Twining

Twining is a neighborhood in the southeast quadrant of D.C. that is investing in the community and its residents. “The development over just the past couple of years has been incredible east of the river,” s says District of Columbia Council Communications Director Julia Jessie. “Property values are going up and will continue to rise with all the growth happening in the area.” Some of the growth that Jessie notes includes the building of the southeast side’s first level three hospital, a commitment to bring restaurant and grocery items to the neighborhood and initiatives by the District of Columbia Public School System to help students excel while easing the burden off parents.

From townhouses to rowhouses to fully detached homes, Twining has it all. A three-bedroom, 1,300-square-foot condo goes for around $270,000 while four-bedroom townhomes are in the $450,000 range. Larger, multi-level brick builds are in the $800,000 realm, offering fenced yards and spacious lawns. Many of the homes in the hilly neighborhood have driveways and single-car garages for parking. The D.C. rain keeps the trees and yards in Twining full and green and the gridded, planned-out streets make it easier to navigate than some neighborhoods in the area.

“The school district offers a lot,” says Jessie. “It’s part of the goal to grow the people, not just the neighborhood.” Children in Twining head to Randle Highlands Elementary to begin their way through the DCPS. As of fall 2023, Randle Highlands is a PK3-5 school, meaning children aged three and above can attend preschool. Next is Sousa Middle School where students can participate in advanced band and digital arts classes. Many students will go on to Anacostia High and have the opportunity to participate in mentorship programs and internships, however, another public alternative exists on the east side of the Anacostia in Bard High School Early College. “It’s an incredible program,” says Jessie. Students at Bard will take college-level courses junior and senior years, leaving with a two-year college degree or transferable credits.

Locals relax and play at the Fort Dupont Randle Circle picnic area. The park features vast green space, perfect for tossing a frisbee or playing soccer, while kids can climb on the playground equipment. Residents bring their own food and fire up the community grill for an afternoon picnic. The Pope Branch Stream runs right through Twining and is a great spot to cast a line and land a fish. For even more fun, Anacostia Park offers a roller-skating rink, trails and boat ramps just a mile away.

Look no further than Moruss Seafood & Crab House for a quick and delicious dinner. Locals know to start with a cup of crab bisque before taking on the bang-bang shrimp or the funnel cake fries. For crispy spring rolls and deep-fried salmon with panang sauce, check out the offerings at Thai Orchid’s Kitchen. Load up on the seafood with salmon, crab and shrimp fried rice, but don’t get too full as the fried bananas are an excellent dessert option. At Wah Sing, residents stop in a grab a beer at the bar before a big helping of beef broccoli or pork fried rice.

For everyday conveniences, Martha’s Market is the spot for locals to grab daily needs before or after work. With necessities like milk and eggs, as well as toiletries and cleaners, Martha’s is an easy walk from anywhere in Twining. Less than a mile from the neighborhood is the Skyland Town Center, featuring national brands like Lidl and CVS for more wide-ranging grocery needs. Every third Saturday of the month you will see Pennsylvania Avenue buzzing with people visiting Soufside Market, a pop-up market consisting of black-owned small businesses. Consumers listen to the DJ’s music and grab a bite to eat while shopping for food, soaps and handmade items such as jewelry and pottery.

Written By

John Moyer

Photography Contributed By

Naleli Murry

Video By

Michael Voyack