Perched at the edge of the DC waterfront, Southwest DC is an upscale, contemporary neighborhood that welcomes visitors and residents alike. The neighborhood is characterized by event venues, high-end condos and shopping and dining destinations.
A former industrial hub centered around the area’s waterways, Southwest DC grew into a residential community that was later reshaped by government renewal plans in the 1950s and 1960s. More recently, the area experienced another evolution in the 2000s with the advent of The Wharf DC along the channel. “It’s actually my favorite neighborhood in all of Washington, DC” says Kimberly Diggs, an Associate Broker with Douglas Elliman. “There’s a bit of something for everyone.”
Vibrant nightlife
The Wharf is a hub of event venues, bars and restaurants that keep the area humming until late into the night. The Anthem hosts popular bands and musicians, while the Union Stage showcases a variety of acts such as stand-up comedy and musical performances. Pearl Steet Warehouse is a more intimate venue where local bands can reach new audiences. As busy as the nightlife is, Diggs says that the area was well-planned in to to mitigate resident concerns around traffic and parking. “Parking is pricey, but there is a lot of it, which minimizes the impact to the residents.”
Beyond the goings-on of the local venues and dining establishments, the community puts on its own events like festivals and parades that welcome families to come out and celebrate. The annual JazzFest at The Wharf features local and national talent on two outdoor stages, while pet-centered events like the Running of the Chihuahuas raise funds for local animal shelters. Visitors can also check out The Municipal Fish Market, the oldest seafood market in the country, or rent a kayak to take out on the river.
Condo towers with community character
Condo buildings tower over the streets in Southwest DC, while residential town houses huddle along the southern tip on the Anacostia River. Housing options range from multimillion-dollar lofts to unassuming brick townhomes. Many of the developments feature sophisticated amenities like saltwater pools, balconies overlooking the waterfront, and concierge service. Some buildings were designed by world-renowned architects like I.M. Pei and Rafael Viñoly. “There’s a lot of historical value for people who are into architecture,” Diggs says. A 750-square-foot studio apartment may sell for around $275,000, while a luxury two-bedroom condo may command a $1.75 million selling price. Town houses may sell for around $775,000 for a two-bedroom dwelling
Despite the clusters of condo towers, resident Daniel Lincoln says the neighborhood maintains a welcoming community feel. “It has a sort of small but ‘tall’ town vibe. Around the holidays, you can see everyone's Christmas tree in their window while walking down the sidewalk.”
Rooftop bars and cozy bookstores
The Wharf is home to several small, boutique shops and award-winning restaurants for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Politics and Prose bookshop, a DC institution, has a Wharf location that feels as cozy and enticing as the flagship store. Shop Made in DC is an ideal destination for unique souvenirs and handmade gifts ranging from pet collars to loose leaf tea.
The Wharf features restaurants that range from casual Mexican dining to high-end seafood served with waterfront views. The tri-level Italian restaurant Officina includes varied menus from small bites to be enjoyed on the rooftop, to sandwiches at the first-floor café. Milk & Honey serves Louisiana Lowcountry cuisine like gumbo and shrimp and grits.
Leading public and private schools
Students in Southwest DC may attend Van Ness Elementary School, which emphasizes academic and socio-emotional supports for students and has a B-plus rating from Niche. Jefferson Middle Academy is housed in a Georgian Revival-style building with a cupola and dramatic front columns and has a B rating. Eastern High School hosts the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program and has a C grade. There are also several private and charter school options for students that need a more specialized education.
Green space and cherry blossoms
As part of Pierre L'Enfant's original plan for the city, the waterfront is dotted with linear parks and green spaces that double as memorials. A fountain and paved walkway leading to The Wharf make up Benjamin Banneker Park, a public space dedicated to the groundbreaking African American scientist. Floral Park, known for its Cherry Blossoms and across-the-Potomac views of monuments, is also heralded for the vast array of tulips and flower beds. Residents can often be seen in the park taking in the waterfront views or reading a book.
Public transit makes commuting simple
On the weekends, when concerts and events are being held at the venues, traffic can become more challenging, but Diggs says that many of the residents live in the Southwest DC neighborhood because public transit and walkability makes it easy to get around without a car. “If you take the metro, you can get to work within two or three stops. It’s a huge attraction for people who want to live here.” Two metro stations within walking distance can connect residents to other areas in DC, and the DC Circulator bus makes stops at the Wharf as well as other trendy neighborhoods.
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?
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Leah Webster,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Benjamin Banneker Park
Trails
Events
Kings Greenleaf Recreation Center
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Tennis
East Potomac Park
Baseball/Softball
Tennis
Trails
3rd & I Street Park
Playground
Walking Paths
Randall Recreation Center
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Pool
Southwest Duck Pond
Picnic Area
Walking Paths
Southwest Waterfront Park
Picnic Area
River
Walking Paths
Lansburgh Park
Basketball
Dog Park
Picnic Area
7th Street Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Transit
Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl
15 min drive
Train
L'enfant
Subway
Federal Center Sw
Subway
L'enfant Plaza
Subway
Waterfront-Seu
Bus
P St SW & 4th St SW
Bus
4th St SW & I St SW
Bus
M St & 4th St SW Wb
Bus
3rd St SW & M St SW
Bus
4th St SW & N St SW
Bus
Independence Ave & 12th St Eb
Bus
2nd St SW & R St SW
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southwest DC
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Southwest DC Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwest DC, Washington sell after 116 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Southwest DC, Washington over the last 12 months is $450,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Built in 1965, Riverside Condominiums are two waterfront buildings side by side with unobstructed views of the Washington Channel of the Potomac River. The property is nestled on one of the oldest streets in the city. With original parquet floors, this unit offers city views with Eastern exposure. Upon entering, there is a double door closet on the left which is perfect for game gear or pool
Mary Lynn MullenTTR Sotheby's International Realty
Endless Views. Effortless Living.Some mornings, the water looks like glass. Others, it's alive with sailboats and sparkle. From the sixth floor of VIO, Residence 602 sits directly above it all and offers you a stunning, straight on, water view. Whether looking from the inside out, or enjoying your private balcony, you have a front row seat to this spectacular view.Inside, open layout lets the
Sherri-Anne GreenColdwell Banker Realty - Washington
Live your dream on the Southwest waterfront with rare views from your living room and private balcony. Step into the open concept of Residence No. 509, to experience the flood of natural light displayed by the floor to ceiling windows and 9’ ceilings. The open kitchen layout is a chef and entertainer’s dream, offering ultra-modern finishes and stainless steel appliances with ample cabinet and
Shannon HettingerTTR Sotheby's International Realty
Welcome to your charming new home in the heart of a Vibrant Wharf! This inviting 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment in the Riverside Condominium offers a warm and contemporary atmosphere, perfect for relaxation, and entertaining . Step inside to discover an open floor plan adorned with beautiful wood floors, creating a seamless flow throughout the living and dining areas. The well-equipped kitchen
Renovated One-Bedroom co-op with Garage Parking -- in the heart of SW Waterfront!Perched over the great lawn, W304 offers a remodeled kitchen with gas cooking, large living-dining spaces with sliding doors and picture window that bathes the space with light; large south-facing balcony extends your entertaining space; renovated full bath; and hardwood flooring throughout. -Pets allowed-One
Completely renovated and thoughtfully reimagined, this expansive 4-level townhome offers the perfect blend of modern design, flexible living, and unbeatable convenience—all within a few blocks of the Metro, The Wharf, Audi Field, Nationals Park, and DCA Airport.Step inside to a stunning open-concept main level, where natural light flows through the newly reimagined and breathtaking kitchen. The
Transcend the hurried pace of city life at Everly, a high-end haven rooted at The Stacks. Here, natural materials and clean design entwine to bring serenity to your daily life. Take a morning walk from your ground-level maisonette to the nearby artisan market. Savor a sunrise from the rooftop, and enjoy your coffee before a waterfront window in the library lounge. If time is to be prized above
Top-Floor 1BR/1BA Penthouse at Tiber Island – All Utilities + Internet IncludedCome home to this stunning, light-filled 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom penthouse at Tiber Island in DC’s vibrant Southwest Waterfront.This spacious top-floor unit features higher ceilings, a wide open floor plan with custom built-in cabinetry, arched doorways, dedicated home office space, and a private balcony with panoramic
Just steps from the National Mall, an extraordinary SW DC apartment community effortlessly weaves together an alluring mix of historic character, contemporary style, effortless city access, and unexpected tranquility. Annex on 12th is a unique expression of past, present and future that invites you to craft an enduring story of your own.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Leah Webster,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
19,020
Median Age
39
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$91,463
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$121,396
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.8%
College Graduates
67%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
13''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
55/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
65/ 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.
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.
