Welcome to Kalorama
Washington, D.C. is notorious for its numerous enclaves of power. Few, however, can match the elegance, charm, and historical lineage of Kalorama. This is where presidents choose to live, either before their ascendancy to the nation's highest office, or once their presidential term is over. It's also where many foreign ambassadors to the U.S. call home.
At one point a rural outpost of D.C., the neighborhood grew in time as a retreat for the area's elite. Its history is apparent in the wonderfully diverse architecture showcased throughout its quiet, tree-lined streets.
One can opt between upscale mansions and tony rowhouses to ornate multi-family buildings all in a number of styles, including Arts and Crafts, Mediterranean, and Spanish revival. Other homes defy classification, incorporating a mix of influences that result in uniquely grand residences.
What to Love
- Opulent, upscale residential enclave
- Historical and architecturally significant homes line practically every street
- Central location close to some of D.C.'s most vibrant neighborhoods, including Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle
- Two wonderfully serene neighborhood green spaces—Mitchell Park and Kalorama Park
People & Lifestyle
To consider Kalorama a residential enclave of influence would be an understatement. A who's who of prominent D.C. power brokers call the area home, extending a history that includes six former presidents, including Taft, F.D.R., and current resident Barack Obama. Other notables that currently call Kalorama home include Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
More than just an address for D.C.'s elite, Kalorama is also a place for families and an area to lay down generational roots. It provides a quiet, pastoral lifestyle in the middle of one of the world's most dynamic and culturally significant cities.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Kalorama is almost exclusively residential. While not known for its restaurant or lively bar scene, it exists in a fantastic location close to excellent dining and energetic nightlife.
The electric Adams Morgan neighborhood and its 18th Street dining and bar scene is a short walk from Kalorama Park. Dupont Circle and the Connecticut and Massachusetts Avenue commercial districts are a similar trek from Mitchell Park.
Things to Do
Aside from its connection with former presidents, Kalorama is best known as home to numerous foreign embassies. Embassy Row, which runs along the neighborhood's southern border of Massachusetts Avenue and into Dupont Circle, includes those belonging to India, the Ivory Coast, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Turkey. Embassy events are commonplace. This historic stretch of D.C. also features many smaller museums, statues, and green spaces.
For something more tranquil, the Spanish Steps offer a respite from a hectic schedule. There's also the 3-acre Kalorama Park, which includes a rec center, sports courts, and community garden, and Mitchell Park, which hosts outdoor movies in the summer and features a dog park.
