Fort Lincoln

Fort Lincoln is a neighborhood of approximately 2,553 residents located in the northeast section of the city along the Maryland state line. The neighborhood’s boundaries are generally defined as being within the footprint of New York Avenue N.E., South Dakota Avenue N.E., Bladensburg Road and Fort Lincoln Drive N.E.. In 2010, the average price of a home sold here was $160,000 with 32% of the homes being owner occupied. Homes here tend to be multifamily apartments and condominiums. The neighborhood includes a senior community as well as a limited number of single-family homes. As with many neighborhoods there is a commercial component to the neighborhood as well. Lincoln Park offers very affordable homes!

The neighborhood does not have any schools within the boundaries but Marshall Elementary School is very close by. Recreational facilities are located at the Theodore R. Hagans Center. A limited number of restaurants and shopping opportunities 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. Many that commute into the Maryland suburbs will like the proximity to Route 50 and I-95 appealing. One of the most striking features of the neighborhood is how wooded it is here. There is also dedicated green space with part of Anacostia Park being located here.

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.

The neighborhood has much to offer with lots of green space, affordable homes all in a relatively safe environment. The next time you visit the National Arboretum, you should take a look. Fort Lincoln is on the other side of New York Avenue N.E.

Fort Lincoln is an interesting mixture of people and occupations. Many residents are current and former government employees and other professionals. The percentage of married couples with children is much higher here than in other parts of the city. Few people are poor, even though there is a fairly significant variation of income. Residents enjoy walking in the parks, and playing with their children after they return from school. Interestingly, there is a patchwork of services, with the public services being terrible while private amenities are well cared for. In the past, residents were discouraged because the neighborhood was declining, no longer as safe as it had once been.
Concerns about crime however have been more reflective of what was once an old trend, with more property crimes than in the past. Lately, this has been less of a concern because a couple years ago the chief of District police moved into one of the nice homes. While the past had seen residents ignored by politicians, having the police chief live among you is a powerful force for improvement. In addition, a nice new shopping center opened recently. With this shopping center, residents no longer have to face a lengthy drive for every need. Housing is still reasonable, but one wonders how much longer that will last.

Fort Lincoln is unique in the District of Columbia in that it is Washington’s only planned community. Unlike much of the surrounding area, residents enjoy light, airy lots that attract birds and young families to the neighborhood.

These young families are the backbone of the community. They are involved in the local schools and coach Little League. In the summer, they take their kids to the community pool or barbeque with other neighbors in the common space surrounding one of the areas many condominiums or garden apartment complexes.

But Fort Lincoln is for more than just families. It is designed to be a place where people can remain the rest of their lives. That’s why a centerpiece of the area are four high rise apartment complexes designed especially for senior adults.

The only problem with this neighborhood stems from who’s in charge of basic maintenance. Not surprisingly, privately own complexes tend to well-kept and maintained, while the civic centers and parks, managed by the DC government, are often neglected.

Still, with condos available for the mid $100K and apartments that rent for around $1,000 a month, you can’t beat this area for price and value.