Don’t let the nickname “Little Rome” deceive you! Though Brookland has a strong connection with the Catholic Church, this neighborhood has a diverse history and a bright future with big plans. With its affordable housing and many scenic attractions, this up-and-coming neighborhood is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of DC’s hectic city life.

Small Town in a Big City

With its tree-lined, residential streets, grassy yards and small commercial presence, Brookland has a distinct small-town vibe. Located in the Northeast quadrant of DC, it is bordered by 8th Street to the West, Franklin Street and Rhode Island Avenue to the south, South Dakota Avenue to the east and Michigan Avenue to the North.

Public Transit Versus Driving

Brookland can be reached by taking the Red Line metro to the Brookland-CUA station. 10 bus lines run through the area (the 80, G8, H1, H2, H6, H8, H9 and R4). While walking to different amenities is somewhat easy, owning a car could be much more convenient when navigating this area. However, new development plans could make the neighborhood much more bike and pedestrian friendly.

Affordable Housing for City-Dwellers

Most of the housing in Brookland consists of single-family homes, though new development will bring in more apartments and lofts. Housing in the area is very affordable compared to other DC neighborhoods.

Family-Friendly, Academic Environment

Like any city neighborhood, Brookland does experience occasional crime, though the area is a generally safe place. The neighborhood is a particularly thriving place for higher education, as is demonstrated by the number of universities and colleges in the area.

Food from Tex-Mex to American

While many of the restaurants in Brookland are take-out joints, there lots of great restaurants and bars to check out.

Brookland’s Finest Bar and Kitchen, located at 12th and Jackson Street, offers reasonably priced classic American cuisine with a seasonal menu and local ingredients.  From burgers to shrimp to grits, Brookland’s Finest has a wide selection of food and a bar stocked with a mix of regional and local beers. It is the perfect spot to bring the kids or grab a drink with friends.

San Antonio’s Bar and Grill is a popular happy hour spot, with renowned margaritas and specials going on until 8 pm. Scoring extra points for having its own parking lot, San Antonio’s is the place to go if you’re in the mood for some delicious Tex-Mex style food.

Flourishing Nature, Living History and Thriving Arts

Brookland is home to some of DC’s most breathtaking attractions. Most notable for its botanical beauty is the National Arboretum, with entrances on New York Avenue and R Street NE. With 446 acres of colorful landscapes, art displays and winding roads, this major center for botanical research is free and open to the public daily.

The Mount St. Sepulcher Franciscan Monastery, located at 14th and Quincy Streets, is an “oasis of peace” in the busy city. Purchased in 1897 by Godfrey Schilling as part of a mission to build the Holy Land in America, the beautiful architecture, gardens and exhibits are a must-see, regardless of your religious affiliation. Designed by a Roman architect, the cathedral is built in the Byzantine style. Over the years, many artists and architects, both religious and secular, have contributed to its development. The landscaped grounds feature replicas of shrines in Israel.

Brookland continues to foster the artistic community. The Dance Place, open since 1986, is a unique living space for dancers and their families. Calling itself the “most prolific presenter of modern dance,” the Dance Place offers affordable units, each with residential and studio space. The project has an open gallery space for residents and a community room for dance classes.

Developing Retail and Residential Space

Developer Jim Abdo has big plans for Brookland’s future. Set between Catholic University and Trinity College and within easy access of the Red Line metro, the project will create a “main street college experience,” bringing in an eclectic mix of shops, cafes and restaurants, all with apartments above.

On the eastern end of Monroe Street, Abdo will create a pedestrian-only Arts Walk, with ground-level artist studios. On pleasant days, the studios can open their glass doors and flow out onto the walkway, allowing for passersby to easily observe the artists’ creative process. At the end of the walkway there will be a plaza with in-ground fountains and a performance stage.

The western end, where Monroe intersects with Michigan Avenue, will feature a public square with a fountain and iconic clock tower, a perfect gathering spot for students, residents and visitors.