Southwest Waterfront Homes and Condos for Sale
Southwest Waterfront is the most riverfront area in the city and is popular for its leisure and nightlife attractions.
Washington Channel and the Anacostia River which border Southwest D.C. are becoming increasingly popular destinations thanks to recent developments like The Wharf - a new 24-acre development of high-end retail, restaurants and condos on the channel - and The Yards Park in Navy Yard which features water features ideal for recreation and festivals.
The Southwest Waterfront, D.C., neighborhood has undergone some major transformations in recent years. Formerly a neglected part of the city's smallest quadrant, today's Southwest Waterfront is home to a number of new residential and commercial developments. Despite these changes, this area still retains its laid-back feel thanks to its parks, yacht clubs, cafes and markets.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The smallest part of the city is experiencing a lot of new development.
The glamorous new Wharf development has completed Phase I - a mile-long stretch of mixed use apartment and condo buildings and hotels. However, although work on the project is expected to continue into the foreseeable future, plans for Phase II have already been unveiled by 11 renowned architects who will be designing 1.2 million more square feet of space. Residents and tourists can expect to see new construction in this area for some time yet!
The southwest area of Washington, D.C., which contains the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood, has many historical buildings dating back to 1793 and 1791. Although this area has been isolated from the rest of the city due to its location next to a busy freeway, pedestrian access is improving as more people take advantage of nearby Metro stops and bike rental businesses. New developments in the neighborhood such as restaurants, cafes and boutique hotels show that it is increasingly attractive for both residents and businesses.
As part of the Wharf's development process, efforts have been made to revitalize Maine Avenue Fish Market - the nation's oldest continuously operating open air seafood market. In addition, new residents and tourists flocking to the waterfront might also discover Blind Whino arts center, housed in a whimsically painted 19th Century Baptist Church; or Saint Dominic Church - an example of gothic architecture built in 1875.
Although Southwest Waterfront was part of the original design of Washington D.C., in the 1950s, the neighborhood experienced large-scale urban renewal, which led to the redesign of many of the area’s buildings and spaces. Recently, increasing residential development, along with the growing number of restaurants and shops, add to the urban atmosphere of the neighborhood. The variety of public transportation options and the easy access to other locations in D.C. also attract tenants. While the neighborhood may be relatively young compared to other areas of the district, it offers a wide variety of activities to its residents.
THE LIFESTYLE
Continuous energy.
The Arena Stage has a revitalized theater program with award-winning performances. Three live music venues are nearby, including the 6,000-seat Anthem Theater. There's also an 18-hole golf course and various water sports and leisure cruises available. The area is home to many trendy restaurants, ensuring there is plenty of fine dining within breathtaking views of the city skyline.
The lifestyle of the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood is what makes it so popular. With its easy access to the water and lively restaurants, it's no wonder that many people are drawn to this area. However, there are plenty more reasons why this neighborhood is worth exploring! At the far-northern section of the waterfront sits an iconic wharf located next to several massive new developments like Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater; these additions have brought new activities and energy to the neighborhood. Nationals Park - home of MLB's Washington Nationals - is also nearby in Navy Yard; thanks in large part to this stadium, revitalization has been taking place all along this stretch of Potomac River.
Part of the Wharf’s development included revitalizing the Maine Avenue Fish Market, the nation’s oldest continuously operating open-air seafood market that was built in 1805. New residents and tourists who are flocking to the waterfront might also discover the vibrant Blind Whino arts center, housed in a whimsically painted 19th-century Baptist church, or find refuge at Saint Dominic Church, a beautiful example of gothic architecture built in 1875.
WHAT NOT TO EXPECT
An uncrowded city.
You will not find a quiet, suburban neighborhood here. This area is brimming with construction, new attractions, and the visitors that come with them. Affordable housing will be more difficult to find here due to the waterfront location and the new popularity.
THE MARKET
Newer, high-end builds demand a higher price point. But many condos, townhomes, and houseboats in this area are actually reasonably priced.
Although the new luxury apartments and condos command high prices, there are some affordable options available. Gangplank Marina is known for its friendly and quirky houseboat community, despite being by the waterfront.
The Southwest Waterfront neighborhood is one of the hottest real estate markets in D.C., with a wide range of options for both renters and home buyers alike. Beginning in the 1950s, much of this area was part of an urban renewal program where large apartment buildings were built. Today, many of these older structures still stand while new mixed-use developments have sprouted up nearby. These newer constructions generally command a higher price tag due to their upscale amenities - but they're well worth it! Much like the rest of Washington DC, this area features a diverse range of historic homes including quaint row homes with loads of character or condos converted from old apartments or businesses that are now popular as rentals.
The current housing stock in the neighborhood reflects the effects of urban renewal from the 1950s. Condos and luxury residences line G Street SW, but most of the housing consists of mid-century modern elevated co-ops and condos from the 1960s: boxy and concrete buildings.
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
The waterfront, ample green space and easy access to the baseball and soccer stadiums that are all close to this location.
Navy Yard is a great place to live for its panoramic views of the Anacostia River and proximity to Nationals Park. The new soccer stadium, Audi Field, is right next door - making it easy for residents to enjoy everything the area has to offer.
Southwest Waterfront is very close to many popular parts of Washington, DC - including Nationals Park, Chinatown, and the National Mall. However, thanks to its location on an island within Southwest DC, it has a very different character from these other areas. To the north lies the Southwest Freeway which keeps this area isolated from the rest of the city. South Capitol Street borders it eastwardly while Navy Yard and Buzzard Point lie southwards of it; while westwardly flows Washington Channel acting as natural boundary with these two localities.
Southwest Waterfront has been like the overlooked middle sibling of other DC neighborhoods, in that it has quietly gone about its business without garnering much attention. But this is now changing - the area is undergoing a transformation that will be worth watching.
Prospective tenants will enjoy the area as it continues to redevelop, with commercial and entertainment establishments increasing and revitalizing the neighborhood. The dining and nightlife options in the neighborhood include the Navy Yard Metro Center Café, Kruba Thai and Sushi, Potbelly Sandwiches, Cava Mezze DC, Starbucks, 7th Hill Pizza, Station 4, Tortilla Coast, and Cantina Marina. Other attractions of the area include Nationals Park and Arena Stage, a regional theater company in D.C.
The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival is held annually in April in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood. It offers cultural entertainment, live music, food, and water-related activities for attendees.
