Logan Circle: The hipper Dupont
Once the stepsibling of the much-desired Dupont Circle and once a popular site for drug deals and prostitution, Logan Circle has since risen quite high above its previous standards and has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city.
The area is sought after by young working professionals, younger gay couples and and young straight families for its less costly rent than neighboring Dupont and flocked by locals for its eclectic restaurants and nightlife. In other words, it’s the hipper, more youthful, less vanilla Dupont.
The opening of a popular Whole Foods on P Street pummeled Logan Circle into the upper echelon of Washington society, making it an acceptable, safe and welcoming part of town. Bordered by the grungier, too-cool-for-school U Street scene, Logan Circle serves to balance between that and the well-heeled upper crusted Dupont.
Signs of the old Logan Circle are vanishing, as restauranteurs, boutique owners and shops selling the finer pleasures of life (gelato, pricy yoga gear, urban gardening tools) continue to take over abandoned buildings or buy out old businesses. Loft-like condos are springing up, though original townhouses still flank the area and are priced not much less than in Dupont Circle.
Fourteenth Street, once the haven for trouble where few ventured alone at night, is now the cool happening street to find friends on a weekend night. Wine bars, lounges, eco-friendly restaurants, a hot chocolate shop, art galleries, a theater and a jazz bar are some of the options for the evening. By day, the restaurants turn into brunch destinations, and people wander down looking at design studios, expensive “second-hand” furniture shops selling original Bertoli chairs, and unique clothing boutiques.
The actual Logan Circle is the intersection of P Street, Rhode Island Avenue, 13th Street and Vermont Avenue. The grassy center is popular with dogs and idle readers, and the circle is lined with original brownstone architecture. The Circle is actually the border between desirable and slightly less desirable; the eastern side is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood itself.
Because Logan’s location between Metro subway stops kept people away for so long, residents are frequent bus riders or else walk 10 minutes to the closest Metrorail station: Mcpherson Square, Dupont Circle or Farragut North.
HelloMetro Tip: Parking is difficult unless you have a Zone 2 parking permit. Even then you have to keep an eye out for street sweeping, rush hour parking hours, construction and, due to its proximity to the White House, random security upgrades that close off various street parking.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
