North Portal Estates

This part of town is so far north it might as well be Maryland. You can probably look from your backyard into the next state over (and it's not Russia). Since it has gone so far overlooked, the housing is affordable but also high-quality (lovely without any pretension), and residents can take advantage of the perks of Silver Spring (AFI cinema and a ton of fun bars and restaurants, including one themed for Pirates... yarr), while still maintaining a DC residence. However, those without a car may be up the creek without a paddle- the closest metro in the area is in Maryland. The area is probably not a reasonably priced neighborhood for students or struggling twenty-somethings, but this neighborhood is great for families, or for someone looking for a quiet place to enjoy their life.

One might call North Portal Estates a suburb just by driving through. Surprisingly though, it is just inside the DC city limits. It has all the typical characteristics of a suburb: larger houses with decent sized lawns, families with kids, and wide avenues for the cars. Residents are well-heeled and, it seems, politically connected. One time recently they got a city policy waived for their neighborhood because they didn’t like it. There is almost no crime here, partially a result of their semi suburban location and partially because of their political connectedness. Either way, it is quite remarkable.
Not that the place is perfect: residents have to leave the area to get just about anything. There is almost no commercial real estate here, and using the Metro requires that one cross the border into Maryland. Not too many busses come around either. Many residents like it this way, but I am sure others wish they didn’t have to jump into the car for everything.
Another interesting twist: there aren’t that many children. Instead, North Portal Estates is an enclave mostly of empty nesters and retirees. Maybe that is why they are so politically active. Whatever the reason, this is a quiet backwater of a very big city.

North Portal Estates is located in the northwest section of the city along the border with Maryland and Silver Spring. The 596 residents enjoy a neighborhood flanked by Beach Parkway Park and North Portal Park, both of which are linker to Rock Creek Park. Data from 2010 indicate that the average price for a home in North Portal was $619,966. Most homes are well maintained and seem to date back to the 1950's. Currently there are only two homes listed for sale in the neighborhood. One of the striking things about North Portal is that almost seems out of place in the city and is what you would expect to see in an older neighborhood inside of the beltway in Northern Virginia.

North Portal does not have any schools within the defined lines of the neighborhood, but several private and public schools can be found nearby including the Lowell School and Rock Creek Forest Elementary. Shopping and dining out does not exist in this neighborhood either, so your best bet would be Silver Spring. Public transportation is nearby in Silver Spring with the Silver Spring Metro Station and the Silver Spring MARC stations being nearby. In addition, the neighborhood has easy access to Beach Drive as well.

Crime appears not to be a big issue with the most recent data suggesting only a few automobile break ins. As always, do your due diligence on the most current crime statists and make an informed decision where you live. People moving from the suburbs to North Portal Estates will feel right at home.

North Portal Estates is one of Washington’s more affluent neighborhoods. Located in the northernmost corner of the district, it shares a border with Maryland’s popular Rock Creek Park. This is a small, quiet neighborhood off DC beaten path. Thus, it attracts residents looking for some suburban peace amid the city’s bustle and noise.

Among those who have been attracted to North Portal Estates green spaces and wide streets are a number of high ranking DC city officials. Their presence has served to protect the community from negative political pressures and to preserve the higher than average property values.

Though the area has seen something of a population decline over the past decade, in continues to be popular with families with children. While some residents prefer to send their kids to local private academies rather than public schools, there is still a strong sense of community interest.

Though predominantly African American in ethnicity, North Portal Estates saw a marked increase in the number of residents of Hispanic descent during the last decade.

Most residents own their homes, and have for more than five years. This gives the community a sense of permanence and stability that one does not often see in this part of the country.