Embassy Row

Embassy Row has a storied past: at the turn of the last century, it was primarily an enclave where the rich and famous in Washington society had their homes. Even today, the streets are full of stately mansions and lined with trees. Truly walking the sidewalks is a throwback to the past, when ladies in diamonds and fur coats gathered at friend’s houses for cocktails and talk, and where households tended to have a maid. It was here that children would be tutored after coming home from the exclusive preparatory schools, before learning fine arts and crafts.
Generally however, this is a bygone era both in DC generally, and on Embassy Row in particular. Now, many of the homes on Embassy row have been converted into the diplomatic missions of foreign nations. Many of those houses are just the right size for this purpose, while others have been built on vacant lots in the area. Due to the formerly residential nature of the neighborhood, there are no restaurants or stores. Then again, with all the dignitaries around there, it isn’t such a good idea to let those open anyhow. Never fear though: Dupont Circle, with all of its fast-paced action, is just steps away.

Embassy Row is the section of Massachusetts Avenue that extends from Dupont Circle northwest to Wisconsin Avenue and houses many foreign embassies and consulates. To really appreciate this neighborhood, you need to get out of your car and walk it. The tree lined streets are beautiful and the homes are fabulous, both inside and outside. One of the interesting things you will notice is how many embassies have converted existing homes into their embassies. Sure you will see huge modern structures, but most are just large single family homes that have been converted. Embassies are not the only thing in this neighborhood as the Washington Cathedral is near Wisconsin Avenue and there is a large mosque on Mass Avenue where it crosses over Rock Creek Parkway. Dining and shopping is found near Dupont Circle.

The biggest challenge to this neighborhood is the cost of homes here. If you can afford it you will be in elite company as many of the city's elite live here. In addition, parking is definitely a challenge here do to security and the large number of cars attached to each embassy. Also, this is a very safe neighborhood.

Embassy Row takes its name from the more than 50 international embassies that line its busy streets. They range in architecture from the elegant and traditional British Embassy to the modern looking Japanese Embassy. While there are only a few private residences left here now, that has not always been the case.
Massachusetts Avenue, the “Main Street” of this neighborhood, was once a popular throughfare for homes of the rich and famous. In fact, during the decades surrounding the turn of the previous century, it was known as “Millionaire’s Row.”
The Great Depression changed all that as the wealthy lost much of their income and moved out of the city to less expensive homes in the suburbs. It was at about this time, and in the years following World War II, that countries around the world sought to build embassies that were bigger and better than those of their neighbors. These building projects expanded even more when America became an international power after the war.
So, if you want to live in this exclusive neighborhood today, you might consider learning a foreign language.