Living in Upper Northwest DC

A comprehensive guide to the neighborhoods around Tenleytown, AU Park, and the highest point in Washington, DC.

Why Upper Northwest?

Upper Northwest DC offers something increasingly rare in the city: walkable neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and a genuine sense of community. The area sits on the ridgeline that divides the city's watersheds, giving it elevation, breezes, and views that early settlers recognized as ideal.

What you'll find here: - Walkable access to Metro (Red Line) - Excellent public and private schools - Historic housing stock from the 1920s-1940s - Active neighborhood associations - Lower density than other parts of DC - Easy access to Rock Creek Park

The Neighborhoods

Tenleytown

Character: Urban village with Metro access

Tenleytown is the commercial heart of upper northwest. Wisconsin Avenue provides walkable access to restaurants, shops, and services. The neighborhood has evolved from a crossroads tavern (1790) through streetcar suburb (1890s) to today's urban village.

Best for: Commuters who want walkable urban living without downtown density

Key features: - Tenleytown-AU Metro station (Red Line) - Diverse dining options on Wisconsin Avenue - Historic housing stock on residential streets - Close to American University campus

AU Park

Character: Quiet residential, family-oriented

AU Park is one of DC's best-kept secrets for families. Developed in the 1920s-30s, the neighborhood features colonial and tudor revival homes on quiet, winding streets. The neighborhood has strong civic engagement and hosts regular community events.

Best for: Families seeking excellent schools and community

Key features: - Janney Elementary School (highly rated) - Active neighborhood association - Quiet residential streets - Access to Turtle Park and recreation

Spring Valley

Character: Affluent, estate-like homes

Spring Valley features some of DC's largest homes on expansive lots. Developed in the 1920s-30s, the neighborhood attracted diplomats and business leaders. Note: Some areas are part of an ongoing environmental cleanup from WWI weapons testing.

Best for: Those seeking large homes and privacy

Key features: - Large lots and architecturally significant homes - Historic Sears building (now mixed-use) - Close to Mass Ave embassy corridor - Environmental remediation ongoing in some areas

Van Ness/UDC

Character: High-rise residential, international

Van Ness along Connecticut Avenue features mid-rise and high-rise apartments, giving it a more urban feel than surrounding neighborhoods. The area has evolved into a dining destination with restaurants like Sfoglina and Bread Furst.

Best for: Those seeking apartment living with Metro access

Key features: - Van Ness-UDC Metro station - University of the District of Columbia - Growing restaurant scene - International community

Friendship Heights

Character: Upscale retail, mixed residential

Straddling the DC-Maryland border, Friendship Heights is an upscale retail destination anchored by Mazza Gallerie and the Chevy Chase Pavilion. Residential options include high-rises and the quiet streets of the Friendship Heights Village.

Best for: Shoppers and those seeking luxury retail access

Key features: - Friendship Heights Metro station - Upscale shopping options - Mix of single-family and high-rise - Close to Maryland amenities

Getting Around

Metro

The Red Line runs through the area with stations at: - Tenleytown-AU - Wisconsin & Albemarle - Van Ness-UDC - Connecticut & Van Ness - Friendship Heights - Wisconsin & Western Ave

Bus

Major bus routes include: - 31, 32, 36 - Wisconsin Avenue - L1, L2 - Connecticut Avenue - N2, N4, N6 - Massachusetts Avenue

Biking

The area is hilly but bikeable. Popular routes: - Capital Crescent Trail (access at Bethesda) - Rock Creek Park trails - Massachusetts Avenue (bike lanes)

Walking

The neighborhoods are very walkable for daily errands: - Tenleytown: Walk Score 89 - AU Park: Walk Score 75 - Spring Valley: Walk Score 61

Schools

Upper Northwest is known for strong schools at all levels.

Public Elementary

  • Janney Elementary (AU Park)
  • Murch Elementary (Cleveland Park border)
  • Lafayette Elementary (Chevy Chase)
  • Hearst Elementary

Public Secondary

  • Deal Middle School
  • Wilson High School
  • Woodrow Wilson (now Jackson-Reed)

Private Schools

  • Sidwell Friends (nearby)
  • Maret School
  • Washington International School
  • St. Ann's Academy

Parks and Recreation

Fort Reno Park

The highest point in DC at 409 feet. Features playing fields, tennis courts, and hosts the famous summer concert series.

Turtle Park

Neighborhood park in AU Park with playground, fields, and community garden.

Rock Creek Park

The massive urban park is accessible from many points in upper northwest.

Battery Kemble Park

Civil War-era fort site with wooded trails.

Historical Character

What makes upper northwest special is the visible layers of history:

  • Native American sites - Archaeological evidence of 10,000+ years of habitation
  • Civil War fortifications - Fort Reno and surrounding defense network
  • Agricultural past - Street names like "Yuma" recall the farming era
  • Streetcar suburbs - 1890s-1920s development along transit lines
  • Auto suburbs - 1920s-40s residential development for car owners

Walking through these neighborhoods, you'll see the evolution of American housing from Victorian-era rowhouses near Wisconsin Avenue to the colonial revivals of AU Park to the expansive estates of Spring Valley.

Quick Tips for New Residents

  1. Join your neighborhood association - They're active and connected
  2. Learn the parking rules - Residential permit zones are enforced
  3. Explore by foot - The best way to discover neighborhood character
  4. Support local businesses - Independent shops thrive here
  5. Use the Metro - Avoid downtown parking hassles
  6. Visit Fort Reno - The views are worth the climb

Local Resources