Petworth DC: Diverse and Welcoming Community

Petworth DC residential neighborhood located within the city's northwest region. Its boundaries are Emerson Street NW to the north and to the south by Spring Road NW and Rock Creek Church Road NW. Arkansas Avenue NW provides the neighborhood with its western border while its eastern boundary is comprised of both the Rock Creek Church Yard and Cemetery and the Soldiers' Home. Originally Petworth DC was a large country estate that was divided once by the heirs of its owner and then sold. Once the streetcar line expanded into the area, the popularity of the neighborhood exploded. These days, it is arguably as one of the most desirable places to live within the city.

Housing Options Abound at Petworth DC

Historically, the primary type of housing available in the Petworth DC neighborhood has been mostly limited by to the row houses built of brick during the 1920s and 30s. Today, however, you will also find single family homes, townhouses and condos scattered throughout the area. While many of the row houses throughout Petworth look similar, there are also a number of that the exhibit some stunning examples of architecture as well. This helps increase the appeal of the neighborhood for the discerning potential homeowner of today. Some homes in the area still need to be updated while others have undergone a successful renovation prior to being placed on the market for sale. Those homes that still to be updated fetch prices that are about $10,000 less than those that have been completely remodeled. More housing options, such as condos, are sprouting up in Petworth. The Residences at Georgia Avenue, for example, provides amenities such as designer countertops, a rooftop space to relax and enjoy the view and a trendy community area with free Wifi internet access. Brookland Ridge/The Arbor Apartments offers open and airy floor plans with lots of storage space and is within an easy walk of the Brookland/CUA line of the metro. Park Place, an apartment building that is part of a mixed-use area, and that is situated atop the metro, boasts 155 units, a fitness center and a rooftop terrace that allows for simply stunning views of the city, and the surrounding areas.

Diversity is the Key to Petworth DC

As one of the city's largest neighborhoods, Petworth is home to about 20,000 people in a range of diverse ethnicities. The original residents were Irish, Jewish and Polish immigrants who arrived in the nation's capital to work blue-collar jobs. Around the 1950s, African Americans began to snap up the homes within the neighborhood. These days, just over a quarter of the people who live within Petworth borders are Hispanic while more than half are African American and 15 percent are white. It is this diversity that draws many families and young people to the area. According to the 2010 Census, about 19 percent of Petworth residents are children.

Petworth DC -- Not Just a Homeowner's Dream

While Petworth is mostly decidedly a residential neighborhood through and through, it is not difficult to see the increasing number of commercial ventures that dot the landscape. For example, there are a number of eateries that provide unique fare as well as the feel of a neighborhood gathering spot. Trendy options for coffee, French bistros and ethnic corner stores are also situated along Georgia Avenue.

A Neighborhood that Invests in its Residents

When the neighborhood was still young, Petworth DC residents had to look outside its confines when they wanted entertainment and recreational activities. These days, this statement couldn't be any further from the truth. One such entity, The Petworth Recreation Center, hosts numerous events aimed at families on a regular basis. During the summer months, children can cool off as they run through the water at the neighborhood spray park -- one of the nicest within the city. The Petworth Recreation Centers also hosts jazz concerts. Held once a month, this event is also family friendly.

The public school system within Petworth falls under the city's jurisdiction. In addition to three public schools within the Petworth neighborhood, families can choose from three charter schools -- including the award-winning E.L. Haynes Public Charter School. There are also two major green spaces that exist within the Petworth neighborhood -- both with a historical significance to the area. These are the Armed Forces Retirement Home -- formerly known as the US Soldiers' and Airmens ' Home -- and Rock Creek Cemetery. Numerous other historically significant structures are situated with the confines of Petworth. Lincoln Cottage, where President Lincoln lived during his stay at the Soldiers' Home, was designated as a national monument in 2000. While there is a robust population of longtime homeowners within Petworth, there is also a sizable segment that moves out on a regular basis. A strong sense of community is one aspect of Petworth that draws newcomers to the neighborhood. Along the metro's yellow and green lines is the Georgia Ave. - Petworth station that is easily reached from nearly any spot in the city. Given the sense of closeness that resembles a small town and its array of amenities, it's no wonder that Petworth is DC's reigning up-and-coming neighborhood.