Historic façades and modern wealth collide in DC’s most exclusive neighborhoods.
Living in the Shadow of Power
In Washington, DC, location is more than convenience—it’s currency. Living within a mile of the White House or Capitol Hill isn’t just about having a prestigious ZIP code; it’s about proximity to influence, networking, and the daily pulse of democracy. That access, however, comes at a staggering cost.
The luxury market in DC has surged more than 40% in the past five years, with the median luxury sale topping $2.15 million. Unlike sprawling estates in other parts of the country, many of these homes are historic rowhouses or carefully restored mansions—compact in size but outsized in political and cultural value.
Embassy Row & Massachusetts Avenue Heights
Perhaps the most iconic stretch of high-dollar homes sits along Embassy Row. Here, historic estates mingle with diplomatic compounds, each property rich with architectural heritage. One standout is the James G. Blaine Mansion at 2000 Massachusetts Ave NW, a 15,000+ sq. ft. estate currently valued at nearly $20 million. With turrets, ballrooms, and sweeping staircases, it’s as much a piece of history as it is a residence.
Just a few blocks away, smaller rowhouses in Dupont Circle still trade for $3–6 million, reflecting how tightly the market is linked to proximity and prestige. Buyers aren’t just paying for square footage—they’re buying into history.
Woodland-Normanstone & Kalorama
For those seeking more seclusion, Woodland-Normanstone offers a leafy enclave only a short drive from the White House. In 2025, Mark Zuckerberg purchased a 15,400 sq. ft. estate here for $23 million, putting him within minutes of the Vice President’s residence and a quick commute to Capitol Hill. The area has become a magnet for billionaires and global power players—often referred to as the “broligarchy” after a wave of Silicon Valley moguls snapped up mansions here following the 2024 election.
Neighboring Kalorama is equally exclusive. It’s home to Jeff Bezos, the Obamas, and numerous ambassadors, with properties routinely selling in the $12–18 million range. High walls, historic façades, and top-tier security make it one of the city’s most coveted addresses.
Capitol Hill: The Price of Proximity
Closer to the Capitol dome, Capitol Hill townhomes represent another form of prestige. These brick-lined streets are filled with historic rowhouses dating back to the 19th century, many commanding $1–3.5 million depending on size and restoration. The median listing is just under $1 million, but competition is fierce. Here, residents can walk to congressional hearings, think-tank events, and late-night votes. For lobbyists, lawyers, and staffers, living on the Hill isn’t just convenient—it’s strategic.
Private Clubs as the Parallel Market
Not everyone invests in bricks and mortar to gain proximity. Some secure their access through private clubs. The University Club of Washington, DC, just steps from the White House, has long been a gathering place for senators, judges, and diplomats. Membership fees and dues, while a fraction of the cost of a mansion, buy something equally valuable: access to the same network and influence as the city’s most powerful homeowners.
Globally, The Ned represents this same phenomenon. In London, its flagship property sits within walking distance of Parliament; in New York, it anchors Wall Street. By comparison, Washington’s University Club is the city’s answer to this trend: not just a place to dine or exercise, but a hub where power and policy intersect.
The Price of Proximity
From a $20 million historic mansion on Embassy Row, to a $23 million fortress in Woodland-Normanstone, to a $1 million rowhouse on the Hill, Washington real estate reflects the premium on power. Layered on top are clubs like the University Club of Washington, DC, which echo global peers like The Ned, offering another form of address in the heart of influence.
In DC, whether through homeownership or club membership, the truth remains: being where the action is always comes with a price tag.
