215 I STREET #401, WASHINGTON, DC 20002

Old City

In the 1790s, Notley Young acquired a large parcel of land from several different landowners and named it Youngsborough. Shortly after he gave the land to the Federal government in exchange for a promise that Congress would re-divide up the land and return half the lots to the original landowners.

When D.C. became the nation’s capital, a grid system was formed laying out a northern border of Boundary Street (now Florida Avenue) for the city limits. The Old City area remained underdeveloped farmland until the construction of the Washington Branch of the B&O Railroad. This construction helped create a neighborhood with wood and coal yards to serve the railroad system. The growth of jobs spurred the construction of houses for the employees shortly thereafter.

The streetcar also contributed to the growth in Old City around the H Street Corridor, as it was the eastern terminus of the line. H Street became populated with commercial lots turning it into one of the most important shopping spots in Washington, D.C.

Quality of Life:

The community is comprised of mostly row houses. Life in Old City is centered around the H Street corridor, which boasts a variety of eclectic restaurants and entertaining nightlife. Several theaters have recently been constructed.

Getting Around:

Old City does not have a dedicated Metro station. However, the Red Line at Union Station is nearby. There is Metro Bus service to and from the Chinatown/Gallery Place Metro station.

Airports:

Ronald Reagan National Airport:  < 10 miles
Washington-Dulles International Airport:  < 30 miles
Baltimore-Washington International Airport:  < 35 miles