Mount Pleasant

Shifting demographics and the duality of inclusivity
The history of Mount Pleasant is fraught, tracking the country’s attempts to grapple with some of the biggest challenges regarding race, discrimination and economic instability. The neighborhood was formed around a 73-acre estate initially owned by former U.S. Treasurer William Selden before he was forced to sell it and return to Virginia as a Confederate sympathizer during the Civil War. Most of the land was later sold in parcels, and by the time it became a stop along the streetcar route established in the 1870s, it had transformed into a suburban neighborhood. The development continued into the 1920s, when homebuyers were bound by restrictive covenants forbidding them to sell their homes to African Americans. Such covenants were struck down in 1948, and by 1990, African Americans made up 36 percent of the population, while Latinos made up 26 percent.In recent years, however, the neighborhood has undergone another dramatic demographic shift as housing prices have increased, as lamented by longtime resident Fred O’Regan. “That dualism really is an issue,” he says. “It’s supply and demand, so housing prices have increased, which makes it hard to maintain a healthy diversity.” However, the neighborhood still maintains its cultural roots through its unassuming eateries and neighborhood events that celebrate the spirit of inclusivity. “We want it to be a better place for everybody. It’s a very accepting place to live – you can be old, young, gay, straight, Black, white and you’re welcome,” says O’Regan, who also serves as vice president of the neighborhood volunteer organization Mount Pleasant Village.
Local businesses define the community
The main artery of 16th street is lined by apartment buildings, but the heart of the neighborhood is Mount Pleasant Street. Covered patios with outdoor dining spaces beckon passers-by walking the brick sidewalks to stop in for Thai, Filipino, Salvadorian or Mediterranean food. Residents can go bargain-hunting at the Frugalista thrift store or find their next rainy-day reads at Bold Fork Books before picking up a bottle of wine at Irving Wine and Spirits. Or, if they prefer having their drinks poured for them, they can head to Raven Grill, a self-proclaimed gritty D.C. dive bar known for its jukebox. Purple Patch dishes out Filipino food like lumpia and adobo, while Don Juan, the neighborhood pupuseria, is a local staple for tacos, quesadillas and nachos. For date nights and special occasions, Ellé combines a nighttime four-course tasting dinner menu with a daytime pastry shop maintained as a nod to the historic Heller’s Bakery, which once occupied the space. More nightlife options are a short walk away in Adams Morgan. Mount Pleasant residents can do their grocery shopping at BestWorld Market, loved by the locals for their selection of hard-to-find spices.Mingle at the market
The community comes together on Saturdays at the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market, where residents can shop for everything from freshly baked bread to artisan kimchi year-round and rain or shine. Live music creates a festive environment while families browse the various stands and snack on sandwiches and creative flavors of ice cream. During the spring and summer, street festivals are a regular occurrence. “There’s face-painting for kids, people set out food and drinks in front of their houses and there’s a lot of mingling,” O’Regan says.Residents can stop at Suns Cinema to catch an indie flick with a movie-themed cocktail in hand, or take the kids to the Smithsonian Zoo and its more than 2,200 animals. Access to Rock Creek Park’s trails from cul-de-sacs offers residents the option of spending the afternoon hiking.
Shady streets, eye-catching architecture
Mature trees line the side streets in front of big homes, creating a sequestered atmosphere in Mount Pleasant. “You have these really large, Victorian-era rowhomes,” Morrison says. Among the Victorian homes sit several early 20th-century Federal row houses. The structures reflect the pride that residents take in their neighborhood, as the historic facades are well-preserved and tended to. Architectural details like front porch columns, dormer windows and decorative molding add interest to the exteriors, capturing the upscale-yet-quirky attitude of the neighborhood.Housing prices in Mount Pleasant reflect the desirability of the neighborhood. One- and two-bedroom condos may sell for between $500,000 and $600,000, while three-bedroom row houses range from $800,000 to more than $1 million.
Highly rated schools with robust community involvement
The District of Columbia Public Schools serving the Mount Pleasant neighborhood are among the best in the district. Students begin their education at Bancroft Elementary, which follows a dual-language curriculum in Spanish and English and has a B-plus rating from Niche. O’Regan says that one of the most successful neighborhood initiatives has been a street closure program, where locals partnered with the city to close off the roads in front of the Bancroft school during the morning and afternoons so that kids can get home safely. From there, they may attend Alice Deal Middle School, which houses the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program and maintains an A grade. Jackson-Reed High School, ranked as the No. 5 best public high school in Washington, D.C., also has an A rating.
Agents Specializing in this Area
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Kevin Hughes
Compass
(667) 771-3884
144 Total Sales
3 in Mount Pleasant
$365K - $1.6M Price Range
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Beca Zemek - Zemek & Co.
KW United
(571) 520-4705
50 Total Sales
1 in Mount Pleasant
$1,855,000 Price
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Sarah Hake
Compass
(667) 225-5734
93 Total Sales
2 in Mount Pleasant
$865K - $1.2M Price Range
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Andrew Nugent
Compass
(202) 902-8406
105 Total Sales
1 in Mount Pleasant
$410,000 Price
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Kevin Carlson
Responds QuicklyCompass
(202) 517-2883
155 Total Sales
2 in Mount Pleasant
$850K - $1.7M Price Range
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Dale Mattison
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
(844) 203-2172
92 Total Sales
1 in Mount Pleasant
$342,000 Price
Schools
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Transit
Reviews
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Mount Pleasant | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 4 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
Robbery | 8 | 4 |
Burglary | 4 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
Larceny | 5 | 4 |
Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Mount Pleasant Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Mount Pleasant, Washington sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Mount Pleasant, Washington over the last 12 months is $475,000, up 63% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
Excellent Transit
Transit 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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