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When people think of D.C. neighborhoods, Georgetown is the first one that comes to mind.  Known for its historic row-homes, cobblestone streets, steep inclines, and nearness to the Potomac River, it is a destination for nightlife and shopping.  Though its housing prices may not be for the faint of heart or many young first time buyers, there are many affordable properties in the neighboring vicinities.  Even those who don't live in Georgetown (whose boundaries are Whitehaven Street, Rock Creek Park, Potomac River, and the Georgetown University campus), you can live in a neighboring area (such as Dupont, Palisades, Glover Park & others) and be there in a 10-15 minute walk to enjoy its many attractions.

You can't separate Georgetown from its historic past.  Even in the early days of America, famous men like Thomas Jefferson lived there and George Washington drank in its taverns, including the City Tavern which still exists at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street. Georgetown was the fashion and cultural center of young Washington, D.C. but eventually lost its luster as wealthy residents moved to new Victorian homes around Dupont Circle.  Known as a shipping center for much of the 19^th century, the city deteriorated until its rediscovery after World WWI.  New apartments were constructed and plans were developed for preserving Georgetown, which still contained many remnants of its waterfront industrial buildings and mix of homes.

Starting in the 1930's, several members of President Roosevelt's cabinet moved to Georgetown and the area started to be a trendy place to live again.  By the 1950's, the Citizens Association of Georgetown was founded to actively preserve historic buildings.  John F Kennedy lived there as a congressman and Senator in a townhouse at 3307 N Street and the area became the scene of many parties that diverted the prominent political nightlife from downtown.  Today, Georgetown is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in D.C. and the home to many politicians, lobbyists, and wealthy citizens.

Property in Georgetown is always in demand, although many of the historic Federal townhouses are small enough that people joke you can stand in the living room and touch both walls with your outstretched arms.  No new building is currently underway but there are several exciting restorations of historic buildings that will create the Wormley School Condos and Townhouses and the Sheridan Garage Condominiums.  It is one of the few areas that was unaffected by the housing slump.  The average price of property in Georgetown is $1,435,180 - double the average listing price of properties elsewhere in D.C.  About 78% of properties in the area are single family homes.  About half the residents are single; only 10% have children. 

You don't have to actually live in Georgetown to enjoy shopping at Georgetown Park at Wisconsin and M Street, where you can visit the stores of designers Betsey Johnson, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade, and Ralph Lauren, and others, then dine at a variety of restaurants to site every taste.  Another interesting area to visit is Washington Harbour complex on K Street, on the waterfront, which features outdoor bars and restaurants where you can eat, drink, and view boat races.  In homage to Georgetown former shipping days, you cruise the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal on a tour boat or walk or jog along the canal ‘s adjacent trails.

If you are interested in Georgetown property or other condos, lots, and single homes in the D.C. area, you need an expert!  Rachel Valentino can help you find the D.C. home that fits your lifestyle and budget in this exciting city.  Check out my Atlantic Coast Connection website today.