Anacostia - Washington, DC Area Guide

Incorporated in 1854 as Uniontown, Anacostia receives its name from the Anacostia River. Many of the first residents worked at the Navy yard located across the river, making this one of the first suburbs located in the District of Columbia. In 1877, Frederick Douglass purchased Cedar Hill, currently maintained as a museum and historical site. In the 1960s, construction completed on the Anacostia Freeway, which further transformed the neighborhood. Anacostia has the Honfleur Art Gallery and the Anacostia Playhouse. The Anacostia Museum, a small Smithsonian museum, and the Frederick Douglass House function as the area's primary museums. The Anacostia Playhouse provides theatrical performances and different cultural events. Honfleur provides an annual East of the River showcase for local artists.

Anacostia has a limited number of dining options; however, the few selections include traditional restaurants, cafes, and delis. The central location for restaurants rests around Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Good Hope Road.

Mama's Pizza Kitchen provides a dine-in restaurant that residents praise. This restaurant has a mom-and-pop feel that residents admit plays a vital role in creating a casual dining experience. Locals consider the pizza at Mama's Kitchen to be the best in the Anacostia area. Regulars especially rave about the fresh ingredients, specialty sauce, and large portions.

Nightlife in Anacostia is quiet and consists of only a couple of options. The primary option for nightlife in this neighborhood, Uniontown Bar and Grill, provides a place for residents to unwind and grab a drink or appetizers. This bar and grill has a laid-back vibe and a themed menu that visitors enjoy. Uniontown provides high-quality customer service with excellent drink recommendations and late hours on weekends.

Considered a walkable neighborhood, Anacostia residents can complete some but not all errands on foot. This neighborhood has a minimal bike infrastructure, with just a couple of bike lanes serving area cyclists. However, it does have excellent transit options. This neighborhood uses the Anacostia Metro station and Washington Metro's Green and Orange Line for public transportation, and it also has 11 bus lines passing through the neighborhood.

Some errands in Anacostia require a car, and residents without a vehicle have access to car-sharing services such as Uber, Zipcar, and Hertz On Demand. Although taxis service remains limited, a few taxis run regularly and offer on-call service. Interstate 295 and Suitland Parkway provide access to nearby locations.

Anacostia Park prevails as one of Washington's most important and largest recreational areas. This park sits on 1,200 acres of land spaced across southeast Washington. Anacostia Park has hundreds of acres used for tennis, ball fields, basketball, and picnicking. This family-friendly park has the Anacostia Park Pavilion, which provides space for skating and community events. This park boasts beautiful design and trials perfect for exercising or walking, and the stunning layout allows residents to experience the picturesque beauty of nature. Anacostia Park has events and programs suitable for all ages, including the annual Pretty in Pink Brunch and the Public Service 5K Walk/Run.

The cost of living in Anacostia sits 18 percent lower than Washington, D.C. A single one-way fare costs $1.75 on Metrorail and Metrobus lines, and a one-bedroom apartment in Anacostia rents for about $872. Gas generally runs more than one percent higher than the national average, and residents can expect to pay up to $5 for a pint of domestic beer at a local bar.

Although large department and chain stores make their homes nearby, shopping and retail options remain limited in Anacostia. This area houses a few local boutiques and specialty shops that provide clothing items and home essentials.

Martha's Outfitters, a socially conscious thrift store, provides a place for residents to purchase fashionable clothing and housewares at a low cost. The nonprofit organization Martha's Table operates this popular thrift store, partially sourced from donations, to deliver a diverse selection of items at reasonable prices while ensuring an enjoyable shopping experience for local thrift-seekers. Martha's Outfitters combines friendly customer service and trendy decor with designer labels and high-quality accessories for an urban boutique feel.

LAThreadz, another area boutique, has unique pieces, well-known labels, and stylish accessories. The prices for most items range from inexpensive to moderately pricey, but the impressive stock makes a stop here worth the expense. LAThreadz provides clothing items and accessories for both men and women dressing for a causal event or a night out on the town.

For groceries and home essentials, residents of Anacostia use Martin Luther King Grocery and New 7 Market. These local supermarkets sell meats and produce and all the basic culinary essentials foodies need to whip up homemade meals. The closest farmers market to this neighborhood, Eastern Market, sits a few miles northwest of Anacostia on Pennsylvania Avenue. This market has fresh fruits, vegetables, prepared foods, and craft items.