The Brightwood neighborhood has variable borders that depend on the source, but is located in the Northwest quadrant of Washington DC. In general it’s outlined north by Aspen St. NW, east by 5th St. NW, south by Missouri Ave. NW, and west by 16th St. NW and Rock Creek Park. The Brightwood Community Association claims Kennedy St. NW as the southern border and Georgia Ave. NW as its eastern edge. Several Metro bus lines service Brightwood, but the nearest Metro stations are just outside the neighborhood at Takoma and Fort Totten.
This historic area had many names before settling on Brightwood in the 1840s. The name has been credited to Archibald White and Louis Brunett, who changed it from Brighton, due to postal service address confusion with Brighton, Maryland. As early as the 1820s, freed slaves settled in the (derogatorily named) community known as Vinegar Hill, which became Washington’s first freed African-American colonization. During the Civil War, the Union Army built Fort Stevens upon that hill. The subsequent Battle of Fort Stevens was impressive, in that Union forces repelled 20,000 Confederate soldiers, and it marks the only time in US history that an active President (Lincoln) took on fire amid the battle. Post-battle, President Lincoln dedicated Battleground National Cemetery, where 40 (or 41) fallen Union soldiers were buried.
Besides Fort Stevens, this area has other important historic sites. Emory United Methodist Church has a long and determined history dating back to 1832. The Military Road School was one of the first to educated African-Americans starting in 1864. Both the Engine Company 22 (aka Brightwood Firehouse) and Fort View Apartments have achieved placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
This reasonably quiet and suburban-like community has less traffic than other DC neighborhoods. However, a Walmart Super-Center opened recently, and is expected to become an anchor, attracting new establishments and pedestrians. Many of the homes here are well maintained with generous lots. Some new condo developments, such as The Tewkesbury and The Lofts at Brightwood, offer additional housing options. The area is primed for future growth with the upcoming expansive Walter Reed redevelopment project.
When looking to move into a peaceful area like Brightwood, please call one of our Exclusive Buyer’s Agents. Despite slower redevelopment, property values will sharply increase with further commercial development. Have one of our multilingual Accredited Buyer’s Representatives (ABR designation) simplify the entire home buying process. We have had additional training and work with the highest level of integrity and professionalism. Our Exclusive Buyer’s Agents have acquired extensive local experience and expertise from living in the Washington DC area for many years. Call one of our ABR agents today to ease your home buying efforts in Brightwood or any District neighborhood.
