Mount Vernon Triangle - Washington, DC Area Guide

In 1791, Pierre Charles L'Enfant developed the plans for Washington DC at the request of President George Washington. Mount Vernon Triangle was part of that original plan, although it was mostly rural at the time. In 1875, the Northern Liberty Market opened, causing the area to grow rapidly. This large, public market featured over 280 vending stalls and was located at 5th and K Streets. Soon after, streetcars were installed, and the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood saw new residents and new businesses move in. Center Market was destroyed in 1946, when a large fire broke out. Luckily, many of the historic buildings have been preserved, giving the neighborhood its unique appearance. The Mount Vernon Triangle Historic District contains 24 buildings, dating back to 1869. Historic landmarks in the neighborhood include the Emily Wiley House, built in 1869, and the Jefferson Apartment Building, designed by George S. Cooper and built in 1899.

With well over 50 restaurants in the neighborhood, the choices available in Mount Vernon Triangle are nearly overwhelming. Washington DC is famous for its cuisine, and foodies love living here. As part of this dynamic scene, you'll appreciate places like Alba Osteria, A Baked Joint, L'Hommage Bistro Francais, and Busboys & Poets -- just for starters. With downtown DC just blocks away, nightlife in Mount Vernon Triangle ranges from museums -- like the nearby National Geographic Museum, Madame Tussauds, and (of course) the Smithsonian -- to sports events at the Verizon Center and downtown nightclubs. You can also catch a play at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, see a Broadway performance at the National Theatre, or enjoy a musical performance at the historic Warner Theatre.

Most of Washington DC is pedestrian-friendly, and Mount Vernon Triangle is no exception. With its wide sidewalks and easy access to the metro, it's easy to live car-free in Mount Vernon Triangle. You'll also find a variety of bus stops, bike share stations, and (if you must drive) easy access to I-395. K Street is considered the "main street" corridor through the neighborhood.

The National Mall is roughly five blocks south of Mount Vernon Triangle. The ultimate in park space, you'll find plenty of benches, places to stroll, and amazing sites, such as the Smithsonian, the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the President's Park, and the White House. Head toward the United States Capitol, or spend time at the United States Botanic Garden. See the fountain at Upper Senate Park and the reflecting pond at Lower Senate Park. Closer to home, pocket parks provide smaller areas of green space. Sit on a bench in Milian Park and enjoy this shady spot in the heart of the neighborhood.

Even though Mount Vernon Triangle is considered one of Washington DC's trendiest neighborhoods, it is still relatively affordable. The average rent in Mount Vernon Triangle is about $1,000, slightly less than the DC average of $1,300. If you decide to buy a home, townhouses in Mount Vernon Triangle average about $574,000, less than DC's $557,000 average. As part of DC, you'll find a variety of businesses headquartered in the neighborhood, including the DC Bar. Homeland Security has an office on Massachusetts Avenue, and Veterans Affairs is located on Eye Street.

You'll find everything you need in Mount Vernon Triangle, from corner markets to barber shops to hardware stores. City Vista, located between 4th and 5th Streets, contains banks, restaurants, and an Ace Hardware. Bicycle Space, voted the best bike shop in DC, provides bicycles and all of the accessories you'll need to bike your way around the city. Just blocks outside of the neighborhood, CityCenterDC is a mixed-use area with offices, apartments, shops, and restaurants. Stores you'll find here include Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Boss, Hermes, Bulgari, Kate Spade, and Gucci. Gallery Place, a huge shopping complex just down H Street from CityCenterDC, contains LOFT, Urban Outfitters, and City Sports. Shop here and then head across the street to the Verizon Center, where you can cheer on the Washington Capitals hockey team or the Washington Wizards basketball team. The shopping paradise that is 14th Street will draw you from Mount Vernon Triangle often. Here, you'll find legendary restaurants mixed in with trendy boutiques like Miss Pixie's. If you want to make the inside of your apartment as trendy as your neighborhood, this is where you'll find one-of-a-kind treasures for your home.