Penn Quarter

The boundaries of Penn Quarter are generally agreed to be as follows: New York Avenue NW, Mt. Vernon Square, Massachusetts Avenue NW, Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 3rd Street NW, and 15th Street NW.

Homes in Penn Quarter are primarily condos. The neighborhood is packed with impressive, high-end condominium buildings, including the Residences at Gallery Place, Lafayette at Penn Quarter, Ventana Condominiums, and Residences at Market Square West. Condo homes in this neighborhood offer residents some of the finest, most luxurious amenities to be had in the city, including coveted garage parking and state-of-the-art fitness centers.

Then there are the views. From private balconies to rooftop entertainment areas, you’ll be able to enjoy marvelous views of the National Mall and iconic sights including the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian Institution museums, and the Capitol Building.

HOME TO HISTORIC LANDMARKS

Given its central location, Penn Quarter has always played an important role in DC life. Streets here are suffused with a sense of history—both of the city itself and of the entire nation.

Perhaps the most iconic example of this is Ford’s Theatre. Located at 511 10th Street NW, this historic landmark is infamous for being the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. In addition to offering tours, the theatre still puts on performances that residents can enjoy.

Also central to Penn Quarter is nearby Chinatown—which, with its eye-catching friendship arch, you can’t miss. While it has shrunk in recent years, the area is still known for some of the city’s best, most authentic Chinese food at spots like Chinatown Express and Tony Cheng.

CITY CENTERS ABOUND

Much of the credit for the neighborhood’s growth in recent decades goes back to 1997 and the establishment of the Capital One Arena (originally known as the MCI Center and, subsequently, the Verizon Center). The revitalization of the neighborhood has brought in a bold new wave of restaurants, bars, and shops catering to residents and visitors alike.

Another recent trend in the Penn Quarter neighborhood: city centers. First, there was Gallery Place, which was built around the Capital One Arena. This complex is home to Lucky Strike bowling, a movie theater, and more.

In recent years, equally exciting city centers have emerged in and around the neighborhood. Chief among them: CityCenterDC, where you can find everything from Christian Dior to Momofuku CCDC. Then, just a few blocks north, there’s CityVista. Here, you can find a Safeway grocery story, fast-casual eateries like sweetgreen and Chipotle, and a VIDA Fitness.

Move

Take your pick of Metro stations (including Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, and Archives-Penn Quarter) and Metrobus routes. Catch a train at nearby Union Station. Hop in your car and be on I-395 and I-695 in minutes.

Dine

Sample some of the city’s best homemade noodles at Chinatown Express. Enjoy beer and board games at Penn Social. Indulge in international flavors at acclaimed spots like Rasika, Jaleo, minibar, Rosa Mexicano, and China Chilcano.

Live

Cheer on DC sports team or your favorite bands at the Capital One Area. Spend the day with art masterworks at the National Portrait Gallery. Attend a play at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Walk down to the National Mall.

Shop

Take your pick of high-end retail at Gallery Place or in the nearby bustling CityCenterDC. Get everyday necessities at Safeway, Walgreens, and CVS. Treat yourself to new clothes at spots like J. Crew, Anthropologie, and Gap.