Fairlawn D.C.

(photo courtesy of NPS)

Fairlawn is one of the first places that was settled by colonizers in the 1600s in what would eventually become Washington D.C. Known for its smooth, grassy terrain that terminated at the Anacostia River earned Fairlawn its name. Initially sweeping pastoral land, the growth of the Navy Yard in nearby SW D.C. led to Fairlawn's rise to becoming a dense, urban residential neighborhood that housed their workforce by the early 1800s. Today, Fairlawn continues to be a high-density residential neighborhood that services mostly working-class residents and retirees. However, in the past five years, this quiet little neighborhood east of the river has been attracting millennials and homeowners seeking more affordable options with great proximity to Hill East, Capitol Hill, and various other hotspots west of the river. 

Boundaries

 Fairlawn’s boundaries are the Anacostia River to the north, M St SE to the East, Minnesota Ave SE to the southeast, Naylor Rd and Altamont Pl SE to the south, and Goodhope Rd SE to the west. 

Public transportation is provided by WMATA Metrorail (subway) and Metrobus. The closest Metrorail station is the Anacostia (Green Line) Station at Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, and Howard Road SE. Fairlawn is also served by several Metrobus routes that make stops in the community: B2, M6, U2, V5, W6, W8, 32, 34, 36, 92

 Sites of Interest

(photo courtesy of NPS)

The Anacostia River and Anacostia Park

Anacostia Park is a beautiful verdant stretch of grassland and trees along the banks of the Anacostia River. The park is home to the Anacostia pool, a skating rink, fitness stations, picnic area with tables and grills, sports fields, a river trail, and a wetland education and conservation facility. The park is open year-round and is maintained and managed by the National Park Service. The park also offers fishing and boating as recreational options for patrons.

Historic Anacostia

(Photo courtesy of DC preservation)

Fairlawn's next-door neighbor is the neighborhood of Historic Anacostia, which is currently in the midst of its own renaissance. Here, you will have access to Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE where you can wine-and-dine at the new Busboys and Poets restaurant, visit the currently under construction 11th street bridge park, Anacostia Metro Station, and various cultural attractions. Adding to the excitement, the Saint Elizabeth's East Campus project is almost complete. Currently, you can enjoy seeing the championship-winning Washington Mystics play on the Saint Elizabeth's Campus, as this is where their home facility is located in addition to acres of green space. The Congress Heights Metro Station, and an amphitheater are also located on the campus. Saint Elizabeth's West campus will be home to the Barry Farm redevelopment (also near Fairlawn and Anacostia.) This project consists of townhomes, a grocer, apartments, condos, retail, green space, and cultural amenities. In addition to all of the offerings that Anacostia currently has, the long-anticipated Poplar Point development is about to break ground! All of these things and more are accessible to the residence of Fairlawn without the price tag.

Schools

John H. Ketcham Elementary School (Ketcham):

Motto: 'Our Students. Our Future. Our Responsibility.'

Ketcham serves students in grades pre-K through 5 living in Fairlawn. Home of the Eagles and located across from the beginning of Minnesota Ave SE, JHK has various student clubs and activities. The school's vision is, "We strive to cultivate a community of high performing, service-oriented students."  

Stephen E. Kramer Middle School (Kramer): 

Motto: The whole community will actively embrace that education is the key to everyone's success.

Kramer serves students in grades 6 through 8 living in Fairlawn. Home of the Hornets, it's daily mission is "Each member of the Kramer community, including staff, scholars, parents, neighbors, and community partners, will demonstrate a strong character embodying resilience, perseverance, and ethics in the pursuit of excellence." Students at Kramer participate in various academic achievement programs such as Higher Achievement, Read 180, and STEM Lego Robotics Program.

Anacostia High School

Anacostia High School serves students in grades 9 through 12. The girls' basketball and cheerleading programs are among the city's best, both winning championships in the past two seasons. Anacostia High School strongly encourages students to participate in athletics and after-school programs to bolster college applications. 

The Fairlawn Citizens Association

The Fairlawn Citizens Association is a nonprofit group of residents who live in the Fairlawn community. The FCA has its general community meetings the third Tuesday of every month, except for July and August recess. Meetings are held at the Oral L. Glover Community Meeting Room on the lower level of the Anacostia Public Library. The start time is at 7:00 pm.