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Eckington Community Guide Real Estate A unique--and successful--merging of industry and residential that fully characterizes this neighborhood.

Updated 3/30/2023

History and Flavor

Eckington is a late 19th-century and early 20th-century neighborhood in the near northeast section of Washington, DC., and was named for the 18th-century country estate that preceded it. 

This friendly neighborhood comprises a series of older residential subdivisions, including High View, McLaughlin’s subdivision, Eckington, West Eckington, and Center Eckington. The most prominent is Eckington, a residential subdivision developed by real estate entrepreneur George Truesdell in 1887.

Truesdell paved the streets and provided the initial infrastructure, including the vital Eckington and Soldier’s Home streetcar line. 

Bringing the streetcar to Eckington provided the rapid transportation that was key for any 19th-century suburban community. It also brought power for electric lights along the streets and much sought-after electricity for individual residences. 

Eckington became prosperous from the get-go, so Truesdell expanded his vision and inspired others to do the same. By the end of the 19th century, the residents of the various subdivisions in the area consolidated to form the North Capitol and Eckington Citizens Association, creating the community that is alive and well today. 

The population increased over the decades that followed. Still, the land area decreased when the federal government claimed acres for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to establish its freight yards. The freight yards brought the growth of private industry, creating one of the few industrial clusters in the District. 

The successful merging of a residential neighborhood and industrial corridor is unique to Washington and fully characterizes the Eckington neighborhood. 

Entertainment

Music & Parks

  • The Pocket– Livestreams, private events, you name it, they do it at this intimate high-tech live music venue.
  • The Pub & The People– Gastropub fare, whiskey & more are served at this handsome American tavern with a patio.
  • Showtime Lounge– Small, low-key bar with murals of local musicians & record logos, plus a free jukebox.
  • The Howard Theatre– The Howard Theatre is a historic theater located at 620 T Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. Opened in 1910, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
  • Alethia Tanner Park– The park features a large lawn, playground, dog park, gardens, a meadow, plaza areas, and a connection to the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
  • Eckington Dog Park–  Eckington Parks & Arts is responsible for day-to-day maintenance and management of the dog park, including turf cleaning, purchase of dog waste bags, and setting rules to help keep pups safe.
  • Gage Eckington Dog ParkA great place to take your four-legged friends.
  • Crispus Attucks Park– Known for its secluded feel, this popular urban park includes lots of green space, benches & trails.
  • Metropolitan Branch Trail– A great off-roadway from the Brookland area to the Capitol Building with nice vibes along the way through the street art and historic DC neighborhoods.
  • Harry Thomas Recreation Center– Recreation facility offering a playground, outdoor pool, tennis & basketball courts & ball field.

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • Rhode Island Ave Shopping Center– Unfussy strip mall with discount grocery, clothing stores, a nail salon, and automotive services.
  • City Gear DC– Sporting goods store in Washington, D.C. ,Sportswear to high tops and everything in between.
  • Gift Shop– The Gift Shop is a physical space to find, learn, and discover and shop incredible brands from Black entrepreneurs in the DMV. 
  • Salt & Sundry– Hip oasis for artisanal pantry items, plus a curated array of barware, linens, cookbooks & more.
  • Qualia Coffee– house-roasted brews & locally baked goods are the draws at this casual, homey hangout.
  • Wicked BloomHip bar with BBQ snacks & whiskey drinks doubles as a dining room for nearby sibling DCity Smokehouse.
  • Bacio Pizzeria– Pies with local, organic ingredients & gluten-free crust option in a snug storefront with a patio.
  • Boundary Stone– Neighborhood pub serving bar food & whiskey in a vintage setting with exposed brick & tin ceilings.
  • Masseria– Nicholas Stefanelli’s Puglian-inspired prix fixe menus served in an Italian country–chic setting.,
  • O-Ku– A menu focused on Japanese robata-style dishes & sushi in an elevated setting with modernist decor.

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

2nd St NE & R St NE -Bus stop

Florida Ave & Eckington Pl -Bus stop

R St NE & Eckington Pl NE -Bus stop

Rhode Island Ave NE & 4th St NE -Bus stop

Median Home Value

$608,000 as of 2023

Renters: 67%

Owners: 33%

Demographics

Population 8,790

Median household income –  $98,000

Median age: 33

Families with children – 13%

High school diploma or equivalent – 17%

College Degree: 74%

51% African American

38% White

3% Hispanic

3% Asian

5% Other

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