Columbia Heights

With its mix of grand and humble historic buildings (rowhouses, embassies along 16th Street NW), Columbia Heights reels in a mix of creatives, international professionals and, thanks to its leafy parks, bikers and picnickers. It’s one of DC’s most densely populated 'hoods, too, supporting a swath of homey restaurants and bars. Plus, a longtime Hispanic population means attractions like the GALA Hispanic Theater and the Mexican Cultural Institute lend the area a multiculti vibe.

The area’s main drags are 11th, 14th and 16th streets starting at U Street NW. Along 16th Street, you’ll find embassies and international organizations, most housed in impressive early 19th-century structures with architectural flourishes – turrets, stained glass, balconies. You can check out exhibits on south-of-the-border art and life at the Mexican Cultural Institute, housed in a grand mansion (and one-time Embassy of Mexico) with a mural of that country’s history painted on its interior stairway.

Bad Saint - Award-Winning Restaurant in Washington, DCBad Saint

Nearby, Meridian Hill Park, a two-level, European style park with terrazzo walls holds fountains, statues and, every Sunday, a lively afternoon drum circle.

Restaurants and bars along buzzing 14th Street and mellower 11th Street fill up with young professionals and stroller-pushing families, particularly on weekends. Consider hot spots like Room 11 for cocktails, small plates and breakfast, Thip Khao for the only place in DC to try Laos’ spicy curries and rice dishes and Bad Saint for Filipino cuisine in a cozy, laid-back neighborhood setting.

The area, and neighboring ‘hood Mount Pleasant, are ideal for exploring by bike, especially since multiple Capital Bikeshare stations can be found in the vicinity. Just be warned; the area is hilly!

Source: Washington.org

Mt Pleasant

Mount Pleasant's history reaches back to Civil War days when it was one of the larger estates in the area. What has been known as Mt. Pleasant once extended as far East at 14th Street, but its Northern border of Piney Branch Creek has been around since the end of the Civil War.

As Washington, DC grew Northward and 16th Street was extended in the late 1800's, the neighborhood started to take the shape that we see today, a great mix of single family homes, apartment buildings, and businesses.

Mt. Pleasant's proximity to the heart of Washington and relative density has made it an attractive destination for many generations of Washingtonians. Each passing decade has seen diverse ethnic, racial and socio-economic groups of residents and visitors leave their mark on the neighborhood.

Today, Mt. Pleasant remains a "village in the city." The borders created by 16th Street, Piney Branch Creek, Rock Creek Park, and the embankment between Hobart Street and Harvard Street create some isolation from the more connected, close-in neighborhoods of Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights. It's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Source: Mtpleasantdc.com

Homes for Sale in the Columbia Heights / Mt Pleasant