Foggy Bottom is one of Washington DC’s oldest neighborhoods located in the Northwest quadrant. It’s outlined north by K St. NW and Pennsylvania Ave. NW, east by 17th St. NW, south by Constitution Ave. NW, and west by Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW. Surrounding areas include West End, Downtown, National Mall, and Georgetown. This low-lying expanse derives its name from the fog and industrial smoke mixture (smog) that often blanketed the region during the late 18th and 19th century. For much of the 19th and into the 20th century the neighborhood was dominated by industry: Washington Gas & Light Company, Godey Lime Kilns, The Glass Works, Cranford’s Paving Company, and Heurich Breweries.
Nowadays this unique neighborhood mixes higher education (George Washington University), performing arts (Kennedy Center, Lisner Auditorium), Federal Government (US Department of State), and international entities (House of Sweden, World Bank, International Monetary Fund). Given the temporary status of these institutions’ members, it’s easy to understand how this neighborhood can label Washington DC as a transient city. Getting here to explore the multitude of landmarks and attractions is easy with access to the Foggy Bottom Metro station.
One of the most famous, or infamous, landmarks in the city is the Watergate Complex. In 1972, several men were caught trying to bug the Democratic National Committee offices. In the aftermath, President Nixon’s spying operations were exposed, leading to the only time in history a US President resigned from office. For those that didn’t live through the experience, it was rehashed with Hollywood flair when Forrest Gump, played by Tom Hanks, unwittingly exposed the burglary in the 1994 Oscar winning movie, Forrest Gump. The curved modern complex still has nearly 650 residential units and a history of famous inhabitants.
Other residential offerings of Foggy Bottom are dominated by large multi-unit condominiums, apartments, and co-ops. Significantly fewer single-family vernacular row-houses are available on 24th, 25th, and 26th Streets between K and I Streets, also known as the Foggy Bottom Historic District. Many residential buildings are majority owned by investors, which essentially prices out many potential home-buyers due to much higher down payment requirements by FHA guidelines. Despite that, there are many housing options available in this vibrant neighborhood.
When you’re looking to buy in Foggy Bottom, please call one of our Exclusive Buyer’s Agents. You will experience true professionalism and integrity throughout the entire home buying process with our Accredited Buyer’s Representatives (ABR designation). We have acquired additional training to best meet the needs of international and local home-buyers alike. Our ABR agents speak multiple languages with fluency, and have practical experience discreetly assisting foreign and domestic dignitaries find their home in Foggy Bottom or anywhere in Washington DC.