Logan Circle is a densely-populated, hip area. The community is just a few blocks due north of the National Mall. The heart of the neighborhood is 14th Street NW, a street dotted with stores stocked with the most fashionable home accessories, furnishings, and clothing stores.
So, many newcomers to the area ask us about the name Logan Circle. The name of this trendy neighborhood comes from the historic traffic circle by that same name. Around that circle sits stately historical brick townhomes dating back to the late 1800s.
Pierre L’Enfant drew the circle into DC’s original plans when he initially drafted plans for the Capitol City. Looking forward to what would become a large city, he foresaw the need for growth. Initially, planners dubbed the traffic circle “Iowa Circle.”
However, Congress renamed it after Major General John A. Logan, soldier and later United States Representative who lived at 4 Logan Circle in 1930, after his death.
And, the most well-heeled Washingtonians were trading their carriages for the new mode of transportation.
Some point out that even 100 years ago, we saw a flicker of the community that would become the trendiest in DC.
Logan Circle today has made a comeback. After several decades of the area being deemed “unsafe,” the area reinvented its identity.
What was once an abandoned auto garage is now a Whole Foods Market. And, abandoned hostels are now loft apartments. Formerly shabby blocks of buildings have been renewed, and the payoff for those who invested in real estate here has paid off big.
Thousands of chic people live in the area, gladly paying premium prices for their lofts and condominiums.
But what attracts them?
The restoration of 14th Street NW impacts property values and makes the area alluring to those who flock to this trendy district. Once a blighted area, condemned buildings are demolished and rebuilt. And, salvaged structures have been gutted and lovingly restored.
But what moved into those commercial spaces?
The unique combination of historic buildings that dot Logan Circle itself and 14th Street Northwest and the contemporary, urban vibe make this neighborhood one of the hottest places to live and play in all of Washington DC.
Another reason people love living in Logan Circle is nearby access to literally everything that DC has to offer.
Work in the city, but outside of the neighborhood? No problem hop on the Metro system and reach your office in minutes.
Have relatives come to the city to visit you? Plan walking tours to the National Mall and Capitol Building which are practically at your doorstep.
There’s entertainment, shopping, groceries, co-working spaces, and dining right in the neighborhood.
If you’re arriving in Washington DC in search of a home in a neighborhood that’s happening—right now and in the foreseeable future—Logan Circle is it.
One word of advice, though. The townhouses, condos, and lofts that dot this neighborhood come with a steep price tag and a lot of competition. Inventory is somewhat limited, and sellers often entertain multiple offers. Work with a real estate agent who is both a skilled negotiator and an expert in closing deals in the most competitive environments.