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Ivy City Community Guide Real Estate A small refuge from the hustle and bustle of downtown!

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Updated 5/12/2023

History and Flavor

This tiny neighborhood lies north of Union Market and NoMa and has been through several cycles over the years. Its recent resurgence makes it a popular place for locals to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown. 

Ivy City sits on land initially envisioned as an African American post-Civil War subdivision. The first lots were sold in 1873. Many lived in homes without power. In the late 1870s, a portion of the land was purchased to build a city horse racing track. President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the National Fair Grounds to thousands of onlookers in 1879. The track operated for about a decade before it went bankrupt.

Ivy City became an industrial zone home to many warehouses, factories, and a railyard. The neighborhood remained industrial for many decades until the historic Hecht Warehouse was redeveloped into apartments and retail. This brought in various local and national businesses.

Ivy City is home to bars and restaurants today, including the Michelin-starred Gravitas. The neighborhood is also a hot spot for local made-in-DC beverages. You’ll find multiple distilleries producing everything from gin to whiskey. Enjoy craft beer-style ciders from Supreme Core Cider. Enjoy the full-service City Winery and beers at the Atlas Brew Works.

The U.S. National Arboretum–a beautiful, free-to-enter 446-acre collection of plants–is a nearby attraction. The National Arboretum is also home to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, a fascinating space displaying legendary miniature Japanese and Chinese trees.

Entertainment

Music & Parks

  • City Winery DC– Great food and live music to go along with some fine wine choices in a warm cozy environment.
  • Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society– Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society is a not-for-profit jazz club in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC. All shows are $5 at the door (cash only) unless otherwise noted.
  • Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House– A coffeehouse/music shop with vinyl and java for sale, plus listening booths and a 1947 recording booth.
  • The Pocket– Livestreams, private events, you name it, they do it at this tight high-tech live music venue.
  • Lewis Crowe Park– Children’s playground and green space.
  • Ft. Lincoln Park– Fort Lincoln was one of seven temporary earthwork forts that were part of the Civil War Defenses of Washington, DC, during the Civil War. You’ll find five open-air pavilions, with clusters of honey locusts growing through the wood-lattice structures, providing extensive views of the surrounding area from atop the historic earthworks.
  • Kingman and Heritage Islands Park – The product of dredging the Anacostia River over 100 years ago is now home to important and rare ecosystems, including tidal freshwater wetlands, vernal pools, wildflower meadows, and tidal swamp forests. The islands are home to more than 100 species of birds, mammals, and other wildlife. 
  • 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.

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • Charix– Offering men’s and women’s shoes that preserve the artisan magic of the traditional Charix footwear and make you feel like you are walking on air. We are the only brand that offers these classic shoes with the specifications of contemporary high-end footwear.
  • MOM’s Organic Market– Chain retailer of organic produce, raw foods, sustainable seafood, natural remedies, and cosmetics.
  • City Center D.C. – CityCenterDC is a mixed-use development consisting of two condominium buildings, two rental apartment buildings, two office buildings, a luxury hotel, and public park in downtown Washington, D.C. It encompasses 2,000,000 square feet and covers more than five city blocks.
  • Popular Embroidery– We do embroidery, screenprinting, and vinyl heat transfer to create the unique looks on clothing you desire.
  • Ivy City Smokehouse– Buzzy watering hole for smoked fish, seafood, local spirits, and entertainment with rooftop and patio seating.
  • Gravitas– Minimalist, industrial-chic venue features New American tasting menus with locally sourced fare.
  • Chef Huda’s Kitchen– Delicious seafood dishes with a cajun flare.
  • Via Ghibellina– Earthy Tuscan fare, cocktails, and wine in a vast rustic-industrial space with a marble bar and an open kitchen.

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

Fenwick St NE & Okie St NE– Bus stop

West Virginia Ave NE & Fenwick St NE– Bus stop

18th St & Adams St– Bus stop

Okie St & 16th St NE– Bus stop

West Virginia Ave & Montana Ave– Bus stop

Trinidad Ave NE & Queen St NE– Bus stop

Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood– Subway station

NoMa-Gallaudet U– Subway station

Median Home Value

$550,000 as of 2023

Renters: 62%

Owners: 38%

Demographics

Population 3,312

Median household income –  $71,000

Median age: 33

Families with children – 25%

High school diploma or equivalent – 35%

College Degree: 49%

58% African American

22% White

15% Hispanic

3% Two or more other races

2% Asian

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