Edgewood, Washington, D.C. City Profile 🏘️🎓

History

Edgewood's history began in the latter half of the 19th century, developing from a tract of land just outside the original boundaries of Washington, D.C. The area began to see significant settlement in the 1860s through the 1890s by homesteaders. The neighborhood's development was crucially shaped by the establishment of **Catholic University of America** in 1887 and **Trinity Washington University** in 1897, both of which border or are immediately adjacent to Edgewood. Their presence attracted faculty, staff, and related service industries. The area was solidified as a commuter neighborhood with the introduction of streetcar lines and, later, the **Metrorail system**. Over the past few decades, Edgewood has undergone significant revitalization. A key milestone in its recent history is the transformation of industrial land along its borders into modern mixed-use developments, most notably the Monroe Street Market, which has injected significant commercial vitality and residential density into the community, while still retaining much of its core residential, row-house character.

Founders

Edgewood, as a neighborhood within Washington, D.C., does not have a single founder. Its evolution began with early homesteaders like **William Benston** in the mid-19th century. However, the most influential "founding" role was played by the Catholic Church, whose decision to locate the **Catholic University of America (CUA)** and **Trinity Washington University** nearby in the late 19th century immediately anchored the area, attracting a stable, educated populace. For the modern Edgewood, developers responsible for projects like the **Monroe Street Market** along the Rhode Island Avenue corridor are considered "re-founders." They transformed unused industrial land into vibrant commercial and residential hubs, significantly boosting the current economy and demographics and connecting the neighborhood to the wider D.C. metropolitan area's economic growth.

Economy

Edgewood's economy is primarily driven by its strategic location and its ties to **education and healthcare**, though it is increasingly characterized by local retail and small business entrepreneurship. Major anchor institutions nearby, including Catholic University of America and the vast MedStar Washington Hospital Center complex, provide stable employment. The major commercial hub is located around the **Rhode Island Place Shopping Mall** and the burgeoning **Monroe Street Market**. The latter is a key mixed-use development that features local businesses, national retailers, and cultural attractions, serving as a major employment and consumer center. The median household income is approximately $108,012, reflecting the influx of educated young professionals and families. Many residents commute to high-paying jobs in federal government, tech, and law firms across the District, utilizing the Red Line Metro for easy access. The neighborhood's economic growth is concentrated on revitalization projects that successfully blend residential and commercial corridors.

Prominent Neighborhoods

Edgewood is generally considered a cohesive neighborhood, but local character varies distinctly:

• Edgewood Residential Core: Characterized by quiet, **tree-lined streets** and historic rowhouses. Cross-referenced by its proximity to the fully-modernized Edgewood Recreation Center.
• Monroe Street Market / CUA Corridor: The eastern edge, defined by **Catholic University of America (CUA)** and the major mixed-use development, Monroe Street Market, the hub for student-oriented retail and modern living.
• Rhode Island Avenue Corridor: The southern border, home to the Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood Metro Station and the large **Rhode Island Place Shopping Mall**, linking Edgewood to the broader transit network.
• North Edgewood / Fort Totten Border: The quieter northern section, featuring single-family homes and access to the Met Branch Trail and **Fort Totten Park**.

Housing and Taxes

Housing in Edgewood is characterized by a mix of historic rowhouses and newer condominiums and apartment complexes, especially along the Monroe Street Market and Rhode Island Avenue corridors. The median listing home price in the neighborhood is typically around $539,500, though the sold price can be significantly higher, reflecting high demand for renovated homes. As part of **Washington, D.C.**, all residents pay District of Columbia property taxes, which feature a progressive rate that starts lower for owner-occupied residential properties. The property tax is based on the assessed value. D.C. offers a Homestead Deduction and a Senior and Disabled Tax Relief program to help limit property tax burdens for qualified owner-occupants. Rental housing is widely available, ranging from basement apartments to luxury units, with monthly rents reflecting the area's increasing popularity and excellent Metro access.

Preferred School Systems Highlighting Schools with Better Ratings

Edgewood is served by **District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)** and a strong network of public charter schools. Due to the city's open enrollment and lottery system, residents seek out high-performing schools across Ward 5 and the District. **Preferred and High-Performing Options** include: DC Prep Public Charter School, whose Edgewood Elementary and Middle campuses are top-rated and located within the neighborhood, focusing on rigorous academics. For high school, Edgewood students often target **School Without Walls High School** (the #1 ranked public high school in D.C.) or nearby charters like **BASIS Washington, D.C. Public Charter School**, both accessible via the Red Line. The proximity of **Catholic University of America (CUA)** and **Trinity Washington University** further enriches the area's educational environment.

Local Clubs and Organizations

Edgewood's community life is highly organized around its civic association and recreational programs, reflecting its focus on local improvement and youth development.

• Edgewood Civic Association: The primary community group that advocates for residents' interests with the D.C. government and organizes local initiatives. Meetings often held at the **Edgewood Recreation Center, 301 Franklin St NE, Washington, DC 20002**.
• Edgewood Recreation Center Programs: The center (301 Franklin St NE) acts as the central hub for numerous local leagues, classes, and groups (e.g., basketball leagues, fitness classes), managing much of the neighborhood's organized social activity.
• Washington Area Frisbee Club (WAFC): A non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that utilizes the Rec Center's fields for its leagues, promoting organized sports and outdoor activity.

Community Attractions

Edgewood’s attractions are centered around its community infrastructure and lifestyle. The centerpiece is the recently **modernized Edgewood Recreation Center** , a 19,000 square-foot hub featuring a fitness center, gymnasium, tech lounge, and spray park, making it the neighborhood's recreational heart. The **Monroe Street Market** complex serves as a cultural destination, featuring local art studios, galleries, and dining, and occasionally hosts major exhibits like the Van Gogh Immersive Experience. The neighborhood benefits from its adjacency to the beautiful, public-access campuses of **Catholic University of America** and **Trinity Washington University**. The nearby **Metropolitan Branch Trail (Met Branch Trail)** is a key attraction for cyclists and runners, providing dedicated, accessible connection to downtown D.C. and other recreational areas.

Local Events Calendar

Edgewood’s community events are tightly focused on local gatherings, seasonal recreation, and arts/retail events associated with the Monroe Street Market.

Transportation and Accessibility

Edgewood boasts excellent transportation options. The neighborhood is anchored by the **Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood Metro Station** (Red Line), providing direct and quick access to downtown D.C. and the entire Metrorail network. The **Brookland-CUA Metro Station** (Red Line) is also easily accessible. **Major Roads** bordering the area include **Rhode Island Avenue NE** (US 1) and **Michigan Avenue NE**. Multiple **Metrobus** routes (including D8 and G8) serve the neighborhood. The neighborhood is rated as **Very Walkable** (Walk Score: 71) and **Very Bikeable** (Bike Score: 84). The Metropolitan Branch Trail (Met Branch Trail) is a major asset, running along the western edge and providing a dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians, significantly contributing to the high quality of urban life here.

Local Government and Services Overview

As a neighborhood, Edgewood's government and core services are provided by the **D.C. municipal government**. There is no separate city government. Residents are represented by the **Ward 5 Councilmember** on the D.C. Council and the local **Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 5E)**. The ANC is a hyper-local body of elected neighborhood commissioners who advise the D.C. government on local issues, including zoning, parks, and public safety. The **Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)** provides public safety, and the **Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)** operates the Edgewood Recreation Center. The **Edgewood Civic Association** is critical for channeling neighborhood concerns directly to the ANC and the D.C. government, ensuring local issues related to the area's ongoing development are addressed by city services.

Demographics with Key Population Statistics

Edgewood has a population of approximately **6,608** residents. The neighborhood is dense and urban, experiencing notable demographic shifts. The median household income is approximately $108,012, which is above the D.C. average and reflects the growing population of young professionals. The median age is relatively young at approximately **34 years**, largely due to the presence of three nearby universities (CUA, Trinity, and Howard). The neighborhood is highly diverse, with a long-standing African-American community blending with a growing, educated population. Key quality-of-life scores are high, with the area rated **Very Walkable (71/100)** and **Excellent Transit (74/100)**, confirming its appeal as a convenient urban residential area.

Historic Landmarks and Cultural Sites

Edgewood's historic identity is deeply rooted in its institutional and architectural anchors. The core of the neighborhood features late 19th and early 20th-century **brick and frame rowhouses**, which are the most pervasive architectural landmark. The historically significant institutions of **Catholic University of America** and **Trinity Washington University** define the northern and eastern edges of the neighborhood. The **Monroe Street Market** complex, while modern, is a designated cultural site focusing on artist studios and a retail presence, representing the modern arts and creative economy of the neighborhood. Edgewood's close distance to the **U.S. Capitol** and the **National Mall** via the Red Line ensures its residents have easy, regular access to the entirety of the District's historical and cultural wealth, making the convenience of its location a key cultural draw.

Local Economy Details Highlighting Major Employers and Business Hubs

The local economy is stable due to its institutional base. **Anchor Employers** include the neighboring **Catholic University of America (CUA)** and **Trinity Washington University**, which provide vast numbers of faculty and staff jobs. The nearby **MedStar Washington Hospital Center** complex is also a vital source of healthcare jobs. **Primary Business Hubs** include the **Monroe Street Market**, the neighborhood's modern commercial face featuring local dining, boutiques, and arts studios, and the **Rhode Island Place Shopping Mall**, which houses larger national retail anchors. The neighborhood’s economic growth is strong in the small-scale retail and service sectors, supported by the increasing density and affluence of new residential development, creating a favorable climate for local business owners who cater to a mix of students, young professionals, and long-time residents.

Recreation and Outdoor Activities

Recreation in Edgewood is primarily centered around its highly accessible green spaces and the modern, accessible facilities provided by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). The **Edgewood Recreation Center** is the central hub, offering state-of-the-art facilities including a **full gymnasium, fitness center, tennis courts, and a spray park**. The **Metropolitan Branch Trail (Met Branch Trail)** is a crucial recreational asset, running along the western edge and providing a dedicated 8-mile corridor for biking, running, and walking, connecting the neighborhood to Silver Spring and downtown D.C. Local sports leagues, including those run by the **Washington Area Frisbee Club (WAFC)** and DPR youth leagues, utilize the center's fields and courts year-round.

Healthcare Facilities

Edgewood residents benefit from unparalleled access to some of the D.C. area's largest and most well-regarded healthcare institutions. **MedStar Washington Hospital Center**, a massive trauma and acute care teaching hospital, and **Children's National Hospital**, a world-class pediatric center, are located immediately adjacent to the neighborhood. The **Washington DC VA Medical Center** is also located in the same complex, serving the area's veteran population. Numerous local clinics and specialist offices are located along the Rhode Island Avenue corridor, ensuring easy access to routine medical care and preventative health services for the immediate neighborhood population. The Red Line Metro access makes specialized appointments across the city highly convenient.

Notable Residents or Alumni

Edgewood's proximity to major universities means many notable figures have passed through as students, faculty, or residents. While the core community is known for its stability, the area is an extended hub for alumni from **Catholic University of America** and **Trinity Washington University**. These ties connect Edgewood to figures in the arts, media, and politics, such as the many Emmy and Academy Award winners among the alumni of nearby schools. The most enduring "notable residents" are the local independent artists whose studios and galleries define the Monroe Street Market cultural scene and the long-time community leaders of the **Edgewood Civic Association** and **ANC 5E** who have tirelessly advocated for the neighborhood's successful transition and modernization.