Chevy Chase

 

Chevy Chase was another of the early streetcar suburbs made possible by a rail line running up Connecticut Avenue from downtown DC In a few short years, a pastoral farmland was transformed into comfortable homes with front yards, sidewalks and a short distance to local shops and one of the areas first silent movie theaters. Today its residents still work in official Washington or nearby Bethesda, are politically engaged and cherish their neighborhood’s small town feel.

 

This picturesque community leans more toward city life in the District, which lies just beyond the Chevy Chase Circle. This engaging neighborhood is loyal to its commercial center along “The Avenue,” and proud of its eclectic, early 20th Century architecture lining tidy and leafy streets.

 

With its shaded sidewalks, manicured lawns and well-kept houses, Chevy Chase looks like quintessential small town America.

 

Chevy Chase provides an easy commute to downtown Washington by bus or Metro, although most residents drive for shopping and recreation beyond the neighborhood. Deer and other wildlife often wander into back yards from neighboring Rock Creek Park, which provides easy access for bike rides, hiking, jogging and even horseback riding. The commercial strip along Connecticut – affectionately called “The Avenue” – consists almost entirely of local businesses catering to residents.

 

There are many different styles and sizes of homes to choose from, with almost all of them built in the early 1900s. Most of the neighborhood’s condominiums are along Connecticut Avenue near the small cluster of local shops and restaurants.

 

Chevy Chase is close enough to experience all that downtown DC has to offer, but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet of suburban living. The Avalon Theatre and other quaint businesses along The Avenue feel like a pleasant throwback to earlier days. Some of the creative new establishments catering to the neighborhood’s good taste provide a comfortable home away from home.