For many of us, nothing beats the convenience of a condo or townhome, where outdoor maintenance, lawns, and common areas are taken care of. But if you’re craving an outdoor area for cookouts, swingsets, or pets, you may be looking for a single-family home.
DC has a well-deserved reputation as an expensive town. Nonetheless, there are still great neighborhoods throughout the DMV that feature affordable prices as well as a lawn where you can enjoy some outdoor living. And if you start now, your family may just be able to move in time for the next cookout of your dreams.
Here then, our picks for the best DC neighborhoods for proximity, affordability, and wide-open space.
Mount Pleasant
Boasting a variety of architectural styles from row houses to 19th century Victorian and colonial mansions, Mount Pleasant is one of the most charming neighborhoods in DC.
Nestled north of Adams Morgan on the boundary of Rock Creek Park, the area is one of the oldest in DC, and one of the prettiest and most diverse. With a range of price points, you can still find a single-family home in this neighborhood in the low $500s with small outdoor areas. And you have the satisfaction of knowing you are living in one of the best neighborhoods in town.
Pimmit Hills
Bordering McLean and Falls Church, Pimmit Hills is a neighborhood with a variety of homes at different price points. Whether you are looking to refurbish a small bungalow or want to purchase a home that has already been renovated, you are sure to find something you like in this quaint enclave.
And with homes with spacious outdoor areas coming in under $500K, this is one of the most affordable inside-the-Beltway neighborhoods we know.
Rose Hill
If you are looking for a gorgeous home close to the District, the Rose Hill area of Alexandria must be on your list. This hot market gives you the opportunity to have a spacious home with plenty of yards well under $500.
And with many of the homes here already renovated, and some still in their original condition, you have a lot of options in determining how much or how little you want to do after closing. Whether you choose move-in-ready or a fixer-upper, you’re sure to find something to love in Rose Hill.
Mount Rainier
Located on the Northeastern border of DC and gateway to PG County, MD, charming Mt. Rainier has been called “Takoma Park at half the price.” Now that’s what I call a bargain!
With an abundance of historic homes, you’ll find single-family homes for under $300K, an incredible bargain for this area. And these are not 1B1Bs either—many boast 4 or 5 bedrooms, in keeping with a previous generation’s larger family size. And with all the money you’ll save you can build your ideal playground, outdoor kitchen, or kitchen garden in your new backyard—how great would that be?
Brookland
Centering on The Catholic University of America, Brookland is a gorgeous, walkable, and artistic community with a great mix of old and new. This applies to the single-family homes in the neighborhood, many of which boast relatively large lots for plenty of outdoor living. With a combination of small-town, downtown, and outdoors, Brookland must definitely make your list when you are starting your real estate search.
Whether you are thinking of outdoor spaces for all of the entertaining possibilities or because you want your growing family to have lots of places to play, there are many possibilities in the DC metro to suit your needs. And if you choose carefully, you’ll find you can afford far more house than you expected. How’s that for good news?
Do you have an Eng Garcia account? You should. Just sign in at our website and let us help you find an Eng Garcia Realtor who is your perfect match. They’ll create a custom search for your favorite neighborhood, school district, or home type and be your partner all the way to the closing table. Let’s get started on your new home search today!