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Tenleytown Washington DC Community Guide Real Estate A peaceful oasis in the hustle and bustle of Washington DC.

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Updated 2/28/2023

History and Flavor

Sitting adjacent to American University Park, and centering on Tenley Circle, the Tenleytown DC neighborhood is a quiet, peaceful oasis in the hustle and bustle of District life. With great schools, natural beauty, and an emphasis on local businesses over big-box development, this charming area is full of amenities yet retains its small-town character.

Named for tavern owner John Tennally who owned a pub in the area in the late 1700s, Tennally’s Town eventually evolved (along with its spelling) into the Northwest DC neighborhood Tenleytown. The area is the home of the city’s highest geographic point, making it the site of almost all of the city’s radio and television towers.

Tenleytown’s Heritage Trail celebrates some of the fascinating histories of the neighborhood, including its role as a lookout spot at Fort Reno during the Civil War. Television history has played a large part in the area’s history, including the site of one of the Kennedy-Nixon Debates and the television studio where Jim Henson debuted Kermit the Frog. The three-mile trail is dotted with 19 points of interest, marked by illustrated signs, including historical images.

For many years, Tenleytown resisted the development that is so much a part of many areas of the District due to a variety of civic organizations dedicated to preserving the quality of life in the area by limiting growth. Over the past few years, locals have been more open to gradual and “smart” growth, opening the door for various new businesses and development.

If you want to upgrade to a bigger home, this area might just be for you.

Entertainment

Parks

  • Fort Reno– a favorite local park, the site of the only Civil War battle fought in the District and the home of a popular summer concert series that has run each year since 1968. The family-friendly shows are volunteer-run and very popular, with various local acts on the bill each week throughout the summer.
  • Turtle Park- The new recreation center will house a new community room for 125 people, a lobby/gallery to display local art, a dedicated kids/craft room, and additional storage and administrative space. In addition, the exterior improvements include an updated tot lot and upper playground, a new basketball court, a new splash pad, site amenities, and landscaping.
  • Newark Street Dog Park- Great location for your family pets to stretch out and socialize with other four-legged friends.
  • Melvin C. Haven Park– A popular jogging/hiking trail bisects this forested green space with a creek & wildlife sightings.

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • Whole Foods– Grocery seeks the finest natural and organic foods available and maintains the strictest quality standards in the industry. Whole Foods Has an unshakeable commitment to sustainable agriculture.
  • Urban Outfitters– Retail chain with a hipster vibe known for on-trend fashions, accessories & quirky home decor items.
  • The Container Store- Chain retailer specializing in storage & organization supplies, including closet & shelving systems.
  • Guapo’s- From colorful sombreros to our authentic mesquite grill, Guapo’s will supply you with everything needed to create a memorable and delicious fiesta in your home, office, or outdoor gathering.
  • Masala Art- Classic Indian eats alongside hard-to-find items offered in a basic dining room with a lunch buffet.
  • Crisp & Juicy- Counter-serve joint for Peruvian rotisserie chicken & dipping sauce, plus fried yuca & other sides.
  • Le Chat Noir- A selection of wines, crêpes & other bistro fare in a neighborhood setting with an upstairs lounge.
  • Yosaku- Long-standing mainstay with traditional & creative sushi & cooked Japanese dishes, plus a happy hour.

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

40th St NW & Albemarle St NW – Bus station

Van Ness St NW & Wisconsin Ave NW – Bus stop

Metro Station – Train

Median Home Value

$1,00,000 as of 2023

Renters: 70%

Owners: 30%

Demographics

Population 33,518

Median household income –  $196,903

Median age: 33

Families with children – 30%

High school diploma or equivalent – 4%

College Degree: 94%

77% White

7% Hispanic

7% Asian

5% Other

4% African American

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