Columbia Heights

Washington, DC

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$767,500 (as of February 2025, ZIP 20010)
Median Home Price
92 (Walker's Paradise)
Walkability Score
Public schools are mixed (DCPS ratings 4–6/10); some charters/private options highly rated.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by 16th Street NW (east), Sherman Ave NW (west), Harvard St NW (north), and Florida Ave NW (south).

Zip Codes

20010

Market Data Summary

Price Range$450,000–$1,200,000+ (varies by condo, rowhouse, single-family)
Price per Sq FtApprox. $550–$700/sqft (2025 estimates)
Inventory Levels154 homes for sale in June 2025, up 40% from May; increased options across all bedroom counts.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

CondominiumsRowhousesSingle-family homesMulti-family buildings

Architectural Styles

VictorianFederalContemporary infillClassic DC rowhouse

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes1,000–2,500 sqft (rowhouses/condos); larger for single-family homes
Home Age RangeLate 1800s–early 1900s (historic); 2000s–2020s (newer infill/condos)
Construction QualityMix of historic charm and modern renovations; many homes updated, some new luxury builds.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Highly diverse; mix of young professionals, families, longtime residents, and recent immigrants.

Community Vibe

Energetic, multicultural, progressive, and community-oriented; strong neighborhood identity.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families
  • Investors
  • Students
  • Artists

Family Friendly

Good for families seeking urban amenities and access to parks; some areas more suited to singles/couples due to density.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Meridian Hill Park
  • Columbia Heights Community Center
  • Banneker Recreation Center

Dining Options

  • Thip Khao (Lao)
  • RedRocks (pizza)
  • El Chucho (Mexican)
  • Bad Saint (Filipino)

Shopping Centers

  • DC USA (Target, Best Buy, etc.)
  • 14th Street retail corridor

Local Businesses

  • The Coupe
  • Sticky Fingers Bakery
  • Odd Provisions
  • Maple
  • Thip Khao

Education & Schools

Public schools are mixed (DCPS ratings 4–6/10); some charters/private options highly rated.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Tubman Elementary
  • Bancroft Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Columbia Heights Education Campus (CHEC)
  • Deal Middle School (out-of-boundary for some)

High Schools

  • Cardozo Education Campus
  • CHEC

Private Schools

  • Sacred Heart School
  • Washington Latin PCS

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Columbia Heights Metro (Green/Yellow)
  • Numerous Metrobus lines

Major Roads

  • 16th St NW
  • 14th St NW
  • Harvard St NW
  • Irving St NW

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–20 minutes to downtown DC by Metro; 15–30 minutes by car depending on traffic.
WalkabilityExcellent; most errands can be accomplished on foot.
ParkingStreet parking is competitive; some homes/condos offer off-street or garage parking.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Urban families
  • Investors
  • Relocators

Key Selling Points

  • Central location
  • Diverse dining/shopping
  • Historic charm with modern updates
  • Strong rental market

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively due to increased inventory; highlight unique features to stand out.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Concerns about crime rates.

Response Strategy:

Provide recent crime trend data showing improvements; highlight community policing and active neighborhood associations.

Objection: Parking difficulties.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize proximity to Metro and walkability; note available off-street/garage parking in select properties.

Objection: Older home maintenance.

Response Strategy:

Showcase recent renovations, home warranties, and reputable local contractors.

Objection: School quality concerns.

Response Strategy:

Highlight charter/private options and improving public school ratings.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Solid, with 3–5% forecast for 2025; long-term growth due to location and amenities.

Rental Demand

Very strong; high demand from young professionals, students, and families.

Buyer Competition

Moderate; increased inventory has eased bidding wars, but desirable homes still move quickly.

Best For

  • Buy-and-hold investors
  • First-time buyers seeking urban lifestyle
  • Move-up buyers wanting more space

Potential Concerns

  • Rising property taxes
  • Older building maintenance
  • Noise and parking challenges

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate clients on hyperlocal trends and inventory shifts.

2

Leverage staging to highlight flexible spaces and outdoor amenities.

3

Price strategically to stand out in a more balanced market.

4

Address buyer objections with data and local expertise.

5

Promote the neighborhood’s unique blend of culture, convenience, and investment upside.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Adams Morgan
  • Mount Pleasant
  • Petworth
  • Shaw

Market Positioning

Trendy, multicultural, and transit-rich urban neighborhood with strong long-term appeal.

Competitive Advantages

  • Superior walkability
  • Central Metro access
  • Diverse housing stock

Price Comparison

Priced above Petworth, below Logan Circle; similar to Mount Pleasant and Adams Morgan.

Investment Metrics

4.5–5.5% (2025 estimates for multifamily/condos)
Cap Rates
4–5% gross yield typical for updated units
Rental Yields
Approx. 16–18
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-located, updated rentals; value-add opportunities exist.
Cash Flow
3–5% annualized for 2025; long-term outlook remains positive.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Appealing due to urban amenities and diverse entry points (condos to rowhouses); need education on older home maintenance and DC-specific processes.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted by larger rowhouses and proximity to downtown; may seek outdoor space and parking.

Downsizers

Some modern condos appeal, but limited single-level/luxury options; best for those prioritizing walkability.

Investors

Strong rental demand and appreciation; focus on updated units or value-add multifamily.

Relocators

Drawn by central location, transit, and vibrant community; may need guidance on DC market nuances.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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