AU Park (DC)

American University Park, sometimes just referred to as AU Park, is a city that looks and feels like a college campus, partially because of the college nearby. Yet it’s truly its own neighborhood in Washington, DC. Developed in the 1920s, it has long been home to mostly single-family homes with several architectural styles. It was also one of the first areas to have streets developed with automobiles in mind, with homes spaced out to accommodate vehicles pulling into driveways.

Today, many of those historic homes remain. Many of the American University Park real estate options are smaller homes with porches and stoops where people sat and chatted with their neighbors in years gone by. These are beautiful homes, and while some condos and apartments are also present here, many seek out these beautiful properties because of their charm. Most are two-story brick colonials or bungalow homes.

WHAT TO LOVE:
Charming and well-maintained historic homes
Tranquility in a setting close to the big city
Active community involvement

PEOPLE AND INVESTMENTS:
Many people who live in this suburban area of DC need to be close to the downtown area. AU Park makes that possible by providing easy access to the entire Metro area. Yet, even this close to the city, it still feels like a tranquil community, one removed from the intensity of life. This could be why this is a high-demand neighborhood. People love the active community involvement – from knowing neighbors to working together to maintain the feel of the area. The big sense of community here is somewhat unique to the DC Metro area, making this affluent community a desirable place to live for many.

DINING, ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING:
There’s ample food throughout the Washington DC area, and the AU Park neighborhood boasts a few must-try locations within it or closes by. Millie’s Seafood Restaurant is one of those. It features California, Baja-style fresh food with quesadillas, signature tacos, and refreshing drinks to go with it. Pizzeria Paradisio is the small town pizza shop that’s long served favorite meals on its patio, dining room, and at customer doors.

For the freshest brew on the way to work, Compass Coffee is the destination to stop in and the place to meet friends for a good conversation. For those looking for a delightful meal inspired by elegant French cuisine, Le Chat Noir is an exceptional choice with a vibrant atmosphere. Those seeking fabulous spice and flavor may want to check out Guapo’s Mexican Restaurant.

Or, to prepare an impressive meal, consider a stop in at Wagshaw’s Grocery. It offers some of the best in fresh foods, prepared BBQ, and a full-service deli. Whole Foods is also located in the community. The community is also home to Crate and Barrel, which offers houseware.

THINGS TO DO:
Turtle Park is a good place to have some fun, a large open green space with a playground, sandbox, and stationary ceramic turtles perfect for climbing on. One of the most popular ways to cool down throughout the year is Wilson Aquatic Center. It features a competition-sized pool with diving boards.

Also close to the area is the Tenleytown Library. It’s a branch of the District of Columbia Public Library. To get around the city, the Tenleytown-AU Metro is conveniently located here, too, providing access to most of the city.

SCHOOLS:
Much of the American University Park neighborhood is serviced by the District of Columbia Public School System. Some of the schools located in the area include:

American University’s Washington College of Law
Georgetown Day School, Pre-K – 12th grade
Bernard T. Janney Elementary School, Pre-K – 5th grade