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Downtown DC

Downtown DC

Urban Core Neighborhood in Washington, District of Columbia

District of Columbia 20001, 20005, 20006, 20036

$595,372 Average Value
$644 Average Price per Sq Ft
43 Homes For Sale

Residents sleep steps away from the president

In addition to being known as the central business district of Washington and noted for its historic and modern federal office buildings, the Downtown D.C. area is also home to a population of condominium owners who enjoy living in the lively heart of the nation’s capital. There is one 220-year-old house in the neighborhood, however, and it never comes up for sale: the White House. The historic Neoclassical home at1600 Pennsylvania Ave. has been the primary residence of the president of the United States since 1800, and it's the central point from which Downtown D.C.'s streets branch. While the neighborhood itself dates back to the late 1700s, its oldest office building, Old City Hall, dates to 1822. Prestigious federal buildings in the area include the U.S. Treasury, the World Bank and the National Geographic Museum. The neighborhood is also home to several foreign embassies and premier hotels that welcome business and diplomatic travelers every day of the year. “What sets Downtown D.C. apart from other area zip codes is that you’re living in the densest part of the D.C./Federal Triangle/K Street corridor," says Michael Hargreaves, a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty. "In addition, you’re close to everything good that D.C. has to offer, such as the National Mall, high-end shopping, museums and outstanding restaurants." He calls the neighborhood "a true urban downtown experience in an international city.”
Downtown DC is the urban epicenter of the Capitol of the United States.
Downtown DC is the urban epicenter of the Capitol of the United States.
The President lives in the most recognizable Downtown DC.
The President lives in the most recognizable Downtown DC.
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High-rise condos in D.C.'s low-slung skyline

Condominiums are available in both historic and modern multistory landmarks. Home prices range from $200,000 to well over $1 million, varying by age, square footage and, for condos, amenities offered. Luxury properties can include rooftop pools, doormen, concierge services and in-home touches like marble flooring, circular staircases, wraparound balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Recent sales of two-bedroom condos have ranged from about $600,000 to $800,000. Brick townhouses from the early 1900s are also available. Streets are narrow and angular, as this neighborhood hosts the main arteries of the nation’s capital. Buyers may notice that the District’s bustling downtown area has no significant skyscrapers like the ones found in cities like Chicago or New York. The Height of Buildings Act of 1910 restricted city development from rising above a specific height, varying by street size. This was in part because firefighting equipment could only reach so high at the time. The tallest buildings in the city rise to 160 feet, along Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Capitol. Over time, the law has remained in place, forming D.C.’s unique skyline where the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument are easy to spot for miles around.
Just like in the rest of DC the row homes here are painted with gaudy colors.
Just like in the rest of DC the row homes here are painted with gaudy colors.
A beautiful turn of the century apartment building on the north edge of Downtown DC.
A beautiful turn of the century apartment building on the north edge of Downtown DC.
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Neighborhood pocket parks with historic statues

“We don’t get recognition for being a city of trees,” says Robert Hryniewicki, a longtime D.C. native and associate of HRL Partners at Washington Fine Properties. “Our tree canopy is unique. The terrain in Northwest D.C. is all ridge, and the terrain closer to downtown is flatter." Edward R. Murrow Park is noted for its flowering trees, permanent chess tables and iconic sculptures. Urban pocket parks like McPherson Square Park, Franklin Park and Lafayette Square are small fields centered by historic monuments to prominent figures in American history.
Franklin Park has walking paths and a patio with chairs and tables.
Franklin Park has walking paths and a patio with chairs and tables.
McPherson Square is one of very few green spaces in this largely urbanized neighborhood.
McPherson Square is one of very few green spaces in this largely urbanized neighborhood.
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Notable D.C. public schools

Thomson Elementary School is located within the neighborhood and offers pre-K through fifth grade. School Without Walls at Francis-Stevens, also called the John Francis Education Center, offers pre-K through eighth-grade studies. Both schools earn an A-minus on Niche. Finally, students can finish out their grade-school days at Cardozo Education Campus, rated a B-minus on Niche. Though Cardozo is house in a historic building, the interior has been renovated, and the school now offers a music studio, a TV station and a swimming pool. Downtown D.C. also has charter schools and private schools, and it's within 4 miles of Georgetown University, American University and Howard University.
Thomson Elementary offers pre-K through fifth grade classes.
Thomson Elementary offers pre-K through fifth grade classes.
Cardoza Education Center has a B-minus rating from Niche.
Cardoza Education Center has a B-minus rating from Niche.
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Annual events downtown and regionally attractive museums

One of the neighborhood’s biggest annual traditions is the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the South Lawn of the White House. For three weeks in December, this annual spectacle draws over half a million visitors. In a city where history plays a starring role, it’s often the newer attractions that get the most attention. Planet Word is a one-of-a-kind museum about language and its evolution. Visitors praise its immersive experience and voice-activated installation. There’s also the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, which regularly exhibits work by nationally acclaimed artists. Black Lives Matter Plaza is one of the newest landmarks in the nation’s capital. Located along a two-block area of 16th Street, the words “Black Lives Matter” are painted the full width of the street in 50-foot neon-yellow letters. As the site of months of protests and global media coverage in 2020, the massive mural has become an international symbol of the ongoing fight for an end to police brutality.
The Renwick Gallery is an often overlooked Smithsonian art museum in Downtown DC.
The Renwick Gallery is an often overlooked Smithsonian art museum in Downtown DC.
The the Planet Word museum, visitors can attempt to learn new languages.
The the Planet Word museum, visitors can attempt to learn new languages.
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Downtown DC residents use the Farragut North Metro stop to connect to the rest of the city.
Downtown DC residents use the Farragut North Metro stop to connect to the rest of the city.

Angular city streets and Metro access

The “wheel-and-spokes” street designs of city planner Pierre L’Enfant can be daunting to navigate by car at first, and it's popular to use public transportation, like one of three Metrorail stations within the neighborhood or one of several WMATA buses. D.C. is also considered one of the more bike-friendly cities in the country, with over 6,000 Capital Bikeshare bikes that locals can use throughout the city and miles of established bike lanes through dense city streets. Downtown is also a highly walkable area, serving as the central axis of the city, so folks can quickly reach dining and nightlife districts like Dupont Circle and Logan Circle on foot.

CityCenterDC offers luxury retail a quick walk from home

14th Street runs north through downtown and is a major dining corridor, hosting several Michelin-starred restaurants like Bresca, a Paris-style bistro, and Maydan, which serves Arab cuisine. Just off New York Avenue is CityCenterDC, an upscale shopping center with underground parking and luxury retailers like Dior, Ferragamo and Gucci. Along Pennsylvania Avenue is Western Market, a food court with eateries that are as diverse as the city. Locals can head to Arepa Zone for fast, casual Venezuelan dishes or dine in at Bindaas to enjoy Indian street food. Folks can grab groceries from the Safeway in Mount Vernon Triangle, just a few blocks east.
CityCenterDC has upscale clothing and jewelry stores plus festive Christmas decorations.
CityCenterDC has upscale clothing and jewelry stores plus festive Christmas decorations.
Downtown DC residents can do their shopping at Sagfeway.
Downtown DC residents can do their shopping at Sagfeway.
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Maxwell Olarinde
Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Jack Adams
Photography Contributed By
Jack Adams
Ruo Zheng
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Ruo Zheng

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Katherine Foster-Bankey, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl

10 min drive

Subway

Mcpherson Square

Subway

Farragut West

Subway

Farragut North

Bus

K St & 16th St NW Fs Eb

Bus

18th St NW & I St NW

Bus

I St NW & 15th St NW

Bus

K St & 14th St NW Wb

Bus

K St & 14th St

Bus

Pennsylvania Ave NW & 22nd St NW

Bus

K St & 13th St NW Wb

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown DC US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Downtown DC Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$519,000
Median Sale Price
$537,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$532,450
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,162,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$679,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
78
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$644

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,006
Number of Homes for Sale
43
Median Year Built
2004
Months of Supply
6.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,781
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,099
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,163
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
772
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
432
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
871

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jun 15
    1 - 3pm

    910 M St NW Unit 116, Washington, DC 20001

    $650,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 958 Sq Ft
    • 910 M St NW
    • Unit 116
    • New 2 days ago

    An exceptional opportunity to own a beautiful, luxury unit at The Whitman Condominium in the historic Shaw neighborhood in Washington DC. The entire first floor of this spacious one bedroom 1.5 Bath unit has been fully renovated. Throughout the airy, open, first level are gorgeous blonde, wide-plank eco-friendly cork floors. The chef’s kitchen features gleaming, marbled quartz countertops,

    Kathleen Drew TTR Sotheby's International Realty

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  • Sunday, Jun 15
    1 - 3pm

    910 M St NW Unit 310, Washington, DC 20001

    $700,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,005 Sq Ft
    • 910 M St NW
    • Unit 310
    • New 2 days ago

    This rarely available, front-facing corner unit at The Whitman provides the best views in the building as it overlooks the historic townhomes on leafy-green M Street and has a sightline down the brick-lined walkways of Blagden Alley. The split-bedroom floor plan has spacious rooms with multiple closets, two bathrooms, and a beautifully updated kitchen with whitewashed oak cabinets, quartz

    Dylan White TTR Sotheby's International Realty

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  • Sunday, Jun 15
    2 - 4pm

    910 M St NW Unit 1022, Washington, DC 20001

    $1,500,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,157 Sq Ft
    • 910 M St NW
    • Unit 1022
    • New 3 days ago

    Row house living with the security and amenities of a high end condo building. Perched atop the prestigious Whitman Condominium, this elegant 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2 level residence offers an exceptional urban living experience. Spanning 2157 square feet, the home is adorned with brand new wide plank floors throughout the main level. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring a large

    Evan Johnson Compass

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Katherine Foster-Bankey, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
6,775
Median Age
35
Population Density
20 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$93,749
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$135,276

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97%
College Graduates
81.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
50.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
81.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

86 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

99 / 100

Rider's Paradise

Transit Score®

100 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown DC