Foggy Bottom

In the heart of downtown D.C., in Washington’s power center, lies the historic neighborhood of Foggy Bottom. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, Foggy Bottom has a long history rich with more than 200 years of European immigrant influences.

Since 1765, there have been residents within the boundaries of what would become Foggy Bottom. Jacob Funk, the recorded founder, bought the land and divided it into 287 lots. By the end of the century, however, the territory was given to the federal government. The mist that often rolled into this low-lying neighborhood from the Potomac River may have initially inspired its name. But it was really in the 19th century, when light industry moved into this area and smoke from manufacturing facilities added to the hazy skies, that the nickname “Foggy Bottom” was cemented.

However, by the second half of the 20th century, all manufacturing had been demolished, and the air had cleared. The last factory to be torn down occupied the picturesque riverside site that would later become the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Indeed, this historic neighborhood houses some of the most impressive private and public organizations in the world, including the U. S. State Department, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, the headquarters of the American Red Cross, and the George Washington University, just to name a few.

Foggy Bottom is much more than the government and public sector facilities that call it home. It is also a flourishing place to live for city residents who want to experience a truly urban cultural life. The ability to walk to world-class live performances, a prestigious medical center, and some of the best restaurants in the world, is only part of this area’s appeal. The whirl of international activity that exists here brings in speakers, artists, and various talented professionals from all over the world, and wise residents take full advantage of it.

The housing options vary along with your taste. Although Foggy Bottom is more condensed than its neighbors, Dupont Circle and Georgetown, there are magnificent homes to be found here. Beyond the many student housing buildings belonging to GWU, this area boasts a number of truly luxurious mid-rise apartments — and a selection of exquisitely refurbished row houses — that are a far cry from dormitory life! You can even find sprawling views of the Potomac River in the palatial apartments at the Watergate building. And all the homes in this area come with the unique bragging rights of being within an easy stroll of the most famous residence in the country.

So, if you seek a true urban experience — one where you can step out your front door to find the best the world offers in culture, education, amenities, and services, then Foggy Bottom is the one-of-a-kind neighborhood you may want to call home.

[Source: RLAH]