Crestwood

This neighborhood is lovely and quiet, and seems to be built for families. And with the fairytale houses and green trees everywhere (thanks to Rock Creek Park), you'll think you stumbled onto the set of a sitcom from the 90's. Schools and grocery stores are extremely close, and the neighborhood is an easy walk to several metro stations, the shopping of Columbia Heights, and the noise and partying of U Street and Adams Morgan.

The area draws tourists particularly because of its proximity to the William Fitzgerald Tennis Center, which houses the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. Ultimately it is perfect for those looking to settle down with a family, but may be a bit too expensive for young upstarts looking to start their lives in the big city.

Crestwood is a neighborhood of approximately 1,383 residents located in Northwest. It is bordered on three sides by Rock Creek Park,which offers numerous outdoor activities, and 16th Street. Single family homes in this neighborhood are more affordable, with the median price in 2010 being $668,715. The median age of Crestwood residents in 2010 was 46.4 years old.

There are numerous schools in the immediate area including public, private and charter schools servicing students from grades K-12. Schools include Parkmont School, Bancroft Elementary and Washington Latin Middle Public Charter School. Older students will find the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and Howard University Law School near by.

In addition to Rock Creek Park, residents will find the Brightwood Recreation Area as well as Piney Branch Park and the Jules Jusserand Memorial within the neighborhood. The Rock Creek Tennis Center is nearby and outdoor music lovers will enjoy the Carter Barron Amphitheater. The closest Metro stations are Cleveland Park and Columbia Heights. Residents will find many places of worship within the neighborhood, particularly along 16th Street. Although crime has been limited to mostly car break is, more serious crimes occur only a few blocks from this neighborhood. Shopping is a challenge, but a few markets can be found nearby. Residents will need to travel outside of the immediate neighborhood to find restaurants, nightlife and other forms of entertainment.

Crestwood is the kind of place you would want to raise your children. Plenty of trees line the streets, and the children can be found playing after school. Of course, those after school hours are somewhat shortened for many children since they have to leave the neighborhood and go to private school. Otherwise they would be stuck with the poor DC system. Citizens of all races live and work together in peace, a relative rarity in well-heeled parts of DC because of the legacies of segregation and white-flight. Here you will also find current and former mayors along with other movers and shakers of Washington society. Naturally the city is careful to keep such dignitaries happy, so the pests are kept under control, the streets cleaned, and the sidewalks maintained. An added bonus is that, because the mayor lives here, there is a decent police presence providing security. That works well to keep the crime down. The citizens of Crestwood are always organizing fun activities, which serve the purpose of community bonding. Crime is comparable to that of the suburbs, making Crestwood safe for all residents. If only the real estate prices were comparable, instead of being so high..

There are several reasons why some locals call Crestwood the Gold Coast of DC. For one thing, this charming neighborhood is entirely residential and bordered on three sides by the beautiful Rock Creek Park. Also, what could be nicer than giving someone directions by saying, “we’re just a few blocks north of the White House?” Finally, there are multiple metro stops available in this small area, allowing you to get to just about anywhere in the area with only a short walk to the subway.
With all these conveniences, it is no surprise that Crestwood has attracted a number of upper income families to its tree lined streets. Most of the residents of its large, well kept single family homes are well-educated and well heeled. Most work full time and enjoy the having access to so many enrichment opportunities nearby.
Among these opportunities are plays and concerts at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre and recreational fun at a local tennis center. And for those who want something in the area improved, there are often local politicians nearby, since the neighborhood is a favorite among the District’s local political leaders.