Located approximately four miles north of the United States Capitol, Brookland lies between Rhode Island Avenue to the south, South Dakota Avenue to the northeast, Michigan Avenue to the northwest and the Metro tracks to the west. Streets just west of the Metro tracks are also frequently included in the neighborhood. It is home to dozens of Catholic institutions, including The National Shrine and Catholic University of America – the only institution of higher learning that the US Catholic bishops founded. This has given the neighborhood its ‘Little Rome’ moniker.
A few years back, Bozzuto Group was instrumental in the redevelopment of Brookland. The neighborhood has become a highly sought after part of Washington, DC. Monroe Street Market, an8.9-acre plotthat spans five blocks and is bounded on the northern side by Michigan Avenuehas so much to offer.It features luxury apartment buildings, restaurants, events, performances, several art venues and the University’s official Barnes & Noble bookstore. The new Arts Centerhas many artsy spots for dancers and performers. This area is the popular dwelling place for the upperclassmen of the Catholic University.
Brookland has plenty of upscale and casual restaurants. You’ll want to head to Menomale for craft beers and Naples-inspired chow, mainly wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. For a rustic-modern tavern experience however, Smith Public Trust is the go-to place. There you’ll find all the drinks and beer you want. It has American fare and a bar that’s fashioned out of a shipping container. And of course, there is the popular and favorite venue Busboys and Poets, which is a bookstore, restaurant and venue for live poetry – named after Langston Hughes.
Brookland is an exciting place to be. Homes here are primarily medium sized with three to four bedrooms, or large with four, five or more bedrooms. The median price of a house is $625,109, which some would find to be a bit high. But given all the amenities and fun it offers, you’ll definitely want to pay up and get yourself settled here.
The neighborhood has a combination of longtime residents and newcomers, but this was always a mixed community. There’s a real sense of neighborhood cohesion, possibly prompted by the community’s distance from Northwest Washington’s retail hubs. Its business association, civic association and neighborhood Web groups all host lively discussions.
Lined with storefronts, 12th Street had long been Brookland’s main shopping drag, but it has since changed tons. Of course there is still Brookland True Value Hardware (one of those old-school stores that sells everything), but now there is also Little Ricky’s restaurant, Yes! Organic Market and Askale Cafe.
Housing stock is remarkably diverse. While row houses and duplexes lie at the area’s fringes, most properties at its core are detached single-family homes in colonial, Victorian and bungalow styles. Many sit on relatively large plots, giving the area a distinctly suburban feel.
Brookland also has a train stop on the Metro’s Red Line and buses frequently run through the neighborhood. Even driving is remarkably easy – you can get downtown in 12 minutes and to the National Airport in 20
Brookland’s housing market is certainly on the map and there is a rush in demand among owner occupants. Condo living has become popularin the neighborhood, with the recent years registering a high demand for condominiums.