Straddling
Connecticut Avenue south of the National Zoo is a neighborhood of fine early 20th-century row houses, a throwback to the days more than a century ago when developers hoped that this wide avenue that runs northward to the Maryland border would be a boulevard lined with elegant homes. Modern-day Connecticut Avenue north of the small Woodley Park historic district, however, is now mostly filled with high rent, high rise apartment houses — although the city's height limitation restricts them to no more than eight stories, they are considered high-rise by Washington standards. To the east, the neighborhood's curved streets overhang Rock Creek Park. On the west, they bend on the slope leading to the heights of Mt. Saint Albans, the site of Washington National Cathedral. The stately rows of meticulously designed houses are preserved intact, presenting streetscapes that have changed little for nearly a century. Though busy Connecticut Avenue is always just around the corner, the residential streets are leafy, green, and serene. The neighborhood provides access to several nature trails, including
Rock Creek Park,
Tregaron Conservancy, and
Klingle Valley Trail. , part of the
Smithsonian Institution. On Connecticut Avenue, former row houses along the street have been converted into commercial properties, including restaurants, offices and retail shops. The
Omni Shoreham Hotel is located on Calvert street. The
Washington Marriott Wardman Park was demolished and is being developed into 900 residential units in two buildings as of 2025. At night, the place is a hive of activity. Shops and restaurants lining Connecticut Ave include many chains, but also many local restaurants and shops. ==Education==