Section Image

American University Park

American University Park

Neighborhood in Washington, District of Columbia

District of Columbia 20016

Neighborhood Reviews
4.1
$1,433,479 Average Value
$555 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

Tight-knit, tranquil D.C. suburb

Developed in the 1920s, American University Park, or AU Park, sits above the buzz of the city on one of Washington, D.C.’s highest elevation points. One of the capital’s most tranquil suburbs, AU Park’s tree-shaded streets are mostly free from commercial development. “The neighborhood is bordered by Washington and Western Avenue, so it’s walkable to anywhere you want to go, and is commuter friendly because it’s right on the Metro’s red line, which provides easy access into downtown,” says Gerry Gretschel, a real estate agent with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty and AU Park resident. “We also have one of the best neighborhood schools in the city, which is another huge draw. It’s a very tight-knit community. I like to tell my kids we pretty much know someone on every block, which is unusual for D.C.”

Residents of American University Park enjoy close proximity to many dining options.
Residents of American University Park enjoy close proximity to many dining options.
Commuting is convenient with Metro accessibility and well connected roads.
Commuting is convenient with Metro accessibility and well connected roads.
1/2

Established 20th century architecture on sidewalk-lined streets

Early to mid-20th century architecture, such as brick Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods, bungalows and Tudor Revivals, line the streets of AU Park. “If you drive through the neighborhood, you’ll see a lot of those homes developed in the 1930s and ‘40s are being renovated,” says Gretschel. Due to its popularity, new construction has also started to develop in the neighborhood. Despite their compact lots, most houses feature concealed backyards and shared alleyways, fostering a cozy, close-knit feel. Tree-lined sidewalks connect the community and provide ample shade for joggers and dog walkers. Price points typically exceed the $1 million mark and can reach $3.2 million for six-bedroom properties.

Find your dream home in a charming Cape Cod in American University Park.
Find your dream home in a charming Cape Cod in American University Park.
Parks and green spaces create serene escapes within the urban setting.
Parks and green spaces create serene escapes within the urban setting.
Lines of colonial homes are the bread and butter of American University Park
Lines of colonial homes are the bread and butter of American University Park
1/3

Highly rated schools attract newcomers

There is a big focus on schools among AU Park residents. Many students attend District of Columbia Public Schools, including Janney Elementary School, which earns an A-minus from Niche and sits on the neighborhood’s eastern end. They’ll later filter into Alice Deal Middle and Jackson Reed High schools, each receiving an A rating from Niche. Jackson Reed students can apply for one of the school’s ten academies to take career-focused courses. Those academies include engineering, hospitality and tourism, global studies and finance. The neighborhood also has three private schools: National Presbyterian School, Georgetown Day School and Beauvoir School.

Jackson Reed High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
Jackson Reed High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
The Janney Elementary School is a public elementary school from Pre-K through 5th grade.
The Janney Elementary School is a public elementary school from Pre-K through 5th grade.
1/2

Relaxing afternoons at Turtle Park

Recently renovated Friendship Park, known locally as Turtle Park, is a hub for outdoor recreation and community gatherings. The green space is dotted with turtle statues, which is how it got its name. A fenced-in playground and splash pad are popular spots among families, according to Gertschel. Locals also visit to play a game of tennis or basketball with friends and family. The park regularly hosts local fairs and festivities. The Turtle Park Music Project brings food trucks and neighborhood bands to the grounds, while the annual Mayfair transforms the space into a carnival with inflatables, rides and games.

The playground at Friendship Park is a great place for the neighborhood kids.
The playground at Friendship Park is a great place for the neighborhood kids.
Turtle Park offers many outdoor amenities to the local residents of American University Park.
Turtle Park offers many outdoor amenities to the local residents of American University Park.
Turtle Park offers many outdoor amenities to the local residents of American University Park.
Turtle Park offers many outdoor amenities to the local residents of American University Park.
1/3

Shopping and Dining

Retailers and restaurants edge the main roadways around the neighborhood and cover many basic needs for residents. Spring Valley Shopping Center houses Wagshal’s, a hybrid market and deli serving the neighborhood since 1925. Gretschel recommends heading across the street to Millie’s Spring Valley, which she says is “a small neighborhood haunt with great food and a great atmosphere.” The Baja-style eatery is known for its seafood tacos. Compass Coffee sits next door and is a popular stop before locals head out for work in the morning. Additional grocery and everyday essentials can be found at Wegmans, Whole Foods or Target, each within a mile of the neighborhood.

Wegmans at City Ridge, elevating the grocery experience in the heart of D.C.
Wegmans at City Ridge, elevating the grocery experience in the heart of D.C.
Seoul Spice, Tenleytown's flavorful destination, a taste of Korean inspired delights.
Seoul Spice, Tenleytown's flavorful destination, a taste of Korean inspired delights.
Residents of American University Park enjoy the convenience of nearby stores to pick up
Residents of American University Park enjoy the convenience of nearby stores to pick up
1/3

Admire the arts at American University

AU Park’s eponymous university is perhaps its most obvious attraction. Katzen Arts Center, home to the university’s theater and museum, hugs the southeast corner of the community. Residents can catch a concert or peruse the contemporary art exhibitions. Locals also visit the campus to tour the AU Arboretum or cheer on the soccer team at Reeves Field. Holidays are also a highlight for residents here. “Halloween is huge,” Gretschel says. “People come from outside the neighborhood to go trick or treating, and some streets have block parties and haunted alleys. A lot of people also go to the Tenleytown Winter Fair in December. It’s really popular.” Storefronts in the neighboring community are decorated for the holiday, and there are events like a yeti scavenger hunt, a winter feast and live music walks.

American University is a popular neighborhood for families located in Washington, DC.
American University is a popular neighborhood for families located in Washington, DC.
American University's Katzen Arts Center brings all the visual and performing arts programs.
American University's Katzen Arts Center brings all the visual and performing arts programs.
Visitors explore the Katzen Arts Center at American University.
Visitors explore the Katzen Arts Center at American University.
1/3
The residents of American University Park have convenient access to local Metro Stations.
The residents of American University Park have convenient access to local Metro Stations.

Take the Red Line to downtown D.C.

The Tenleytown-AU Metro station, located on the neighborhood’s eastern edge, serves the red line. Downtown is just five stops away, giving locals access to the National Mall and other landmarks along Pennsylvania Avenue. Several Washington Metro Area Transit Authority bus lines also circle through Wisconsin and Nebraska avenues. Three major employers in the city – American University, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and WRC-TV – are nearby and make for easy commutes for many employees. Locals can hop in their cars to get to other amenities. Take Van Ness Street for less than 2 miles to Sibley Memorial Hospital. State Route 110 will link locals to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, less than 10 miles away.

Sara Ferguson
Written By
Sara Ferguson
Jack Adams
Photography Contributed By
Jack Adams
Chris Norton
Video By
Chris Norton

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jose Barreto, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl

18 min drive

Bus

Nebraska Ave NW & Van Ness St NW

Bus

Massachusetts Ave NW & Ward Cir NW

Bus

Western Ave & Ellicott St

Bus

Wisconsin Ave NW & Van Ness St NW

Bus

Massachusetts Ave NW & Macomb St NW

Bus

Massachusetts Ave NW & 45th St NW

Bus

Wisconsin Ave NW & River Rd NW

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.1 13 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
7/29/2014 Niche Review
Multiple quality gyms available. Healthy food too
4.0 Niche User
6/27/2014 Niche Review
People in this area are very friendly and cheerful. In my university there is plenty of diversity and people are very open-minded, accepting, and considerate of others.
4.0 Niche User
7/29/2014 Niche Review
Fire and police station a few blocks away
5.0 Niche User
7/29/2014 Niche Review
I'd live here forever if it's possible
Are you familiar with the American University Park neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime American University Park US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,406,250
Median Single Family Price
$1,600,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,080,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$612,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$477,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$555
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Last 12 months Home Sales
82
Months of Supply
1.90
Median List Price
$1,388,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,046
Median Year Built
1939
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,046
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,208
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,228
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
791
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    4301 Massachusetts Ave NW Unit 2005, Washington, DC 20016

    $619,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,696 Sq Ft
    • 4301 Massachusetts Ave NW
    • Unit 2005
    • New 2 days ago

    OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, 4/27 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Space! Storage! Garage Parking! This sun-filled apartment in the popular, pet friendly Greenbriar is a rare find, with THREE spacious bedrooms, two nicely redone baths, a very generously proportioned living room with huge windows and leafy views, a separate dining room, and a kitchen with abundant cabinetry, work space and a separate exterior

    Tammy Gale Washington Fine Properties, LLC

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    4224 Van Ness St NW, Washington, DC 20016

    $2,795,000

    • 7 Beds
    • 6 Baths
    • 4,790 Sq Ft
    • 4224 Van Ness St NW
    • New 24 days ago

    LISTED BELOW APPRAISED VALUE! APPRAISAL IS AVAILABLE! This gorgeous 7-bedroom and 6-full-bathroom residence in AU Park is a true gem in Washington, DC. The enormous 13,827 sq ft lot and fully fenced yard offer unique privacy. A wide driveway can accommodate 4-6 parking spots.High ceilings up to 10' throughout the house. The family room and master bedroom addition of 1,200 sq ft was built about

    TATYANA CABREJO Samson Properties

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    4022 Warren St NW, Washington, DC 20016

    $1,650,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,729 Sq Ft
    • 4022 Warren St NW

    Welcome home to this beautifully maintained home nestled on one of AU Park’s most picturesque blocks. Welcome to one of AU Park’s most captivating treasures. With irresistible curb appeal, a lushly landscaped yard, and an elegant traditional layout, this picture-perfect property is the ultimate blend of charm, luxury, and livability. Now significantly reduced and priced to sell, this is a rare

    Kimberly Casey TTR Sotheby's International Realty

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jose Barreto, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,830
Median Age
39
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$146,315
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$164,748

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.2%
College Graduates
84.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
59.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

66 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

61 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

60 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
American University Park