The weather here in the DC area has been doing its usual seasonal shuffle—winter one week, sunshine the next. On one of those warmer days recently, I finally made it out to a winery in Clarksburg, Maryland that had been on my list for a while. I’m happy to report it did not disappoint. If you’re looking for an easy afternoon outing outside the city, it’s well worth the visit. As an added bonus, they have sheep on site. I repeat: sheep. 🐑
On the real estate front, I recently toured a fascinating luxury home in Kensington, Maryland that reflects a shift I’m seeing in what buyers care about. The conversation is expanding beyond square footage and stone countertops to things like indoor air quality, natural light, and healthier building materials. I filmed a short three-part series about it over on Instagram if you’d like to take a look—and if sustainable living or biophilic design is something you’re curious about, I’d love to start that conversation.
Here’s a look at what’s been on my mind and a few things I wanted to share with you this month:
March Reflections: On Living Closer–The Case for Community
What I’ve Been Reading
Housing Market Update
Events Happening This Month
6 Things to Consider Before Moving to Washington, DC
As always, if you—or someone you know—are looking to buy or sell in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, please feel free to send them my way. I’m always grateful for your trust and referrals, and I’m happy to be a resource however I can.
Warmly,
Hannah
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we live—not just where we live.
In a city like Washington, DC, where space comes at a premium and schedules tend to fill themselves, it’s easy for our homes to become places we pass through rather than places we share.
But there’s a growing discussion unfolding about what living in community means. People are prioritizing connection over square footage. For some buyers, it looks like friends buying a multi-unit property together or neighboring rowhouses. For others, it could be an accessory dwelling unit for aging parents or adult children who need their own space.
And the reasons are both practical and deeply human:
1. Built-in community (without sacrificing privacy) Communal living isn’t about giving up independence; it’s about designing for connection. Research on co-housing shows it can reduce loneliness and increase overall wellbeing through stronger social ties and daily interaction.
2. Financial resilience in expensive markets Sharing costs, such as the mortgage, utilities, and maintenance, can make homeownership more accessible and sustainable over time. In many cities, co-living has emerged partly as a response to rising housing costs.
3. Everyday support systems From childcare swaps to borrowing tools to having someone nearby in an emergency, these arrangements create a quiet safety net. Studies show communal environments increase mutual support and a sense of security.
4. Flexibility across life stages A home that works for you now—and adapts later. Space for a parent. A renter. A returning adult child. A caregiver. This kind of flexibility is becoming more valuable than ever.
5. A different kind of luxury It’s less about isolation, more about belonging. Less about owning more, more about sharing well.
This discussion about living in community is deeply personal for me as well. When I bought my current home in DC, a major factor in my decision was the instant connection I would have because I had so many friends living in the same neighborhood. That community has proved invaluable over the years, whether it be borrowing tools, impromptu gatherings, and last minute help (I’ll never forget that time a pipe burst in my basement on Christmas and 800 miles away – thank you Matt and Christina!) That I have been able to give back to others through emergency childcare, shared meals, or even just camaraderie while shoveling snow, has been a gift to me as well.
Now, in my real estate work, I’m seeing more clients consider multi-units, homes with accessory dwellings, or “house-hacking” opportunities. Not just as investments—but as lifestyle decisions. Because when done thoughtfully, these homes offer something rare: income + flexibility + community under one roof.
What to learn more? Here are a few reads and resources on communal living:
If you’ve ever considered buying with friends, creating a multi-generational home, or exploring a property with rental potential—I’d be happy to talk through what that could look like in DC.
Because sometimes the most meaningful upgrade isn’t the finish. It’s the people you share it with.
Last month there were a lot of inspiring stories about the Olympics. This was by far my favorite – I hope everyone can have a cheer squad in their life in the same way these brothers stepped up in support of their sister.
I feel seen by the Architectural Digest cover story this month. When I was renovating my home ten years ago, I too was inspired by art deco design, drawn to moody colors, and focused on preserving original woodwork wherever possible. Of course, I had nowhere near this budget – perhaps my next place will look this good!
The Washington, DC housing market is entering the spring season with a mix of caution but quiet momentum. Mortgage rates dipped to their lowest level in about three and a half years, bringing some buyers back into the market. Unfortunately, they quickly bounced back up again, a result of the uncertainty the war with Iran has brought to the markets.
Inventory remains the biggest story locally. February saw the lowest number of new listings for the month in more than two decades, even as overall active listings are slowly improving compared to last year. Buyer activity is beginning to pick up—especially for detached homes—but homes are generally still taking slightly longer to sell and price growth has moderated. If buyers continue to return while sellers remain cautious, competition could tighten as the spring market unfolds.
As always, if you need help understanding any of the data for the Washington, DC area, feel free to reach out! I’m happy to discuss what this might look like for your specific needs.
Remember: these trends are averaged for the DC metro region, so what is happening on your street may be different. If you are interested in seeing the latest data for a specific neighborhood or zip code, don't hesitate to reach out! I'm happy to have a conversation about what these market trends mean for your current home's value or your future home search. Send me an email if you'd like to schedule a time to chat or want to be sent more information about what's going on in your neighborhood.
Spring in Georgetown, but make it art. On March 21 from 12–5 PM, the Georgetown Spring Art Walk brings local galleries, pop-ups, workshops, and live music together for an afternoon of creativity and neighborhood wandering.
March 27-29, 4:30-8:30pm Water Lantern Festival Cherry Blossom season gets a glow-up. From March 27–29 (4:30–8:30 PM) at National Harbor, the Water Lantern Festival invites guests to decorate and release lanterns across the waterfront, creating a quiet, beautiful evening filled with light, reflection, and community.
The sky over the National Mall turns into a canvas at the Blossom Kite Festival. Head to the Washington Monument Grounds for kite flying, music, competitions, family activities, and the high-energy Sakura Taiko Fest drumming performances from noon to 5 PM.
DC goes full spectacle for the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Head to Constitution Avenue to watch giant balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and performers fill the street in one of the city’s biggest once-a-year celebrations.
Spring is around the corner, which means DC’s busiest real estate season is almost here. Historically, March through May is when the most homes hit the market — and when the most buyers make their move. After 25 years of living in Washington, DC, I’ve learned something important: choosing a home here isn’t just about square footage. It’s about choosing a lifestyle — block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood.
DC may be a city, but it lives like a collection of villages. And where you land will shape your daily rhythm more than you think.
While Washington, DC is a city, it’s really about the neighborhoods and making sure you get what you need.
Here are six things to consider before your big move to Washington, DC 1. Lifestyle and Amenities Think beyond the house. Where will you grab coffee on a random Tuesday? Are you picturing Saturday mornings at Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, dinner reservations in Georgetown, or a quieter, neighborhood feel in places like Cleveland Park? Some areas feel urban and high-energy. Others feel tucked away and residential.
2. Walkability, Parks, and Outdoor Space
DC is a walking city — brick sidewalks, corner markets, neighborhood parks. Whether it’s biking through Rock Creek Park, strolling along the C&O Canal, or letting kids play at Lincoln Park, access to green space dramatically changes daily life.
3. Commute and Transportation
Your commute will shape your mood more than your floor plan. Metro access, bus routes, bike lanes, or proximity to the Hill, K Street, or Northern Virginia — these details matter. In DC, convenience is currency.
4. Schools and Education
Public, charter, or private — the school landscape in Washington, DC is layered and nuanced. Even buyers without children often think about schools because they influence long-term property value and neighborhood demand.
5. Housing Inventory and Style
From historic Federal-style rowhouses on Capitol Hill to stately homes in Cleveland Park to sleek new condos downtown, DC architecture tells a story. Every neighborhood has a distinct personality. Inventory fluctuates seasonally, so timing can affect what styles and price points are available.
6. Safety and Community Feel
This one is underrated. Walk the block at different times of day. Notice who’s outside. Are neighbors chatting? Are strollers and dogs out in the evening? A home can be perfect on paper, but the feeling of belonging is what makes it stick.
If you’re considering a move to Washington, DC, I’d love to help you think through not just the right house — but the right neighborhood for your life.
Download it now and start your 2026 checklist today!
Reach out if you want to talk strategy, timing, or where to start. And if someone in your world is planning a move to DC, feel free to forward this their way. My hope is that this gives you clarity and confidence as you step into this next chapter.
And If you haven’t already, download my full Moving to Washington, DC Guide to help you get started. :)
Relationships are more important than transactions, so thank you for trusting me with your real estate needs. I would be honored to extend the same dedicated service I provide to my clients to your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Thanks for connecting us via email or by sharing my website.
