Eastland Gardens

Lines of box-shaped houses are scattered throughout Eastland Gardens. The area is ideal for families on a budget, as it feels like a small town that has snuck into the northern corner of the city. Like its neighbor Deanwood, grass and trees abound, as does a great feeling of community brought on by organizations like the Eastland Gardens Civic Association and the Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center (pictured). But this small town also has some urban traits, such as the sound of a rattling train; the CSX transportation lines could prove to be a distraction to those looking for quiet domestic bliss. But unless you are living directly next to them, you should be able to manage well enough.

Eastland Gardens is a neighborhood of approximately 793 residents located in the northeast section of the city. The neighborhood’s boundaries are generally defined as being within the footprint of the Anacostia Freeway, Douglas Street N.E, Anacostia Park and Deane Avenue N.E. In 2010, the average price of a home sold here was $299,666 with 38% of the homes being owner occupied. Homes here tend to be detached single-family homes., which are well maintained. As with many neighborhoods there is a commercial component to the neighborhood as well.

Kenilworth Elementary School is the one school located here. Recreational facilities are excellent with the Kenilworth – Parkside Recreation Center being located here offering a wide variety of activities. Adjacent to the Center, residents will enjoy Anacostia Park, which offers excellent dedicated green space. A limited number of dining and shopping options 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, as well as the Deanwood Metro station. Residents find several options for places to worship.

Lack of crime is where the neighborhood will appeal to many. Recent crime statistics indicate that crimes against people and property are infrequent and that the neighborhood is relatively safe. As always check the most recent crime statistics and make an informed decision as to the crime risk in any neighborhood.

Eastland Gardens is a rare jewel in the area around the Arboretum. It is one of DC’s newer neighborhoods, and it is quite small. Unlike many neighborhoods in that part of the city, it is quite safe and has middle class residents. The housing stock is mainly single family homes, and these are fairly large with well-manicured lawns. In fact, consistent with the surroundings of a large national garden, Eastland Gardens has a strong neighborhood association that promotes gardening. They also have a lot of community gatherings in the summer, and engage in community activism.
Whenever there are crime sprees, or if the residents need something, they lobby City Hall for whatever they need. And unlike complaints from some less-active communities, the gripes of Eastland Gardens residents are heard loud and clear. In fact, the mayor has been known to go over there and address concerns himself. During the last Presidential election, there was a major community event to turn out the vote.
Even though housing is well kept and beautiful, it is reasonably priced. Many other neighborhoods in that part of the city have comparable housing values, but the homes aren’t as well kept. For this reason, housing in Eastland Gardens is readily available—assuming you can get it. In this neighborhood, people tend to stay for generations.

Eastland Gardens is a small neighborhood in northeast Washington. It was established in 1935 and soon became a popular neighborhood for middle class African Americans. It is dominated by the Kenilworth Recreation Center, a large sports and education facility that includes tennis and basketball courts, class and craft rooms and an outdoor fitness area.
One of the distinctive features about this neighborhood is it beautiful gardens and landscaping. These are influenced by the hard work of the Eastland Gardens Flower Club which meets regularly to promote natural beauty and to encourage others to make the most of their home’s curb appeal.
Unfortunately, the neighborhood has suffered from problems similar to those plaguing similar inner city areas. However, the residents of Eastgate Gardens are not giving up without a fight.
The Eastgate Gardens Civic Association continues to push for positive changes and to help increase property values. Their efforts appear to be bearing fruit, as they have been able to secure funding for extensive renovations to the Recreation Center, and for other community improvements.