Randle Highlands

With a rich tradition, new amenities and great investment potential, it’s clear why Randle Highlands is a booming neighborhood in southeast D.C. “There’s tons of development happening in the area, which could lead to a great investment opportunity if purchasing,” says Evan Marbury of Compass Realty. “It’s a great time to get in because, at least for now, you can get more home for less money compared to the rest of D.C.” Randle Highlands is just two miles west of the Skyland Town Center which features locally owned restaurants as well as national chains, and two miles east of the Bridge District offering high-end retail and dining options. “A lot of the people were born and raised in this area and they are proud of the changes and development in the community.”

Randle Highlands features a variety of housing options including condos and large detached single-family homes. Two-bedroom condos with a square footage of 1,200 are in the $250,000 range. Two-story brick builds with fenced-in yards are available in the $600,000 ballpark. There is also an interesting mix of gridded streets interspersed with winding roads and steep hills. The tree-lined streets and well-maintained yards provide a splash of green into the big city. Most of the homes don’t feature driveways or garages, so on-street parking is the only option. However, with the easy access to the Metro, it’s easy to get from Randle Highlands to other parts of D.C.

For those looking to get outdoors, the Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail is the perfect place to escape the city and dive into nature. The seven-mile trail runs through heavily forested areas and is ideal for birdwatching and spotting wildlife. Within walking distance is a Planet Fitness location for hardcore gym-goers. Residents can pump some iron or utilize cardio equipment for a full-body workout. Within a couple of miles is the Anacostia River, which boasts a variety of trails and fishing destinations.

Students travel through the District of Columbia Public Schools System, beginning at Randle Highlands Elementary where the school partners with local entities to provide ballet and cooking classes. Children move to Sousa Middle School which has a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio and electives such as creative writing and visual art. Students graduate to the newly renovated Anacostia High School, where the girls' basketball team and the football team have won championships as recently as 2019.

Locals love to start the day at Lee’s Brunch. Serving breakfast and lunch, Lee’s is known for large western omelets with home fries and grits. For something on the sweet side, the pancakes are great with a side of sausage or bacon. Mario’s Pizza House is an institution in the southeast region of D.C. Making classic sausage subs and using the same recipe for the pizza sauce since 1936, Mario’s is a favorite lunch spot for Randle Highlands residents. Thai Orchid’s Kitchen offers classic dishes like drunken noodle and fried rice, while also specializing in papaya salads and pumpkin curry. Come hungry, because you won’t want to skip the deep-fried curry puffs or fried calamari.

Many residents take advantage of the convenience of neighborhood markets. Locally owned spots like Surprise Grocery and J&D Market are great to stop by for daily needs like milk and packaged foods. These markets are perfect for grabbing household items before or after work. Just a couple of miles away, Skyland Town Center offers Lidl and Safeway for all conveniences. Randle Highlands' proximity to the Navy Yard Bridge and the Metro makes a trip to the west side of the Anacostia River easy for even more grocery and retail options.

Written By

John Moyer

Photography Contributed By

Naleli Murry

Video By

Nathan Allen