Cathedral/Wesley Heights is a small, residential neighborhood located in northwest Washington, D.C. This heavily wooded area is surrounded by large single-family homes and although there’s no metro station, the direct location to other vibrant neighborhoods makes this area a great choice for families and young professionals.

South of AU

Cathedral/Wesley Heights is belted by Fulton Street to the south, Chain Bridge Road to the west, Massachusetts Avenue to the east and American University to the north. A unique aspect about Cathedral/Wesley Heights is that it is bordered by many different neighborhoods. Glover Park is to the south, Woodley and Cleveland Park to the east, Palisades/Foxhall and Spring Valley to the west while Tenleytown/AU Park sits just north of the community.

Bus & Cars

Many residents here have a car and use their vehicle to travel in and around the area. Also, quite a number of residents ride the bus while other people use a carpooling system to get to work. The N2, N3, N4, N6, and the M4 all travel within the neighborhood. There is also no metro station in the Cathedral/Wesley Heights area with the Tenleytown station the nearest one just north of Nebraska Avenue.

Apartment Complexes & Other Housing Options

Cathedral/Wesley Heights’ housing options are primarily made up of small (studio to two bedrooms) to medium-sized condominium and cooperative buildings including multiple apartment buildings as well as single-family homes. The diversity of the housing options along with its proximity to American University makes this neighborhood a notable destination for possible homeowners. Many students also reside in this area because of its location to the University.

Restricted Options but Venture to Nearby Neighborhoods for Nightlife

Chef Geoff’s, off of New Mexico Avenue, is a great place for diverse menu options. This American style menu offers a friendly environment with consistently good food. Its creative twists on American dishes and it’s active bar produces many customers. The rainbow trout as well as multiple other seafood options are not to be missed. 

Almost directly across from the National Cathedral is Cafe Deluxe. This family-friendly diner compromises with a variety of customer groups. Along with the fabulous burgers and cocktails, it also includes a patio and it’s also very affordable. Just across the street is a must for pizza lovers. 2 Amys is a restaurant offering wood-oven; Neapolitan-style pies and the choice of Italian wines are also on point. An AU favorite of students is next door at Cactus Cantina. A Tex-Mex restaurant always jumping with students and families, this place mostly draws people with their frozen swirl margarita and sopapillas.

Battery Kemble Park & School District

This neighborhood is somewhat bounded by southern sections of the Rock Creek Park. To the west is Battery Kemble Park, a divider to Palisades/Foxhall. This park has abundant pine trees and different species of birds which makes it a great place to bird watch. Maddox Branch, a tributary of the Potomac also runs through the park while there are plenty of trails to travel

Glover Archbold Park is also just south of the neighborhoods jurisdiction. This park offers fantastic views of wooded areas along with providing trails for running and hiking.

Bender Arena is a multi-purpose arena located within the proximity of American University. It’s home to the AU Eagles basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams. It’s also staged many music concerts as well.

Besides the aforementioned American University, Cathedral/Wesley Heights is also home to Horace Mann Elementary School and is near the St. Albans School just west of Massachusetts Avenue. St. Albans is an independent college, preparatory day and boarding school for boys in grades 4-12.

Overall Cathedral/Wesley Heights is a neighborhood one should consider when looking for real estate in the northwestern part of the District. Its dedicated green space is excellent, and with large, gorgeous homes also available throughout, this attractive area makes a great neighborhood choice for living.