Welcome to American University Park / Tenleytown
Located along the Maryland border in DC’s northwest quadrant, American University Park and Tenleytown feature attractive tree-lined streets and some of the city’s highest elevation points. Tenleytown was the site of some of DC’s earliest development, with one of the city’s first homes constructed in the early 1700s. Farmsteads slowly appeared over the following decades, and several historic farmhouses are still standing.
AU Park’s development blossomed with elegant Queen Anne homes in the late 19th Century. American Craftsman, Colonial, and Tudor Revival homes were added to the neighborhood throughout the early 20th Century. Tenleytown’s status as one of DC’s most coveted neighborhoods grew with the addition of a Sears Roebuck department store in the 1940s. This has since transformed into Cityline, a luxury condominium development. AU Park formerly hosted several diplomatic missions and embassies and remains in high demand; home prices have more than doubled since the 1990s.
What to Love
- Historic residential neighborhood
- Close-knit community spirit
- Eclectic mix of upscale restaurants and retail
- Cultural attractions
- Convenient location with excellent transportation links
People & Lifestyle
AU Park and Tenleytown are well-connected to DC’s bustling metropolitan areas, with a Metro Red Line and four Capital Bikeshare stations. Local residents include professors from American University, AU Park’s namesake, along with lawyers, government workers, and other professionals working within DC’s political scene. The two neighborhoods provide an ideal balance of convenience and cultural amenities with laidback residential calm. The area is known for its friendliness and community-orientated events.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
There is a wide variety of outstanding shopping and dining options within the local area. Spring Valley and the Spring Valley Shopping Center are within walking distance, with highlights including Californian Baja-style cuisine at Millie’s, Pizzeria Paradiso, Starbucks, and Compass Coffee. Within AU Park,
Wagshal’s is a premium delicatessen and gourmet market with a wonderful wine selection. Tenleytown’s
Main Street has plentiful dining and retail along with frequent events, including the pop-up galleries and performances for the
Art All Night exhibition in September.
Things to Do in American University Park / Tenleytown
Tenleytown’s Fort Reno Park is the highest natural elevation point in Washington, DC. Founded in 1861, this historic landmark was the site of DC’s only Civil War battle. Since 1968, it has hosted an annual summer concert series. Friendship
"Turtle" Park is another beloved local green space, with sports facilities and a community garden.
The
Katzen Arts Center is a major local attraction, with gallery space showcasing contemporary art from around the world. Regular events are hosted at the Katzen Center, including lectures and live art performances. It is also a major hub for arts research and education.
Schools
American University Park and Tenleytown are zoned to the District of Columbia Public School District and are widely recognized for exemplary student achievement and high academic standards.
- Janney Elementary School: Grades PK-5, Public (test scores well above state average)
- Alice Deal Middle School: Grades 6-8, Public (an authorized International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) and known for its foreign language education)
- Jackson-Reed High School (formerly Woodrow Wilson HS): Grades 9-12, Public (known for its academy system which tailors school curriculum to meet student goals)
