Located side by side, just a few blocks north of the Capitol are the neighborhoods of NoMa and Mt. Vernon. These up-and-coming neighborhoods are among the hottest, most promising communities in the city, with a variety of new residential, dining, and entertainment options coming online.
NoMa–short for North of Massachusetts Avenue–includes several smaller communities, like Truxton Circle, Sursum Corda, Eckington, and Near Northeast. Mount Vernon Square is located at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, New York Avenue, K Street, and 8th Street.
NoMa landmarks include Union Station, Gallaudet University, and Union Market. Mt. Vernon Square is bounded on the north by the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The center of the square features the District of Columbia Public Library, a Carnegie-built library which is also home to the Historical Society of DC.
Hot & Trendy NoMa DC
Part of NoMa’s trendiness has come from the numerous pop-ups in the area. From Wunder Garten’s German eatery to Yoga NoMa to Carpe Librum’s bookstore pop-up, these short-term spaces have served to prove to developers the viability of commercial spaces in the area, bringing in investment and further expansion.
On the dining front, food trucks and pop-up restaurants have increased in NoMa, creating a revolving selection of options. While this has contributed to a shortage of more permanent sit-down restaurants in the area, it has simultaneously added to the area’s reputation as a perpetual home of all that’s new and exciting in DC. As more development moves into the area, it is projected that a better balance between the continuous and temporary will emerge.
Mt. Vernon Is No Slouch Either
Mt. Vernon’s restaurant scene features both established favorites and new and exciting concept restaurants. Local restaurateur Michael Schlow’s Alta Strada is a local favorite which, until recently, was joined by sister restaurant Conosci. This has been transformed into a revolving pop-up concept, the first of which is Schlow’s current project Calle Cinco. It will be exciting to see how this marriage of established and innovative restaurants will continue to develop and influence the neighborhood dining scene.
Green Spaces Galore
Greenspace is a big part of the development concept for both NoMa and Mt. Vernon. NoMa Green has been a multi-year project, the centerpieces of which are a 2.5-acre park on Harry Thomas Way and a smaller space at 3rd and L. plans include a playground, interactive fountain, dog park, and more!
Besides its eponymous square, Mt. Vernon boasts several green spaces, including five pocket parks and one DC park. Along with NoMa, this is one of the most walkable and bikeable communities in DC. It also has optimal access to transit, so if it’s environmentally friendly, transportation you are looking for these neighborhoods is perfect.
The FreshFarm Mt. Vernon Farmer’s Market is one of the best in the city. Featuring a variety of fresh produce and prepared foods, it runs through the end of October. It hosts many special events throughout the year, including chef’s demonstrations, children’s activities, and live entertainment.
Of course, it is a DC favorite with an ever-expanding variety of vendors. It includes an array of pop-ups, including the current Angelika movie theater pop-up. There is also Dock 5, an expansive event space located above the Market.
Real estate in both areas is hopping, with both renovated older spaces and millions of square feet of new construction under development. Many of the more modern condominiums and apartments seek to differentiate themselves through what has been called “an amenities arms race.” Buildings offer everything from rooftop pool decks to in-house pet grooming to woo and retain residents.
If you’re looking for in-town convenience and constant innovation, you’ll love each of these exciting DC neighborhoods. At Eng Garcia, we know all of the best new developments as well as the best current selections. Let us start a custom search to help you find your piece of NoMa or Mt. Vernon. Sign in at our website, and let’s get started!