Southwest is the smallest of Washington’s four quadrants, covering just 16% of the District’s land. Most of the scarce land in this area is occupied by the Federal government. While about half of the Southwest Quadrant is located south of the Anacostia River, references to this area usually mean the area near the U.S. Capitol and the newly developed SW waterfront. Metro’s Green Line provides easy access to the Southwest Quadrant at the Waterfront Metro Station. Connection to the Orange, Silver and Blue lines is just one stop away at L’Enfant Plaza.
Washington, DC - SW Quadrant History
Much of this area was redeveloped in the 1960s with modern residential and Federal buildings, including the Smithsonian Castle and Air and Space Museum. Also found in the Southwest Quadrant, along the waterfront, are Fort McNair, Bolling Air Force Base, the U.S. Naval Research Lab, and Anacostia Naval Station.
Washington, DC - SW Quadrant Real Estate
Southwest Quadrant real estate includes townhomes and luxury residences along with mid-century modern elevated condos and co-ops from the 1960s.
Washington, DC - SW Quadrant Favorites
The previously quiet Southwest Quadrant has experienced a major revitalization in recent years with the opening of The Wharf. This mile-long mixed-use development along the Potomac River is home to several trendy restaurants from nationally and locally acclaimed chefs, live music venues, popular retailers, condos and apartment buildings (boasting some of the highest price per square footages in the city), and businesses. Check out our page on Washington DC’s SW Waterfront here.
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Want to know what it’s like to live in Washington DC’s SW Quadrant? Let’s go on a neighborhood orientation tour!
