Crestwood

Bounded on three sides by the natural beauty of Rock Creek Park (and on the fourth side by 16th Street NW), the Crestwood neighborhood is an upscale residential enclave in northwest DC. The housing stock along these tree-lined streets consists of single-family detached homes encompassing a range of classic and modern architectural styles.

Many of the homes in Crestwood are sizeable, with some offering nearly 4,000 square feet of living space. Tastefully landscaped front, side, and back yards are plentiful. Mature dogwoods, magnolias, and azaleas provide the perfect amount of summer shade along these neighborhood streets.

Many of the detached homes in Crestwood date back to the early 20th century. While the homes maintain a tribute to their past, they also embrace modern luxurious amenities including two-car garages, gourmet kitchens, and gleaming hardwood floors.

LINKED WITH HISTORY

Crestwood has long had a powerful, enduring link with the surrounding Rock Creek Park (created by Congress in 1890). The homes themselves currently sit on land that was once the property of land owner Thomas Blagden, whose Georgian-style home remained a marker of the area until it was demolished in 1936.

Many of the street names in Crestwood are tied to historical figures from DC history, including U.S. presidents like James Buchanan and Zachary Taylor, and soldiers including James Mitchell Varnum and John Trumbull.

The name “Crestwood” dates back most likely to the 1940s and the marketing projects of developers looking to advertise the neighborhood as a woodsy enclave that was nevertheless just a short trip away from the center of American democratic power.

In addition to homes, Crestwood gained one of its most acclaimed features in 1950: the Carter Barron Amphitheater.

PLENTY OF NATURE

While Crestwood is close to all the amenities of 21st-century urban living (in trendy neighborhoods like Columbia Heights and Petworth), the neighborhood streets retain a deep connection to the nature that makes it feel so self-contained.

You won’t see multi-story, mixed-use developments along these quiet streets. But you will see plenty of nature—and even frequent visits from neighbors like white-tailed deer, foxes, nighthawks, and wild turkeys.

The Crestwood Citizens Association, established in 1941, remains dedicated to preserving the quality of life in the neighborhood for long-term and new residents alike. Popular events that bring neighbors together include an annual Easter Egg Hunt, holiday caroling, and an annual Halloween party.

Move

Take advantage of your close connectivity to major roads including Connecticut Avenue, 16th Street NW, Georgia Avenue NW, and Beach Drive NW. Walk to the Georgia Ave-Petworth Metro station (serving the Green and Yellow lines).

Dine

Walk over to neighboring Columbia Heights for 24/7 coffee at The Coupe gastropub. Head over to Upshur Street NW for craft cocktails at Petworth Citizen & Reading Room and acclaimed pizza at Timber Pizza Company.

Live

Watch classic films in a converted townhouse at Suns Cinema Theater & Bar in Mount Pleasant. Stroll over into Rock Creek Park on fair-weather days. Enjoy a leisurely walk down to the Smithsonian National Zoo.

Shop

Choose from Safeway, Giant Food, and Yes! Organic Market for your groceries. Grab a good read at Loyalty Bookstore on Upshur Street. Satisfy all your big-box shopping needs at DC USA in Columbia Heights.