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Fairlawn

Fairlawn

$398,943 Average Value
$242 Average Price per Sq Ft
36 Homes For Sale
Rowhomes line many of Fairlawn's residential streets.
Rowhomes line many of Fairlawn's residential streets.

Fairlawn's location along Southeast DC's growing riverfront

Tucked along the eastern banks of the Anacostia River in Southeast Washington, Fairlawn is an established neighborhood with a front-row seat to some of the city's biggest waterfront transformations. The Bridge District is bringing new apartments, retail and green space to the riverfront, with the 11th Street Bridge Park set to break ground in 2026 as the District's first elevated public park. Downtown is roughly 6 miles from Fairlawn's rowhome blocks, and Anacostia Park and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail are just a short walk away.

What buyers can expect to pay for homes in Fairlawn

Comparative affordability is a big draw here. Fairlawn's median sale price lands in the low $300,000s, about half the citywide median and a noticeable step down from neighborhoods just across the river like Hill East and Kingman Park. And with the 11th Street Bridge Park set to link the east and west sides of the Anacostia, Fairlawn could start drawing more attention. “The goal has always been to connect both sides of the river,” says Julia Jessie, public information officer for the District of Columbia Department of General Services. “It's overdue and going to bring so much value to the southeast side of town.” Prices vary by housing type, but here's what you can expect:

  • Rowhomes from the low $200,000s to the high $500,000s
  • Detached single-family homes from the low $300,000s to the low $600,000s
  • Condos from the low $100,000s up to the high $400,000s for new construction

Detached single-family homes are just one housing option in Washington's Fairlawn neighborhood.
Detached single-family homes are just one housing option in Washington's Fairlawn neighborhood.
Most properties were built during the early to mid-20th century.
Most properties were built during the early to mid-20th century.
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Commuting to Navy Yard, downtown and beyond

There isn't a Metro stop in Fairlawn, but Anacostia Station is less than 2 miles away. From there, the Green Line takes you to Navy Yard or L'Enfant Plaza, where you can connect to Downtown DC and Capitol Hill. Several Metrobus routes run through the neighborhood, and it's a quick bus ride to nearby stations.

Biking is another easy option, with Capital Bikeshare stations and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail close by. Still, most residents drive, since errands often involve leaving the neighborhood. The Anacostia Freeway cuts right through Fairlawn and connects to the Capital Beltway for commutes around the metro area.

The Lawrence E. Boone Elementary School building in Fairlawn.
The Lawrence E. Boone Elementary School building in Fairlawn.

DCPS and charter schools serving Fairlawn families

Fairlawn is part of the District of Columbia Public Schools system. Both Lawrence E. Boone Elementary School and Ketcham Elementary School serve the neighborhood and start as early as prekindergarten. “Not having to worry about daycare takes a lot of weight off new parents in the area,” Jesse says. Families can also apply to other public and charter schools through the citywide My School DC lottery. Nearby charter options include Lee Montessori — East End.

Kids love Anacostia Park's pirate ship-themed playground.
Kids love Anacostia Park's pirate ship-themed playground.

From Anacostia Park to the Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail

A pedestrian bridge over the Anacostia Freeway links Fairlawn to Anacostia Park. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail winds through the park and is popular for walking, running and biking along the waterfront. A public boat ramp provides river access, while a pirate-themed playground is a local favorite for kids. Athletic fields, tennis courts and a roller-skating pavilion round out the park.

Anacostia Park hosts community events year-round, including summer concerts, fitness classes and annual celebrations like the Anacostia River Festival. There’s also the Anacostia Recreation Center, which has an outdoor pool for cooling off in the summer. On the other side of the neighborhood, residents can access the Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail.

Mario's Pizza House is a classic Southeast Washington restaurant.
Mario's Pizza House is a classic Southeast Washington restaurant.

Shopping, dining and running errands around Fairlawn

Most of Fairlawn's shops and restaurants are along the Minnesota Avenue corridor, where you'll find takeout spots, convenience stores and small markets. Go-to spots in the neighborhood include:

  • Mario's Pizza House, known for its square pizzas and classic subs
  • J & D Market, a corner store with grocery and household essentials
  • Lee's Brunch, serving soul food platters for breakfast and lunch
Right next door, Anacostia adds more options, including local favorites like Busboys and Poets. For bigger grocery runs, Skyland Town Center, just a short drive away in Good Hope, has a Lidl. And when you're looking for a night out, The Yards is right across the river next to Nationals Park, with waterfront dining, breweries and shopping all in one walkable stretch.

Sally Stimpson
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Naleli Murry
Photography Contributed By
Naleli Murry
Pasha Chichagov
Video By
Pasha Chichagov

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

Parks in this Area

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Fairlawn US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 8 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,368
Number of Homes for Sale
36
Median Year Built
1938
Months of Supply
10.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,520
Significantly below the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,284
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
870
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
676
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,613

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
36
Median Rent
$2,400
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,500
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,800
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,923
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,998
Median Condo Rent
$1,850
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,950

Demographics

Total Population
7,123
Median Age
40
Population Density
22 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$48,583
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$72,010

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87%
College Graduates
32.2%
Advanced Degrees
16.8%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.4%
Below the national average
64.9%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

70 / 100

Moderately walkable

Walkability®

70 / 100

Strong public transit

Transit®

80 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Fairlawn