Fort Davis Park

Fort Davis Park is a neighborhood located along the Maryland state line in the southeast section of the city and is home to approximately 3,133 residents. The neighborhoods borders are defined by Southern Avenue S.E, Massachusetts Avenue S.E, Alabama Avenue S.E. and Pennsylvania Avenue S.E. Here you will find primarily a residential neighborhood of detached single family homes that are affordable. In 2010 the average price for a home sold in Fort Davis Park was $135,162, with over 70% of the homes being owner occupied.

The neighborhood is primarily a residential neighborhood so the services found in other mixed use neighborhoods are not available here. Shopping and restaurants are limited here, so many residents will want to venture into other nearby neighborhoods for shopping and dining opportunities. Residents however will enjoy the Fort Davis Recreational Center here as well as several places of worship. Dedicated green space is found at the nearby Fort Davis Park. Metro Bus stops can be found along the major roads defining the neighborhood. The only school located in Fort Davis Park is the Dupont Park Adventist School.

Recent crime statisti indicate that there are crimes against property and people, however there are other areas that are worse. As always check the most recent crime statistics to make an informed decision as to the crime risk of any neighborhood. Although amenities may be limited, this neighborhood has lots to offer including affordable homes.

Fort Davis Park is close to Barry Farm and some other less-than-ideal neighborhoods, but feels a world away. Rather than the quiet desperation seen in many other neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River, or the poverty seen throughout much of wards 7 and 8, Fort Davis Park plays host to upwardly mobile residents. A throwback to the days of segregation, most residents are black. However, most are professionals of some sort, or occupy management positions. The issues with drugs and violence which plague all too many in DC don’t exist in Fort Davis Park. Rather, it is a safe place to raise children. With a mixture of housing options, all of them affordable, there are plenty of families. In addition, parents ensure their kids get a proper education.
For those who enjoy their recreation, there are many options: a huge park and the standard DC recreation center. While the former sees plenty of residents walking their dogs during twilight hours, the other is a great place for people to hang out and play basketball after school. Of course, there are other programs as well for those who do not want to play basketball. Lastly, there is a significant sense of community, essential to beating the sad statistics in many other neighborhoods in the areas east of the Anacostia river.

Fort Davis Park is the name given to a small DC neighborhood built around the park itself. This area caters primarily to upper middle class African American families. DC mayor Marian Barry once lived here, during the early years of his political life.
The primary attraction to the neighborhood is the park itself. Named after a fort built during the Civil War to protect Washington in case of confederate attack, it contains very few remains of its original purpose. Instead, it is primarily a green space, and is popular among local walkers and joggers.
The other major attraction is the Fort Davis Park Recreational Center. It is a popular facility in the community and features a large basketball court, meeting rooms and a well outfitted exercise center.
There are not very many businesses in this primarily residential area. However, one grab a quick bite at the Johnny Boy Carryout, once one of Mayor Barry’s favorite hang outs.
There are no public or privete schools in this neighborhood. Instead, most children are either bused to other schools or attend the nearby Dupont Park Seventh Day Adventists School.