Fort Dupont

Fort Dupont is a neighborhood of approximately 6,370 residents located in the southeast part of the city. Many consider this neighborhood to include Fort Dupont itself as well as the residential neighborhood to the south of the city as well. In 2010 homes in this neighborhood, as well as the residential area to the south of the park, had a average price of $191,838, with 38% being owner occupied. This neighborhood to the north of the park seems to have a high percentage of multifamily style homes, although you will find numerous row style homes as well as a few single family homes.

Schools in the neighborhood include Sousa Middle School, the Seed School of Washington D.C. and Plummer Elementary School PCS. Recreational facilities can be found at the Benning Stoddert Recreation Center. Public transportation is limited to several Metro Bus stops. Restaurants and shopping are not available here and residents will need to venture out to other neighborhoods. Green space can be found within the neighborhood as well in the adjacent Fort Dupont, but one should be cautious as most of the area is wooded.

Crime is a problem according to recent crime statistics with crimes against people and property commonplace. As usual one should look at the most recent crime statistics to make an informed decision concerning the risks prior to making a decision on where to live. This neighborhood has a lot of challenges to overcome.

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.