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.

1080 Wisconsin Ave Nw #101, WASHINGTON

$650,000 - 1 Bed, 2 Baths, 1,140 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2098794

4218 Silverwood Ln, BETHESDA

$1,549,000 - 4 Beds, 4 Baths, 2,424 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2095002

4595 Macarthur Blvd Nw #3, WASHINGTON

$299,000 - 1 Bed, 1 Bath, 565 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2098120

1409 44th St Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,995,000 - 4 Beds, 4 Baths, 2,565 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2098466

5015 V St Nw, WASHINGTON

$875,000 - 2 Beds, 3 Baths, 1,600 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2098094

4541 Westhall Dr Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,300,000 - 3 Beds, 4 Baths, 1,931 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2097408

1222 Eton Ct Nw #t18, WASHINGTON

$715,000 - 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 1,304 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2097654

7630 Tomlinson Ave #26, CABIN JOHN

$339,000 - 2 Beds, 1 Bath, 887 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2094408

4887 Macarthur Blvd Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,649,000 - 4 Beds, 3 Baths, 3,509 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2069078

5066 Macarthur Blvd Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,649,000 - 3 Beds, 2 Baths, 2,172 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2096654

5811 Potomac Ave Nw, WASHINGTON

$5,995,000 - 5 Beds, 7 Baths, 7,357 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2094812

5615 Bent Branch Rd, BETHESDA

$1,975,000 - 5 Beds, 4 Baths, 4,290 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2087538