Welcome to Kalorama
Refined neighborhood with many high-profile residents.
Kalorama is one of D.C.’s most revered neighborhoods. It’s also one of the most historic, with development starting here before L’Enfant’s 19th-century masterplan gave central D.C. its grid layout. With grand properties located on quiet tree-lined streets mere minutes from Georgetown and Dupont Circle, Kalorama is arguably D.C.’s most prestigious location. Six presidents have lived here, with Barack Obama joining, among others, Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt after leaving the White House.
Kalorama includes the distinct neighborhoods of Kalorama Triangle and Sheridan-Kalorama, the latter of which is often referred to as Kalorama Heights. Homes offer an exquisite mix of Beaux Arts, American Colonial, and Georgian Revival styles. The beautiful architecture is accentuated with immaculate gardens and marble fountains. The interiors are just as stunning, combining soaring ceilings with intricate decorative moldings. Kalorama means “beautiful view” in Greek, and this beloved neighborhood certainly earns its name.
The Dresden is one of D.C.’s most breathtaking condominium complexes. Constructed as a luxury hotel in 1901, this imposing architectural masterpiece was converted into condominiums in the 1970s. Attractive Beaux-Arts-style condominium buildings within Kalorama include the 1927-built Le Bourget and the 1917-built St. Nicholas. The Brighton, delivered in 1911, is another condominium complex combining classic elegance with contemporary comfort. There are also luxurious newer developments, such as Calistoga.
What to Love
- Stunning architecture
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Convenient location
- Numerous embassies
People & Lifestyle
Along with being a longtime enclave of former presidents, Kalorama is home to high-ranking political figures, including ambassadors, diplomats, and U.S. Cabinet secretaries. Some of the most well-known local residents are Bloomberg Media Group CEO Justin Smith and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. The atmosphere is exceptionally peaceful and calm, though the excitement of Dupont Circle and Georgetown are easily accessible. The nearest Metro stations are Dupont Circle and Woodley Park, both of which are on the Red line.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Kalorama has a fine selection of upscale places to dine. Bistro du Coin offers diners delicious mussels and other French and Belgian bistro-style dishes, while Mintwood Place brings French flare to rustic American farmhouse fare. Tail Up Goat straddles the border between Kalorama and Adams Morgan, serving delicious Caribbean-style drinks and inspired Mediterranean bistro food. A weekly farmers’ market sells organic local produce, tasty bakery products, and gourmet cheese. Groceries are also available at Harris Teeter
Things to Do
Kalorama’s magnificent architecture makes it an engaging place to walk around and discover. The French ambassador’s residence is one of the most impressive properties, elegantly combining Jacobian and Tudor Revival architectural styles. Ascending the Spanish Steps provides an enchanting view over the neighboring community of Dupont Circle. The Taft Bridge, decorated with statues of lions and straddling Rock Creek, is another Kalorama landmark. Embassy Row extends into Kalorama, and 28 embassies fall within the neighborhood’s boundaries, including those of Korea, the Netherlands, and Cameroon. Many of these embassies invite the public inside for concerts, lectures, and cultural exhibitions. Residents often head to Mitchell Park to play on its sports courts or walk through its gardens, or to the triangular 3-acre green space of Kalorama Park. Washington Studio School offers arts classes for both adults and children. Local gyms include HardTraining Club, CrossFit Hierarchy, and Washington Sports Clubs.
Schools
Kalorama is zoned to the District of Columbia Public School District.
- Ross Elementary School, Public, PK–5 (rated best elementary school in district)
- H.D. Cooke Elementary School, Public, PK–5
- St. Augustine Catholic School, Private, PK–8
