Located in Northeast DC, Brookland is a neighborhood that centers on 12th Street NE. It is on the Metro Red Line and is the home of The Catholic University of America. Called “Little Rome” because of the many churches, schools, and chapels serving the Catholic community, it is also home to thriving art, food, and entertainment community.
Why Little Rome?
Because of its proximity to Catholic University’s 193-acre campus, Brookland’s development often has had a connection to the church. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is located here, the continent’s largest Roman Catholic Church and one of the largest in the world.
In addition, the Franciscan Monastery is a Byzantine-style complex founded in 1899. You can tour the church and grounds as well as the gardens and shrines.
Enjoy the Arts at Brookland
The arts are an outgrowth of the artistic traditions of the church as well as the vibrant arts community in the University. Visitors can enjoy Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market. The potters, crafters, and other visual and graphic artists offer a variety of styles and genres, including vintage-designed textiles, carved figures, and paintings.
Dance Place is a DC institution that originated in Adams Morgan. After moving to Brookland in 1986, it grew and developed and now hosts after-school programs, job-training workshops, and life-skill classes. They also host drop-in dance classes for people of all ages with instruction in salsa, hip-hop, tap, step, and creative movement.
In addition, Dance Place presents events on the Art Walk, including live music on the third Thursday of the month from May through September. Some of the artists featured include Rumba Club, Jack Gregori, Ayanna Gregory, and more.
Nightlife and Daylife
With pubs like Brookland Pint and great restaurants like Menomale and Smith Public Trust, you’re sure to find some of the best food and drinks in the area, as well as fun people to hoist a craft beer with. And with homes ranging from rowhouses to duplexes, to Victorians to bungalows, you’re sure to find a great home near your favorite bistro.
If you’re looking for outdoor spaces and lots of green, there is a great deal to love about Brookland. Between the campuses, the monastery, and the Turkey Thicket Recreational Center, there is a lot of natural beauty in the area and preserved green space. Beautiful garden spaces abound, as well as green spaces for sports and recreational use.
Who Lives in Brookland?
Brookland is a great mix of older residents with newer transplants. This also means a good combination of tried and true neighborhood stores and restaurants alongside new businesses and new developments. The main drag is along 12th Street, with older businesses alongside Yes! Organic Market and other newer retail options.
Because Brookland was undervalued for many years, there are still some great real estate deals to be had. And although there is a vintage vibe here, there are also new construction options to ensure you’ll have all of the most up-to-date amenities.
One of the nicer features of single-family homes in the neighborhood is the relatively large lots many of them are built on. That means if you are looking for outdoor living and entertaining space, as well as play space for the kids, you will have many options.
In addition, a survey of recently sold homes shows a large number of 4 and 5 bedroom homes alongside the traditional 3 bedroom layouts. If you have a large family or want a dedicated home office or guest suite, you’ll have a fair number of choices.
For the best of small-town, outdoors, and real value in a desirable in-town neighborhood, as well as an easy commute, you really can’t go wrong with Brookland. Sign in to our website and let us know if you are interested in this beautiful little corner of DC. We’d love to create a custom search for just the right home for you and your family.