The Washington Navy Yard holds the distinction of being the oldest Navy installation in the country! George Washington himself set aside land along the Anacostia River for the installation, which was activated in 1799. The Yard’s primary function was shipbuilding and shiplifting, but by the 1850s its focus shifted almost entirely to the production of naval artillery. In 1945 it was named the Naval Gun Factory, and the weapons created here were reportedly used in every war in which the U.S. fought until the 1960s. Eventually ordnance production was phased out and by 1964 the installation was re-designated as the Washington Navy Yard.

Today, the Navy Yard is known as the “Quarterdeck of the Navy” and acts as a ceremonial gateway to the nation’s capital. It is also home to the Headquarters for Naval District Washington, which provides support activities for the Naval Support Facility Naval Research Laboratory; Naval Support Facility Suitland; Naval Support Facility Naval Observatory; Naval Support Facility Arlington; and Naval Support Facility Carderock.

The area around the Navy Yard, Southeast DC, has undergone significant revitalization over the past few decades. After World War II, the Navy Yard scaled back operations and the commercial heart of the District moved downtown. Abandoned warehouses and divestment in the community — not to mention a once heavily polluted river — left the area ripe for crime and neglect. As with any urban city, you’ll find pockets of crime and areas with bad reputations, but we encourage you to look past that. There are many new highrise buildings near the water and the Capitol Hill neighborhood has quaint, treelined streets with pricey rowhomes and local shops on every corner.   

The construction of Nationals Park in 2008, home to the Washington Nationals professional baseball team, has helped the area tremendously by attracting restaurants, grocers, parks, and public-use amenities to the Southeast Riverfront.  Two fantastic parks, the Yards Park and Capitol Park, are right on the river and constantly abuzz with activity. The Eastern Market is a very popular food and arts market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, and lies only a mile north of the Navy Yard.

Military housing is offered at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, located just “east of the river,” but there is also ample off-post housing available. We definitely recommend doing your homework on crime statistics and school performance, and consulting with a real estate agent before making a commitment to a home, but if you do your research you may find a hidden gem in this vibrant and developing area.