Wakefield

Burrowed cozily in the heart of one of Washington, D.C.’s bustling exchanges, Wakefield sits quietly insulated from the busyness surrounding it. While the city churns just blocks away on one of its major thoroughfares, Connecticut Avenue, homeowners find sanctuary in this neighborhood’s tranquility. “What they really love about Wakefield is parks, fields, walking distance – the walkability score is really high,” says Kevin Friend, a Realtor with Compass. “It’s a comforting area, not a lot of horns.”

What Wakefield lacks in noise, it more than makes up for in character and the kind of serenity often found on the outskirts of most major cities. Treelined streets shroud private residences, barely aware of the comings and goings just beyond the sound barrier. That and home variety attract house hunters and homeowners. “This day and age, people are really looking for homes with yards, separation, brick is really important and a little patch of grass,” Friend says, explaining how the neighborhood’s single-family homes are a draw.

An assortment of single-family homes share space in the neighborhood, often in the same block. “You might have a 1930s colonial right next to 2023 brand new construction,” Friend reports. “You could have a Shaker-style house with a yard next to a mid-century modern. On the right, you have a beautiful two-story brick home, and right across the street, someone has built a new home because they wanted the convenience.”

In that way, Wakefield reflects Washington’s emerging aesthetic. Friend shares, “The whole real estate landscape in D.C. has changed. You’ll have a luxury condo building with a doorman on the corner of Connecticut and Davenport. And right behind there, you’ll have a block of homes that are single-family homes that have yards and bricks and garages and nice curb appeal; then right next door, see where a house has been torn down to make room for a new one.”

The median home selling price in Wakefield is around $650,000. However, for a detached single-family home, buyers should expect to spend quite a bit more. “We probably are around $1.3 million for a three-bedroom home. For a four-bedroom, $1.7 million,” Friend says. He explains that the scarcity of lots makes them a premium and often drives value in Washington, where it’s not uncommon for some homebuyers to purchase houses intending to replace them with ones that more closely suit their family’s needs and wishes.

District of Columbia Public Schools, which Niche rates B, serves Wakefield students. They attend Ben Murch Elementary School, Alice Deal Middle School and Jackson-Reed High School. It’s also not out of the ordinary for local parents to opt for any of the various private schools within walking distance.

Besides the trees, there are a wealth of parks throughout the community. Most of the parks, however, are typically associated with local schools and are available for public use during non-school hours. “There are people walking dogs or pushing strollers. My kids go to some of these parks to play flag football or play soccer. It’s a vibrant place for families on the weekend,” Friend says.

Adding to Wakefield’s organic vibrancy is its array of neighborhood bodegas, small shops and stores. Wegman’s and Whole Foods at Tenleytown are very close for your more demanding shopping needs. But between the restaurants and the mom-and-pop shops, most of your grocery needs should be met.

It also isn’t difficult to satisfy your hunger when that need arises. Besides retail stores, Tenleytown also has eating spots for neighbors and students making their way to the local university. Or grab the kids and head over to Comet Ping Pong for pizza and games. “The food is okay, and the entertainment for kids is cool,” Friend says.

Most of these spots are an easy walk away. Wakefield itself is easy to reach, with Metro stops at Tenleytown and Van Ness. Or do what so many others love around here, grab one of those electric scooters and go. It’s the popular way these days that folks make their way in and around Wakefield.

Written By

Jonathan Clarke

Photography Contributed By

Jack Adams

Video By

Nathan Allen