American University Park: A Neighborhood Guide
American University Park, a peaceful and family-oriented neighborhood, is situated on the DC-Maryland border, near its namesake university. This upper northwest D.C. neighborhood feels like a patch of suburban splendor, with a tightly knit community. It offers a unique blend of residential charm and convenient city amenities. Known for its tree-lined streets, friendly atmosphere, and proximity to American University, AU Park provides an ideal balance of convenience and cultural amenities with laidback residential calm.
Location and Boundaries
American University Park is a neighborhood located in northwest Washington, D.C., tucked against the Maryland border. This community is generally considered to be the area between Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Western avenues.
A Residential Haven
The neighborhood is almost entirely residential, consisting primarily of single-family homes, mostly Colonials and bungalows, on tree-lined streets. AU Park's streets are residential, lined with tree-shaded sidewalks, picket fences, and back-alley spaces. Most of the homes in AU Park have front and back yards-a rare feature for D.C.-and are flanked by sidewalks and alleyways, making it very pedestrian-friendly. Homes here are often Colonials and bungalows, but larger properties are also available.
Architectural Styles and Community Spirit
AU Park homes were mostly built in the 1920s and are set relatively close together, which locals say helps foster community spirit. The neighborhood’s stock of Colonials and bungalows is built close together with front porches and interconnected front yards, so you’ll often find neighbors socializing or out strolling the neighborhood. The neighborly bonds are as close-knit as the houses here, fostered by the stability of a neighborhood where multiple generations live within blocks of each other.
The University Influence
American University has a self-contained 84-acre campus - itself an accredited arboretum with more than 2,500 trees - and some 13,000 students, but AU Park is light on college town vibes. American University Park is perhaps a unique neighborhood for housing a major university and its cultural perks, but little of the associated noise. Groups of students head to nearby Spring Valley, Tenleytown and Georgetown for outings while AU Park’s small but steadfast crop of beloved restaurants has a reliable draw. Local residents include professors from American University, AU Park’s namesake, along with lawyers, government workers, and other professionals working within DC’s political scene.
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A Close-Knit Community
AU Park residents embrace the neighborhood’s simplicity and lack of ostentation. Back-alley barbecues, neighborhood get-togethers, and chance encounters on the sidewalk are part of the social fabric. The neighborly bonds are as close-knit as the houses here, fostered by the stability of a neighborhood where multiple generations live within blocks of each other. Residents of American University Park enjoy numerous community activities as well as take advantage of nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities.
Accessibility and Transportation
Residents are within walking distance to the Tenleytown Metro station. AU Park and Tenleytown are well-connected to DC’s bustling metropolitan areas, with a Metro Red Line and four Capital Bikeshare stations.
Shopping and Dining
There is a wide variety of outstanding shopping and dining options within the local area. Spring Valley and the Spring Valley Shopping Center are within walking distance, with highlights including Californian Baja-style cuisine at Millie’s, Pizzeria Paradiso, Starbucks, and Compass Coffee. Within AU Park, Wagshal’s is a premium delicatessen and gourmet market with a wonderful wine selection. The Spring Valley Shopping Center on Massachusetts Avenue is home to some great restaurants like Millie’s and Pizzeria Paradisio, as well as coffee shops such as Compass Coffee and Bluestone Lane, and Wagshal’s market and deli, a local staple since 1925. Local celebrities including politicos and national TV news personalities make frequent appearances with little fanfare, eating and shopping shoulder to shoulder with residents.
Historical Context
Tenleytown was the site of some of DC’s earliest development, with one of the city’s first homes constructed in the early 1700s. AU Park’s development blossomed with elegant Queen Anne homes in the late 19th Century. American Craftsman, Colonial, and Tudor Revival homes were added to the neighborhood throughout the early 20th Century. Tenleytown’s status as one of DC’s most coveted neighborhoods grew with the addition of a Sears Roebuck department store in the 1940s. This has since transformed into Cityline, a luxury condominium development.
Nearby Attractions
Tenleytown’s Fort Reno Park is the highest natural elevation point in Washington, DC. Founded in 1861, this historic landmark was the site of DC’s only Civil War battle. Since 1968, it has hosted an annual summer concert series. The Katzen Arts Center is a major local attraction, with gallery space showcasing contemporary art from around the world. Regular events are hosted at the Katzen Center, including lectures and live art performances.
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Demographics
American University Park / Tenleytown has 1,687 households, with an average household size of 3. 4,812 people call American University Park / Tenleytown home.
Why Choose AU Park?
Want to know what it’s like to live in AU Park? American University Park is a lovely, quiet, and convenient neighborhood named after the eponymous university at its borders. Housing here is more affordable than in many of its surrounding neighborhoods, making it popular with young families. AU Park residents embrace the neighborhood’s simplicity and lack of ostentation. Back-alley barbecues, neighborhood get-togethers, and chance encounters on the sidewalk are part of the social fabric.
Washington, D.C.: A City of Vision
Living in Washington, D.C., means experiencing a beautiful city with gorgeous architecture and a vibrant cultural life. Washington, D.C., is an exemplar of urban planning, thanks to the vision of military engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant. L’Enfant’s plan symbolically put the people in charge by placing Congress, and not the White House, at the pinnacle of the city, with D.C.’s wide boulevards radiating out from the “People’s House” on Capitol Hill.
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