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The Palisades Community Guide Real Estate From large estates to apartments, this beautiful neighborhood offers everything to love about Washington DC

Updated 5/12/2-23

History and Flavor

The Palisades neighborhood in Washington, DC, was laid out and developed in the late 1800s by the Palisades Improvement Company as a suburb on the streetcar line that connected Georgetown and Glen Echo. As time progressed, the area grew to include estates and larger homes. 

Though The Palisades isn’t one of the most famous DC neighborhoods, it boasts a broad view of the Potomac River with gorgeous views and sunsets. The entire neighborhood runs along the Potomac River from the edge of Georgetown University to the DC/Maryland border.  MacArthur Blvd is the major thoroughfare. 

The area has a diverse mix of apartments, detached homes, and townhomes. Homes range from small colonials to huge estates. The area is close to excellent restaurants, shopping and nightlife, and everything the district offers! 

An exciting time of the year for the neighborhood is the annual July 4 parade. Featuring local bands, fire engines, and children on highly decorated tricycles and bicycles, this event draws hundreds of people. 

Entertainment

Music & Parks

  • Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House– A coffeehouse/music shop with vinyl & java for sale, plus listening booths & a 1947 recording booth.
  • Georgetown Piano BarBasement-level venue with well-versed piano men, sing-alongs & cocktails named for musical legends.
  • Blues Alley ClubJazz & blues junkies get up close & personal with headline acts at this intimate club with food.
  • DC9 NightclubTri-level hipster hangout with a snug basement bar, music stage with dance parties & rooftop deck.
  • Palisades Recreation Center & PlaygroundA smaller location but packed with outdoor activities like ball fields, soccer fields, softball fields, a splash park, and tennis courts.
  • Battery Kemble ParkThe parapet and gun positions are fairly well-preserved and remain visible at this Civil War gun fort.
  • Carolina Park– Also known as Dinosaur Park, has some equipment for children to play on and is an ideal spot for sledding in the winter.
  • W Street ParkA great playground for the kids. 

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • Chien de LuxeA unique pet boutique offering high-end food and pet supplies for dogs and cats. You’ll also find a selection of animal-themed home decor, jewelry, purses, antiques, cards, books, and artwork.
  • Cady’s Alley Outdoor shopping destination with high-end retailers offering home furnishings, clothing & jewelry in the heart of Georgetown.
  • Spring Valley Shopping Center A historic shopping center, located at 4874 Massachusetts Avenue and 4301 49th Street, Northwest, Washington.
  • Capital AntiquesA full-service gallery presenting an eclectic collection of 18th, 19th  & 20th Century Period Furniture, Paintings, Sculpture, and Objet D’Art.
  • Bistro AracosiaWarm, casual space serving up traditional Afghani fare such as grilled kebabs, bread & dessert.
  • Sweet Agave Bar & GrillTex-Mex style food with some flair.
  • Bambu Asian Cuisine– Thai, Chinese, and Japanese fare, including sushi, plus signature drinks served in a high-ceilinged space.
  • Et Voila– Long, narrow bistro offers hearty French-Belgian dishes & an extensive list of Belgian beers.

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

MacArthur Blvd NW & Edmunds Pl NW – Bus stop

MacArthur Blvd NW & Dana Pl NW – Bus stop

MacArthur Blvd NW & Cathedral Ave NW – Bus stop

MacArthur Blvd NW & Manning Pl NW – Bus stop

MacArthur Blvd NW & W St NW – Bus stop

MacArthur Blvd NW & Chain Bridge Rd NW – Bus stop

Van Ness-UDC – Subway station

Tenleytown – AU – Subway station

Median Home Value

$1,500,000 as of 2023

Renters: 15%

Owners: 85%

Demographics

Population  6,912

Median household income –  $231,298

Median age: 40

Families with children – 41%

High school diploma or equivalent – 4%

College Degree: 94%

73% White

11% Hispanic

8% African American

4% Asian

4% Two or more other races

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