Capitol View

Capitol View is a neighborhood of approximately 5,673 residents in the northeast section of the city. The neighborhood's borders are defined my East Capitol Street S.E., Benning Road N.E., Brooks Street N.E and 57th Street N.E.. In 2010 homes in this neighborhood sold for an average price of $147,159, with 32% of the homes being owner occupied. The neighborhood has a mixture of commercial building although it is primarily a residential homes. Typical homes are detached single family homes.

There are several schools in the neighborhood including Smothers Elementary School, Maya Angelou PCS : Evans Middle School and Maya Angelou : Evans High School. Residents enjoy the Benning Road Metro Station as well as numerous Metro Bus stops. As with many neighborhoods that are primarily residential in nature shopping and restaurants are in short supply. Recreational activities, including tennis, can be found at the Evans Recreation Center. Residents of Capitol View will find at least 12 places to worship. Although many of the homes have trees on their lots, there is a lack of dedicated green space in Capitol View.

Crime statistics indicate that the area is relatively safe, although there are crimes against property and people do occur. As always check recent crime statistics to make an informed decision as to the crime risk before making moving into any neighborhood.

Capitol View is a neighborhood near Benning and other deteriorated areas close to the Maryland border. However, it is itself a safe neighborhood, full of good, hardworking people. Whether or not they are educated, Capitol View residents do fairly well for themselves, earning a middle class living. Primarily African-American, there is a strong sense of community. Good neighbors make for safety and upward progress. Better still, this neighborhood doesn't have the struggle with drugs and crime suffered by many other affordable enclaves of the District. Highly educated professionals are a rarity here, primarily because Capitol View is far from professional jobs. But, the neighbors are polite and take care of the neighborhood. Blight isn’t a problem, and residents feel safe at night.

Just as its name suggests, you can see the Capitol from many sections of the neighborhood, and yet the residents are far from the halls of power. If you want to live here, I would definitely recommend having a car, as you may have to go into Maryland to obtain much that isn't a basic necessity. In any event, this is one neighborhood where you can get a lot of living space for a reasonable price.

Capitol View is one of those great neighborhoods that seems to have something for everyone. For one thing, it offers its residents a variety of housing options. So, if you’ve always dreamed of living in a historic row house in a historic city, this is your place. On the other hand, if a more modern single family bungalow is your idea of heaven, Capitol View can provide that, too.
One of the nicest things about this particular part of town is that is offers a quiet, suburban feel along with the convenience and vibe of living in the city. For instance, you may walk down a qiet street and see toys scatter on well-tended front lawns. However, if you listen carefully, you can hear music from other countries being played through open windows. Look up, and you might catch a glimpse of the Capitol Building, especially if you are out in the winder and the leaves are off the trees. Then put up your hands and see if you can feel the low hum of energy that runs through the air of the most powerful city in the world.