REAL ESTATE

Georgetown – The Best Kept Secret

By Darrell Parsons

APRIL 2008

Photo: The secret is that while Georgetown is often looked upon as a home to the rich and powerful, it is far less known and understood as a thriving community of civic minded, urbane people who thrive on the quiet beauty, privacy and accessibility afforded by this oasis in the city.

“When I came here in 1961 to work with the Kennedy administration, Georgetown had one French restaurant, and the “Snuggery” (Billy Martin’s place). The trolley from Glen Echo came through the heart of this very quiet, elegant village,” remembers Terri Robinson, a Georgetown local. 

It is clear to Terri, who has been a part of the Georgetown social and business communities for more than 40 years, that “everyone knows about the famous residents of Georgetown: the Kennedys, President Grant, Herman Wouk, etc. But not many people outside the immediate area know about the true “Georgetowners” who have helped mold the historical, fine arts and business associations which have protected the beauty and tradition of this original heritage.” There are probably those who would like to keep this Georgetown a secret.

Certainly in many ways Georgetown is not a secret. It has been, and remains the home of many famous and influential people, leaders in government and business in the nation and world. The secret is that while Georgetown is often looked upon as a home to the rich and powerful, it is far less known and understood as a thriving community of civic minded, urbane people who thrive on the quiet beauty, privacy and accessibility afforded by this oasis in the city.

Where else can one live in a Federal townhouse in walking distance to top-rated restaurants, beautiful parks, historical venues, major concert halls and the Potomac waterfront? The cost of real estate in Georgetown is not insignificant, but when weighed against the beauty, convenience and community it offers, it is an undervalued secret.

“There was a time 30-40 years ago when families thrived in Georgetown. In the 1970’s and 80’s though, people began moving out to the suburbs looking for a quieter place with more elbow room. But as the suburban sprawl intensified and traffic patterns clogged, people began to crave the rich diversity of the urban experience...not to mention being able to spend less time on the road and more time with friends and family”, notes Judi Cochran, a long-time resident.

Georgetown is often caricatured as an exclusive, stodgy enclave, affordable only to the elite. The reality is that it is a vibrant, multi-leveled culture, offering a home for a wide diversity of people.

Another long-time resident, Margaret Heimbold, treasures the “daily convenience and convivial interaction with neighbors.” She goes on to say, “we live in one of the most cost-effective Capital cities in the United States and internationally. While real estate is a substantial investment here, given the amenities of Georgetown our real estate continues to be a great value.”

Georgetown is deeply loved and fiercely protected by that community of people who have called it home for years. That same protective fierceness which has from time-to-time made owning Georgetown real estate exasperating (e.g., lengthy permit approval processees from ANC, Fine Arts, etc, etc), is a fundamental factor preserving the ambiance which makes Georgetown’s real estate great to own.

“Georgetown continues to attract sophisticated people of all ages and life styles. It has served as a ‘coming home’ destination for many Georgetown University alumni in their retirement years, as well as for young folks who are just starting out,” says Robinson.

So the secret is out of the bag. Georgetown is the home of the rich and the famous, the richly diverse and vibrant, the young, the old, the alumni and a brilliant economic choice.