Central NE

Central N.E. is a neighborhood of approximately 1,182 residents located in the northeast section of the city. The neighborhood’s boundaries are generally defined as being within the footprint of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue N.E., the Anacostia Freeway, Benning Road N.E. and 47th Street N.E. In 2010, the average price of a home sold here was $147,642 with 36% of the homes being owner occupied. Homes here tend to be the typical “attached “row house” homes found in many neighborhoods within the District, as well as numerous detached single family homes. As with many neighborhoods, there is a commercial component to the neighborhood as well.

The neighborhood is home to Smothers Elementary School and Collegiate Academy. Dedicated recreational facilities are not located in the neighborhood, however green space is available for residents at the Fort Mahan Park. There are a limited number of restaurants and shopping 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 as well as the Minnesota Avenue Metro station. Residents will find 7 places of worship in the neighborhood.

Crime is where the neighborhood may lose its appeal to many. 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. It is hard for me to get excited about this neighborhood.

Like Carver, Central NE is a safer neighborhood surrounded by criminal activity. But where Carver shows no signs of improving beyond being safe but static, Central has a loud community voice shouting for change. It is this community spirit that could push the area to becoming the best in its area, but the obstacles it still needs to overcome are mountain-sized, one being its closeness to the Benning area.

While much work still needs to be done, the strides the neighborhood has taken are nonetheless impressive. Friendship Collegiate Academy is one of several schools the area offers, and Fort Mahan Park is a solid effort at keeping the community green and family friendly. But this area is not by any means ideal, or entirely safe.

Like most of this part of the city, Central NE is very low income and riddled with crime. Unlike its less fortunate peers however, the area has a strong sense of community. Almost like another March on Washington, the residents have had enough. Enough of the violence, poverty and urban blight. Enough of the poor schools and uncaring administration. Enough, that they'll do something about it. So, they'll support their local charter school and participate in many community activities. with high school diplomas in hand, the next generation will grow up and be able to get better jobs, escaping the cycle of drugs and violence.

For now, the neighborhood has many of the standard neighborhood amenities: inexpensive restaurants and corner stores, where residents can pick up the basics of life on the way home from work. Weekends, residents can either relax locally, or leave the neighborhood for more interesting parts of the city. There are no large industries or offices, so Central NE is fairly quiet. Residents may play their radios at night, but rush hour is fairly subdued. Because of the demographics housing is cheap, but with the neighborhood improving, it is a decent choice if you are starting out and don't have much money.

Central NE is a neighborhood characterized by citizens committed to bettering themselves and the lives of their children. It is the perfect place for families who need low cost housing in the District because of poor jobs or other financial setbacks. Though the community is surrounded by some of the worse inner city neighborhoods, the parents of the local children really care about the future and have banded together to offer their kids an effective alternative to DC's failing school system, the Friendship Collegiate Academy. Fighting for this local charter high school has inspired a sense of community and commitment among neighbors that will hopefully spill over into other areas of their neighborhood.
On the other hand, it is only fair to note that the school’s influence, while positive, has not been able to fully eradicate the neighborhood’s problems with drugs and violence. So, if you can afford to live somewhere else, you will probably want to. However, if you share this community’s burning desire for a better future, Central NE could be just the place for you.