By: Amanda Menas
For people who are searching for homes in D.C., there is a place for everyone. Rental markets are incredibly fluid as new faces migrate in and out every year with election cycles and college graduations. Wards 1 through 4, representing the Northwest D.C., express a micro-version of the trends seen across the city.
In Ward 1, the walkability rating for neighborhoods such as Adams Morgan makes the area a great place to settle down after retiring. And the proximity to amenities and nightlife encourages younger individuals to call the neighborhood home.
Commissioner Ted Guthrie of ANC1C03 said this will be a “positive year for real estate in the neighborhood. The benefits in the neighborhood far outweigh the problems.” In Guthrie’s ward and across the city, trends show the need for increased housing opportunities at different prices.
As commissioners strive to preserve D.C.’s unique turn-of-the-century homes, buyers are looking for what’s new, according to Compass Real Estate. In Ward 1, the quintessential row houses are being converted to homes with four or five units inside. Others are gutted to add new finishes and appliances.
Glover Park and the rest of Ward 3 are also seeing this upscaling. In an area once dominated by group homes for incoming medical students or single family houses for residents of the hospital, the families that chose to stay have increased property value in recent years.
Brian Turmail, the commissioner representing ANC3B05, highlighted the renovation of Stoddert Elementary School as a big reason for increases in population for the area.
“It’s a good place to raise a family,” said Turmail. With parks on three sides, the quiet neighborhood provides a solace from the busier parts of the city.
In the downtown business district, there are fewer opportunities for development. But according to Commissioner David Bender of ANC2D01, the area will remain healthy and strong.
According to Commissioner Stephen Gardner of ANC3D06, Wards 2 and 3 are areas to watch in the coming years because there will be campus development plans. Previously on a 10-year outlook, universities are planning 20 years in advance.
While George Washington University did not make significant changes to their Mt. Vernon campus in the Foxhall neighborhood by their last plan, American University completed many developments leaving little space for addition.
Finally, the twenty neighborhoods that comprise Ward 4 attract a diverse mix of residents to reflect the city as a whole.
Councilmember Brandon Todd said, “Ward 4 attracts young professionals, families, seniors, and people of all socioeconomic levels and backgrounds. I expect that trend of diversity will only continue as Ward 4 sees new growth and development.”
Northwest neighborhoods will appear to invite new residents over the next year.
