Catholic University

Home of the Catholic University of America, the University Heights neighborhood in Washington, DC displays impressive Gothic campus buildings, brimming with collegiate spirit and the holy spirit. The urban neighborhood also provides a selection of town houses and a vibrant business district for a convenient metropolitan lifestyle.

The Catholic University of America dominates most of the walkable city neighborhood, but you can also find dense streets of restaurants and residential blocks lined with town houses. “There are tons of trees and green space, plus it’s quieter like the suburbs. People like the space and good neighbors,” says Jacob Abbott, Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. The tree-shaded streets feature small yards with garden beds decorated with bushes. “We have a lot of housing diversity, a mix from detached houses to town houses. The neighborhood is a nice place to live. As proof I’ve lived here for over 20 years,” Abbott says. Styles include Colonial Revival single-family homes, Colonial town houses and Italianate condo town houses. Sales prices can range between $407,000 for Italianate condos to $850,000 for Colonial Revivals.

The community has many public schools for students to choose from. These include DC Prep PCS Edgewood Elementary Campus, a public charter school that earns an A+ on Niche for excellent academics and teachers. Brookland Middle School has a variety of extracurricular activities like the glee club, archery or band. For high schoolers, Washington Leadership Academy Public Charter School has a B- on Niche for well-rated teachers and administration.

For quality time outside, locals frequent a few park areas from university parklets to a sprawling recreation space. At Welcome Plaza - Angels Unawares, folks can take a rest on benches beside a stately statue of refugees and migrants. People can also take relaxing strolls on paved paths near some of the university buildings. Mary’s Garden has benches secluded in a grove of trees next to flowering bushes for a peaceful sanctuary around a fountain. For a large sports recreation space, people go to Turkey Thicket Recreation Center. For activities galore, swim in the pool, exercise in the weight room or jog on the track. Athletes can also practice on several courts and fields.

University Heights has access to breweries and eateries for a diverse selection of foods for any occasion. Busboys and Poets functions as a bookstore, coffee shop and international eatery complete with vegan plates for a unique hipster brunch venue. &pizza serves build-your-own pizzas, and the restaurant features artisan sodas in a modern fast-casual venue for a bite to eat with friends. At Brookland Pint, sip one of the menu’s craft beers while sitting among cozy reclaimed wood furniture or in the large patio space. Looking for the perfect date night spot? Primrose’s wine bar offers cocktails and Croque Madames in a low-lit French-inspired interior or gated patio.

About three miles from downtown DC, the University Heights neighborhood is a convenient distance to the nation's capital and its amenities. “You can walk to the metro,” Abbott says. Residents can use the Brookland Metro Station for public transportation to the Smithsonian museums or work commutes. In University Heights, enjoy a walkable college neighborhood with a bustling business district and plenty of town houses.

Written By

Anna Anderson

Photography Contributed By

Jack Adams

Video By

Jackson Nacey