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The Washington Post once called Bloomingdale “Everybody’s favorite DC neighborhood.”
While there’s room for debate, Bloomingdale definitely has its share of fans. Situated in Northwest DC less than two miles from the Capitol Building, Bloomingdale is best known for its iconic Victorian row houses, which are featured in the opening credits of House of Cards and are among the best-known landmark homes in the city.
Bloomingdale DC History
Bloomingdale’s storied past began as an area of 18th-century private estates and orchards just beyond the boundary of L’Enfant’s DC. One of the most prominent of these was the Bloomingdale Estate, a 50-acre complex.
After the death of the owners, the various parcels began to be sold off for development and in the 1880s the Bloomingdale neighborhood began to take shape.
Today, this area has become a quintessentially DC mix of old and new, with an appreciation for the history of the area and an eye toward the innovative.
You will have a choice of residential types in Bloomingdale with a combination of beautifully renovated historic homes alongside new construction in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Besides the row houses, North Bloomingdale also features some carriage houses that have been renovated into residences.
In addition, there are apartment buildings and condos in the area, including 92 condos housed in the area’s beautiful former Nathaniel Parker Gage School. There are also a variety of proposed projects currently in the pipeline which should bring additional new construction to meet demand in the area.
If you’re looking for some outdoor space, you’ll love Bloomingdale’s hidden gem, Crispus Attucks Park. The acre-plus green space offers a sun-drenched lawn for playing and strolling, benches and reading nooks along the tree-lined perimeter, and events throughout the year. Don’t miss Bloomie Nights for picnicking and movies under the stars each summer. And you’ll want to mark your calendar for the yearly Bloomingdale Community Day, the area’s biggest event.
Bloomingdale Activities
Nearby LeDroit Park is home to Common Good City Farm. This amazing area is an urban farm with workshops, instruction, and more for members of the community who would like to help grow their own food. With a CSA program, a farmer’s market, and sales to local restaurants and food producers, CGCF helps sustain itself financially.
Members of the City Farmers program as well as numerous volunteers and donors provide manpower and funds to help keep this innovative program humming.
Great restaurants abound in Bloomingdale, including some area favorites. Looking for authentic bagels straight from Jersey? Check out Sylvan Cafe & Bakery for some great breakfast options. The Red Hen’s Italian-inspired menu is a beloved anchor of the area restaurant scene. And Big Bear Cafe is a true standout and a neighborhood favorite for more than a decade, featuring a locavore-inspired menu and beautiful private event space.
The Pub and the People offers a picture-perfect neighborhood hangout when you want to catch the big game, whatever it may be. With a variety of great food and weekday Happy Hours, you’ll find yourself heading in to try it all. And perpetual favorite Boundary Stone will keep you coming back for everything from brunch to Happy Hour to music events to concert live streams.
No matter what you love about Washington DC, you’ll find it in the idyllic Bloomingdale neighborhood. Ready to get your little piece of one of DC’s favorite neighborhoods?
We’re ready to help. At Eng Garcia, we know every corner of DC. Let’s talk! Sign in at our website and get started with an agent who can help you find just what you want, whether it’s a classic row house or a condo in your favorite corner of the District.