Anacostia and Hillcrest, DC Neighborhood Guide

Hillcrest, DC Neighborhood Guide

Hillcrest sits in Southeast DC on the east side of the Anacostia River. Anacostia centers on Good Hope Road SE and Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE with the Anacostia station on the Green Line. Hillcrest is a residential neighborhood south of Pennsylvania Avenue SE with access to Branch Avenue SE and the Hillcrest Recreation Center. Nearby parks and civic sites include Anacostia Park along the river, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site on Cedar Hill, and Fort Dupont Park to the north and east.

Fast Facts

• Location: Southeast DC east of the Anacostia River

• Main Corridors: Good Hope Road SE and Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE in Anacostia, Pennsylvania Avenue SE and Branch Avenue SE in Hillcrest

• Parks and Recreation: Anacostia Park with trails and river access, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Hillcrest Recreation Center and fields, Fort Dupont Park with trails and an outdoor performance area

• Housing Types: Brick and frame rowhouses and small apartment buildings in and near Anacostia’s main streets, detached and semi detached houses on Hillcrest side streets, select condo conversions and newer infill near key corridors

• Transit: Anacostia station on the Green Line, Congress Heights on the Green Line to the south, Metrobus routes along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Alabama Avenue SE, Branch Avenue SE, and Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE, Capital Bikeshare stations on key corners

Overview and History

Anacostia developed in the 19th century as a residential suburb across the river with commercial activity along today’s Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE and Good Hope Road SE. The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves the home of Frederick Douglass and offers tours by posted schedule. Hillcrest grew largely in the early to mid twentieth century with detached houses on a grid of tree lined streets near Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Anacostia Park provides miles of riverfront trails and recreation areas that connect to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.

Lifestyle and Amenities

Markets and Dining
Good Hope Road SE and Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE host restaurants, carryouts, cafes, and service businesses. Pennsylvania Avenue SE carries additional retail and services toward Hillcrest and beyond.

Everyday Errands
Grocery, pharmacy, banking, fitness, and personal services are located along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Alabama Avenue SE, and near Anacostia station. Hours and offerings vary by operator.

Parks and Recreation
Anacostia Park features multi use trails, fields, and river overlooks. Hillcrest Recreation Center provides a gym, fields, courts, and playgrounds. Fort Dupont Park adds wooded trails and seasonal programs.

Arts and Community
Civic and cultural spaces include the Anacostia Arts Center and local museums east of the river. Programs and event calendars are posted by venues and District agencies.

Housing and Real Estate Snapshot

Anacostia and Hillcrest offer a variety of home types across close by neighborhoods.

• Rowhouses and Small Multifamily
  Brick and frame rowhouses line many Anacostia side streets. Small apartment and condo buildings appear near commercial corridors and transit.

• Detached and Semi Detached Houses
  Hillcrest features early to mid twentieth century detached and semi detached houses with porches or stoops and rear yards. Lot sizes vary by block.

• Condo Conversions and Infill
  Select buildings near major corridors have been converted to condominiums. Newer infill has added townhouse style and mixed use residences on targeted sites.

If you are comparing a rowhouse near a Metro station to a detached home on a residential block, Roger can help you evaluate features, fees, and maintenance and align options with budget and timing.

Ask Roger: What fits my budget in Anacostia and Hillcrest
Share price range and move timeline to receive a tailored list of active and coming soon homes. Email Roger

Transportation and Accessibility

• Metrorail
  Anacostia station on the Green Line serves the neighborhood, with Congress Heights to the south on the same line. Riders in Hillcrest often use Metrobus to connect to Green Line stations or to Blue Orange Silver Line stations west of the river. Walking times vary by address.

• Bus
  Metrobus routes operate along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Alabama Avenue SE, Branch Avenue SE, and Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE with links to downtown and transfer hubs.

• Biking
  Capital Bikeshare docks are located near major intersections. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail connects north and south along the river with links to bridges and park paths.

• Driving and Parking
  Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suitland Parkway, Alabama Avenue SE, and Branch Avenue SE provide primary access. Residential permit parking applies on side streets where posted.

Community Landmarks

• Frederick Douglass National Historic Site on Cedar Hill

• Anacostia Park and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

• Anacostia Arts Center on Good Hope Road SE

• Hillcrest Recreation Center

• Fort Dupont Park

FAQs

1. Where are Anacostia and Hillcrest in DC
   They are in Southeast DC east of the Anacostia River. Anacostia centers on Good Hope Road SE and Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE. Hillcrest sits south of Pennsylvania Avenue SE near Branch Avenue SE.
   
   
2. What types of homes are common in these neighborhoods
   Expect rowhouses and small multifamily buildings near Anacostia’s main corridors and detached or semi detached houses on Hillcrest’s residential streets. Select condo conversions and infill appear near major routes.
   
   
3. How do residents commute from Anacostia and Hillcrest
   Many use the Green Line at Anacostia or Congress Heights. Metrobus runs along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Alabama Avenue SE, Branch Avenue SE, and Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE. Biking routes connect to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.
   
   
4. What parks are nearby
   Anacostia Park runs along the river with trails and fields. Hillcrest Recreation Center offers indoor and outdoor facilities. Fort Dupont Park provides wooded trails and seasonal programs.
   
   
5. Where can I handle daily errands
   Grocery, pharmacy, banking, fitness, and services are found along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Alabama Avenue SE, and near Anacostia station, with additional options on Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE and Good Hope Road SE.
   
   

Roger Taylor
m: 202.679.1750
[email protected]