7.5 out of 10

Congress Heights

Ranked 26th best neighborhood in Washington
38.8412686562672 -77.0003534637335
Great for
  • Internet Access
  • Public Transport
  • Medical Facilities
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Parks & Recreation
Not great for
  • Nightlife
  • Eating Out
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Shopping Options
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Families with kids
  • Students

Reviews

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

"Affordable now, but not for long"

We love our home in Congress Heights. We were priced out of buying anything else in DC, but were delighted when we got familiar with options available near the Congress Heights Metro Station. Do you know how much people pay to have a single family home with nearby forest, wildlife, views and metro access? No we aren't talking about Rock Creek Park. Invest, renovate, and hold. Once the stadium is finished, and Homeland Security Office is done its good luck finding the deal prices available now. Easy morning commute to the Navy Yard, Capital Hill, or Pentagon.
Pros
  • progress
  • Friendly Neighbors
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"Actual Resident"

I purchased my home here in 2009 and love my street and neighbors. The houses surrounding my home are nicely maintained and the neighbors are friendly. People walk dogs, ride bikes, jog, and stroll in my community. We have new parks, THEARC (Theater), and the Tennis and Learning Center. As with ALL areas of a city crime happens and we assist our friendly neighborhood officers as best we can. There is plenty of on street parking, Metro (WMATA) at your door step, and the local Giant is within walking distance.
Pros
  • Friendly Neighbors
  • Walkable
  • Metro Transit/Beltway Access
Cons
  • Gym
  • Restaraunts
  • Nightlife
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 1/5
2yrs+

"On the upswing"

A stigma of poverty has dogged this neighborhood for quite a while, but it appears that it is very much on the up and up, even though it has been counted as the poorest area in the city. There have been several recent high-priced building development projects all throughout the neighborhood, and Congress Heights has plenty of greenery within reach. Residents have their pick of Oxon Run National Parkway, or Shepherd Parkway for a taste of nature even in a city. But many may find a deal breaker in the less than stellar reputation of the area's school system.

Congress Heights also has the pitfall of not having any discernible shopping, restaurants, or nightlife nearby. If you are looking for a Friday out, you will have to hop on the metro, which, as they'll probably tell you on the loudspeaker, could tack an additional 40 minutes to your travel time. It looks like in this case, you can't take your park with a dance hall.
Pros
  • progress
  • economic diversity
Cons
  • violent crime
  • schools
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Check back in a couple of years"

Congress Heights is neighborhood in the southeast section of the city that is home to approximately 8,720 residents. St. Elizabeth's Hospital-East Hospital is located here near the Suitland Parkway, which generally forms the northern boundary of the neighborhood. The other boundaries are formed by he Anacostia Freeway (I295), Mississippi Avenue S.E. and 13th Street S.E.. In 2010, the average price for home here was $119,016, with only 20% of the homes being owner occupied. Homes are a mixture of single and multifamily homes.

There are at least eight schools in the neighborhood including Center City PCS - Congress Heights Campus, Simon Elementary School, Hart Middle School, Leckner Elementary School, Ballou Senior High School, King Elementary School, Imagine Southeast PCS and M.C. Terrell / McGogney School. Although there are numerous neighborhood markets, most residents will want to venture out to do their shopping. while out be sure to get something to eat because there are few restaurants here. Green space and recreational facilities can be found at the Mary Church Recreational Center as well as the Congress Heights Playground. There re numerous Metro Bus stops thru out the neighborhood and residents will find the Congress Heights Metro station useful.

As with many neighborhoods in the southeast section of the city, crime can be a concern. Recent crime statistics indicate a significant amount of crime against people and property. As always check the most recent crime statistics and make an informed decision as to the crime risk before venturing into any neighborhood. As for me the crime issues are enough to saty away.
Pros
  • progress
  • desire for better things
Cons
  • violent crime
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Retirees
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"could be worse."

Congress Heights is a cheap place to live, but be forewarned you will have to cross a lot of crime-ridden areas to get there. Recent revitalization efforts have improved the area somewhat, and there is a viable commercial center. In addition, the Metro station breaks up the isolation that plagues most of that area of DC. As a result, a few professionals are starting to buy homes there, in an attempt to escape the high prices of many other neighborhoods. I would consider this a hopeful sign, as professionals tend to demand better services, and dont tolerate much crime. Then again, having people with TOO much money could attract more problems with burglary. Hopefully that will not happen. Most such situations in DC have worked out well.

Still not a good place for children, as plenty of vacant space and drug dealing go on daily. Schools are some of the worst in the city, that includes paint peeling off the walls and abundant graffiti. No wonder that a large percentage of the teenagers drop out. Nonetheless, if you MUST live in this part of the District, then this would have to be tohe choice of neighborhood. At least you won't take your life into your own hands quite as much.
Pros
  • progress
  • desire for better things
  • economic diversity
Cons
  • still much left to do
  • schools
  • violent crime
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"A Rose among Thorns"

Congress Heights reflects its residents’ commitment to maintain a level of peace and prosperity, even in the midst of traffic and crime. Located in the middle of one of the worst parts of DC, Congress Heights boasts a population that is both culturally and economically diverse. It really feels more like a quiet suburban neighborhood than an inner city enclave.
There are several reasons for this areas success. First, the community has a solid history, beginning when it was built around the southernmost end of the DC streetcar system. It also served its nation well when it housed soldiers training at Camp Simms during World War II and nurses working at the nearby St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
Also, Congress Heights maintains a positive community spirit, built for the most part around its annual Martin Luther King parade. Dr. King would no doubt be proud at how this neighborhood continues to overcome years of decline to build something residents can be proud of.
Finally, the citizens of Congress Heights keep looking toward the future. They recently completed construction of a new sports and learning center, and
There is an excellent, new tennis and learning center on Mississippi Avenue, combining sports and school tutoring and are constantly courting new government and private contractors who are considering moving into the area.
Pros
  • progress
Cons
  • still much left to do
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students

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