Chinatown Real Estate For Sale, Washington, DC

The name “Chinatown” evokes colorful images, from iconic movie settings to fireworks, parades and dragons. You’ll find these historic hubs in many major urban cities across the country, and that certainly holds true to Washington, DC. With its entertainment, restaurants and famous Friendship Archway, the District’s Chinatown is a popular visitor attraction. But it is also home to a number of luxury condos for sale.

The community is also closely associated with two other popular downtown neighborhoods—Penn Quarter and Mount Vernon Square. Plus, it’s close to Capitol Hill

To learn more about Chinatown scroll down the page. Also, feel free to call Andre Perez at District Partners at Compass, (202) 798-3600, for any and all real estate questions. 

Chinatown Properties for Sale in Washington DC

Originally, the community was located along Pennsylvania Avenue. But the U.S. decided to redevelop that particular area in 1929, dubbing it the Federal Triangle Project. That meant displacing residents and forming a new Chinatown where it stands today, roughly bound by Massachusetts Avenue to the north, 6th Street along the eastern side, G Street to the south and 9th Street to the west.

Like other parts of the city, Chinatown went through a prolonged period of urban blight in the 1970’s and 1980’s, before a concerted revitalization push took hold. Today, it’s a vibrant mecca that blends commerce, locally owned businesses, cultural authenticity, and yes—some very cool places to live. 

The tides of progress have involved a certain sense of loss—many of the old historic buildings are gone now, replaced by new construction. That’s par for the course in neighboring communities as well. But there’s still quite a range of architecture, from older traditional influences to new glass and steel design.

From antique row houses along I Street NW and 6th Street NW, to new contemporary flats, there’s a bit of something for everyone. That includes the Residences at Gallery Place (a modern high-rise) and the intriguing Mather Studios—a Gothic Revival building circa 1917 that has been recreated as artist spaces and hip loft condos for sale.

And don’t forget all the incredible entertainment and attractions, including street vendors, artisans, bars, restaurants and the terrific Capitol One Arena—home to the NBA’s Washington Wizards. Chinatown residents are close to DC’s political corridors of power, and can also commute to anyway else via the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station.

Chinatown FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Has Chinatown always been in the same location in Washington, DC?

A: No. Washington’s first Chinatown emerged along the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue during the 1880s. But a subsequent development boom forced residents to relocate to an area between 5th and 7th Street NW. Chinatown as it exists today in DC is much smaller than its peak in the mid-20th century.

Q: Has the giant Friendship Arch always been there?

A: The ceremonial Friendship Arch is more of a modern landmark. It was built in 1986, and is one of the biggest arches of its kind outside of China itself.

Q: What happened to the MCI Center in Chinatown?

A: The large sports and concert venue is still in the same location. However, it changed its name to the Verizon Center in 2006, and was subsequently renamed Capital One Arena in 2017.

Q: Is the arena really on top of a subway station?

A: Yes, it certainly is! The sports and entertainment complex sits atop the underground Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station with Green, Yellow and Red Line service. There are three exit/entrances, with elevator service to street level.

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Listing information last updated on March 19th, 2024 at 4:31am EDT.