From its tree-covered streets to its easy city access, there are plenty of reasons that people love calling American University Park home
Washington D.C. has 131 different neighborhoods, and each one has its own character. American University Park is a beautiful, unpresumptuous area that feels exactly like home. I’ve outlined eleven reasons people love living here.
Quiet Reprieve
Having one of the highest altitudes in Washington D.C., American University Park sits high above the bustling capital city. It is located in the Northwest quadrant of Washington D.C. and is nestled against the Maryland border. This area was developed by WC and AN Miller Company in the 1920s specifically for us as a residential area, and their plan included only single-family dwellings. It’s no surprise that people have flocked to the area’s stunning homesteads.
Often, people who are drawn to American University Park are leaving areas such as DuPont Circle or Capitol Hill. Here, they are able to rest from the breakneck pace of other DC neighborhoods and take a relaxing stroll on the tree-lined streets. Despite its proximity to American University, the area isn’t rowdy. Quite the contrary, this neighborhood boasts a “college town” feel while assuming a peaceful and academic personality.
Urban Convenience
While the heart of American University Park is free from retailers, which provides blocks of uninterrupted residences, boutique shopping, and dining are never more than a short walk away. On Wisconsin Avenue, swing by Surfside for fresh off the boat fish tacos or book a table for two at Matisse for elevated French cuisine on a romantic evening out. Dig into a nourishing breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien at Spring Valley Village on Massachusetts Avenue, and enjoy the nearby conveniences of the Spring Valley Shopping Center, which hosts services such as Wagshal’s Market and Delicatessen, CVS, and Wells Fargo Bank.
Living in American University Park provides residents with plenty of transportation options, so it’s easy to participate in an urban lifestyle while still living in a more suburban environment. Nearby metro stations make it simple to navigate to downtown, such as the Friendship Heights and Tenleytown-AU stations. A ride down the red line leads downtown within steps of the National Mall, where you can explore the Smithsonian Institute or catch a glimpse of the White House.
Civic Unity
People who live in American University Park are often highly active community members. A sense of pride and tradition courses through residents and makes this an exciting place to live. Wide front porches mean that neighbors often congregate outside, which nurtures a kind of camaraderie between neighbors. Many residents have occupations as lobbyists and lawyers, which lends itself to the kind of activism that finds a home here.
Idyllic Serenity
If you crave a bit of solace in your afternoons, you’ll love the green space that American University Park offers. Friendship Park is a local favorite for picnics, baseball championships, and searching for all of the giant turtles that have earned this park its nickname Turtle Park. Nearby Fort Bayard Park is home to a Civil War-era fort, as well as a softball field and a soccer field.
Spending time outdoors has been
proven to increase health, and American University Park has a plethora of ways to get outside. By reducing the risk of long-term health concerns such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure, going outside is an incredible way to improve both physical and mental health. American University Park is located near beautiful scenic areas that are perfect for an afternoon hike, such as Little Falls Stream Valley Park in next door Spring Valley, and Melvin C Hazen Park just south of Tenleytown. To the west, the Potomac River provides the opportunity for kayaking, rowing, and more.
Dream Home
Houses in American University Park vary in style, but each one has its own undeniable charm. The most abundant type of architecture is unsurprisingly colonial, and the established neighborhood sports an abundance of mature trees. Homes typically boast two stories with relatively small architectural footprints, but connected front yards and tree-lined sidewalks make it easy to enjoy the outdoor space. Homes built around the 1940s feature structurally sound central halls supported by steel beams that have enabled the homes to last. Many homes include add-ons such as sunrooms, bay windows, and embellished front facades so that each house has a unique feel. Living here means living close to your neighbors, which can help form strong relationships between homeowners. The area is filled with white picket fences, backyard barbecues, and the essence of the quintessential American dream.
Although there are usually a few rental units available, real estate in American University Park is typically owned. The market is known to be competitive, and it isn’t unusual for houses to be sold shortly after being listed and receiving multiple offers. It’s no secret that people love living here, so real estate turnover can be as quick as a week.
Family Favorite
This area is a hot spot for professionals with budding families because homes are often accommodated by sizable back lots, which makes properties ideal for growing households. Parents with students at Janney Elementary School are often extremely involved, which encourages friendships between both students and parents and creates a supportive environment. American University Park has been considered the
best place in all of DC to raise a family, largely attributed to its excellent schools and high safety rating.
High-End Education
Families will love the world-class education available in American University Park. Its proximity to American University is perfect for anyone considering furthering their education, and it can inspire young minds to pursue a future in academics. American University is a private research university, and its world-renowned curriculum includes degree programs that specialize in international relations, business administration, and public relations.
For lower education, American University Park is served by the District of Columbia Public Schools system. Janney Elementary School is a public school that has been serving the area since 1925. Alice Deal Middle School and Woodrow Wilson High School are both nearby public schools with rigorous academic standards. The National Presbyterian School is a nearby co-educational private institution that was established in 1969 by the National Presbyterian Church.
Safe and Sound
Feeling at home in your house is often associated with a sense of safety and security, and American University Park is an incredibly safe area to live. This area, along with neighboring Tenleytown and Spring Valley, is ranked among the
top ten safest areas in Washington D.C. With no recorded violent crimes in the last year and property crimes that are well below the national average, families can rest easy knowing they are safe in their homes.
Economic Surety
American University Park is a favorite for professionals, and there’s a good reason behind it. Affordable housing in the area allows people climbing the career ladder to put down solid roots that help establish a sense of community, all while continuing their professional pursuits. There appears to be a
strong correlation between how people view their town and the town’s general economic growth.
Diplomatic Environment
Washington D.C. is the beating heart of American politics, and the American University Park neighborhood has long been favored by political figures. The chancery of the diplomatic mission of Japan calls Massachusetts Avenue home. This office of the Embassy of Japan was built in 1986 and continues to be used today. Before relocating to Georgetown in 2006, the Embassy of Sweden could be found near American University Park.
American University Park is largely included in Ward 3, and it is a member of district 3E, which is governed by the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. Other 3E neighborhoods include Friendship Heights, Tenleytown, Wakefield, Chevy Chase, and Fort Gaines.
Historic Ambience
American University Park has a relatively short history compared to Washington D.C. at large, but with nearly 100 years underfoot, the area maintains a historic appeal. Janney Elementary School, having been built in 1925, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its namesake American University was chartered by Congress in 1893.
From its charming real estate to its high safety rating, there is plenty to love about American University Park. If you’re craving the quietude of suburbia but don’t want to sacrifice the amenities of urban convenience, this area could be perfect for you. When you’re ready to learn more about American University Park homes for sale, Bethesda real estate, or houses for sale in Capitol Hill DC,
contact me for more information.
