Mayfair

Mayfair is a neighborhood of approximately 3,267 residents located in the northeast section of the city. The neighborhood's borders are the Anacostia Freeway, Benning Road, N.E., Jay Street N.E. and Anacostia Park. The neighborhood also includes a large industrial complex along Benning Road N.E., which appears to be a power plant. Current sales data indicates that a townhouse can be purchased here for $275,000 and vacant lots range in price from $25,000-$38,000. There is public housing within the neighborhood and only 10% of the homes are owner occupied. Interestingly there are a large number of undeveloped and apparently vacant lots within the neighborhood. Hopefully these lots will be developed for owner occupied homes in the future, which will help stabilize the neighborhood.

The two schools located here are Thomas Elementary School and Cesar Chavez PCS-Parkside. There are very very few options for residents in the way of restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Two churches can be found within the neighborhood. Green space can be found in Parkside Playground and Anacostia Park. Residents will find the nearby Kenilworth Parkside Recreation Center useful, but will need to either drive or walk to the facility. The Minnesota Metro Station is nearby, although residents will need to cross the Anacostia Freeway to reach it. There are also a number of Metro Bus stops throughout the neighborhood.

Crime can be a problem, although the most recent data does not suggest that it is as bad as one might think. However, crimes against people and property do occur. Potential residents should review the available crime statistics and make an informed decision prior to moving into this neighborhood or any other neighborhood.

Like many places east of the Anacostia, Mayfair is low income and primarily Black. In fact, there is a huge public housing complex right in the middle of the neighborhood. With such establishments come drugs and crime, along with a very low level of education. And these residents are largely forgotten, as they don’t have any shopping or restaurants in the area. About the only good thing about this neighborhood is the fact it is close to two different Metro stations. Normally Metro stations attract revitalization and commercial areas, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here in Mayfair.
I’ve heard people say that Mayfair is sufficiently unsafe that there is no reason to go there unless it is where you live. From what I’m seeing, living there isn’t worth it either. If you have very little money, then go ahead and live there. However, I definitely would recommend a burglar alarm, dead bolt locks, chains, and a large dog. Just might save your life and/or property. You might be able to purchase free standing homes and renovate them, but to expect a huge profit is unrealistic. The park is pretty, but not always safe after dark, because it is a good place for druggies and prostitutes to hang out.

Mayfair is a low income neighborhood in the northeastern section of Washington, D.C. Although it is dominated by several public housing projects, and fights an ongoing battle against crime and despair, it still has rich history of successful people who got their start in its tattered halls.
For one thing, Mayfair is home to the Bethesda New Life Gospel Church. This lively and growing establishment is unique in that it is the first church in Washington to have been founded by an African American woman, Bishop Iola B. Cunningham.
Also, Mayfair was once the home of legendary blues singer Marvin Gaye. While the park that bears his name is in another part of town, it was in the Mayfair projects that he got his start in life.
In addition to a public elementary school, Mayfair is also fortunate to have several alternative learning facilities, including the Cesar Chaves Public Charter High School and the Carter Woodson Campus of the Friendship Collegiate Academy.
While these schools speak to Mayfair’s hopes for the future, it should be mentioned that the community still has a long way to go. So this particular neighborhood is probably more suited to singles and young couples with an adventurous streak than families with small children or teenagers.