Petworth

 

Residential appeal meets a dynamic urban vibe in the neighborhood of Petworth, whose leafy streets are lined with mostly brick porch fronts and an inviting sense of community. Five miles from Capitol Hill and only fifteen minutes north of downtown Washington DC, Petworth residents have convenient access to the amenities of Northwest DC, Columbia Heights, and Rock Creek Park. However, they garner far more elbow room for the same price as more urban areas.

 

Petworth’s development as a subdivision began around 1889. Modern-day Petworth has maintained this tradition as a highly residential area of townhomes, walkable streets, local cafes, and a quiet suburban atmosphere. The neighborhood boasts historic housing, the majority of which are gorgeous row homes dating back to the 1940s and earlier, updated with luxury interiors. Petworth also has a decent number of new-build condos, ideal for young professionals looking to get away from the city’s bustle.

 

Those living in Petworth know that the culture here is centered around the porch, and those who aren’t strolling about the neighborhood are usually perched up at the front of their own homes, enjoying a drink, conversing with friends, or even playing music. Popular with young families, Petworth is also a good mix of long-time residents and retirees. 

An abundance of Petworth’s commercial offerings can be found along the 800 block of Upshur Street, where many locals spend the day browsing boutiques and grabbing quick bites at the exquisite local restaurants. Here, trendy apparel stores like Willow are stocked with fashionable finds and meaningful gifts, while cozy, independently owned bookstores like Loyalty create long-time customers with their curated selections and warm welcome.

 

The 800 block is most well-known, however, for its array of dining locations. For a hearty but casual meal, you’ll want to savor every sip of gourmet ramen at Menya Hosaki, where the bowls are crafted with passion and boast remarkable flavors. This area is also home to the original Timber Pizza Co., a local hotspot for wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Petworth is additionally full of heavenly cafes and coffee shops, including the Little Food Studio and Qualia Coffee, the latter of which is right next to the metro and perfect for a quick stop on the way into work.

 

More than just established favorites, Petworth’s dining scene is ever-growing, with new up-and-coming venues on the rise. For example, excitement surrounds the opening of Honeymoon Chicken, of which residents know only that the restaurant plans to serve elevated fried chicken. 

In Petworth, there’s always a green space to enjoy, a shopping district nearby, a historical landmark around the corner, and a community event to celebrate. The bond residents share from their love of the neighborhood translates into an easy friendship. Taking a walk through the neighborhood is an almost social event, and residents can head to parks like Grant Park and Sherman Park for quick pick-up games of soccer with others, kids’ parties, family gatherings, and to make use of outdoor facilities.

 

More recreational enjoyment and chances to dive into nature’s beauty can be found at Rock Creek Park, just a short walk from Petworth. Known as an oasis in the city, Rock Creek Park features 1,754 acres of dazzling trails, habitats, and historical landmarks. A lesser-known but highly prized facet of Petworth is its status as the sight of President Lincoln’s Cottage. An obvious allure for history buffs (who should all take advantage of the tours), this cottage also serves as the venue for outdoor events and bluegrass concerts.

 

The most beloved annual event, Celebrate Petworth is a true testament to the character of the neighborhood. This free festival includes incredible food vendors, stories of Petworth recounted by local historians, activities for the kids, live music and performances, and even an adorable dog costume contest, in which everyone wins. 

Petworth is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: