Capitol Hill DC Real Estate & Homes for Sale

Capitol Hill DC Real Estate & Homes for Sale

Capitol Hill is Washington DC's largest historic neighborhood. Pierre Charles L'Enfant referred to the site as "Jenkins Hill" when he selected it for the future Congress House in 1791, describing it as "a pedestal waiting for a monument." According to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS), the official boundaries are the Capitol precinct on the west, F Street NE on the north, and 13th and 14th streets on the east.

Neighborhood Overview

Rowhouses began to rise in the early 1800s, influenced by Federal and Victorian styles, many of which still line the neighborhood's tree-canopied streets today. The Capitol Hill Historic District encompasses approximately 8,000 contributing buildings, growing from a small boarding house community to an area of more than 150 squares. In 1976, Capitol Hill was designated a historic district, now the largest of its kind in DC, preserving the architectural character that defines the area.

The streets in Capitol Hill follow architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant's original plan of a grid overlapped by diagonal thoroughfares. Several of the earliest Federal style houses still stand, including structures that mix Federal style with design elements characteristic of Georgian architecture, as well as later styles from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Housing Types and Real Estate

Capitol Hill features a range of architectural styles reflecting over two centuries of development:

Federal Style Rowhouses: Built in the early 1800s, Federal-style row houses can be distinguished by low stoops and modest scale. The homes are usually two stories tall with two or three bedrooms. Classic brick Federal row homes have shutters, six-over-six sash windows, and dormers on the roof.

Victorian Rowhouses: Built in the late 19th century, Victorian homes pop out in all directions compared to Federal-style row houses, with bay windows adding dimension in the front and peaked roofs. Victorian era rowhouses include elements of Queen Anne, Richardsonian Romanesque, Italian "bracketed," and French Second Empire styles.

Modern Housing Options: Capitol Hill housing stock is comprised mainly of condominiums, Victorian and federal-style rowhomes, single-family homes, and apartments.

To view current Capitol Hill listings and schedule neighborhood showings, contact Roger Taylor, Washington DC and Maryland real estate agent at 202.679.1750.

Transportation and Accessibility

Metro Stations: Capitol Hill contains two Orange/Blue/Silver Line stops: Eastern Market (next to the year-round, indoor/outdoor local food and art market) and Capitol South. Just a few minutes walk away is Union Station, DC's largest ground transportation hub, with Amtrak service and a Red Line Metro stop.

Regional Transportation: Union Station is one of the busiest train stations in the country, serving as Amtrak's headquarters and a rail hub for travelers along the East Coast. Trains regularly depart for New York City, Boston, Miami, Chicago and other destinations. The MARC and VRE commuter trains stop at the station before traveling to suburban Maryland and Virginia.

Airports: Capitol Hill is convenient to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, allowing residents simple commutes and travels.
Driving: Interstate 695 provides easy access to areas outside of the city. Public lots are available throughout the neighborhood, such as surface lots by Eastern Market on Pennsylvania Avenue and on 8th Street by Barracks Row.

Historic Landmarks and Attractions

Eastern Market: Eastern Market opened in 1873 as a public market where vendors sell fresh produce and prepared foods in indoor stalls and at outdoor stands. A neighborhood landmark, the historic Eastern Market is housed in a restored 19th-century building. Its weekend flea market features antiques, vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and imported goods from vendors who set up every Saturday and Sunday.

Government Buildings: Almost every major government institution is located here, starting with the United States Capitol, along with the Senate and House office buildings, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Marine Barracks, and the Washington Navy Yard.

Cultural Sites: The Folger Shakespeare Library features theater productions, early music concerts, poetry readings, and other cultural programming. The US Botanic Garden offers workshops, cooking demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year.

Lifestyle and Amenities

Shopping and Dining: From Pennsylvania Avenue to Eastern Market and Barracks Row, Capitol Hill's shops, restaurants, and cafes line the neighborhood's commercial corridors. Barracks Row on 8th Street features shops and restaurants, while Pennsylvania Avenue offers boutiques and dining options.

Parks and Recreation: Parks within the neighborhood include Lincoln Park, Stanton Park, Marion Park, Garfield Park, Folger Park, and Seward Square. The Bartholdi Fountain sits adjacent to the US Botanic Garden, surrounded by landscaped grounds and tropical plantings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Capitol Hill located in Washington DC?
According to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, Capitol Hill is bounded by the Capitol precinct on the west, F Street NE on the north, and 13th and 14th streets on the east. The neighborhood sits adjacent to the US Capitol building and extends east toward the Anacostia River.

What types of homes are available in Capitol Hill?
Capitol Hill housing stock is comprised mainly of condominiums, Victorian and federal-style rowhomes, single-family homes, and apartments. Rowhouses from the early 1800s influenced by Federal and Victorian styles still line the neighborhood's tree-canopied streets today.

What Metro stations serve Capitol Hill?
Capitol Hill is served by two Orange/Blue/Silver Line WMATA Metro stations: Eastern Market Metro (Pennsylvania Ave SE) and Capitol South Metro (First St SE). Union Station with Red Line service is just a few minutes walk away.

What makes Capitol Hill historically significant?
Capitol Hill is Washington DC's largest historic district. In 1976, Capitol Hill was designated a historic district, now the largest of its kind in DC, preserving the architectural character that defines the area. The district encompasses approximately 8,000 contributing buildings spanning the Federal period through the early 20th century.

What amenities are available in Capitol Hill?
Capitol Hill features Eastern Market for fresh produce and weekend flea markets, Barracks Row shopping and dining corridor, multiple Metro stations, the US Botanic Garden, the Folger Shakespeare Library, and several neighborhood parks including Lincoln Park, Stanton Park, and Garfield Park.