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.

Prospect St Nw, WASHINGTON

$863,000

MLS® # DCDC2040122

3303 Water St Nw #5g, WASHINGTON

$4,495,000 - 2 Beds, 3 Baths, 1,950 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2044418

3303 Water St Nw #8a, WASHINGTON

$35,000 - 4 Beds, 5 Baths, 4,900 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2078466

3150 South St Nw #ph1f, WASHINGTON

$4,995,000 - 4 Beds, 4 Baths, 3,978 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2084108

3255 Prospect St Nw #3, WASHINGTON

$6,900,000 - 3 Beds, 4 Baths, 3,980 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2094586

3255 Prospect St Nw #ph-5, WASHINGTON

$7,750,000 - 3 Beds, 4 Baths, 3,527 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2094712

3150 South St Nw #1c, WASHINGTON

$3,300,000 - 3 Beds, 4 Baths, 2,644 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2099898

3222 Cherry Hill Ln Nw #a2, WASHINGTON

$695,000 - 2 Beds, 2 Baths, 896 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2110698

1029 31st St Nw, WASHINGTON

$2,200,000 - 1,018 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2112460

3150 South St Nw #ph2a, WASHINGTON

$10,500,000 - 4 Beds, 6 Baths, 6,400 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2114220

3303 Water St Nw #3e, WASHINGTON

$2,095,000 - 2 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,702 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2118168

3303 Water St Nw #3m, WASHINGTON

$1,825,000 - 2 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,860 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2119256