Hawthorne

This little neighborhood is a breath of fresh air, if you can find it. Perfect for families looking to feel like they live in a sitcom, and the real estate prices seem targeted for exactly that demographic. Nothing wrong with paying a pretty penny to feel safe, there are worse things to invest one's money on. But if you happen to be a typical single working a typical 9 to 5 job, and looking for a place that's affordable but close to the action/ where your job probably is, Hawthorne may not be the place for you now, but just wait a few years when you marry that rich politician. Or win the lottery. Or become a rich politician yourself.

Hawthorne is a little known neighborhood in the northwest section of the city that is home to approximately 1,016 residents. Located along the Maryland state line, the boundaries of the neighborhood are formed by Western Avenue N.W., Oregon Avenue N.W. and Beech Street N.W. The homes here are detached single family homes on wooded lots. In 2010 the average price of a home that sold here was $765,000, with 91% of the homes being owner occupied.

This neighborhood is strictly a residential neighborhood so do not expect to find schools, shopping, restaurants, places of worship or entertainment here. What you will find is a very nice neighborhood and a great place to live. Hawthorne is serviced by numerous Metro Bus stops and has great green space with Pinehurst Parkway Park and Rock Creek Park. Shopping, dining and entertainment can be found in adjacent Chevy Chase, which is a short drive away.

As far as crime is concerned, it does not get any better than Hawthorne. Recent crime reports show no recent criminal activity. as always check the mot recent crime statistics to make an informed decision as to the crime risk in any neighborhood. Anyway, I am a big fan.

Hawthorne is one of the neighborhoods up against Chevy Chase and the Maryland border. Its residents are wealthy, well educated professionals, and many have kids. You can see the children out after school, having fun before they have to go and do their homework. The mothers jaunt around town in luxury automobiles, toting their designer handbags. Unlike neighboring Chevy Chase, Hawthorne is quiet. There are of course some basic necessities available in the neighborhood, but going into Chevy Chase is necessary for more extensive shopping. Not that anyone minds: Chevy Chase is a place to see and be seen, especially if you have plenty of toys to show off.
Unlike Chevy Chase, Hawthorne has lots of space for walking out in nature: it abuts Rock Creek Park, where plenty of residents can be found walking their dogs. Unlike Georgetown, there is no university nearby to increase traffic, or to cause tensions over the growth of a large local industry. But don’t be fooled: residents of Hawthorne have a lot of power, and a lot of influence. Lobbyists, politicians and the managers of important private firms all share this space. And criminals? They don’t have a chance here, because everyone knows everyone else. Almost like a small town.

Hawthorne, named after the famous American author, is a jewel in Washington’s often tarnished crown. Located on the far northwest corner of the District of Columbia, if shares a border with Montgomery County Maryland and another with historic Rock Creek Park. Not many people realize that Montgomery County is one of the wealthiest areas in America. Fortunatley, some of their largesse tends to rub off on Hawthorne.
What makes this particular neighborhood unique is the large number of single family homes available with large, spacious yards. Most of these dwellings were in the 1950s and give you the impression that Wally and Beaver might run out of one at any minute, on their way to the malt shop or a game.
While there is no longer a malt shop, there are a number of fast food places nearby, along with a few markets one would expect to find in the suburbs. In fact, that is what this neighborhood is most like: a suburban oasis in a sea of Washington stress and power. It is no wonder that Hawthorne remains a favorite among families looking for nice, affordable housing in the nation’s capital.