DC Gentrification

Since 1801, this small but momentous area of Washington DC has been home to Marine Corps barracks, which were first built by Thomas Jefferson.  The long-time business district flourished during the first half of the 20^th century, particularly during war time, but then began its decent in the latter half of the 1900s.  Finally, in the 1990s there began a shifting of focus back towards restoring this historic area.

Most of the restoration in this area has been geared towards creating a commercial, business district.  The Barracks Row Business Alliance is aimed toward attracting business owners and improving the local business climate through projects ranging from enhancing window signs to attracting national business resources.  Throughout the restoring of this area, the focus has been to create sustainable and low-impact development and growth. Continue Reading »

Living in Washington, D.C., means rubbing elbows with a diverse group of people from congressmen to young professionals to social activists.  Life in this city also means the choice of many impressive living complexes.  If you don’t plan on buying a house, there are an abundance of apartment and condo communities.  Living in one of these new complexes guarantees amenities, services, and the opportunity to get to know other D.C. inhabitants your age.

Located in the Southeastern part of the city, 909 at Capitol Yards is a 13-story boutique apartment building.  A diverse selection of floor plans to choose from meets needs of people looking for anything from a studio to a 3-bedroom apartment.  Extensive amenities including a pool, gym, billiards lounge, and even conference rooms provide everything you need right on site.  This ideal location places you within walking distance of the Nationals Park, the Capitol, and the Metro. Continue Reading »

Tucked away in the Northwest corner of the city, McLean Gardens covers 23-acres and is home to 31 apartment buildings, all nestled amongst the beautiful gardens of the property.  Complete with a highly sought after ballroom, dining services, and community pool, this complex is not only a beautiful and luxurious living location in DC, but also ripe with history.

In the early 20^th century, John McLean had an elegant and lavish vacation home built on this property.  Exquisite gardens, a golf course, and tennis courts were added to the property and it eventually became so prestigious and well known that President Harding and President Coolidge were among its notable visitors.  However, poor financial decisions and overzealous lifestyles by McLean’s descendents resulted in the estate ending up in the hands of the federal government by 1942.  During WWII the government built housing on the property for defense workers. Continue Reading »

That’s all you have to do to get a feel for the beauty and prestige of this city.  Everything in the nation’s capitol emanates a sense of class and splendor from the well-known monuments and theaters to its recreational parks. A cheap and relaxing way to get acquainted with this city’s exquisite landscape can be done by spending a little time in one of its many well-manicured parks.

1. Anacostia Park: Covering over 1200 acres of land, this park also encompasses Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens.  Access to the Anacostia River makes this a popular destination for local boat owners.  A golf course, skating pavilion and ball fields attract visitors of every interest.
2. The National Arboretum: Maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this 446 acre park is a center for botanical research.  Rare and foreign plants and trees can be observed in this garden, which is one of the city’s most aesthetically pleasing sites. Continue Reading »

An appropriate representation of the many cultures that make up the American melting pot, Washington D.C. has a wide variety of neighborhoods with diverse make ups.  From the power players of Capitol Hill to the trendsetters of Adams Morgan, there is a place for anyone to call home.  If you’re relocating to the area, or considering a move within the city, get a feel for the different districts in order to determine where you and your family will fit in best.

Georgetown: This affluent, historical neighborhood is home to many lobbyists and politicians as well as the highly-respected Georgetown University.  Recent renovations in the area have brought new, high-end retail, restaurants and hotels to the area.

Adams Morgan: A popular destination for young professionals, this neighborhood is rich with culture and diversity.  Adams Morgan has also gained a reputation for its vibrant and unique nightlife.

Anacostia: This urban neighborhood, which has struggled against high crime rates, is finally seeing some restoration with new employment opportunities and the opening of the Nationals stadium in the area. Continue Reading »