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U Street

U Street

$893,092 Average Value
$264 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale
A monument to African Americans who served in the Union Army during the Civil War in U Street.
A monument to African Americans who served in the Union Army during the Civil War in U Street.

Rich history and the heart of DC's nightlife

Even before the Harlem Renaissance, Washington’s U Street Corridor served as the country’s hotbed of African American art and culture. The community, affectionately known as “Black Broadway,” amassed many Black-owned banks, hotels, parlors, eateries, and jazz clubs. U Street veterans fondly recall when music titans like Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, and Duke Ellington strolled the avenues. While large-scale economic displacement has priced out much of Black Broadway’s businesses, its legacy continues to define U Street as an enclave rich with the vibrant sights of commemorative street art, a nightlife scene full of the hypnotic rhythms of go-go music, and a dense history as old as DC itself. A short walk down the U Street stretch greets residents with an open-air exhibit of around thirty murals cascading along the walls of commercial properties. The images of DC legends like Chuck Brown, the godfather of go-go music, and Civil Rights activist Mary Church Terrell strike joy and curiosity for those delving deeper into the area’s past.
Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a world-renowned diner and U Street staple since 1958.
Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a world-renowned diner and U Street staple since 1958.

Ben's Chili Bowl is world-famous

A Trader Joe’s is located on U Street for grocery runs. For dining in the shadow of history, Ben’s Chili Bowl is U Street’s world-renowned eatery, which opened in 1958. It’s well-known for serving its homemade chili and DC’s signature food, the half-smoke: a half-pork, half-beef hot dog served with chili sauce. Ben's has served several presidents and notable figures, from Duke Ellington to Martin Luther King Jr., and it has become a necessary stopping point for anyone visiting the city. Aspiring history buffs curious about U Street’s past can visit Dr. Bernard Demczuk for free history lessons every Saturday morning at Ben’s. As the official historian for the landmark dining counter and a resident of the neighboring Shaw community for over 40 years, Dr. Demczuk offers just one reminder for newcomers to the neighborhood: “Take off the horse blinders, take off the earbuds, and say hello.”
Spend a relaxing afternoon at Meridian Hill Park in U Street.
Spend a relaxing afternoon at Meridian Hill Park in U Street.

Drum at Meridian Hill Park or live music at generational venues

Harrison Playground is one of the biggest recreational spots on U Street, with a playground for children, a basketball court, a baseball field, and a water playground for hot summer days. Just north of U Street is the sprawling Meridian Hill Park, also known as Malcolm X Park—a peaceful place to stroll under shade trees and gaze at marble statues and fountains. Head there on Sundays to witness or even join in on the drum circles in the park, which have been a weekly tradition for over 40 years. Locals look to the African American Civil War Museum for exhibits commemorating the heroism of the United States Colored Troops and to the street-side path of illustrated historical markers as a North Star along the Greater U Street Heritage Trail. The trail, which bypasses several of the area’s thriving businesses, detours to landmarks like The Whitelaw Hotel, the former location of the famous Club Bali, and the renovated Lincoln Theatre, a 1920s neo-classical structure that once hosted legends like Nat King Cole, and still stages national acts. The esteemed Howard Theatre is another popular venue just minutes away on foot, opening in 1910. At the time, it was the biggest venue for African American musicians in the country, where Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin and James Brown performed.
U Street is a bustling community.
U Street is a bustling community.

U Street's nightlife draws crowds around the District

To DC locals, U Street is the place to party when the sun goes down. Nightclubs and bars line much of the street, so there will be the sound of music and dancing late at night for residents who live closest to the street. Residents can check out Harlot DC Lounge & Restaurant, a newer establishment in the building that was once the Bohemian Cavern. The Cavern was a 1920s jazz club and the cornerstone of the city’s jazz community during Black Broadway’s heyday. Harlot keeps people entertained as the Cavern once did; customers can reserve tables for everything from drag brunches to hookah sessions, and when the restaurant closes for the evening, they head downstairs to the basement speakeasy Mamasan, where guest DJs and musicians get the crowd moving.

Rowhouses and condos, with colorful murals on every corner

Home values on U Street run from $375,000 for a modest, one-bedroom condo to upwards of $2 million for a well-maintained, historic rowhouse or Federal-style multi-unit property. Prospective homebuyers don’t set their sights on U Street Corridor with sprawling yards and grand estates in mind but rather time-tested brick Victorians and low-maintenance lots along the compact, urban streets of the nation’s capital. Meredith Margolis, a DC resident and Executive VP at Compass says, “One of the most exciting things about DC is the fact that we are a college town; we have Howard, GW, AU, Georgetown, UDC, Gallaudet, and Catholic University; it’s fun with all these students and energizing being around these campuses.” Howard University, one of the most recognizable HBCUs in the country, is a 5-minute walk from U Street, meaning college students regularly head to and through the corridor for a bite to eat or a place to dance.
Colorful and coveted U Street townhomes are bigger inside than they look.
Colorful and coveted U Street townhomes are bigger inside than they look.
This unique mural in U Street depicts a hummingbird holding a toothbrush.
This unique mural in U Street depicts a hummingbird holding a toothbrush.
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DCPS has options less than a mile from home

There are various District of Columbia Public Schools within walking distance of the neighborhood; Cleveland Elementary School is in the neighboring enclave of Shaw and is rated a B-minus on Niche. Cardozo Education Center is within the U Street area, teaches grades 6-12, and is rated a B-minus. Cardozo is also ranked as the No. 9 best school in the district for diversity.
A new addition has been added to the back of the Meridian Public Charter School in U Street.
A new addition has been added to the back of the Meridian Public Charter School in U Street.
Meridian Public Charter School in U Street has a playground for students to play on at recess.
Meridian Public Charter School in U Street has a playground for students to play on at recess.
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The metro stops at U Street

Locals travel by foot, car, or metro with the U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Station within the neighborhood. Or, they can take a WMATA bus that runs the length of U Street.
Locals can use the metro for voyages beyond the U Street neighborhood.
Locals can use the metro for voyages beyond the U Street neighborhood.
U Street has its own metro stop with easy access to greater DC.
U Street has its own metro stop with easy access to greater DC.
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Maxwell Olarinde
Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Jack Adams
Photography Contributed By
Jack Adams
Jahlil Harris
Video By
Jahlil Harris

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Todd Litchfield, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl

13 min drive

Subway

U Street

Bus

U St NW & 11th St NW

Bus

U St NW & New Hampshire Ave NW

Bus

U St NW & 13th St NW

Bus

14th St NW & U St NW

Bus

14th Street And U Street NW

Bus

14th St NW & T St NW

Bus

14th St NW & Florida Ave NW

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime U Street US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

U Street Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$449,000
Median Sale Price
$305,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$305,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$865,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$280,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
52
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-16%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$264

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,616
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Median Year Built
1997
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,938
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,641
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,126
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
735
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
503
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    1 - 3pm

    2212 11th St NW Unit 1, Washington, DC 20001

    $375,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 689 Sq Ft
    • 2212 11th St NW
    • Unit 1
    • New 14 days ago

    Ideally located just blocks from U Street Corridor, this contemporary terrace-level condo combines modern design, smart functionality, and unbeatable convenience. With natural light throughout and a well-designed layout, the home offers a comfortable and stylish urban retreat. The open-concept living space features hardwood floors and a kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances and

    Jenna Sinise Gordon James Brokerage

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  • Wednesday, Jul 30
    5:30 - 7pm

    2120 Vermont Ave NW Unit 620, Washington, DC 20001

    $499,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 789 Sq Ft
    • 2120 Vermont Ave NW
    • Unit 620
    • New 20 days ago

    Penthouse Living with Private Terrace | Buy Low - Sell High| Best Value in the Neighborhood | $499,0001BR + Den/Loft | 2 Levels | 789 SF + 152 SF Private Patio | Nearly 950 SF TotalOpen House Wednesday 7/30 from 5:30-7:00pm.Welcome to your sunny, top-floor retreat in the heart of the U Street Corridor! This penthouse-level, two-story condo combines the convenience of

    Kent Fowler Compass

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    1 - 3pm

    1913 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

    $1,775,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,863 Sq Ft
    • 1913 11th St NW

    Welcome to this stunning Victorian townhouse in the heart of the U Street/Shaw neighborhood. This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home was fully renovated in 2017 and has been meticulously maintained, blending classic charm with modern luxury.As you enter, you'll be greeted by a custom foyer that flows into an open floor plan, enhanced by 10-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and multiple skylights. Newly

    Jason Trotman Realty Pros

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Todd Litchfield, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
8,600
Median Age
36
Population Density
54 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$151,409
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$172,678

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.5%
College Graduates
83.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
54.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
83.7%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

99 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

99 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

84 / 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.

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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
U Street