Logan Circle
It wasn't that long ago (the early 80s to late 90s) that parts of Logan Circle were amongst Washington D.C.'s more dangerous and seedy areas that were west of the park and east of the river, all stemming from drug-related crime. That era is long gone, but what has risen in its place leaves most Washingtonians in awe. These days the area, like the rest of D.C., is extremely safe, coveted, has low-to-no inventory, and pricey.
So many questions… :
What's up with Logan Circle? What type of housing stock is there? And WHO is Logan??
Let's get into it:
Formerly known as Iowa Circle, Congress renamed the park in 1930 in honor of John Alexander Logan, an American soldier and politician who lived. He served in the Mexican American War and was a general in the Union Army in the American Civil War. He served Illinois as a state Senator, Congressman, and a U.S. Senator. He, too, was a candidate for Vice President of the United States with James G. Blaine in the election of 1884. As the 3rd Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, he is regarded as the most crucial figure in the movement to recognize Memorial Day (formerly known as Decoration Day) as an official holiday.
In modern history, Logan Circle has long been a haven for the gay community, musicians, artists, and free spirits. This area of D.C. has become a place people want to be, where they want to eat, drink, shop, and be seen. Logan is generally known for being "Uptown Chic" meets young money, Logan Circle has a progressive aesthetic. The grit, history, and unique vibe make it one of Washington D.C.'s most iconic neighborhoods.
Like the rest of D.C., Logan Circle has become an increasingly expensive place to call home in recent years. However, the southeastern sections of the neighborhood somehow manage to maintain the edgy, down-to-earth, vibe that Shaw/Logan has been known for in my life despite growing residential interest in the area.
Where is it?
The Logan Circle neighborhood is bounded: On the north by S Street NW and the U Street Corridor (Cardozo) neighborhood. On the east by 10th Street NW and the Shaw neighborhood (from which Logan circle originates.) On the south by M Street NW and Downtown. On the west by 16th Street NW and the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
The iconic traffic circle from which the Logan Circle name derives is the intersections of 13th Street NW, P Street NW, Rhode Island Avenue NW, and Vermont Avenue NW. The National Park Service maintains the land located within the traffic circle, a park measuring 360 feet in diameter, furnished with wooden benches, decorative lampposts, an iron fence, and concrete sidewalks.
Who lives here?
According to Statistical Atlas, 17,101 people are living in Logan Circle. Today's Logan Circle is composed of a mixture of longtime residents and newcomers looking to get in before it's too late. Young kids just out of college and seasoned professionals alike are attracted to the convenience, proximity, authenticity, and community spirit of the neighborhood.
What types of housing are available?
Most of Logan Circles' housing stock is prewar Victorian and Richardsonian Romanesque attached, semi-attached, and some single-family (mansions) homes. Condos, coops, apartments can be found here too, but not as numerous as in other parts of the city. This combination of architectural styles, the ginkgo lined streets, the large, beautiful old churches, and pristine park in the circle give this neighborhood a distinctive look and feel.
There are numerous rowhomes throughout the neighborhood that are historic and boast The L'Enfant Trust and Capitol Historic Trust plaques on their facades.
New construction in the area is limited to luxury condominium buildings and high-end apartments.
How do you get around this place?
Although Logan Circle doesn't have a Metro Station of its own, there are numerous options in the area, including the Shaw-Howard Univ Green/Yellow metro line to the northeast, the Mt Vernon Square/7th St-Convention Center Green/Yellow line trains, and the Dupont Circle Station on the Red Line. Several bus lines also service the neighborhood.
What is there to do?
For folks looking for a beautiful place to walk, jog, or sit, there's the circle itself, a well-kept park with hundreds of plants and flowers. There's also Cardozo Playground and Shaw Skate Park. This part of town is really all about retail, dining, and nightlife. Typically, people don't move here to take walks in the park. If D.C. had a midtown, Logan Circle and Shaw would be it.
What's the restaurant/nightlife situation?
The entire western 3rd of the neighborhood is a retail corridor along 14th street NW. We would need to do an entirely separate post to cover the range of options from restaurants, bars, clothing and furniture boutiques, national brands, chains, mom and pops, dance studios, high-end shops, and everything in between.
How about grocery stores?
Three grocery options service this smallish neighborhood. On the northern border, there is a Trader Joe's, a Giant Food on the eastern boundary, and a Whole Foods Market on the Western edge. Not that you will be grocery shopping much living here