Lobbyists, lawyers, activists, journalists and artists, who make Capitol Hill their home, are among the first to know when Congress is in a late-night session—they catch a glimpse of the rotunda lighting up as the sun fades into the dark sky. Later, some of those members of Congress, who live nearby, will go home from work to a boat on the Southwest marina waterfront just several blocks away.
Life in Capitol Hill or Southwest, Washington, DC, is more than the international affairs of the day. Sure, you can catch a senator and lobbyist splitting bread at a Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, outdoor cafe. Sit close to the Supreme Court justice at a restaurant next to Union Station, on the NW side of the Capitol Hill area, but all you might hear her say is how good the Chesapeake Bay crab cake in her plate tastes or about the play she’s attending that night at the esteemed Arena Stage in Southwest.
Capitol Hill encompasses the NW, SW, NE and SE quadrants of DC that surround the Capitol Building. Catch the red line Metro subway at Union Station, in northwest, to points closely around the city and suburbs, MARC train to Baltimore and other Maryland cities or Amtrak to throughout the country. You’ll also go there if you’re a railroad enthusiast for exhibits, clubs, restaurants, fine jewelry, clothes or a movie.
Condos for sale are abundant in tall buildings near the Capitol or converted row houses in northeast and southeast. Bike the quiet side streets as you sightsee the 19th Century manor houses, brick row homes and Federal townhouses. Artisan touches are evident in whimsy, such as colorfully-painted flower pots and Richardsonian Romanesque, Queen Anne and Eastlakian decor architects and historians treasure. Live in well-appointed condominiums for sale with views of the carefully cared-for small roughhouses and watch as new residents renovate.
Renters there for the long-term, till their term or the term of their party in Congress ends, or for business or vacation leases, will live among other renters and owners from across the United States. Still, whether your neighbor is there for a term or life, together you’ll enjoy a vibrant community life.
A favorite gathering place for residents and destination point for DC-area locals or tourists off-the-beaten track is Eastern Market where you can peruse fresh produce, meat, cheese and breads, or buy furniture and crafts.
Practically everyone, rich or moderate-income, belongs to the swimming pool. Hop on the Metro and transfer to the green line southwest to the waterfront for a sailboat lesson. Stay for dinner or the nightlife overlooking the Potomac or grab that morning’s catch of soft-shell Chesapeake crab.
Make the National Mall your jogging path or scoot over the three stops on the orange line from Capitol Hill south for Smithsonian museums and events tourists rarely have time to fit in but residents relish. Ogle the holiday displays lit up in front of the White House as you gaze from the Capitol steps. Cool yourself by the Lincoln reflecting pool after a day at the annual National Folklife Festival in the summer.
Come July 4th, take pleasure in the promenade to the Capitol grounds for the Independence Day concert. Perhaps your friends will see you on PBS reclining on your blanket while the National Symphony Orchestra plays John Phillip Sousa appearing to be in the same beat as one of the brightest, largest fireworks displays you may ever see, the Washington Monument a patriotic backdrop.
Best yet, unlike the crowds waiting on lines around the street to return home after the Capitol celebration, mosey back to your condo in easy-going neighborhoods in the most influential city in the country. |
