center, the only public riding facility in D.C. In 1923, President Warren G. Harding was at the opening of the Rock Creek Park Golf Course; it’s currently closed for renovations. “Before it shut down, people in Brightwood would just walk right up to the golf course because it’s that close to the neighborhood,” Cooper says. The new 18-hole course will feature a putting green, driving range and restaurant when it reopens in 2026. Other popular recreation hubs include part of Rock Creek Park, like the Smithsonian National Zoo, 4 miles south of the neighborhood, and the Potomac River’s Thompson Boat Center, 6 miles in the same direction.
The Rock Creek Golf Course in Brightwood backs up to Rock Creek Park's nature trails.
The Rock Creek Golf Course is a large public golf course located in Brightwood.
Fort Stevens Recreation Center in Brightwood has a variety of activities to choose from.
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Walking to the Metro or a 5-mile drive downtown
The Takoma Metro station is a mile northeast of the neighborhood and follows the Red Line, carrying passengers to downtown D.C. in about 30 minutes. Cooper says locals often walk or bike to the station. “The mile-long walk or bike ride is so much easier than parking at the station. It takes most people less than 10 minutes to get there.” Locals can rent a bike from the Capital Bikeshare station on 14th Street & Luzon Avenue NW. Several Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority bus stops are also in the neighborhood. 16th Street NW spans Brightwood’s west side, making downtown D.C. a less than 5-mile drive south. Depending on traffic, the drive can take between 20 and 45 minutes. The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 10 miles south, and Dulles International Airport is 25 miles west. Children's National Hospital has a Research and Innovation Campus on 13th Place NW, but the nearest full-service hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, is 3 miles south.
In the morning local children can easily walk to one of the Brightwood's schools.
The Takoma Metro Station is Brightwood's closest public transit with red line trains.
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District of Columbia Public Schools, plus a charter school
Students can attend Brightwood Elementary School, graded a B-minus by Niche, and Ida B. Wells Middle School, earning a B-plus. They may continue to C-plus-rated Calvin Coolidge High School, which has NAF Academy programs in multimedia and health sciences. On Main Drive NW, the A-rated District of Columbia International School serves students in sixth grade through high school and offers language immersion programs in French, Chinese and Spanish.
DC International School is an IB and advanced language public school in Brightwood.
Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School serves students Brightwood students from pre-k to 8th grade.
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Locals walk to Georgia Avenue NW
Restaurants and convenience stores fill brick buildings on Georgia Avenue NW, stretching along the neighborhood’s eastern edge. “Everybody in Brightwood walks to Georgia Avenue to go out to eat,” Cooper says. “The street is known for diverse restaurants, so the options are endless.” Bartenders mix house margaritas and waiters carry out sizzling fajitas as patrons sing karaoke at Haydee’s, known for Salvadorian food since 1997. Lines form inside Teddy’s Roti Shop, a counter service spot serving Trinidadian fare in Styrofoam containers. A Walmart Supercenter, Safeway and Whole Foods are also along the street. Downtown Silver Spring, 2 miles north, offers more shopping and dining options, and stores like Target, Ulta Beauty and Macy’s are in The Mall at Prince George’s, less than 5 miles east.
A full bar makes Oohs and Aahs a great place for dinner in the Brightwood neighborhood.
Haydee's is a popular Mexican restaurant located on Georgia Ave in Brightwood.
Legendz is a clothing and gift store located in Brightwood.
Safeway is a convenient local grocery store available to Brightwood residents.
Chicken Ramen from Jinya Ramen, a brand new restaurant in Brightwood, DC.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Monique Malabet,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Fort Stevens Recreation Center
Tennis
Trails
Playground
Rock Creek Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Events
Emery Heights Community Center
Basketball
Football
Playground
Playground at the Parks DC
Trails
Playground
Dog Park at The Parks
Dog Park
Trails
Fort Stevens
Trails
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.816 Reviews
5.0Current Resident
1/14/2020Niche Review
Quiet, tree-lined streets; easy access to parks with tennis courts and playgrounds; walk to grocery stores and restaurants, including Starbucks; walk to Takoma Aquatic Center and Rock Creek Park; vibrant with lots of kids and nature; abundant public transportation; friendly and welcoming neighbors The only thing I wish were different is the quality of the public school.
4.0Current Resident
3/20/2020Niche Review
It's been only seven months since I moved to Brightwood Community. Seeing such diversity, I felt complete. Most of the time I walk home late nights but, I have no complaints about safety. People are family-friendly and quite helpful. I analyzed we have the best job opportunities as we have many companies around us and reputed public schools to study at.
3.0Niche User
7/3/2014Niche Review
The people are very friendly. Most people here are friendly and the reception is great, That makes visitors feel like coming back again
3.0Current Resident
5/4/2024Niche Review
In 2019 I moved to this area, it was a great area to raise my children, the schools are within walking distance, public transportation is right outside my door, and I can walk around at night without worrying about being robbed or attacked. In the past four years gun violence and crime have increased. What I would like to see change? Is less crime and to be able to go for a walk without looking over my shoulder.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Brightwood
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Brightwood Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Brightwood, Washington sell after 135 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Brightwood, Washington over the last 12 months is $450,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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ROCK CREEK PARK - Classic DC townhome - Gut Renovation - Walk to everything!Huge stunning classic DC row home, 5 bedrooms 4 bathrooms, DC curb appeal, fully renovated while keeping the gorgeous DC architecture, open floor plan and top of the line finishes. This contemporary masterpiece has over 3000sqf of perfectly refined space. Walkability score over 80, close to everything, from Rock
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Monique Malabet,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
9,028
Median Age
40
Population Density
17 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$59,269
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$84,212
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.3%
Advanced Degrees
17.6%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
14''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
44/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
31/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
63/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
