NW neighborhood advice

[Anonymous]

We currently live on Capitol Hill and are considering a move to NW DC. On the Hill, we’ve found that different blocks and pockets can vary quite a bit, and we don’t yet have the same level of familiarity with NW neighborhoods.

We’re primarily looking at Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, Kalorama, and Observatory Circle. For those who know these areas well, are there specific streets or sections within these neighborhoods that tend to be better for families with elementary/middle school-aged kids?

We’re especially interested in: Walkability (parks, casual restaurants, coffee spots), A strong neighborhood feel for kids
Overall safety and day-to-day livability

Any insight on areas to prioritize, or avoidm would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I lived in observatory circle off of Garfield for several years, walkable to Glover Park and Cathedral Heights. My specific block had lots of kids that played together, but I think overall there may be more young families in Glover Park proper.

Moved recently for more space, but no complaints about the neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

I value walkability to both practical things, as well as restaurants and shops.

For that reason, I am not a huge fan of Eastern Cleveland Park near CT or Woodley Park because grocery stores aren't walkable (there is a local small grocery store in Cleveland Park, but I don't think it's all that useful).

You don't mention if you care about the public schools. The nicest parts of Kalorama are very nice and expensive...doesn't seem like lots of young families...most don't care about public schools. Kalorama isn't an easy walk to much.

I would expand to AU Park / West Cleveland Park (near Wisconsin) as you can walk to both Giant, Wegmans and Lidl (and you can choose to be closer to the former or the latter), as well as Target and other shops/restaurants.

I like CC DC for similar reasons...you can walk to Safeway or TJ's or Whole Foods, as well as shops and restaurants and metro on CT or Wisconsin.

[Anonymous]

Schools are figured out in NW. Definitely want to stick to the neighborhoods mentioned and not north of Cleveland Park, just wondering if there are nuances to be aware of in the different areas like there are on the Hill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Schools are figured out in NW. Definitely want to stick to the neighborhoods mentioned and not north of Cleveland Park, just wondering if there are nuances to be aware of in the different areas like there are on the Hill.

Not really...if I were you, I would hone in on Cleveland Park between Reno and Wisconsin unless easy walkability to the metro is really important.

The playground near Macomb and Reno is super popular (it's on Macomb just West of Reno) and a great gathering place for families with young kids.