Mount Pleasant is a small residential neighborhood located east of Rock Creek River in Washington, DC. This northwestern community is a melting pot of not only diverse people but also eclectic housing options. Although primarily residential, it’s walking distance to Adams Morgan’s night life and the proximity to the National Zoo makes it an attractive place to live.

North of Adams Morgan

Mount Pleasant is surrounded by Irving Street to the south, Rock Creek to the west, 16th Street to the east and Piney Branch Park to the north. Adams Morgan borders just south of the neighborhood, Forest Hills/Van Ness is to the west, Columbia Heights to the east and Crestwood/16th Street Heights to the north.  

A U.S. Historic District

This small neighborhood is also on the list of U.S National Register of Historic Places, and for good reason. The town was the first streetcar suburb in the District of Columbia—something that is slowly becoming more realizable throughout the rest of the District. 

Don’t Need the Metro

Mount Pleasant doesn’t have a neighborhood metro station, but a 10 to 15-minute walk will take you to the Columbia Heights station. This metro stop services the Green and Yellow lines. The Metrobus also runs through Mount Pleasant and neighboring communities. These lines include the 42, 43, H3, H4, H8, and W47.

There isn’t much traffic and on-street parking is easy to find, however, if you’re a homeowner you might not always find spaces on your block. The town is also very close to the George Washington Parkway, I-66, and I-395.

Colorful Row Houses

Throughout different sections of the neighborhood you can find ornate roof lines painted with bright, attractive colors. Some of these row houses are also subdivided into one or two apartments. This aspect of the neighborhood brings about a unique mixture of students, professionals, and families. More towards the west of the community you can find buildings offering rental apartments, condominiums, and cooperatives.

Various Flavors

A great thing about living in Mount Pleasant is its convenient location to Columbia Heights and Adams Morgan. One great spot just east of the neighborhood is two-time Cupcake Wars winner Doron Petersan’s bakery shop, Sticky Fingers. This is a delectable delight for those with a sweet tooth. This surprisingly vegan bakery/cafe not only serves cupcakes and pastries, but sandwiches as well. A classic choice would be the tuna melt.

Haydee’s Restaurant is a great local spot. This festive Mexican cantina offers great classics like the shrimp and steak fajitas. You will most likely encounter a live music show or a DJ’d dance party depending on when you show up. Radius Pizza and Tonic are also notable mentions, with Tonic’s tater tots a local favorite. Moreover, some popular spots for the younger crowd include Marx Cafe and The Raven Grill which has been serving drinks since 1935.

Pandas and Rock Creek

One of the neighborhoods great amenities is the Saturday farmer’s market. This producer-only market is a weekly event held from May until December. It’s a great way to meet your neighbors while checking out some local food and homegrown crafted products. The National Zoo is also a free attraction. This zoological park is just west of Rock Creek and is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and home to popular, giant pandas.

The Rosemount Center sits on Rosemount Avenue and is an English and Spanish early childhood education center. The center focuses on preschool children, infants, and the neighborhood’s neediest toddlers. It also provides programs for pregnant women. Bancroft Elementary School is further down on Newton Street and provides education for Pre-K to sixth grade.

The Western Ridge Trail is an overlooked trail running along the western end of the neighborhood. This mostly dirt trail is great for runners and hikers. It’s also interconnected with the Rock Creek Park trail and many other, smaller trails found veering off into different paths.

Overall, Mount Pleasant is a mixture of different cultures and a variety of colorful, classic row homes. The combination of the growing popularity and decent priced homes makes this area an interesting option for homebuyers looking to invest in the northwestern region of D.C.