Brightwood Park

Brightwood Park is a neighborhood of approximately 19,766 residents located in the northwest section of the city. The neighborhood’s boundaries are generally defined as being within the footprint of Missouri Avenue N.W., New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Emerson Avenue N.W. and 16th Street N.W. In 2010, the average price of a home sold here was $275,715 with 47% of the homes being owner occupied. Homes here tend to be the typical “attached “row house” homes found in many neighborhoods within the District. As with many neighborhoods there is a commercial component to the neighborhood as well.

The neighborhood has nine schools including Barnard Elementary School, Parkmont School and the Trusdell Education Campus. Recreational facilities are located at the emery Recreation Center. Restaurants and shopping are located within the neighborhood, however they are somewhat restricted in their offerings so many will want to venture out for these activities. Public transportation is available with numerous Metro Bus stops being located in the neighborhood. Dedicated green space is available in the Brightwood Recreational area as well as the Rudolf Playground and Hamilton Street Playground.

Crime is where the neighborhood may lose its appeal to many. Recent crime statistics indicate that crimes against people and property are frequent. As always check the most recent crime statistics and make an informed decision as to the crime risk in any neighborhood. Hopefully crime can be reduced so the neighborhood can reach its potential.

Brightwood Park is close to several parks and recreation facilities. Multinational in character, the rents and house prices are reasonable. Living there, you will be surrounded by the sights and smells of the diverse backgrounds of your neighbors. Just imagine witnessing all kinds of diverse, but strong, communities in action at once. In addition to the many nationalities, Brightwood Park is an enclave of gay and lesbian citizens. Overall, it is an inexpensive place to live, but not poor at all. Rather, the lower middle class and the young professionals call Brightwood Park home.

The major con of the neighborhood is transportation. There is no metro stop close by, and few bus routes go through the area. However, if you own a car this won't be a huge problem; just jump into the busy DC traffic and enjoy. With the park next door, there is plenty of space for the kids to play, and longtime residents make good babysitters if needed.
Because you will be close to Catholic University, do expect some neighborhood students, sometimes with young families. On the other hand, students do mean plenty of inexpensive places to eat and buy basic necessities close by. Just be prepared to travel for more extensive shopping needs.

Brightwood Park is a charming neighborhood for a number of reasons. First, much of the area looks just as it did decades ago. The many row houses that provide much of the housing in the area hearken back to different time, when Washington was still something of a family town. At the same time, families looking for more modern housing will find many newer single and multi-family homes designed to meet the needs of young professionals. These range from duplexes and condominiums to high rise apartment complexes.
The community also boasts several small businesses. Residents who are taking it easy can meet each other for a cup or coffee or a snack at a local café. One the other hand, if you’re in a big hurry, you can pick up a package of diapers or a cup of coffee on your way home from work in the evening. You can also see families walking or biking together in the late afternoon.
Given all the positive aspects of this neighborhood, it is no surprise that it is one of the most attractive and popular areas in the area.