Takoma

Takoma rests along the northern edge of the District of Columbia. The neighborhood’s rough borders are Georgia Avenue to the west, Van Buren Street to the south, and Eastern Avenue to the east.

Housing stock in Takoma are comprised primarily of colorful bungalows and ramblers that line streets with charming names like Butternut, Aspen, and Dahlia. As you would expect, many Takoma properties feature manicured lawns, cultivated gardens, and sidewalks perfect for evening strolls.

Many Takoma homes come with driveways, but street parking (for yourself or for visitors) is relatively plentiful throughout most of the neighborhood.

Takoma is also home to several classic, garden-style condominium buildings. These include Watkins Condominiums on Cedar Street, Butternut Court Condominiums on Butternut Street, and The Tulip Condominium on Tulip Avenue.

LOCATED NEAR HEAVEN

Takoma’s roots go back to 1883, when it was one of the commuter suburbs sprouting around the borders of the District. The name comes from “takoma” (or “tacoma”), a Native American word meaning “located near heaven.”

At first, the neighborhood was seen as a safe haven from the swampy sicknesses of downtown DC. One of its most famous early residents was the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which used Takoma as the site of its world headquarters until the 1980s.

Originally, the area of Takoma stretched across the DC border into Maryland. In 1890, the Maryland portion of the neighborhood was incorporated into the state as Takoma Park. Parts of the neighborhood (on both the Maryland and DC sides) are designated as official U.S. historic districts.

Signs of Takoma’s history (aside from its rich crop of historic houses) can still be found along the neighborhood’s main streets. One of the most iconic is the old Takoma Theatre at 4th Street NW, which dates back to the 1920s.

SMALL-TOWN VIBES

Today, there’s an undeniable small-town vibe in Takoma. Shops and boutiques commingle with restaurants and bars and the neighborhood’s own dedicated Metro station.

Neighborhood favorites include Horace & Dickie’s (for seafood) and Republic (for craft cocktails). The Takoma Park Farmers Market continues to be a popular attraction for residents in and around the neighborhood.

Both a neighborhood association and a business association are dedicated to ensuring the future of Takoma for neighbors who’ve just arrived or for those who’ve been in the area for decades. It’s a community that embraces history, that embraces change, and that’s committed to continuing to make Takoma the District’s own little slice of heaven—or “near heaven.”

Move

Hop on the Red Line or a Metrobus at the convenient Takoma Metro station. Zip up to Silver Spring on Blair Road and Georgia Avenue. Pick up a bike at a nearby Capital Bikeshare station and go for a pleasant ride.

Dine

Sample delicious homemade soups at local institution Soupergirl. Treat yourself to a coffee or cocktail at Takoma Beverage Company or Republic. Tuck in to a great dinner at always-popular Mark’s Kitchen.

Live

Swim, play ball, or let the kids romp on the playground at Takoma Community Center, Takoma Urban Park, and Lamond Recreation Center. Take advantage of several public charter schools and the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library.

Shop

Pick up fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods and more at the lively Takoma Park Farmers Market on Sundays. Shop cute gifts and antiques at local boutiques including Tabletop, Magic Carpet, Amano, and The Covered Market.