North Michigan Park

Tucked away in the northeast corner of the city, North Michigan Park is one of several hidden gems scattered throughout Washington, DC. If you look for it, you will discover a safe, quiet, unassuming neighborhood that is perfect for rearing up a new family or settling down after a career. Some Catholic University students may find the area convenient as well (affordable and a close drive to campus), although there does not appear to be a multitude of apartment buildings in the area. But if you've got a lot of friends who need housing, consider a group house, if you can find one. The area does not have many qualities that draw notice to itself, and its only con seems to be the standard for any neighborhood in the city: too much rush hour traffic. Think of it this way: if it's not getting a lot of attention, it's not getting any of the wrong kind of it either.

North Michigan park is a nice, quiet neighborhood near Catholic University and Fort Totten. The latter is a huge Metro center with three of the four lines going through it, so from here you can get just about anywhere in the city just by hopping a train. Not only is it convenient, it is also safe with little other than some petty theft taking place. Because of the university of course there’s some college-kid related noise, but nothing major: Catholic University students tend not to be as wild as your average state university kid. Besides, they are a great resource for shoveling snow and watching the kids on date night.
There aren’t a lot of restaurants or stores in North Michigan Park itself, but there are plenty in the Fort Totten area as a whole. So while you might not have a grocery store next door, there will be one where you can get to it fairly quickly. Most homes are single family dwellings, with the exception of course of college dorms. Walk the streets in the evening and you’ll see people walking their dogs, or going out for a family stroll (baby carriage in tow). Kids have plenty of space to play, and the recreation center is state of the art.

North Michigan Park is located in the northeast section of the city. This neighborhood is generally defined as the area bordered by South Dakota Avenue N.E., Taylor Street N.E., John McCormack Drive N.E. and Galloway Street N.E. Providence Hospital Center is located in the center of the neighborhood. North Michigan Park and the adjacent Michigan Park neighborhoods have a combined total of 7,124 residents, with 85% of the homes being owner occupied with a average price being $233,796.

North Michigan Park does not offer much in the way of restaurants or shopping, so residents will need to go to other areas of the city, including neighboring Michigan Park. There is a McDonald's along South Dakota Avenue N.E. if you like fast food. Recreational areas are limited as are parks although you can visit a small park where the St. Vincent De Paul Statue is located. There are a number of schools in North Michigan Park including Potomac Lighthouse Public Charter School and the Washington Jesuit Academy. Marist College and Catholic Sisters College are also located here. Fort Totten Metro is nearby as are numerous bus stops.

It appears as if a majority of the crimes committed here are limited to thefts from vehicles, but you should check recent crime statistics to get comfortable with the area before moving here. Traffic can get bad at times here.

North Michigan Park was originally separated from her neighbor, Michigan Park, along racial lines. While both neighborhoods are located in northeast DC, North Michigan Park was the “black” neighborhood during the days of strict segregation. Fortunately those days are behind us. Today North Michigan Park is a vibrant, middle class and diverse neighborhood with citizens of many different nationalities and races.
One of the most distinct features of this neighborhood is its high student population. In fact, more than half the residents are in their late teens. This is because North Michigan Park is home to not one, but two universities: Catholic University on its northern border and DeSalle College to the east.
Not surprisingly, most of the housing in the area is designed with its student population in mind. For instance, there are many more apartment units than there are single family homes. Also, almost half the residents live in student dorms on campus.
The local stores and restaurants also cater to the students. There are more fast food places in the area than table service restaurants. The local stores also tend to carry items that students need, such as books and toiletries, rather than high end furnishings or clothes.