Brookland - Washington, DC Area Guide

Prior to the mid-19th century, Brookland existed simply as a farmland owned by the Middleton and Queens families. It wasn't until the connection of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the events of the American Civil War, that Brookland truly began to develop as a community. With the expansion of federal government, and installation of various military buildings including Fort Slemmer and Fort Bunker Hill, Brookland transformed into an official housing tract. The late 19th century ushered in a middle-class, street-car suburban atmosphere, where both residential and commercial influence alike continued to expand. Of all the developments in the last two centuries, the Monroe Street Market serves as the most influential.

Although Brookland does not house many museums, the town does afford residents access to numerous historical sites and landmarks, including the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home.

Brookland presents an array of traditional American-style restaurants and independently owned ethnic bistros. The majority of restaurants cluster along the popular 12th Street NE.

Menomale Pizza Napoletana specializes in crafting some of the most delectable Neapolitan pizzas that Brookland produces. The restaurant focuses on presentation, from the minute the chefs roll out fresh dough and craft the pie, to the point when it enters the hand-crafted wood fire oven, up until the moment the freshly baked pizza reaches your table. Menomale Pizza Nepoletana takes pride in using ingredients from the Campania region of Italy to prepare the delicious food locals love. Try the Di Ettore (Chef's Special), a blend of Fior di latte mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, arugula, prosciutto di parma, grana padano and extra virgin olive oil.

Nightlife consists of traditional bars and pubs, and Brookland's 12th Street NE is the location of most establishments. Brookland's Finest Bar and Kitchen, an American-style bar, serves as one of the area's premier spots for casual nightly entertainment. Bar-goers enjoy a fine selection of seasonal American cuisine and local craft beers. The warm company, ample dining space, full bar and high-definition television provide plenty to absorb in this ambient yet upbeat environment. Steel Plate, a customer-focused cocktail bar and restaurant, presents an inviting atmosphere where patrons enjoy signature cocktails and freshly cooked meals.

The most common means of transportation in Brookland consist of public transit, automobile and pedestrian traffic via foot and bicyle. The Metro serves as the primary provider for public transportation with Metrorail and bus route services. Although the city does house a small number of taxi services, they do not stand as a major form of transportation within the community.

Meanwhile, Uber services the majority of Washington D.C. Metro stations in the area provide a substantial amount of both free and paid parking, in addition to a small distribution of private and government-owned lots and garages throughout the city. U.S Routes 1, 29 and 50 surround Brookland and provide access to major highways, including Interstate 495. The city presents a fairly walkable atmosphere, and gives cyclists a means of safe transportation with its moderate distribution of bike lanes and routes.

Brookland itself does not house many parks or recreational areas, however residents often venture to the outskirts of the city to neighboring towns to enjoy a diverse selection of recreation amenities. The Turkey Thicket Recreation Center provides a pool, tennis court and playground area for the whole family to enjoy, with the option of a $25 water aerobics class. Meanwhile, the Langdon Dog Park serves as a great spot to bring to the family pet, providing plenty of open space for canine roaming, in addition to water and cleanup stations throughout the facility.

Be sure to catch the Brookland Ball held every December, a festive celebration of the holidays featuring live jazz-band musical performances, holiday-themed decor and more than plenty warm company.

Brookland incurs a cost of living 7 percent lower than that of the city. On a similar note, traveling to the city center costs residents as little as $2 with the use of a SmarTrip Farecard (Metro). A one-bedroom residence rents out at a median cost of $1,019. Gas prices in Brookland sit at around 12 percent higher than the national average, but on the plus side, you can grab yourself a pint of beer for just $6 at most bars.

The shopping district in Brookland encompasses a small assortment of specialty shops and independently owned boutiques. Residents also enjoy a mild selection of nationally recognized chain retail stores as well. Most stores can be found along Brookland's busiest street, 12th Street NE.

Brookland presents an even distribution of both national chain and independent grocers alike. Residents of Brookland most commonly frequent stores such as Yes Organic Market, which stocks an expansive selection of fresh organic foods, including options for raw, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free and fair trade foods. Customers love browsing the neatly organized aisles of the store as they enjoy freshly baked pastries from the local Firehook Bakery. The Historic Brookland Farmers Market contains a variety of vendors, each selling some of the freshest local produce, meats and baked goods from the area.