Meet the Neighborhood: Spring Valley

Galanti Group

Even though Spring Valley is located within DC’s city lines the neighborhood has a very suburban feel.
 

Location

Located in the far Upper Northwest quadrant of the city nestled between Westmorland Circle to the north, American University to the south, Mass Ave to its east, and Sibley Hospital to the west.
 

History

The neighborhood has been home to many notable residents over the years, politicians (like George H.W. Bush and Richard Nixon before they moved to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave), lawyers (former US AG Eric Holder among many others), and business tycoons (Warren Buffet) just to name a few. Before the land was developed much of it was owned by American University. In 1917 the federal government leased land from AU to create a weapons testing facility for WW1. In the 90s remnants of the chemical weapons were found and after investigations, litigations, and clean-ups all toxic waste was removed and declared clean in August 2020. W.C. and A.N. Miller companies were the first to develop the neighborhood as part of its flagship subdivision in 1928.
 

Schools

While no elementary school or secondary schools are located in the neighborhood it is home to AU and Wesley Theological Seminary. The area falls within the Horace Mann Elementary School, Hardy Middle School, and Wilson High School DCPS zone.
 

Retail

Two commercial developments straddle Mass Ave which is home to the retail and restaurants in the neighborhood. The two main restaurant draws are Wagshals and Millies, however, there are other eateries too (Compass Coffee, Le Pain Quotidien, and Pizza Paradiso). Wagshals, which has been serving deli sandwiches in DC since 1925 moved to the Spring Valley Shopping Center in 1939. Millies has become a staple of the community featuring “fresh California Baja style fare with a coastal vibe”. The big retail draws are CVS Crate and Barrel. For additional retail and restaurants, you are a short drive away from Cleveland Park, Glover Park, and Georgetown. Although there is no metro, Tenleytown is close by for metro access plus more retail and restaurants.
 

Neighborhood Style

W.C. and A.N. Miller designed the neighborhood to maintain the area’s rolling hills and natural landscape. Oak-lined curvy streets were designed to eliminate traffic hazards instead of most of DC's grid pattern streets. While there are currently a wide variety of home styles the most common in the early days of the neighborhood were brick colonials, tudors, cape cods, and ranchers. There are also now several embassy residences in the neighborhood like South Korea, Canada, and Mexico.
 
Here are some of the 2021 Single Family Home stats (1/1/21-12/24/21):

  • Total homes sold: 49 (11.4% increase from 2020)
  • Average Sales Price: $2,199,877 (7.3% increase from 2020)
  • Average Cost per square foot: $670.44 (11.4% increase from 2020)
  • Average Close price to list price: 102.39% (4.1% increase from 2020)
  • Average Days on Market: 10 (64% decrease from 2020)
  • The most expensive house to sell was $6,400,000

Recent Blog Posts

Market Reports

2024 Real Estate Market Report

Avi Galanti

Welcome 2025, and Happy New Year to all! As we begin a new year, it’s hard to believe that the first quarter of the 21st century is already behind us. 2024 was a year … Read more

Montgomery County Property Tax Assessments: What You Need to Know

Avi Galanti

Montgomery County has recently sent out property tax assessments for the next three years (2025-2027). The fiscal year in MoCo begins on July 1, 2025, and property tax… Read more

Neighborhood Spotlight: Alta Vista

Tim Phelps

Nestled in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland, Alta Vista is a charming neighborhood that offers a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience.

Market Reports

Fall 2024 Luxury Real Estate Market Report

Avi Galanti

The ultra-luxury real estate market in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia is rapidly expanding. Despite its relative youth, this market faces intense co… Read more

Spooktacular Adventures: The Best Halloween Haunted Experiences

Karen Galanti

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, Montgomery County transforms into a haunting playground for thrill-seekers and ghost enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a … Read more

Discovering Condominium Living in Downtown Bethesda, Maryland

Diego Sito

Downtown Bethesda, Maryland, epitomizes the perfect blend of urban sophistication and suburban charm, making it a highly coveted area for condominium living.

Exploring the Real Estate Market in Bethesda, MD: Trends and Insights

Diego Sito

Bethesda, Maryland, known for its affluent neighborhoods, top-notch schools, and proximity to Washington D.C., has long been a sought-after location for homebuyers and… Read more

The Washington DC Area is Perfect for Exploring Local Wineries

Avi Galanti

When the desire for a serene escape and a glass of fine wine calls, the picturesque vineyards and wineries just a short drive from Washington, D.C., provide the perfec… Read more

A Pawsitively Wonderful Day at Bark in the Park

Karen Galanti

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our first-ever Bark in the Park event.

Work With Us

Bringing together a team with the passion, dedication, and resources to help our clients reach their buying and selling goals. With you every step of the way.