3 Best Neighborhoods to Live in American University Park

American University Park, which neighbors its eponymous university, appeals to D.C. residents who appreciate its close-knit neighborhood bonds, shady tree-lined streets, and easy access to the commerce, arts, and entertainment scene of the city. The community has a self-contained campus feel with its stock of bungalows and colonials that sit close together with interconnected front yards and front porches. There's not a day you won't see neighbors out and about, taking a stroll around the neighborhood, or socializing.

If you’re interested in learning more about the area, let's review three of the best neighborhoods in and around American University Park.

Located in far northwest D.C., just 0.8 miles from American University Park, Spring Valley is an affluent and prestigious residential area. The community features an array of single-family houses on amply-sized lots. Throughout the years, many diplomats have resided in Spring Valley, along with various prominent politicians, including George H. W. Bush, Richard Nixon, and Lyndon B. Johnson. The neighborhood also encompasses the majority of the American University's campus, which offers a range of attractions, exhibits, and performances within walking distance. Rolling hills and quiet streets promise a suburban feel to the neighborhood, even though it's conveniently close to some of D.C.’s big-city attractions. In addition, the nearby Dalecarlia Reservoir Grounds serves as an important landmark.

Most of Spring Valley is residential. However, Spring Valley Village sits on Massachusetts Avenue NW, along Spring Valley's eastern border. It's an assembly of Colonial Revival commercial buildings that were built back in the early 1930s by developers A.N. and W.C. Miller, accommodating a number of beloved restaurants and shops.

Spring Valley offers a handful of favored and fabulous places to eat. As one of the best restaurants in D.C., Millie's Spring Valley offers its guests fresh foods that give off a coastal vibe. In the easygoing atmosphere of Pizzeria Paradiso, you can devour the most sought-after wood-fired pizzas around. And, if you're looking to catch the next big game while eating great food and sipping cocktails or lager at the bar, you can't go wrong at Chef Geoffs, where you can delight in a cozy dining room or dine al fresco on the patio. The restaurant serves American dishes with a twist and a seasonal menu that offers something for everyone, including salads, pizza, seafood, steak, burgers, and house-made pasta.

In 1929, the Spring Valley neighborhood developers, A.N. and W.C. Miller, constructed spacious homes in a multitude of styles ranging from Cape Cod to Colonial Revival to ranch-style properties. Back then, the homes were considered luxurious for their time and continue to be seen as such today.

In western Washington, D.C., just 0.4 miles east of American University Park, the friendly, walkable neighborhood of Tenleytown is centered around Tenley Circle at Nebraska Avenue NW, Wisconsin Avenue NW, and Yuma Street NW. The area was initially named after John Tennally, an 18th-century area tavern owner. It's also home to Point Reno at Fort Reno Park — the site of Washington's highest point — as well as almost all of the district's television and radio towers.

Tenleytown Main Street, a group of local business owners, organizes events throughout the year for residents, including Tenleytown Earth Day, Tenley Winterfest, Art All Night, and Make Music Day.

If you're looking for some standout cuisine with fresh, quality ingredients, look no further than Guapo's Restaurant. Try the delectable carne asada that's grilled to perfection, the mouthwatering ceviche, or one of the restaurant's signature margaritas if you're just looking to quench your thirst. Don’t miss the Masala Art DC, which is so good that you won't stop eating it. The restaurant offers tandoor-baked bread that could serve as a meal on its own. Enjoy the goat cheese kulcha, richly topped with minced lamb and rock salt cilantro naan.

Tenleytown real estate features a combination of architectural designs that range from center-hall Colonials and bungalows to small Victorians, rowhouses, and duplexes.

The Georgetown neighborhood was established in 1751 and is one of the district's oldest, most beloved, and most iconic. Just a few miles from American University Park, Georgetown sits on the Potomac River banks and is a desired spot for jogging, cycling, and waterfront dining in cozy coffee houses and outdoor cafes. The narrow, tree-lined streets of the area are home to admirably maintained gated embassies, row houses, and walk-up apartment buildings that radiate elegance, charm, and sophistication. You'll find the world-renowned Georgetown University in Georgetown. This is the oldest Jesuit and Catholic university in the U.S., dating back to 1789.

Although a significant portion of real estate in Georgetown is devoted to housing, much of the 750 acres of the neighborhood is occupied by upscale shops and establishments. You'll find restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and local markets that serve fresh baked goods and piping hot coffee. If you're a sports enthusiast, you'll be grateful for the trails that line Montrose Park to the CO Canal, as well as the remarkable views of the Potomac River.

Georgetown is perhaps one of the loveliest places to dine in all of Washington, D.C., due to its prime location along the Potomac River. Along the banks, you get a picturesque view accompanied by a top-notch meal at restaurants like Nick's Riverside Grill, Tony & Joe's Seafood Place, and Sequoia, which all cater to outdoor happy hours in the summertime.

The aesthetically appealing and diverse housing options are a significant reason why locals decide to settle down in this beautiful neighborhood. Unique, walk-up apartment buildings, historic row houses, and new-construction townhouses are just a few of the incredible choices here. Sizable single-family homes in expansive lots are also available.

If you've been thinking about moving to American University Park or the surrounding area, you'll need an experienced real estate agent by your side. Trusted agent Marco Stilli is ready with insightful guidance into the D.C. real estate scene and all it has to offer. Contact Marco today to discuss the best neighborhoods in and near American University Park.

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