Shaw is an energetic, hip and culturally-diverse neighborhood bordered by M St NW, Massachusetts Ave NW, First St NW, Florida Avenue NW, and 11th St NW. It features a trendy vibe and great walkability with an array of retail, restaurants and nearby conveniences.
Shaw History
In the Urban Renewal Era, the neighborhood of Shaw was named after Shaw Junior High School, which got its name from Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, commander of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first recognized black units during the Civil War. During Shaw’s early history, Union army camps were established there to house freed slaves arriving in the District. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area became a notable cultural hub recognized as the pre-Harlem epicenter of African American intellectualism and the arts. It became fondly known as ‘Black Broadway’, particularly the U Street Corridor, and at one time touted famous residents such as Duke Ellington, Carter G. Woodson and Langston Hughes, while others who frequented the area included Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Abbott and Costello, Pearl Bailey, Buddy Holly, Sarah Vaughn, and many others.
Why Move to Shaw
Walkability – While Shaw is located within Ward 1, parts of the neighborhood are also located in Wards 2 and 6 making the neighborhood overall very centrally located. With downtown DC just a short distance south and the booming U Street corridor a few short blocks away, Shaw offers residents a very walkable lifestyle. Also notable is the neighborhood’s Blagden Alley/Naylor Court area, which is listed on the District of Columbia’s Inventory of Historic Sites. Fabulously eclectic, the area is rich in history and home today to restaurants, supper clubs coffee shops and artist studios.
Architecturally Diverse Homes – In addition to plentiful 2 1/2 story traditional brick rowhouses built in the 1900s, Shaw is currently experiencing a development boom including contemporary and modern designed condo homes featuring glass, views and lots of natural light. The diversity of architecture provides a unique selection of residential options for those looking to move to the neighborhood.
Metro Stations In and Near Shaw
Shaw-Howard University Metro station
U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo
Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center
Shaw Schools
Schools and feeder schools in the Columbia Heights neighborhood include Ross Elementary School, Seaton Elementary School, Thomson Elementary School, Francis Stevens Education Camput, Cleveland Elementary School, Center City Public Charter School, Shaw Middle School @ Garnet-Patterson, Shaw Junior High School, Emery L Fears boys Academy.
Parks and Rec in Shaw
Shaw Dog Park
Shaw Skate Park
French Street Park
Carter G. Woodson Memorial Park
Shaw Community Center
10th Street Community Park
The Park At LeDroit
Kennedy Recreation Center
Shaw Neighborhood Associations
Central Shaw Neighborhood Association
Best Restaurants in Shaw
10 Best Restaurants in Shaw – via Culture Trip
Other Shaw Resources
Renewshaw.com
Shaw Main Streets
Buying a Home in Shaw
Those looking to live in the Shaw neighborhood can expect to pay between $715,000 and $1.5 million. If you are a buying a home soon and would like to explore the Shaw Neighborhood, please feel free to get in touch by giving us a call or text at 202-996-2525.
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