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Mount Pleasant Community Guide A diverse, charming neighborhood full of history to fall in love with.

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Updated 3/15/2022

History and Flavor

Mt Pleasant is a historic neighborhood in northwest Washington D.C., bounded by Rock Creek Park to the west, Adams Morgan to the north, and Columbia Heights to the east. The neighborhood is known for its diverse community, tree-lined streets, and historic architecture.

Initially developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mt Pleasant features a mix of architectural styles, including Victorian rowhouses, pre-war apartment buildings, and some modern condos and apartments. The neighborhood’s historic district, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, includes nearly 1,000 contributing buildings.

Mt Pleasant is home to a vibrant commercial corridor along Mt Pleasant Street, which features local businesses, restaurants, and bars. The neighborhood also has several parks and green spaces, including the Mt Pleasant Farmers’ Market, the Mt Pleasant Library, and the Rock Creek Park trails.

The neighborhood is well-connected to other parts of the city by public transportation, including multiple bus lines and the Columbia Heights Metro station. Mt Pleasant is also home to several community organizations, including the Mt Pleasant Neighborhood Alliance and the Mt Pleasant Main Street program, which work to promote local businesses and community engagement.

Entertainment

Music & Parks

  • The Southern Bar & Grill– Informal bar & restaurant serving Southern fare, with live bluegrass, country & jazz music.
  • Red’s Ice House– Busy, no-frills joint with ample patio space overlooking the water, serving up seafood & pub grub with local live music.
  • Awendaw Green– An old converted barn is the centerpiece of an outdoor live music space that features food & bonfires.
  • National Zoo– The National Zoological Park, commonly known as the National Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution and does not charge admission.
  • Rock Creek Park– A large urban park that bisects the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. The park was created by an Act of Congress in 1890 and today is administered by the National Park Service.
  • Lamont Plaza– Small paved city plaza featuring trees & benches, hosting a weekend farmer’s market & other events.
  • Walter-Pierce Park– Green space with a community garden, playground, dog park, chess tables, sports courts & fields.

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • Farmer’s Market– A traditional farmer’s market in the heart of DC.
  • DC USA– DC USA is an 890,000-square-foot retail development in the nearby Columbia Heights neighborhood. A Washington City Paper poll named DC USA the “Best Designed Retail Space” of 2009. 
  • Purple Patch– A chill bi-level spot offering American comfort fare, Filipino specialties & herb-infused cocktails.
  • Don Juan– Modest, brightly colored restaurant & bar with sidewalk seating offering Central American fare.
  • Dos Gringos– Snug cafe serving breakfast, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and ice cream in a converted townhouse.
  • Haydee’s– This festive cantina delivers Mexican fare and margaritas along with DJ’d dance parties & live music.
  • Raven Grill – This cash-only bar has served drinks since 1935 in a snug room with vintage booths.

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

Mt Pleasant St & Irving ST NW– Bus stop

Lamont St NW & Mt Pleasant St NW– Bus stop

Columbia Rd NW & Ontario Rd NW– Bus stop

Mt Pleasant St NW & Harvard St NW– Bus stop

Median Home Value

$725,000 as of 2023

Renters: 58%

Owners: 42%

Demographics

Population 13,294

Median household income –  $129,000

Median age: 33

Families with children – 17%

High school diploma or equivalent – 10%

College Degree: 75%

50% White

25% Hispanic

17% African American

4% Asian

4% Other

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