Best DC Neighborhoods to Buy in 2020

That’s right--the year 2020 is here! Although we’re not all riding around on hoverboards, these are still very exciting times! In a real estate market as hot as the DMV, there are still plenty of great purchase opportunities. Based on recent trends, new development plans throughout the area, and 40+ years of combined experience selling homes in the DMV, here is our 2020 vision of neighborhoods to keep an eye on over the next 12 months!

Warwick Village

Situated in northern Alexandria between Del Ray, Potomac Yard, and Arlandria, Warwick Village should be high up on your list. Originally conceived as rental community of over 600 townhomes, this neighborhood was developed to help house the DC area population boom of the 1940s and eventually sold as individual units. Situated on an eastern facing hill with substantial views on select streets, Warwick Village was completely built out 60+ years ago has a classic 1940s vibe. Instead of potential eyesores, you’ll find iconic brick townhomes of dependably sturdy construction everywhere you look. In addition to exterior accents, residents take this opportunity to be creative with interior design and renovation. Warwick Village homes are currently selling in the $500K to $700K range.

Brentwood

Conveniently located just north of Union Station and Capitol Hill, Brentwood is about to start heating up in a big way. The ambitious redevelopment undertaking known as RIA (Rhode Island Avenue corridor) will put a new face on twenty acres of Brentwood and will surely have an impact on the value of existing condos and rowhomes. Construction of RIA Phase 1 will begin ASAP and is expected to complete in 2021, so the time to buy is now.

Brightwood

Five words: The, Parks, at, Walter, Reed. In addition to hosting a diverse stock of duplexes, bungalows, rowhomes, and colonials, Brightwood will be undergoing a dramatic change in the next few years. The 66 acres of what was once Walter Reed Army Medical Center is being redeveloped to include over 2,000 housing units mixed with lots of brand new commercial and recreational space. Whole Foods Market has just been confirmed as the community’s supermarket, and developers expect to deliver the first several buildings before the end of 2020.

Captiol Riverfront

As many locals probably already know, the Navy Yard, or Capitol Riverfront, has really been coming into its own lately. It’s difficult to imagine a better time to buy in this neighborhood. Encouraged by attractions such as Nationals Park, Yards Park, and the amazing dining and retail options on and around M Street SE, many thoughtfully considered condos have been sprouting up in Capitol Riverfront. Prior to a massive influx of large scale investment funds in the past few years, Navy Yard had no significant housing stock to speak of. This relatively young neighborhood was a blank canvas not so long ago and is on track to become the most densely populated neighborhood in all of DC with a food and entertainment scene to match. If you’re looking for an ultra-walkable scene with lots to see and do, then Capitol Riverfront should be on your short list.

Petworth

This Northwest DC neighborhood has become a darling of the District’s real estate market. Just over a decade ago, Petworth was nothing to write home about, or even think twice about, really. The once sleepy corner of DC is now on the tip of everyone’s tongues and is thought of especially for its vibrant and engaged community feel. Most of the larger condo projects under construction in Petworth are centered around Upshur Street, Georgia Ave, and New Hampshire Ave while the neighborhoods expanse of rowhomes and has seen a tremendous uptick in redevelopment as well. Petworth is now known for its well-built, classic wardman rowhomes and relatively large lots. If you’re in the market for a property with some outdoor space, definitely check out Petworth.

Hill East

Named by real estate professionals and new residents, Hill East flows naturally from Capitol Hill, but has until recently been missing something crucial: local spots! Residents have enjoyed Hill East’s roomy early-20th-century rowhomes and low-rise apartment buildings, as well as outdoor spaces, but they’ve needed to trek to Barracks Row or H Street to meet their dining and shopping needs. Reservation 13 is changing all of that. A 60-acre redevelopment project, stretching between Potomac Ave and Stadium-Armory Metro stations will provide ample space for such amenities. The first phase of the Reservation 13 redevelopment is already underway and promises to make Hill East a destination-neighborhood in the years to come.

Park View

Park View is one of those head scratchers where you look at it on a map and think “How is it that this area wasn’t redeveloped sooner?” Bounded by neighborhoods that have already undergone a full renaissance or are well on their way, Park View was a little late to join the party. With that said, the neighborhood is easily accessible to multiple yellow/green line metro stops and is looking to make up for lost time. Park View is benefiting greatly from the 2016 DC zoning rewrite that brought much higher housing density to the Georgia Ave corridor. Home to a number of locally owned bars and eateries that are exploding in popularity (Midlands Beer Garden, Call Your Mother Bagels, and Sonny’s Pizza) to name a few, the scene in Park View is changing dramatically. New condos are sprouting up everywhere you look and there is more to see and do than ever before.

Interested in purchasing in one of these neighborhoods? Contact us today!