Located in DC's Ward 2, Burleith is a quiet, almost purely residential, community of about 535 households nestled alongside Glover Archbold Park.

Despite this feeling of seclusion, Burleith is centrally located, within easy walking distance of Wisconsin Avenue shops and restaurants, served by frequent buses to downtown, and with quick access to the major local highways. 

Though adjacent to Georgetown, the hustle and bustle of the city fades beyond Reservoir Road and 35th Street. Burleith is also distinct from its larger neighbor to the north, Glover Park, and from the gated community to the west, Hillandale, both of which are much younger.

The name Burleith was taken from an estate built on the site of the Visitation Convent about 1716 by Henry Threkeld. Threkeld's estate included most of the present Georgetown Visitation School and the present campus of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. It also served as home to John Cox, mayor of Georgetown from 1823 to 1845.

Some burleith houses were built in the 1800s.

Some burleith houses were built in the 1800s.

Most of the houses in Burleith were built in the Roaring Twenties by the real estate firm Shannon & Luchs. Marketed to β€œthe buyer of moderate means, but of more than ordinary good taste,” the first completed houses were put on sale in June 1923 for the initial price of $7,700.

Today Burleith is home to a diverse mix of families, professionals and creatives, retirees, and students. (And house prices have increased a hundred fold!)