SHAW REAL ESTATE
Hip, trendsetting neighborhood in a central location.
Shaw is one of D.C.’s most vibrant neighborhoods and is home to trendsetting restaurants, fashion boutiques, and nightlife spots. The neighborhood was first developed in the 1900s and quickly became the center of the city’s burgeoning jazz scene, with legends such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald performing at The Howard Theatre.Today, Shaw real estate is as varied as the neighborhood’s character, with immaculately refurbished properties dating back to the 1870s sharing its streets with sleek, modern apartment and condominium buildings.
Shaw was built with residential and commercial districts side-by-side, and this eclectic mix continues to this day. The real estate is as varied as the neighborhood’s character, with immaculately refurbished properties dating back to the 1870s sharing its streets with sleek, modern apartment and condominium buildings. City Market at O is one of the most attractive of these newer developments, with incredible amenities and luxurious apartments. Other noteworthy condominium buildings include Atlantic Plumbing, which elegantly combines stylish interiors with an industrial façade modelled after New York’s Meat Packing District. There’s also chic two-level condominiums at 11Park and state-of-the-art condominium living at The Perla. Much of Shaw’s beautiful 19th century architecture has been preserved in the Shaw Historic District.
What to Love
- Creative restaurants
- Live music
- Varied architecture
- Art galleries and murals
- Hidden alleyways
- Central location
People & Lifestyle
Homes for sale in Shaw are part of a diverse neighborhood, both to multigenerational families and young urban professionals. While it has a laidback residential feel, it has some of the city’s hottest restaurants and street art. It’s also conveniently positioned for getting anywhere within D.C. It is one stop away on the Metro Green Line from downtown and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Metro Stations within Shaw include U Street on the Green and Yellow lines, Shaw-Howard University on the Yellow line, and Mount Vernon Square on the Green and Yellow lines. For those who prefer to walk, Shaw’s enticing blend of historic and contemporary architecture make for a memorable stroll.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The culinary scene in Shaw is a mix of traditional and groundbreaking, with some of its restaurants exhibiting the best characteristics of both. Chaplin’s has an elegant 1920s-style atmosphere, playing silent movies as guests sip craft cocktails and dine on delicious Japanese food. The Dabney’s mid-Atlantic farm-fresh fare has earned it a Michelin star and a reputation as one of the city’s finest dining experiences. Those seeking unique dining experiences will enjoy creative eateries, such as Oaxacan-inspired Espita Mezcaleria and the aptly named Unconventional Diner. Kinship is another innovative standout, dividing its menu of internationally-influenced New American cuisine into subsections based on categories such as “Craft” and “History.” Nestled beneath Kinship is the intimate Metier tasting room, named D.C.’s best restaurant by The Washingtonian. Chercher and Queen of Sheba serve authentic African cuisine in Shaw’s Little Ethiopia section. There’s also authentic Tuscan cuisine at San Lorenzo, artisanal antipasti, pizza, and wine at All Purpose, and Southern-influenced New American cuisine at Shaw’s Tavern, Trendy drink options include craft beers at Dacha Beer Garden and A&D Neighborhood Bar, along with whiskey cocktails at Southern Efficiency and craft beers, wine, and cocktails at All Souls. Right Proper combines an extensive craft beer selection with Southern-inspired gourmet gastropub fare.
For shopping, Darryl Carter offers a lovingly-curated selection of home goods selected by the store’s renowned interior designer owner. Other unique local businesses include The Shop at Shaw, known as one of D.C.’s most stylish hair salons. Local grocery stores include Giant on 7th Street NW and Union Kitchen Grocery on 9th Street NW, the latter of which sells fresh produce as a spinoff of a startup food incubator.
Things to Do
Shaw has a proud heritage as one of the best places in D.C. to watch live music. The Howard Theatre has been a cornerstone of the live music scene here since 1910. Refurbished in 2012, The Howard still hosts a wide-ranging lineup of live performances. The 9:30 Club has been recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the top 10 music venues in the country. Shaw’s narrow alleyways and hidden art galleries make it a fantastic place to wander and explore. Blagden Alley is one of the best, with cool coffee shops and restaurants tucked with in an artistically vibrant setting. Look for hidden murals, like Lisa Marie Thalhammer’s LOVE, and contemporary art spaces, such as the Long View Gallery. Local gyms include Solidcore Shaw, CrossFit Shaw, and Reformation Fitness.
Schools
Shaw is zoned to the District of Columbia Public School District.
- Cleveland Elementary School, Public, PK–5
- Hyde-Addison Elementary School at Meyer, Public, PK–5
- Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School, PK–5
- KIPP DC Lead Academy Public Charter School, 1–4
- Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, Public, Magnet, 9–12 (ranked best high school in district)
