Dupont Circle/ Logan/ Kalorama Neighborhood Guide

We are grateful for the sponsors of this guide: Hagen Bergstrom and Kelly Kelley. Each of these teams are experts in this area. Please be sure to check out thorough details about their practices below. We are thankful for their sponsorship, which allows us to continue to bring DC Area Moms resources like this.

What is your favorite thing about raising kids in the Dupont Circle/ Logan/ Kalorama area?

My community combines the friendliness and connectivity of a small town alongside incredible diversity and multiculturalism. We almost never go on a walk without running into someone we know. Favors are received and given all the time here, which makes it a great place to be a parent. I love hearing languages other than English spoken every day. It seems that everyone here is an expert in something, and I’m constantly learning from those around me. It’s the exact type of community I’d always dreamed of parenting in, and I feel so blessed to live here.

I’m a member of the Dupont Circle Parents listserv and have both received and contributed items there. Another neighborhood group is the Kalorama Play Group.

What makes Dupont Circle/Logan/Kalorama family-friendly and unique?

My favorite thing about this community is how much of my pre-kid/adult life I’m able to retain while having my son fully embraced. Every restaurant has loved having him visit. I took him to the Pride Parade and will take him to the High Heel Race. There are also many great places of worship and faith-based groups here with wonderful children’s programming if that is of interest; we attend Luther Place Memorial Church, and our son loves classes at the Jewish Community Center.

The parks here are also so much fun! Stead Park is great for infants through the early years, Kalorama Park is lovely once they are walkers, Mitchell Park is perfect for dog-loving wee ones, and Meridian Hill Park is nearby and great for picnicking. Although my son is not yet school-age, we plan to send him to our neighborhood public school, Ross Elementary School, and I’ve heard great things about the other elementary schools here- plus, they all have great parks!

What community events or local attractions are there?

The parks here aren’t just for kids, and you won’t find a more eclectic and interesting space than the Dupont Circle park itself. Pride and the High Heel Race are awesome annual events celebrating identity and expression. Dog Days is a kid-friendly shopping celebration with local businesses, and Taste of Logan is a delicious benefit (and perhaps one you want a babysitter for) for N Street Village, the largest provider of services to women experiencing homelessness in DC, which is also located here.

What nearby schools or childcare places do kids attend in DuPont Circle/ Logan/ Kalorama?

One local daycare, Bright Horizons, is nearby. Ross Elementary School, The School Without Walls at Francis-Stevens, and Bilingual schools Marie-Reed and Oyster-Adams are all in this community.

What are some of your favorite places to eat in Dupont Circle/ Logan/ Kalorama?

I love Dawson’s Market! It’s an incredible community grocer and convening space that supports local social enterprises. I even had my (kid-friendly!) birthday party there!

Agora is a delightful family-friendly spot that has embraced my son. The staff adores children, and the owner is a parent himself and pays attention to those important details like changing tables in the bathroom stalls. Their happy hour is a fantastic deal! My son is crazy about their hummus.

Speaking of great happy hours, Cork Wine Bar is a bit like a Cheers Bar but with artisan yet affordable food. My son has also become like family there, and I love being part of their wine of the month program for some great deals. The downstairs is an awesomely casual and family-friendly spot with great options like a grilled cheese happy hour as well as gourmet groceries, and the upstairs is perfect for date night with wine flights. Their avocado toast is a family favorite, and Dawayn makes an awesome cheese plate.

If you are looking for a spot for take-out or eating in without a line or advance planning (and perhaps a wee one who may make a mess), I suggest Banana Leaves and Sacrificial Lamb. For date night, I highly recommend Compass Rose if you’re looking for something extra special.

What advice would you give to families who are new to Dupont Circle/ Logan/ Kalorama?

Walk everywhere. Strike up a conversation whenever possible, especially around families with kids the same age. Don’t be afraid to take your kids everywhere here, even more traditionally “adult” places like bars.

If someone was visiting Dupont Circle/ Logan/ Kalorama for one day, what would you recommend they do?

I believe that Dupont Circle is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the world. Walk as many streets as possible. Each one has incredible architecture, and every block is fascinating. And get an appetizer at as many restaurants as possible with varied cuisines.

Expert, experienced Realtors for the Dupont Circle/ Kalorama/ Logan Circle Area in NW DC:

Dominika Sillery with Long & Foster

Dominika lives in Washington, DC, and is fascinated with the area’s distinct neighborhoods that build up this diverse and authentic community. She is dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of families and helping them find the home of their dreams. She uses her strong interpersonal skills to confidently manage the buying and selling process resulting in the best possible outcomes in reaching her clients’ goals. Whether you are new to the area or relocating to a different neighborhood, she’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure you find your happiest place. Contact Dominika at [email protected] or at 860-944-0441. Please visit her website and Instagram Account too.

 

Hagen Bergstrom

Marin Hagen and Sylvia Bergstrom specialize in DC’s Kalorama neighborhood, home to both of them. They are both locals from Cleveland Park. Kalorama features historic and “one and only” properties; luxury homes, condos, co-ops, and everything in between, priced from $200,000 to $22,000,000 and beyond. They count among their clients’ Presidential candidates, Senators, Members of Congress, Cabinet secretaries, governors, leaders in the arts, medical, business, legal, non-profit, and many more. Their business is nearly 100% repeat and referral, a testament to their high ethical standards, strong negotiating skills, energy, and discretion. Sylvia and Marin consistently rank among the top 5 Coldwell Banker teams in the Mid-Atlantic region, among more than 2,078 sales associates in 30 offices. Contact Marin and Sylvia at [email protected] or at 202-257-2339. Visit their website at www.hagenbergstrom.com and check them out on Facebook and Instagram too.

 

Kelly Kelley with Compass Real Estate