Mount Pleasant: A Cultural Mixing Bowl

Imagine, if you will, a neighborhood in DC that has a small-town, Mayberry-esque feel. This community would offer charming homes with inviting front porches and streets lined with mature trees. In DC, that neighborhood would be Mount Pleasant DC. But unlike Mayberry -- that small fictional town in "The Andy Griffith Show" -- Mount Pleasant DC is a culturally diverse community, where your neighbors are just as likely to offer you homemade pupusas as hot dogs during an annual block party.

Mount Pleasant DC: The Vibe and the Homes

Mount Pleasant, which dates back to the early 1700s, has the distinction of being one of DC's original streetcar suburbs. At one time, it was separated from DC proper by vacant land and so has a different feel than other parts of the nation's capital. Its quaint streets, for example, do not follow the rigid grid-like lines of the rest of DC. Today, Mount Pleasant, which is now officially part of DC, is a culturally and racially mixed neighborhood that has undergone several personality changes over the years. And the homes and architecture in this community are just as diverse as its residents. In Mount Pleasant, you can, for example find historic Queen Anne-style rowhouses and beautiful colonial revival mansions interspersed with newer apartment and condo buildings. In addition, some of the larger mansions have been converted into more affordable condo units. The majority of this charming neighborhood, which still boasts many structures from the early 1900s, has been designated as a Historic District. And in 1987 it was listed with the National Register of Historic Places. To preserve the unique beauty and character of this historic neighborhood, residents have been encouraged to follow certain guidelines set by the Historic Preservation Office whenever there needs to be work performed on the exterior of their homes.

Why Live in Mount Pleasant DC

Mount Pleasant is sometimes referred to as "a village in the city." And that pretty much sums up what makes this historic neighborhood special. It surrounds you with the quiet charm of a small town, yet it is very close to all of the wondrous amenities of DC. For instance, Mount Pleasant is just a pleasant stroll away from the National Zoo where you can spend many a happy day visiting pandas or watching the orangutans swinging on overhead lines. And like any good small town, Mount Pleasant boasts a nice little main drag, with the fitting moniker of Mount Pleasant Street NW. This main street boasts an interesting array of small bars and cozy restaurants, many of which specialize in ethnic foods. Mount Pleasant Street NW was also the home to one of DC's most iconic businesses, Heller's Bakery. Unfortunately, this bakery, which had been a fixture of Mt. Pleasant since it was established in 1928, closed in December of 2014. The rising rents in this increasingly popular neighborhood had made it almost impossible for Heller's to remain viable, and so the landlord declined to renew its lease. Can't find the dining or entertainment options that you're looking for in Mount Pleasant? Chances are that you'll be able to find them in one of its neighboring communities. Adams Morgan, for example, is known for its very active nightlife scene, and Columbia Heights has become a bit of a haven for hipsters. Then there is Rock Creek Park. In the eyes of many locals, this 1,700-acre park is DC's best asset. And Mount Pleasant is blessed to be bordered on two sides by this magnificent park, which is twice the size of New York City's Central Park. In this park, you'll find many amazing amenities, including more than 32 miles of trails that are open to hikers and bikers, a rental horse stable and a boat center.

Who Will You Find Living Here at Mount Pleasant DC?

The population in this neighborhood has undergone several changes over the years, and the community is now a mix of its many past transformations. Every culture that has made Mount Pleasant its home has managed to bring something new to this neighborhood or left a little of themselves behind. This recipe has created a very unique atmosphere that is different than anywhere else in DC. To understand today's Mount Pleasant, you need to know a bit about its history. Before World War II, the area was home to a largely middle- and upper-income population that, because of segregation, was all white. During the 1960s, the area slowly became more segregated. But then in 1968, race riots erupted in DC after Martin Luther King was assassinated. The resulting destruction that occurred throughout DC caused many white residents to move out of the city. So for a while, Mount Pleasant was a predominantly African-American neighborhood. But then change came again. And by the 1980s, Mount Pleasant took on a distinctively Latino flavor, with many immigrants from Central America moving into the area. Now, this neighborhood is undergoing further change. In 2013, census data revealed that the Latino population had decreased by approximately 4 percent, while the non-Hispanic white population increased by a little more than 10 percent. These new community members appear to have been drawn to Mount Pleasant by its relatively low housing prices and by its proximity to hot spots like Adams-Morgan. The change in the makeup of the residents has also meant that the businesses in the area are also changing. Many that once catered to Latinos are moving out, while hipster hangouts are springing up. This change has also contributed to a steady rise in housing and rent prices as more people are “discovering” this neighborhood.

Today, Mount Pleasant is home to approximately 11,000 residents. And the demographics reflect the changing face of the neighborhood. For example, 72 percent of its residents report that they have obtained a bachelor's or higher degree. And the median household income in this neighborhood is now just over $114,000. In addition, Mount Pleasant, with its lovely homes, walkability, proximity to the National Zoo and Rock Creek Park, has become quite popular with both families with kids, which make up 32.3 percent of the population, as well as with married couples, who make up another 34.7 percent. The population of childless singles in Mount Pleasant is a little more than 19 percent.

Mount Pleasant DC Transportation

Mount Pleasant is a quick Metro train or bus ride away from the city center, and the Columbia Heights station is just two blocks away from Mount Pleasant Street.