Edgewood

Independently run local businesses thrive in Edgewood, in the vein of restaurants and convenience stores, but the living spaces leave something to be desired. The neighborhood is extremely close to Petworth, and its houses share the same run-down, tired aesthetic. Those looking for a quiet place to raise a family should certainly look elsewhere, in fact so should a single person with a job. If you can afford middle class housing, you can find it in any number of neighborhoods beside this one. Even Petworth has a notch above this neighborhood- it's more metro accessible.

Edgewood is a neighborhood of approximately 7,569 residents located in the northeast section of the city. In 2010 the average price of a home sold in this neighborhood was $234,677, with 29& being owner occupied. Most homes her are attached row homes. One of the unique aspects of this neighborhood which is located near Catholic University and the Washington Hospital Center, is that a large percentage of the neighborhood is occupied by two cemeteries (Glenwood Cemetery and Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery) and three colleges (St. Paul's College, Holy Redeemer College and Trinity College).

In addition to the colleges, residents will find other schools as well including Hope Community Public Charter School, Shared Education Campus, D.C. Preparatory Academy Elementary School and D.C. Preparatory Edgewood Middle Campus. Shopping and restaurants are located in the area as well. The neighborhood has at least three places of worship. Many will find the LVA Library useful. The Rhode Island Metro Station as well as the Brookland-Cau Metro Station are nearby as are numerous Metro Bus stops. Green space can be found at the Edgewood Playground, which offers a sports field as well tennis courts.

Crimes statistics indicate that crimes against people, including assaults, occur a regular basis as well as some property crimes. As always check recent crime statistics and make an informed decision as to the crime risk before moving into any neighborhood.

Edgewood is a middle class, African-American neighborhood around Catholic University. In spite of its location, there aren’t many students: largely because there are no apartments in Edgewood. Nonetheless, it has kept the tree lined character it inherited from its roots as the estate of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase. The homes are large and stately, with plenty of green grass and trees. Summertime finds the children playing in the yards, and cookouts on the Fourth of July. Like many middle-class DC neighborhoods, there are some private and charter schools in the area, providing an alternative to the terrible public schools. Many residents are fairly well educated, which in DC means a minimum of a high school diploma—or better yet, a Bachelor’s. Several of the schools boast of their better school quality reports.
The local community association, like many in middle-class DC, is always planning neighborhood get-togethers. Likewise, city services are extensive: as the old saying says, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Sadly, the crime rate is somewhat higher than other neighborhoods in the immediate area. Although residents are fighting this, it is hard to know at this point how their efforts are going to work out.

Edgewood, like some many other communities in this part of the District of Columbia, is a neighborhood fighting for survival. On the one hand, it is home to beautiful old row houses with large porches and dainty brickwork. Many of the people who live in these homes have been here for decades. They love their community and are committed to seeing it prosper. They belong to the Edgewood Civic Association and are active in community affairs, including promoting the local community center. Other elderly neighbors live in Edgewood Terrace, are public housing project designed to serve lower middle income and poorer seniors and families.
The main problem lies in the crime and drug use that plagues the rest of the community. Even as some try to make things better, others are making things worse. So, Edgewood remains a community that is on the edge, not just of woods but of prosperity and growth. So, while they welcome anyone who wishes to move in and make things better, if you have other plans, stay away. You’re not wanted here.