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

3255 Prospect St Nw #1, WASHINGTON

$1,495,000 - 1 Bed, 2 Baths, 1,092 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2120514

1045 31st St Nw #506, WASHINGTON

$1,495,000 - 1 Bed, 2 Baths, 2,111 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2127856

6604 River Trail Ct, BETHESDA

$1,645,000 - 4 Beds, 4 Baths, 3,990 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2128780

6409 Little Leigh Ct, CABIN JOHN

$1,645,000 - 5 Beds, 5 Baths, 3,937 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2129078

5207 Wyoming Rd, BETHESDA

$1,677,000 - 4 Beds, 4 Baths, 3,500 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2125330

5415 Hawthorne Pl Nw, WASHINGTON

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

MLS® # DCDC2135938

1037 30th St Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,734,000 - 1,734 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2105024

5758 Macarthur Blvd Nw, WASHINGTON

$1,849,000 - 5 Beds, 5 Baths, 4,100 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2130506

7711 Macarthur Blvd, CABIN JOHN

$1,895,000 - 6 Beds, 6 Baths, 6,424 Sf

MLS® # MDMC2122892

1029 31st St Nw, WASHINGTON

$2,200,000 - 1,018 Sf

MLS® # DCDC2112460