What's so special about Cleveland Park?

[Anonymous]

We're relatively new to the area and are currently living in close-in MD. We are looking to buy a house and noticing that Cleveland Park is much more expensive than other Upper NW DC areas. Is it worth it?

[Anonymous]

I think it's got the potential to be somewhat walkable and convenient to metro which are important to some people.

[Anonymous]

It's a 'rubbing elbows' thing. In true, historic district Cleveland Park, you've got a lot of VIPs there. Like, David Brooks just moved from close-in Maryland to a Victorian in Cleveland Park.

However beware, because there is much real estate in 20008 calling itself "Cleveland Park." Real estate agents would have you believe that everything up to practically Nebraska Ave. is "North Cleveland Park," and while there's nothing wrong with all those standard DC-issue red brick Colonials, you shouldn't pay a premium for them as you would a 1890 beaut on Newark.

[Anonymous]

OP: Thanks. Sounds like it might not be worth the extra money for us then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP: Thanks. Sounds like it might not be worth the extra money for us then.

Where exactly are you looking?

[Anonymous]

What exactly are the boundaries for Cleveland Park? Not only in the North/South direction but East/West.

[Anonymous]

It has gorgeous, character filled properties, a great location, and cachet. It is not more expensive then the other "best 'hoods though, like Wesley Heights, Spring Valley, Kent, Town of Chevy Chase (MD), etc... and its a bit less then Georgetown.

[Anonymous]

The area near Connecticut Ave. is less isolated than most of UpperNW, and there are some fine homes within the historic district. I suppose it's the least boring part of UpperNW, though it's still fairly dull.

[Anonymous]

OP: We're looking for a close in neighborhood with the a family friendly feel. Walkability would be nice but being close to the metro isn't neccesary. Want to knoe our neighbors. We are looking to spend max a million.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP: We're looking for a close in neighborhood with the a family friendly feel. Walkability would be nice but being close to the metro isn't neccesary. Want to knoe our neighbors. We are looking to spend max a million.

People will groan but what about AU Park? Close in enough and has a great family-friendly vibe. I live in ChCh near Friendship Heights and wouldn't trade it for the parts of Cleveland Park in your price range even though it is technically "closer in." It has always seemed rather betwixt and between in terms of neighborhood identity.

[Anonymous]

I agree, AU park might be better for you $ (still pricey but not as bad)

[Anonymous]

OP: AU Park sounds like a great idea. Will check it out this weekend.

[Anonymous]

Totally agree. Unless you can afford one of the victorian mansions it doesn't make sense to pay the premium for CP. I would look at CC[i] too though it might be too far out for you. Or the Mass Ave end of AUpark near the shops - since you don't need metro you'll get the most house on that end of AUpark.

[Anonymous]

$1m in Cleveland park is a mostly renovated townhouse, probably 2,000-2,500 sq feet and may have a 1 car garage.
Some of the single family homes are beautiful and even more so in Wesley Heights/Woodley Park. These are $3m-$7m homes, many are owned by embassies.

If you want a neighborhood for walking, Cleveland Park could work, as could Georgetown, AU Park (if you have kids), Capitol Hill, Logan Circle.
Bang for buck I'd check out Columbia Heights, $1m can go quite far there.

[Anonymous]

AGree with AU Park rec. I love CP, but your money will go much farther in AU. And Janney (the AU Park DCPS ES) is excellent. NOrth Cleveland Park and the part of CCDC that feeds Murch is also worth checking out.