3.0 out of 10

Randle Highlands

38.8687813244886 -76.9668068643966
Great for
  • Cost of Living
  • Internet Access
  • Parking
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Neighborly Spirit
Not great for
  • Childcare
  • Eating Out
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Nightlife
  • Clean & Green
Who lives here?
  • Singles
  • Professionals
  • Students
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees

Reviews

2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Not much in the way of anything"

This place is so far out of the way that not even many DC natives are all that familiar with it. Retailers seem to have picked up on this and located their shops elsewhere, but that being said, the area is not by any means the worst in the district. It just isn't the best, either, and won't have any hope of being so until at least one good restaurant, shop, or attraction roots itself here.

Those with families on a budget may be drawn to its affordable housing (complete with backyards, a rarity in the city!), but may be turned off by its less-than-impressive school systems. For singles, a car is basically mandatory here. And you're also going to have to swallow your pride and learn to be okay with the fact that no one is going to know where you live, or how to get there. But on the bright side, you're closer to St Elizabeth's Hospital, which can't be said for many other DC neighborhoods.
Pros
  • reasonably priced housing
Cons
  • Really, really far away. From everything.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 1/5
2yrs+

"Hard to get excited about this neighborhood"

Randle Highlands is a neighborhood of approximately 5,618 residents located in the southeast section of the city. The neighborhood’s boundaries are generally defined as being within the footprint of Pennsylvania Avenue S.E., Minnesota Avenue S.E., Naylor Road S.E., Park Drive S.E and Branch Avenue S.E. In 2010, the average price of a home sold here was $257,302 with 26% of the homes being owner occupied. Homes here tend to be various types of attached and detached single-family homes in various conditions. There are a number of multifamily apartment buildings here as well as a several commercial buildings.

The neighborhood is home to the Naylor Road School as well as Randle Highlands Elementary School. Public recreational facilities are not located within Randle Highlands. A very limited number of restaurants and stores 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 at the nearby Angler Park.

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. This neighborhood is going to struggle until a long-term solution to the crime problem can be implemented.
Cons
  • Crime
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 1/5
2yrs+

"A place to start out"

Randle Highlands is one of those neighborhoods that form a reasonably well-off pocket in the middle of hopelessness. Located in Southeast, it is surrounded by some of the poorest neighborhoods in Washington. Unlike its neighbors however, Randle Highlands is a reasonably safe area, with little more than property crime to worry about—so long as you stay in the neighborhood. Leave the neighborhood, and there’s all kinds of trouble for you to run into. The neighbors however are young and middle-class, making Randle Highlands a place where people start out their adult lives. Unfortunately, they don’t tend to stay very long.
It is interesting that with such a transient population, the neighborhood hasn’t deteriorated. However, this could be because there isn’t any so-called affordable housing there, which keeps the rental prices a bit higher. Another disadvantage to the neighborhood is that, because residents tend not to stay long, the sense of community is fairly weak. There aren’t many public transit routes through here, and very little business (typical of Southeast, unfortunately). For this reason, it is necessary for most residents who can afford it to have a car, and this is the most common way that they get to work. If you can’t do better, consider Randle Highlands. You can certainly do worse.
Pros
  • reasonably priced housing
Cons
  • mixed quality
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Students
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 1/5
2yrs+

"Uneven Quality"

Randle Highlands is a lower middle income neighborhood located in southeast DC. While it is in one of the poorer parts of town, Randle Highlands has some better quality housing than its poorer neighbors. With a median household income in the low $40,000s, most about two thirds of the residents rent their homes or apartments. However, those who chose to buy their own homes tend to pay around $250K for medium sized single family or town homes on the small lots.
Many people live in Randle Highlands while saving money to move somewhere better. Because of this, only about 25% of the homes are occupied by families with children, and there is a significant annual turnover in the community’s population.
Most of the homes themselves are older, and were built in DC during the post-World War II housing boom. While some have been well maintained and updated, others are seriously showing their age.
The centerpiece of Randle Heights is the Anacostia Pool and Recreation Center. Built in Riverside Park during the late 1950s, this towering, while stucco and glass facility features an indoor pool, workout rooms and meeting spaces for community organizations. It is popular with residents year around, who enjoy stopping by for a workout or swim.
Pros
  • reasonably priced housing
Cons
  • mixed quality
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Students

Best Neighborhoods to Live In

Best Cities to Live In

Tell everyone what you love about your neighborhood!

Leave a Review

Have a question?

How are schools? Is the area safe? What about public transit options?" Why not ask our community of locals!

Ask Now

Selling or Renting Your Home?

Maximize the selling price of your home by sharing what you love about your suburb to increase its appeal...

Leave a Review

Corporate Relocation Manager?

Enable your employees to share local knowledge in a private, trusted environment with those relocating... while building community.

Learn More