7.3 out of 10

Massachusetts Avenue Heights

Ranked 30th best neighborhood in Washington
38.9210708673695 -77.0750579976119
Great for
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Safe & Sound
  • Internet Access
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Clean & Green
Not great for
  • Schools
  • Nightlife
  • Cost of Living
  • Childcare
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Beautiful, and not cheap"

Oh my heavens, this is a pretty part of town. Beautiful houses peeking from tree-lined streets, wondering if you'll spot them and be struck dead by how fabulous they are. Not far from Foxhall Road (which, really, how could it not be pretty with a name like that), this area houses the National Cathedral, as well as several embassies. If you are in town for the Passport DC series (a tourist dream of going to each embassy and tasting the local delights), you will definitely want to go through here, and stop at the Belgian Embassy for free waffles, chocolate, and beer. What better way to spend a Saturday?

On a slightly more logical note, those interested in reasonable housing, and anything resembling a school system, should probably look somewhere else.
Pros
  • cathedral
  • Park space
Cons
  • hard to find housing
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Live near it all"

Massachusetts Avenue Heights is a neighborhood of approximately 9,768 residents located in the northwest section of the city near the United States Naval Observatory and near the Russian Embassy. The neighborhood’s boundaries are generally defined as being within the footprint of Wisconsin Avenue N.W., Tunlaw Road N.W., 42nd Street N.W., and W Street N.W. In 2010, the average price of a home sold here was $617,672 with 40% of the homes being owner occupied. Homes here tend to be very well maintained typical “attached “row house” homes found in many neighborhoods within the District. In addition you will find a number of apartment and condominium buildings as well as a detached single-family homes here as well. As with many neighborhoods there is a commercial component to the neighborhood as well.
Restaurants and shopping, including a Whole Foods, are located within the neighborhood, particularly along Wisconsin Avenue N.W. Public transportation is available with numerous Metro Bus stops being located in the neighborhood. The Grover Archbold Park, which wraps the neighborhood on two sides, offers dedicated green space. Stoddard Elementary School is located with Massachusetts Avenue Heights as are 5 places of worship.

The neighborhood will appeal to many, as it is relatively safe. Recent crime statistics indicate that crimes against people and property are not common. As always check the most recent crime statistics and make an informed decision as to the crime risk in any neighborhood. I really like the neighborhood and find its location, housing options, and park space very appealing. It has everything that I am looking for.
Pros
  • Park space
  • Whole Foods
  • close to everything
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
2yrs+

"Cathedral Bells..."

Massachusetts Avenue Heights is a place where residents can watch the happenings of our great nation, as it is measured through weddings, funerals, and special events. You see, it borders the National Cathedral, and our Vice President has his house here too. If you are the type who would rather not get traffic jams on the weekends or during special events, you might consider somewhere else. But then again, you’ll get a front row seat for a lot of things. In addition, the crime rate is essentially nonexistent, and you can walk the streets without any real fear. Be prepared for a scenic walk, too: there are few private residences, but with the Cathedral and the Naval Observatory here, plenty of trees and grass can be found. Expect security to be tight as well, due to a heavy Secret Service presence.
To purchase groceries and other necessaries, you will have to go to neighboring communities. But since Massachusetts Avenue Heights is in the middle of everything, this is not a major drawback. Furthermore, the Metro is close by. It is a nice place to live, if you can get or afford housing there: prices are about the same as Adams Morgan or American University Park.
Pros
  • close to everything
  • cathedral
Cons
  • hard to find housing
  • traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Hear the Bells"

Massachusetts Avenue Heights is a charming little neighborhood that has grown up around the grandeur of the National Cathedral. Known for its Gothic architecture and beautiful music, the cathedral is often tapped to host states funerals, days of remembrance, and other event of a spiritual nature. Because of this, traffic in this otherwise quiet neighborhood can come to a complete stop from time to time.
In addition to the cathedral, there are number of other significant buildings in the neighborhood. The first, St. Alban’s School, is considered one of the finest private all boys schools in the area. While its students come from all walks of life, they must all be able to sing extremely well, as they make up the cathedral’s boys’ choir.
Also, Massachusetts Avenue Heights is the home of the National Observatory, the grounds of which is home to the Vice President of the United States.
Still he neighborhood itself is not particularly elite. The private family homes tend to attract upper-middle class families, but not the super-rich. Residents are generally attracted to the quiet suburban feel of the neighborhood, as well as the Cathedral’s architectural beauty. At the same time, most will agree that the regularly carillon concerts coming from the church’s bell tower is also a major local asset.
Pros
  • cathedral
Cons
  • traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish

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