Spring Valley

Spring Valley is a neighborhood of approximately 6,492 residents located in the northwest section of the city and home to the main American University campus. The neighborhood’s boundaries are generally defined as being within the footprint of Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Nebraska Avenue N.W. and Dalecarlia Parkway N.W. In 2010, the average price of a home sold here was $1,243,705 with 84% of the homes being owner occupied. Homes here tend to be larger, well maintained detached single family homes situated on large lots, which is not typical for many neighborhoods in the district. As with many neighborhoods there is a commercial component to the neighborhood as well.

There are no schools located in Spring Valley with the exception of American University. Dedicated public recreational facilities are not located within the neighborhood, so residents will need to utilize the Friendship Recreation Center, which is located along Massachusetts Avenue N.W. Numerous restaurants and shopping opportunities are located within the neighborhood, primarily along Massachusetts Avenue N.W. However, many may want to travel to other neighborhoods for more options for these activities. Public transportation is available with numerous Metro Bus stops being located in the neighborhood. Dedicated green space is available at Spring Valley Park and Little Falls Park, which holds the Dalecarlia Reservoir. Sibley Memorial Hospital is located just outside of the neighborhood.

Recent crime statistics indicate that the neighborhood is relatively safe with crimes against people and property being infrequent. As always check the most recent crime statistics and make an informed decision as to the crime risk in any neighborhood. Personally, I like the neighborhood, but many may be concerned about the long-term health concerns, as a result of the environmental issues related to the neighborhood’s former use as a military facility many years ago.

Spring Valley in Northwest is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the District. It's tree-lined streets house many of Washington's elite, including reporter Ann Compton, Attorney General Eric Holder, and Ed and Debra Cohen (principle owners of the Washington Nationals. The neighborhood also houses the main campus of American University, the Wesley Theological Seminary, and Washington College of Law. Several ambassadors also call the area home, including those from South Korea, Canada, Yemen, Croatia, Mexico, Bahrain, Qatar, Uganda, and Luxemburg. Unfortunately, in recent years Spring Valley has attracted attention more for what's underground than who lives there now. During World War I, the United States Army used the then undeveloped area for the testing of Chemical Weapons. All laboratory buildings and storage facilities were torn down decades ago. During excavations for new construction, however, unexploded chemical ordinance were uncovered; further laboratory tests revealed that the soil in part of Spring Valley contained high levels of arsenic. As a result, the Army Corps of Engineers has done extensive soil testing, research to try and pinpoint the sites of old storage facilities, and engaged in clean-up of contaminated areas. While the area is considered safe, parents of small children might want to consider other neighborhoods.