Overview
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Brightwood is located in upper Northwest Washington, D.C. and is a quiet community with large brick homes and well-manicured lawns. The neighborhood is on the drive out of D.C. toward Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Silver Spring, Md. Living in Brightwood is a lot like living in the suburbs, but its access to 16th St NW makes it accessible to the downtown D.C. area. Brightwood has a true sense of community, and is home to many families and young professionals. It is a relatively safe neighborhood and is perfect for people looking for a more suburban feel, while still remaining within D.C. Plans are in the works for redevelopment of Georgia Ave., which is near Brightwood and is somewhat run down. Currently, Brightwood is almost solely a residential neighborhood, with access to several parks, including Rock Creek Park.
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I don't recommend this neighborhood for young professionals or recent college grads. You might as well live in Silver Spring, because at least there is a Metro there, and a bit of nightlife. The neighborhood is more appropriate for families.
The estimated population of Brightwood is around 11,000 with an average income of about $60,000, making it a stable, middle-class neighborhood. The neighborhood is about 75% black and 12% white, with the bulk of the population between 25 and 54 years old. Most of the population in Brightwood is families, but there are a number of single-person households. Of Brightwood's population, most residents are college educated and work in professional settings.
There isn't much of a social scene in Brightwood, other than the neighborhood-vibe that is felt throughout the community. Brightwood is more of a family place, and people do not travel here for the nightlife. Residents in Brightwood are close to the nightlife in downtown Silver Spring, Md., and are also an easy commute to downtown D.C., since 16th St NW cuts through the neighborhood. The social scene here is more focused on daytime activities. There are a few spots in the neighborhoofor food and drinks, however. The Twins Lounge on Georgia Ave. is open from Wednesday-Saturday and serves Caribbean, American and Ethiopean food with nightly jazz performances. The Brightwood Bistro is a newer restaurant that offers American cuisine in a casual setting. Georgia Ave. NW, which touches Brightwood, is a rundown main artery of D.C., but there are plans to renovate this area, according to the Brightwood Community Association.
If you are looking for a more residential, suburban feel, Brightwood will have a lot of value for you. If you rent one of the area's many single family homes, you will be able to enjoy a front yard, a back yard, and in some cases even a driveway. If you rent in one of the areas apartment buildings, you will find that Brightwood is much less expensive than many areas in D.C. It is not a sought-after neighborhood, so you might be able to take advantage of this in order to find a deal. The neighborhood does not have many amenities, but the abundance of parks and green space might make up for this. Brightwood is also very convenient for trips outside the city, as it is closer to 495 than many other neighborhoods.
Since Brightwood is a very residential neighborhood, parking is easy as long as your car has the proper stickers and identification. You should be careful about parking near Georgia Ave., as this is a heavily traversed road known for its seediness. Public transportation is frequent on 16th St and also Georgia Ave., as buses run up and down these main roads all day. It is approximately a 25 minute commute down 16th St to downtown D.C., and about 15 minutes north to Silver Spring. If you m ove to the upper northeast corner of Brightwood, you may be within walking distance of the Takoma Metro Station or the Fort Totten Metro Station.
If you are planning to live on or near Georgia Ave., make sure to live in a building with secured parking. This area is somewhat rundown and crime ridden, and is very different from the tree-lined areas of Brightwood along 16th St NW. There are newer condo developments along Georgia Ave., as the city is attempting to revitalize this area. You will find older, but perhaps safer, apartment buildings closer to 16th St. NW. Either area is serviced by enough public tranportation that you would be able to do without a car.
The Fort Stevens Recreation Center has a dog park, and Brightwood's close proximity to Rock Creek Park makes it the perfect neighborhood for dog owners. Little Rascals is a business on Georgia Ave. in Brightwood that offers doggy daycare, overnight boarding and an indoor dog park. Little Rascals is located in a former car dealership and is highly recommended by locals.
Rock Creek Park borders Brightwood to the west of 16th Street and is a place to play soccer and tennis, picnic, hike, bike, rollerblade, fish, horseback ride, etc. Rock Creek Park is in many ways D.C.'s version of Central Park. The Rock Creek Park Tennis Center is situated at 16th and Kennedy Sts. and has 25 outdoor courts; 5 heated indoor courts during the winter season. The tennis center is adjacent to the Carter Barron amphitheater and hosts the Legg Mason Tennis Classic each July. The Carter Barron Amphitheater is an outdoor theater that provides a wide variety of productions, many of them free of charge. The Fort Stevens Recreation Center has a soccer/football/baseball field, basketball courts, a picnic area, playground, a fitness room, a dog park and more.
The parks touching Brightwood are the most recommended areas of the neighborhood. Brightwood has more greenspace than most other neighborhoods in D.C., with tennis courts and picnic areas within walking distance. The only area of Brightwood that is not recommended, espeically at night, is Georgia Ave., which is plagued with crime.
Grocery stores
There is a Safeway on Piney Branch Road that is usually well-stocked and has an in-store Starbucks. There are also several smaller specialty stores and convenience stores on Georgia Ave. and 16th St.
Banks
Georgia Ave. has several banks, including M&T and SunTrust. There are also a lot of check-cashing establishments and no-name cash places.
Dry Cleaner
There are several dry cleaners on Georgia Ave., including ABC Cleaners, which is recommended by locals.
Gyms
The recreation center has a fitness room on-site, but if you are looking for something larger you will have to travel outside Brightwood. There is a Gold's Gym in Silver Spring where parking is possible.
Liquor Stores
Georgia Ave. has many options for liquor stores and beer distributors.
Brightwood Elementary School
Grades: PK-6
Attendance: 402
Highly rated by locals.
1300 Nicholson Street, NW
(202) 722-5670
Latin American Montessori Billingual Public Charter School (LAMB)
Grades: PK-3
LAMB is the only dual-language Montessori public charter school in Washington, D.C.
1375 Missouri Avenue, NW
(202) 726-6200
Jewish Primary Day School
Grades: PK-6
Attendance: 245 students
This is an independent community day school.
6045 16th Street NW
(202) 291-5737
Nativity Catholic Academy
Grades: PK-8th
Attendance: 223 students
This is a Roman Catholic, co-ed school.
6008 Georgia Avenue, NW
(202) 723-3322
MacFarland Middle School
Grades: 6-8
Attendance: 400 students
According to the Washington Post, there is a significant amount of crime at this public middle school.
4400 Iowa Avenue, NW
(202) 576-6207
Paul Public Charter School
Grades: 6-8
Attendance: 600 students
Reviews of the school vary and are available here.
5800 8th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
(202) 291-7499
Coolidge Senior High School
Grades: High school
Attendance: 684 students
Not as bad as some other D.C. public high schools, according to the Washington Post.
6315 5th Street, NW
(202) 576-6143
Equal Housing Opportunity