WOODRIDGE

HISTORY

The subdivision emerged in the early 1900s with woodlands and farms. It started as an open place for two forts to defend the nation’s capital during the Civil War. In the 1930s, Woodridge acquired its present boundaries: Eastern Avenue, Michigan Avenue, 18th Street, New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road. Named the “Best Park You’ve Never Heard Of” by Washington City Paper, Barnard Hill Park is a secluded park in the city tucked into Woodridge between Bunker Hill Road and Eastern Avenue. It was named after Brigadier General John Barnard who served in the Civil War.

LOCATION

A little bit about this gem of a community. The Woodridge community is a quiet, primarily residential neighborhood located in Ward 5 of Northeast Washington, D.C.. It is contained between Eastern Avenue N.E.to the east, Michigan Avenue N.E. to the north, South Dakota Avenue N.E. to the west, and Bladensburg Road N.E. to the south. Its central commercial strips are Rhode Island Avenue NE (Route 1) and Bladensburg Road N.E. Woodridge borders the adjacent neighborhoods of Brookland, Langdon, North Michigan Park, and Fort Lincoln in Northeast Washington D.C. In addition to these neighborhoods in the District of Columbia, Woodridge also borders the city of Mount Rainier and town of Cottage City in Maryland. In terms of public transportation, residents of Woodridge have access to the Brookland-CUA and Rhode Island Avenue Metro stations.

DEMOGRAPHIC

“The eastward mark of development in the District has reached Woodridge, a quiet neighborhood tucked along the northeastern border of DC.” Woodridge has more affordable homes than those in the Brookland neighborhood that was on the list last year as a “hot neighborhood.” Trees line the streets in cozy Woodridge, giving this northeast neighborhood a decidedly suburban vibe. The neighborhood is undergoing a transformation, from one that is home to many retired former government employees to one drawing more young professionals looking to flee rising rents and searching for an affordable community that is quiet. Woodridge borders Maryland’s Prince George’s County.

Woodridge has more affordable homes than those in the Brookland neighborhood that was on the list last year as a “hot neighborhood.” Trees line the streets in cozy Woodridge, giving this northeast neighborhood a decidedly suburban vibe. T

SPEND A DAY

We particularly love some of the community attractions, like DC’s first ever craft brewery, DC Brau (which recently celebrated it’s 5 year anniversary). A destination for most, but a community well for residents. During the hot summer months, locals won’t need to go far to cool down at one of the few Rita’s Water Ice locations in the DC area. Community centric organizations like, Good Food Markets from Oasis Community Partners that helps to minimize inequalities to food, also give this neighborhood a wholesome feel.
With all that reading you can work up quite an appetite which can be satiated at many great outlets. Good Food Markets LLC which recently won a financial grant from the Mayor’s office aims to serve the entire neighborhood with their organic and locally sourced grocery selection, freshly prepared meals for families and individuals. The locals even get a say on the menu which will be chosen based on feedback from the community. Another local spot Zeke’s Coffee is a coffee lover’s paradise which specializes in organic coffee.  True foodies will enjoy the new supper club restaurant, BeSpoke Kitchen on Rhode Island Ave.

Named the “Best Park You’ve Never Heard Of” by Washington City Paper, Barnard Hill Park is a secluded park in the city tucked into Woodridge between Bunker Hill Road and Eastern Avenue.  It was named after Brigadier General John Barnard who served in the Civil War.

The Rhode Island Ave commercial corridor has recently been designated as a Main Street.  New shops and restaurants seem to be opening monthly, and the Rhode Island Ave Main Street Program is making great improvements along the Ave.  Shopping extends beyond the Ave to “Off The Beaten Track“- an old warehouse with a new purpose! You will have the opportunity to ‘re-find’ furniture as well as experience sophisticated artwork from notable artists and traditional artisans.  You can even try your hand at pottery- District Clay offers wheel and hand-building classes for adults and kids.

CURRENT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Dining and shops! With its wide sidewalks and commercial zoning, Rhode Island Avenue is a prime location for new restaurants and shops and we expect to see lots of development in the coming years and a revitalization of Rhode Island Avenue Main Street.

Book lovers brace yourselves for some good news. The Woodridge Neighborhood Library was be rebuilt in 2015, allowing readers to take advantage of natural lighting, a reading lounge, conference and meeting rooms, and more. The new library offers the public a reading terrace for those summer days when one wants to sit around with a book and lounge all day. Another great feature is the third floor, capacity for more than 200 people, study rooms and windows overlooking Langdon Park. The new building will be around 22,500 square feet.

HOMES

The proximity to the city (5 miles from downtown) and style of homes in Woodridge offer homeowners the best of both urban and suburban living. Single family homes with yards and alleys are perfect for the homeowner looking for more of a residential feel, while remaining close to the city.

Homes in this community include both single-family homes and attached homes and are usually in the colonial or bungalow style. They were built between 1905 and 2019. These homes offer 2 to 20 bedrooms and 1 bath to 8 bathrooms. Residences range in size from 693 to 6135 square feet in living space. Prices of homes for sale in Woodridge currently range from $370,000 to $999,777.

Woodridge features a diverse housing stock of mostly detached houses  including a mix of craftsman bungalows and brick colonials from the ’20s and ’30s. The homes are still quite affordable with a median price point of $388,000.