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Kenilworth Community Guide Real Estate An up and coming neighborhood close to downtown.

Updated 3/24/2023

History and Flavor

Kenilworth, an up-and-coming neighborhood in Northeast Washington, D.C, is a residential neighborhood located along the Anacostia River. The road that became Kenilworth Avenue (and then the Kenilworth Avenue Freeway portion of DC Route 295) began in the 1750s as Eastern Branch Road. This road connected a ferry across the Potomac at Alexandria to Bladensburg town, founded in 1742 at the head of navigation on the Anacostia (then known as the Eastern Branch of the Potomac).

Kenilworth is home to a large public housing complex, Kenilworth Courts. 

Kenilworth Courts are conveniently in the Northeast quadrant of the District. This development is unique due to a resident management corporation managing one section of the public housing units. Kenilworth Courts comprise townhouses that offer two- to five-bedroom units. The low-rise apartment buildings provide two to three bedrooms. 

The nation’s eyes turned to Kenilworth in 1988 when the government-constructed Kenilworth Courts were sold to the residents. This was the first time public housing had been offered to those who had traditionally rented. The initiative did not go through but was progressive for the time. 

The Deanwood Metro Station is located nearby, along with Metrobus stops. There are nearby recreation centers, as well as the National Park Service’s Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

Most people rent their homes here, but single-family homes are for sale.

Entertainment

Parks & Sights

  • Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens/BoardwalkDeep within Kenilworth is an oasis. Open 362 days a year, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens welcomes visitors with blanketed white snow in winter, fresh green sprouts in spring, lush green hot summers, and painted foliage during the fall. There are a variety of activities and experiences for ALL to enjoy throughout the year.
  • Kenilworth Recreation CenterSituated in a former Kenilworth Elementary School section, Kenilworth Recreation Center features DPR’s largest fitness center and one of the agency’s largest multipurpose rooms. Another notable feature is a new lavish kitchen for teaching nutrition, cooking, and meal preparation.
  • Kenilworth-Parkside RecreationFrom walking trails to basketball courts, Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation offers a little bit of everything for everyone. Also, on-site, you’ll find a football/soccer field, open space, an athletic track, and a tennis court.

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • Shops at Dakota Crossing430,000 square feet of retail services, including —Costco, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Marshalls. 
  • Marshalls – Many reasonably priced name brands all under one roof.
  • Kenilworth Market – Grocery store shopping.
  • Mechos Dominican KitchenSpanish, African, and indigenous Taino foods merge into a cuisine that satisfies all appetites. See our delicious menu for yourself.
  • Naked LunchOrganic bowls and healthy juices. A vegetarian’s dream, located in Mom’s Organic Market

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

Kenilworth Ave NE & Nash St

Kenilworth Ave & Polk St

Kenilworth Ave NE & Quarles St NE

Kenilworth Ave & 42nd St

Median Home Value

$480,000 as of 2023

Renters:    65%

Owners:    35%

Demographics

Population – 2,352

Median household income –  $35,057

Median age: 34

Families with children – 30%

High school diploma or equivalent – 33%

College Degree: 50%

97% African American

3% Hispanic/White/Other

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