Anacostia/Congress Heights

 

Homeowners looking for a unique and artsy community filled with culture and vibrancy will love Anacostia and Congress Heights. Lying on the banks of the Anacostia River, the neighborhood of Anacostia is one of the oldest in the Capital. Originally a Nacotchtank settlement along the banks of the river, it later became one of the first suburbs of the District of Columbia and was known in 1854 as Uniontown. Renamed Anacostia in 1886, the area began seeing more and more residential development as the years went on and is now regarded as a cultural hub and one of the artsiest suburban communities in the area.

 

Just below Anacostia lies Congress Heights, an up-and-coming community filled with jaw-dropping views of the entire city. While the town was founded by real estate developer Colonel Arthur E. Randle in 1890, the area remained relatively rural and primarily residential throughout its history. While it was unfortunately neglected after World War II, the area has recently seen a dramatic resurgence, and restoration projects have helped turn this community into a thriving and emerging neighborhood perfect for young professionals and families.

 

Both Anacostia and Congress Heights offer a number of advantages to homeowners, including an ideal suburban and urban blend, perfect location, and an amazing sense of community. Luckily, these areas have also been able to maintain a lower housing cost, which has made them especially appealing to young professionals and families looking to start out. Houses in these areas are typically valued at around $300,000 to $325,000. Living expenses in the area are also relatively low compared to the surrounding communities, and the average annual household income is just below the national average.

 

Residents living in Anacostia and Congress Heights tend to appreciate a large number of parks and green public spaces throughout the area, often taking advantage of the walkways and recreational areas together, encouraging that strong sense of community that the neighborhoods are known for. 

 

The local dining scene is as eclectic and rich as the rest of the community, with outstanding eateries and popular restaurants on every corner. Due South is one of the area’s most popular restaurants. Serving high-quality southern comfort food, its mouthwatering menu includes 12-hour smoked brisket, fried green tomatoes, and blackened catfish.

 

Hatoba serves some of the best Japanese cuisines around. Dedicated to continuing an authentic and traditional approach, its menu includes chashu donburi, red miso clam ramen, and outstanding pork yakisoba that guests absolutely adore.

 

There are also a number of fun and exciting sites to visit in the area, including the Big Chair. Designed as an advertisement for Bassett Furniture, this unique sculpture has taken on a life of its own and is now a designated attraction and is known as the world’s largest chair.    

 

The ideal locations of both Anacostia and Congress Heights make it easy for residents to take advantage of the overwhelming entertainment opportunities, recreational activities, and events put on throughout the city. However, there are also several fantastic things to do right in town as well. The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is one of the most popular destinations in the area. Cedar Hill, the Abolitionist hero’s estate, can still be visited and is a truly inspirational site for so many.

 

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is definitely a local highlight. Designed to be used for walking, biking, and skating, the 10- to 12-foot wide, the 20-mile long trail is the perfect place to escape from the stresses of day-to-day life. 

 

The Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens are also some of the most spectacular spaces in the area. Considered a hidden oasis in the middle of the city, these gardens are a haven for guests and local wildlife alike.