Northeast Boundary

Northeast Boundary has an interesting name drawn from its geography: although it is east of the Anacostia, it is actually the boundary between Northeast and Southeast. The neighborhood is sadly typical of many east of the river, full of blight and crime. In fact, it is one of those places where there is a lot of gun violence. People tend not to leave their houses at night, for fear of their lives. There is also a lot of poverty with its requisite subsidized housing. Generally the locals have a sense of hopelessness, and this doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon.
Public transport is not as good here as in many other neighborhoods. It is a small backwater where nobody goes. There are almost no jobs in the neighborhood, and with the exception of a liquor store and a cheap restaurant, no services. Drug trafficking and prostitution have been intractable problems for years. Overall, the area has been resistant to redevelopment and attempts at improvement. Having most of the area dominated by the projects of course does not help. Nearly everyone has a high school education or less. Outsiders are generally unwelcome. It is safe to say outside capital is also unwelcome.

Northeast Boundary is a neighborhood located in the Northeast section of the city and has a population of approximately 2,125 residents. The neighborhood is adjacent to the Maryland state line (Eastern Avenue) and is bordered by Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, Division Avenue,Dix Street and Clay Place. The median price for homes in Northeast Boundary was $160,741 in 2010, however approximately 46% of the homes were rentals.

Schools in the neighborhood include Drew Elementary and Cornerstone Beulah Charter Schools. There are numerous other public and private schools nearby, including New Mt. Olive Community College for older students.. Recreational facilities include the Woodson Senior Recreation Center, Marvin Gaye Park and Watts Branch Playground. Capitol Heights Metro Station is close by and will provide access to other areas within the area. You will find 6 churches within the neighborhood.

Restaurants and shopping are a problem for Northeast Boundary. Currently, there are three restaurants located in the neighborhood and only four stores, one of which is a 7-11. Crime against people and property is a big concern for anyone looking to live in this neighborhood. Anyone looking to move into this neighborhood should investigate the current crime situation prior to making a decision. The key to the future of this neighborhood will be increase the number of owner occupied properties.

Northeast Boundary is a small, poor neighborhood in northeast Washington. Made up of primarily low income housing projects and apartment building, it has been plagued by crime and drug trafficking for years. Police continued to work hard to try to stop these illegal activities, but they are having limited success.

The main points of interested in the community are the public elementary and senior high schools. There is also a privately owned day care center and a several churches.

The neighborhoods recreational facilities included two poorly maintained public parks, and the privately owned Sign of the Times Cultural Workshop and Gallery. This small facility features works of art by local artists and offer classes in basic art skills such as drawing and painting.

Unfortunately, there are no large scale department stores or nice restaurants in the community. There is a liquor store, however, and a small Chinese restaurant that does most of its business through take-out orders.

Overall, I cannot recommend Northeast Boundary as a place to live. While the neighborhood could certainly use an influx of money and community interest, anyone moving here with such good intentions needs to be aware that they will have an uphill battle if they want to improve this area.