Shepherd Park

Because of its founder's passion for flowers and plants, every street here is named after a flower. It's fitting: this area is gorgeous, and it also has one of the stronger senses of community spirit in the city. A tightly knit group of wealthy families with shrewd eyes for any goings-on that look out of the ordinary in any way, which is furthered in local associations for activism. Suffice it to say, if you live here, you are going to feel safe.

Like anywhere else though, Shepherd Park is not without its cons. A large one being its distance from anywhere within the rest of the city. If you work in Silver Spring, you're in luck, as it is probably minutes away from your house. But if you work on Capitol Hill, for example, you're going to have a less convenient daily commute.

All in all, if you can afford this neighborhood, you will not regret living here. Beautiful housing, greenery, and assurance that your neighbors are looking out for you. What else do you need?

Shepherd Park is a neighborhood of approximately 2,412 residents located in the northwest section of the city, just north of Walter Reed Army Medical Center The neighborhood’s boundaries are generally defined as being within the footprint of Eastern Avenue, Georgia Avenue N.W., Aspen Avenue N.W. and 16th Street N.W. In 2010, the average price of a home sold here was $558,816 with 84% of the homes being owner occupied. Homes here tend to be well-maintained detached single-family homes. As with many neighborhoods there is a commercial component to the neighborhood as well.

Shepherd Elementary School and San Miguel Middle School are located in Shepherd Park. Restaurants and shopping are located within the neighborhood, particularly along Georgia Avenue. 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, as well as the nearby Silver Spring Metro station. Dedicated green space is available in Shepherd Playground. In addition, residents can gain access to Rock Creek Park thru North Portal Park and Beach Parkway Park. Residents do not have their own dedicated recreational center in Shepherd Park and will need to utilize the nearby Fort Stevens Recreation Center. Currently there are 9 places to worship in the neighborhood.

Recent crime statistics indicate that crimes against people and property do occur here with a majority of the crime being property focused. As always check the most recent crime statistics and make an informed decision as to the crime risk in any neighborhood. I am really positive about this neighborhood, which will be even greater when the re-development of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center occurs.

Shepherd Park is a nice neighborhood where diversity is the name of the game. It is home to blacks, whites, Jews, Christians, immigrants and native-born citizens. Located up against the Maryland line near Silver Spring, it is a residential community with reasonably priced homes. Probably the biggest asset of Shepherd Park is a very strong civic association, which advocates with the local ANC (city government agency) for what the citizens need. This is the sort of place where people sit on their porches in the evening, where kids play in the yard, and backyard barbecues with a bunch of friends over are the norm during the summer time.
After work, you will see a bunch of people out jogging, or walking their dogs, or walking with a baby stroller. Everyone enjoys the community, and they all strive to keep it safe. Your typical weekend will see the moms running errands, and taking their kids from one Saturday activity to another. Many people work at the nearby Walter Reed Medical center. It will be interesting to see what happens when the center closes next year. My assumption is that, given the strong sense of community, the neighborhood will band together and life will go on.

Shepherd Park grew up in DC during the years following World War II. Located in northwest Washington, it was originally settled by Jewish and African American families. You can see Jewish influences in the neighborhood’s landscape, including the National Synagogue and the Congregation Tifereth Israel.
While many of the Jewish families later move to other parts of town, quite a few African American families still live along its quiet streets.
The community’s main civic organization is the Shepherd Park Citizens Association and Neighbors, Inc. Originally founded in the late 60s and early 70s, they have long been committed to preserving the safety and security of this upper middle class community. They have also fought hard to lead the area in accepting people from other races and cultures into the neighborhood.
Today, Shepherd Park is the home of some of Washington’s most illustrious African American citizens, including NAACP President Benjamin Jealous and his wife, Lia Epperson. There are also a number of successful professionals, including professors, doctors and judges.
There are also a number of prestigious public organizations in the area, including The Washington Ethical Society.