A Washington Post article includes Riggs Park in a list of neighborhoods that are good alternatives to more popular, expensive neighborhoods for homebuyers in DC.  Along with Riggs Park, the article lists Petworth, Takoma, SW Waterfront, Brookland, Woodridge, and Hillcrest.  I am never quite sure what to make of articles like this.  Nevertheless, it is true that Riggs Park is a great neighborhood in a pretty good location.

When I was in the market 3 years ago, I considered most of the neighborhoods listed in the article, eventually narrowing my search to Brookland and Riggs Park.  One of the major draws of Riggs Park is the metro access.  I can walk to Fort Totten metro station in less than 10 minutes and get on the red, yellow, or green line, or hop on one of several buses at the station.  In fact, I finally sold my car earlier this year because (a) I do not like driving or car maintenance; (b) I was not driving much at all; and (c) it is easy enough to get to all the things I need and want without a car.  I walk about one mile to the Giant on Eastern Ave or the 1.5 miles to Yes! Organic Market in Brookland for groceries.  Occasionally I walk the couple of miles to the Takoma Park farmers market.  I walk/bike to Brookland or metro to Takoma for dance classes.  I can walk to Lamond Riggs neighborhood library in less than 10 minutes for books and movies.  And getting to work downtown takes 30 minutes door to door.

Developments in the neighborhood will add retail and restaurants to the mix in the next few years.  The neighborhood is also home to Food & Friends and the Backus campus of UDC-CC.  There is a neighborhood recreation center (Riggs LaSalle).  Crime is relatively low and neighbors are super friendly.

As the article noted, many of the homes in the neighborhood are semi-detached.  However, there are detached single family homes available that of course cost a bit more.  The new Hampshires development at 6000 New Hampshire Ave NE added several single family homes about one mile from Fort Totten metro station.  The development is also bringing new townhomes to the area (grand opening this Sat. from 12 pm to 2:30 pm).

Of the neighborhoods listed, Riggs Park is probably the most affordable, partially owing to a lack of amenities as compared to some of the other areas.  Proximity to Petworth, Brookland, and Takoma helps to mitigate the lack of amenities a bit.  Semi-detached homes with at least 3 bedrooms/1.5 bathrooms and a decent backyard can still be had for under $300,000.  Renovated semi-detached homes are now selling for over $300,000.  Newly constructed homes at the Hampshires are listed in the $500,000 range for townhomes and upwards of $600,000 for the detached homes.  Prices are up, but one can still manage to get a solid home in an established neighborhood without breaking the bank.