November 2014

Arlington is a role model for supporting residents in leaving their cars at home in favor of biking, walking or using mass transit to commute to the office.  A long term trend is shaping up: there has been an increase in Arlington residents commuting to work on foot or with a bicycle, according to transit research organization Mobility Lab.  Data from 2013 shows that 7% of Arlington’s 131,300 residents commute to work by either walking or biking to work, up from 4% in 2004.

The County’s changing commuting pattern may be in response to the fact that many residents have short commutes and would prefer an eco-friendly, clean air alternative than to get on a crowded interstate.  Local government is behind this trend as well and is backing it with

The Hill East is quickly becoming one of the most popular neighborhoods for buyers who want the amenities of living near Capitol Hill without the high price tag.  Both new condo developments, The Brinkley and The Kingston, are conveniently located just 2 blocks from 2 different Metro stations.  The Hill East neighborhood is bordered by 14th and 19th Streets SE, Independence Avenue to the north, Capitol Hill to the west, and the Southeast Freeway to the south.  Residents can walk to shopping and dining on Capitol Hill.  The newly named neighborhood southeast of Capitol Hill is enjoying a new resurgence of popularity thanks to new real estate developments coming to the area.

While Hill East is considered a transitional neighborhood, the affordability means

Two new modern condominium developments are being constructed and open for sales in the Kingman Park neighborhood in Northeast DC. Located close to Capitol Hill and the vibrant H Street Corridor, both the Number 16 and 17 Solar condo developments are seeing brisk sales in response to strong building features and locations walking distance to many transportation options: Stadium-Armory Metro Station, a soon-to-come trolley along Benning Road; a free shuttle between Gallery Place and Chinatown Metro Station in the evenings; and several Metro bus lines.  The area is walking distance to desirable shopping, dining and entertainment.  The boundaries of Kingman Park are 15th Street NE to the west; East Capitol Street NE to the south; Benning Road NE to the

Residents and visitors to Cleveland Park, an upscale neighborhood in northwest DC, happily discover that you can walk from the Cleveland Park Metro Station to spend an afternoon at The National Zoo, go to a quirky bar for drinks, enjoy a casual or elegant dinner at any number of acclaimed restaurants, then head to a movie at the retro Uptown Theater.  There is so much to do in Cleveland Park yet so little time.  Cleveland Park is 2 blocks north of the National Zoo on Connecticut Avenue, NW, and along Wisconsin Avenue, 2 blocks north of the National Cathedral.

Beautiful historic homes along Porter, Ordway, Newark and Macomb Streets are highly desirable in this thriving neighborhood that feels like a village within city life with barbecues and dinner

The master-planned residential community of Reston, Virginia reached a triple milestone last month---the opening of the highly anticipated Metro Silver Line Station, the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the community when its first residents moved in, and the 100th birthday of Reston founder Robert E. Simon.  In 2012, CNN Money Magazine ranked Reston #7 in The Best Places To Live in America report.

In addition to its master-planned single-family homes, Reston added recreational amenities like swimming pools, nature trails, tennis courts, open green space and a community center---all elements of a planned community today but revolutionary 50 years ago.  Reston is an ideal location for people who are looking for an upscale, nice community near their

The Maples, a fashionable unique 19-condo unit building near historic Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, have already pre-sold 70% of the residences, which are expected to be completed near the end of this year.  The new condos are in a restored 1795 Capitol Hill mansion that is the oldest residence on Capitol Hill, yet the newest renovation.  Located at 619 D Street, SE, The Maples is both walking distance to The Eastern Market Metro Station, and the U.S. Capitol and Congressional Office Buildings.

On the National Register of Historic Places, The Maples consists of the former main house and stables that have been transformed into 6 unique buildings of flats and duplexes.  All of these modern residences have distinct floor plans and separate entrances. 

The Artisan in DC, located in the highly desirable Penn Quarter neighborhood, is a 12-story modern in-town condominium building on 915 E Street, NW, and the historic façade is beautifully restored in this now-completed building.  The vibrant Penn Quarter neighborhood offers at-your-doorstep conveniences, like top restaurants, bars, museums, theaters, art galleries; and wine, art and cultural festivals.  Just within a couple of blocks are The White House, The Capitol, The Courthouse, Verizon Center, the Kennedy Center and more.  Known as a walker’s paradise, Penn Quarter is served by 2 Metro Stations---Navy Memorial-Archives-Penn Quarter and Gallery Place-Chinatown.

The Artisan’s 160 condo units include Chef kitchens with custom cabinets, topped with

Washington Wizards basketball player Marcin Gortat made a slam dunk in the DC metro real estate market in September, buying a $1.6 million home in the Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia.  The Wizards center, a Polish native who came to the Wizards last year from the Phoenix Suns, bought a newly built home on North Quebec Street in North Arlington.  A popular fan favorite, Gortat stands 6-foot 11 and has been called “the most interesting man in the NBA” by USA Today.

Gortat, who signed a new 5-year, $60 million contract with the Wizards in the offseason, bought a 5-bedroom, 4,000 square foot home in the Farrington Ridge subdivision in Arlington.    The home’s main floor boasts 10-foot ceilings and its upper floors are 9 feet.  Fairington

Block by block of urban decay in gentrifying DC neighborhoods are being applauded by residents who are pleased to see them being transformed into much sought-after high-end condo projects.  Abdo Development has been the mastermind behind much of the development churning old rundown neighborhoods into hot, trendy markets for young professional dwellers.  Abdo Development has been in the forefront of the DC economic boom with glistening new urban modern glass-and-brick condos and lofts while simultaneously renovating distressed historic buildings.

Abdo is a DC development and construction company of high-end residential development.  The urban core of DC and Arlington, Virginia are the center of the company’s projects.  Each building blends smart growth

The best in town living is happening now at Ballston Row’s brand new townhomes in Arlington, DC’s closest-in Virginia neighborhood.  The bar is raised for high style and low-maintenance urban, city living, priced from the $700’s.  Ballston Row is conveniently located just blocks from the Ballston Metro Station, and is one of DC’s most exciting neighborhoods for 20-and 30-something professionals.

The neighborhood is an easy walk to eclectic shopping at Ballston Common Mall and area shops, American and international cuisine dining, and daily conveniences.  Ballston Row is a quick walk to Metro’s Orange Line and minutes to downtown DC, Capitol Hill, Smithsonian Museums, 2 blocks to Harris Teeter grocery store, and the nightlife of Dupont Circle, Adams