The DC neighborhood of Palisades is a quiet community northwest of Georgetown University.  And unless you’re a neighborhood resident or a commuter who enters the city via MacArthur Boulevard, the largely residential area with a host of shopping and restaurants along the Potomac River is not a popular destination. However, it is an area that many residents have called home for decades, a place that hosts a July 4th parade, featuring local bands, fire engines and children on highly decorated tricycles and bicycles.

The Palisades Citizens Association includes neighborhoods like Kent and Berkley within its definition of Palisades. However, the actual southeast border of Palisades starts at the intersection of Foxhall Road and MacArthur Boulevard and extends to the Potomac River. From there, the neighborhood moves north and west along a narrow line between MacArthur Boulevard and the Potomac River until it reaches the District line near Sibley Hospital. Houses a couple of blocks east of MacArthur Boulevard in this area are also considered part of Palisades.

Most of the residential streets in Palisades run perpendicular to MacArthur Boulevard and experience minimal through traffic. One notable exception is Potomac Avenue, a narrow lane lined with some of the neighborhood’s larger homes on one side and a grassy bank on the other. The bank drops down to a vast expanse of trees that leads to the Potomac River.Just a Handful of Homes on the Market

Palisades, a slightly older community compared to its neighboring areas, was initially linked to Georgetown through the Great Falls Electric Railway, which operated from 36th and Prospect Streets to Glen Echo. The majority of homes in Palisades were constructed in the early 20th century, showcasing a diverse array of architectural styles. Among the delightful bungalows, you’ll discover Cape Cods, Colonials, and even a handful of unexpectedly modern creations.

The 2023 market in Palisades shows how this area’s desirability and lack of inventory have kept buyers working hard to get their dream home under contract.  From a studio condo for $250,500 to a 7-bedroom single family home for $3,525,000, there is a large variety of homes in this neighborhood.  Of the 24 closed sales so far in 2023, half sold for over asking price, going under contract in 7days or less.  The remaining sales had price reductions and a much higher average days on market of 67 days.  A well presented and well priced home will typically sell quickly, and even receive multiple offers, even in this more complex market. 

Palisades isn’t served by a Metro station, but it is served by Metrobus lines D3, D5, D6, and M4. However, for those residents who own cars, it is something of a commuter’s dream. Key Bridge is close by, leading to the George Washington Parkway, I-66, and Route 50, and driving to the Kennedy Center, Georgetown or out to Bethesda is quite easy.