Southwest / Waterfront
Ranked 42nd best neighborhood in Washington
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Great for
- Parks & Recreation
- Public Transport
- Eating Out
- Internet Access
- Neighborly Spirit
Not great for
- Childcare
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
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Reviews
Southwest / Waterfront
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
"About Southwest"
Southwest is a fabulous area that is continuing to change and be developed. The area has 4 metro stop areas (L'enfant Plaza, Federal Center SW, Waterfront/SEU and Navy Yard.) Southwest is also walking distance to the National's baseball Stadium, Capitol Hill, Arena Stage, Fishermans Warf (famous fish market), waterfront park, and several restaurants. The National Mall, Smithsonian museums and downtown DC are close by. People I have sold properties to in Southwest DC enjoy living there.
Harbour Square, 430 N St, SW is one of several co-ops located in the SW Waterfront. This historic co-op is a made up of townhouses and high rise buildings. Harbour Square has many amenities including indoor pool, fitness center, lovely grounds and views. There parking and a 24 hour guard. The Walk Score is 71 –very walkable. The grocery store, metro, buses, Arena Stage and the Waterfront are close by. A bike share is located at 4th & M St, SW.
Another historic co-op located at 429 N St, SW is Tiber Island. This co-op has also been given a historic designation. Tiber Island has all the conveniences of Harbour Square; outdoor swimming pool; fitness center, lovely views, 24 hour desk, parking as well as the same pedestrian conveniences.
Harbour Square, 430 N St, SW is one of several co-ops located in the SW Waterfront. This historic co-op is a made up of townhouses and high rise buildings. Harbour Square has many amenities including indoor pool, fitness center, lovely grounds and views. There parking and a 24 hour guard. The Walk Score is 71 –very walkable. The grocery store, metro, buses, Arena Stage and the Waterfront are close by. A bike share is located at 4th & M St, SW.
Another historic co-op located at 429 N St, SW is Tiber Island. This co-op has also been given a historic designation. Tiber Island has all the conveniences of Harbour Square; outdoor swimming pool; fitness center, lovely views, 24 hour desk, parking as well as the same pedestrian conveniences.
Pros
- improved housing
- strong community bonds
- Metro
- Arena Stage
- Near everything
Cons
- not many stores in the area
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Retirees
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
Southwest / Waterfront
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
"Surprisingly Affordable and Fun"
Waterfront is an understated neighborhood that has more to it than first meets the eye. With NASA and several high profile employers nearby, residents can work and live in the same area if they so choose, and one that is relatively central to the rest of town. One of my dear friends used to live out there, and the rent was cheap, the National Mall was steps away, and when they opened a new Safeway, he nearly died of happiness.
There are several restaurants that are far enough from the middle of town not to attract too many tourists, and the neighborhood also has its own series of local events, like fireworks on the 4th of July. Now that Arena Stage has been relocated to within minutes of the Waterfront Metro, art and culture is gaining a much steadier presence. This neighborhood is going nowhere but up, and shows no signs of slowing down.
There are several restaurants that are far enough from the middle of town not to attract too many tourists, and the neighborhood also has its own series of local events, like fireworks on the 4th of July. Now that Arena Stage has been relocated to within minutes of the Waterfront Metro, art and culture is gaining a much steadier presence. This neighborhood is going nowhere but up, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Pros
- Arena Stage
- improved housing
- strong community bonds
- Metro
Cons
- Traffic
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
Southwest / Waterfront
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Walking distance to the Mall"
Southwest / Waterfront is a neighborhood of approximately 14,174 residents located in the southwest section of the city. Located south of the Mall this neighborhood's boundaries are formed generally by Independence Avenue S.W., South Capitol Street S.E., P Street S.W and Water Street S.W.. This neighborhood is a mix of federal facilities, marinas, commercial buildings, hotels and a variety of attached "row house" style single family and multifamily homes including condominiums and apartmentss. In 2010, the average price for homes sold in the neighborhood $245,202 with 30% of the homes being owner occupied.
The neighborhood offers excellent restaurants, particularly along Water Street S.W. Shopping however is challenging, however there is a Safeway grocery store here. Many will choose ti venture into other areas for their shopping. Public transportation is excellent with four Metro stations being located within the neighborhood as well as numerous Metro Bus stops being strategically placed in the neighborhood. Residents will enjoy he Randall Recreation Center, Jefferson Recreation Center as well as the Town Center Park and Benjamin Banneker Park. Numerous places of worship can be found here as well. Schools include the Jefferson Middle School, Appletree Early PCS - Riverside.
Crime against people and property occur here on a regular basis according to the most recent crime reports. As always check the most recent crime statistics to make an informed decision as to the crime risk in any neighborhood. I like it here because it is near so many things and the area continues to improve. Next time I am here I am going to stop by and see the Titanic Memorial.
The neighborhood offers excellent restaurants, particularly along Water Street S.W. Shopping however is challenging, however there is a Safeway grocery store here. Many will choose ti venture into other areas for their shopping. Public transportation is excellent with four Metro stations being located within the neighborhood as well as numerous Metro Bus stops being strategically placed in the neighborhood. Residents will enjoy he Randall Recreation Center, Jefferson Recreation Center as well as the Town Center Park and Benjamin Banneker Park. Numerous places of worship can be found here as well. Schools include the Jefferson Middle School, Appletree Early PCS - Riverside.
Crime against people and property occur here on a regular basis according to the most recent crime reports. As always check the most recent crime statistics to make an informed decision as to the crime risk in any neighborhood. I like it here because it is near so many things and the area continues to improve. Next time I am here I am going to stop by and see the Titanic Memorial.
Pros
- Metro
- Near everything
- improved housing
- strong community bonds
Cons
- Traffic
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Southwest / Waterfront
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
"lovely place to hang out"
Southeast Waterfront is a thriving little community south of the Capitol building, but north of Buzzard Point. It is one of the first areas to go through redevelopment back in the fifties. Sadly, DC didn’t do a good job of it the first time, so they’re having to do it again. Nonetheless, this is just a nice place to be. The crime rate is low, and there are some surprisingly fine restaurants: dinner cruises leave port at this point in the city, since the coming together of the Anacostia and Potomac make a fairly wide channel. Better yet, it is close to downtown via public transit, which is abundant in the area. They even have their own Metro stop.
After work, a lot of people go sit on their balconies and enjoy watching the sun set. If you live in a place that’s high enough, you can see the skyline which includes some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Many of these apartment/condo buildings have parties and other social events throughout the year, and this helps build a strong sense of community. There’s a nice little Marina here too, though many of the middle class residents of the neighborhood cannot afford to own a boat.
After work, a lot of people go sit on their balconies and enjoy watching the sun set. If you live in a place that’s high enough, you can see the skyline which includes some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Many of these apartment/condo buildings have parties and other social events throughout the year, and this helps build a strong sense of community. There’s a nice little Marina here too, though many of the middle class residents of the neighborhood cannot afford to own a boat.
Pros
- strong community bonds
- improved housing
Cons
- not many stores in the area
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Southwest / Waterfront
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"New Improvements on the Way"
The Southwest/Waterfront is unique in the District. First, it is one of the few areas outside of Northwest that has not gone through a cycle of prosperity-blight-revitalization. Second, it is the outside of Southeast that has attracted the attention of gentrification and redevelopment. The smallest of four quadrants, Southwest is bounded by I-395 to the north, Washington Channel to the west, the Anacostia River to the South, and South Capitol Street to the east. The neighborhood has a long history of redevelopment going back to the 1950s and 60s. It features some of the only examples of Modern Architecture in Washington in the numerous apartment and condominium complexes and town homes and comprises the neighborhood. For example, River Park features townhouses and a high rise building of a unique glass-and-aluminum design by award-winning architect Charles Goodman. Primarily because of the area's close proximity to National's Park, the Southwest Waterfront is beginning to be hit by the redevelopment wave. Several projects have been announced, including Waterfront Station, a mixed-use retail and residential complex near Fourth and M Street; and an overhaul of the waterfront itself. Hopefully, these projects will retain the unique architecture of the area while enhancing what has been a long-desirable area for Washingtonians to live, work, and play.
Pros
- improved housing
Cons
- not many stores in the area
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
