Anyone who has visited Georgetown to explore or just wander about, has likely stumbled upon the enchanting Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (or C & O for short). It is true that Georgetown’s historic rowhomes, whether brick or timber, help to transport one back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but the C & O Canal, with its stone banks, rough-hewn footpaths, and placid green water offer something less tangible--something majestic. First-time stumblers-by may think for a moment, “I wonder if anyone else knows about this!”

Because of the unique qualities of this relic, it should come as no surprise that listings near the C & O Canal are highly coveted by those with an interest in Georgetown real estate. The absurdly gorgeous penthouse at 2900 K St NW is just steps from the canal. Houses and condos near the C & O also benefit from amazing convenience, as the canal runs parallel to M Street NW: Georgetown’s dominant commercial corridor.

The stretch of the C & O Canal and its towpath that falls within the bounds of Georgetown makes up a small portion of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The whole park runs over 180 miles, originating from DC’s Rock Creek, winding dutifully alongside the meandering Potomac River, and terminating in Cumberland, MD.

In recent news, Georgetown Heritage, an organization concerned with the preservation of National Park sites within Georgetown, and the National Park service have begun “restoring, reimagining and revitalizing a one-mile section of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.” They are mixing together input from the public and professionals alike in order to make the park more accessible--as things designed in the early 19th century so seldom were--and encourage and inspire activity, adventure, and exploration, while maintaining the history and original beauty of the canal. If there is one truth about change in Georgetown, it is that it happens only after careful and meticulous thought is given to preservation.

With the neighborhood’s historic designation and a strong desire to preserve and protect the canal, it appears that the area will remain prosperous indefinitely. The property value listings near the C & O Canal will remain high, so now is an excellent time to buy.

5810 Madaket Rd, BETHESDA

$1,395,000 - 4 Beds, 4 Baths, 3,377 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2119718

4400 Macarthur Blvd Nw #100, WASHINGTON

$1,400,000 - 3,030 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2137164

6403 W Halbert Rd, BETHESDA

$899,000 - 4 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,884 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2126624

4840 Macarthur Blvd Nw #502, WASHINGTON

$335,000 - 1 Bed, 1 Bath, 675 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2134936

10 Wissioming Ct, BETHESDA

$5,850,000 - 4 Beds, 7 Baths, 7,700 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2120716

6405 Little Leigh Ct, CABIN JOHN

$1,350,000 - 4 Beds, 4 Baths, 2,321 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2127332

5415 Hawthorne Pl Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,695,000 - 4 Beds, 4 Baths, 2,740 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2135938

6004 Benalder Dr, BETHESDA

$2,395,000 - 5 Beds, 5 Baths, 5,179 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2127176

3246 Grace St Nw, WASHINGTON

$700,000 - 2 Beds, 1 Bath, 886 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2136038

6300 Bannockburn Dr, BETHESDA

$949,000 - 4 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,956 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2126736

1080 Wisconsin Ave Nw #1003, WASHINGTON

$395,000 - 1 Bath, 515 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2135648

1623 45th St Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,250,000 - 4 Beds, 3 Baths, 1,777 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2135518