The Blog
Insider Knowledge for the DMV
Neighborhood deep-dives, cost-of-living breakdowns, relocation checklists, and hard-won tips from a local expert — everything you need to feel at home in Washington, DC.
Living in Shaw: DC's Historic U Street Neighborhood
A neighborhood spotlight on Shaw in Washington, DC: Black Broadway history on U Street, the Howard Theatre, LeDroit Park, the Green Line commute, schools, and what Washington, DC real estate costs here.
Veterans Day 2026 in DC: Parades, Ceremonies & Ways to Honor
Veterans Day 2026 in Washington, DC: the National Veterans Parade on Constitution Avenue November 8, the Arlington National Cemetery ceremony November 11, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at The Wall, and free museums.
Old Ebbitt Grill: Washington's Oldest Saloon Still Pours a Welcome
DC's oldest continuously operating saloon, Old Ebbitt Grill at 675 15th Street NW, has poured since 1856. Steps from the White House, it remains the bar to know.
Downtown Holiday Market 2026: Your Washington, DC Guide
The DowntownDC Holiday Market returns November 13 through December 23, 2026 on F Street NW in Penn Quarter: 40 days of artisan vendors, live music, and holiday cheer, free to everyone living in our Nations Capital.
It's Pie Time! A Thanksgiving Thank-You from Robert Clarke
Robert Clarke's Thanksgiving thank-you: a complimentary apple or pumpkin pie for your holiday table, picked up Saturday, November 21, 2026 in Bowie, MD. RSVP by November 10.
A Fresh Start in November: Gratitude and Gentle Habits
Robert Clarke's November note: autumn reflection, gentle habit ideas for the season, simple everyday phrases of gratitude, and a warm invitation to refer friends.
Washington, DC Real Estate Market: October 2026 Update
A late-fall 2026 update on DC real estate: rising inventory, mortgage rates near 7.4%, a softer condo market, and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Moving to Washington, DC in Winter: A Newcomer's Guide
A relocation guide to moving to Washington, DC in winter: December temperatures, Metro's snow playbook, the District's sidewalk-clearing rule, and the neighborhoods and indoor gems that make a cold-season move work.
Living in Arlington, VA: The Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor
A neighborhood spotlight on Arlington, Virginia's Rosslyn-Ballston corridor: five urban villages along the Orange and Silver lines, Mason Square and the Scalia Law School, Arlington Public Schools, bike trails, and what Washington, DC real estate costs here.
My School DC Lottery 2027-28: A Family's Guide to DC Public Schools
A family's guide to the My School DC lottery for 2027-28: when the application opens this November, how ranking and matching work, the selective schools families covet, and why your neighborhood can determine your by-right school.
Scary Home Repair Costs: Small Fixes That Save You Big Money
Robert Clarke on the home maintenance issues that quietly become scary repair bills: water drips, stale air, odd noises, drafts, and more, plus a year-round upkeep checklist for homeowners.
Living in Foggy Bottom: DC's Riverfront University Village
A neighborhood spotlight on Foggy Bottom in Washington, DC: GWU's campus, the Kennedy Center, the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro, School Without Walls, and what Washington, DC real estate costs here.
Living in Cleveland Park: DC's Village Within the City
A neighborhood spotlight on Cleveland Park in Washington, DC: the Smithsonian's National Zoo, the Uptown Theatre, the Red Line Metro, Rock Creek Park, Hearst, Deal, and Jackson-Reed schools, and what Washington, DC real estate costs here.
Kramers at 50: Dupont Circle's Beloved Bookstore and Cafe
Kramers, the independent bookstore and cafe at 1517 Connecticut Avenue NW, turns 50 in Dupont Circle this October 2026. Its 1976 founding, the 1998 reader-privacy fight, and why it still anchors Washington, DC life.
Living in Logan Circle: DC's Victorian Showpiece
A neighborhood spotlight on Logan Circle in Washington, DC: the bronze statue of General John A. Logan, 14th Street dining and the Studio Theatre, Victorian rowhouses, Metro commutes, schools, and what Washington, DC real estate costs here.
Kicking Off the Unlocking Home Training with Coldwell Banker and Tom Ferry
Robert Clarke kicks off the 7-week Unlocking Home: Grow Your Business on Home Platform program from Coldwell Banker Realty with Tom Ferry, running October 5 through November 20, 2026, starting with the in-person Week 1 session, Unlock the Money in Your Phone.
Halloween in Washington, DC 2026: From the High Heel Race to Boo at the Zoo
A local's guide to Halloween in Washington, DC in 2026: the 39th High Heel Race in Dupont Circle on October 27, Boo at the Zoo in Woodley Park, Air & Scare, trick-or-treat blocks, and more.
Living in Adams Morgan: DC's Most International Neighborhood
A neighborhood spotlight on Adams Morgan in Washington, DC: 18th Street dining, the Meridian Hill Park drum circle, Red Line commutes, and what real estate costs here.
Takoma Park Street Festival 2026: A Local's Guide
The 45th Takoma Park Street Festival returns Sunday, October 4, 2026: 185+ vendors, 18 local bands, food trucks, and small-town charm on Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, MD and Takoma, DC.
Oktoberfest in the DMV: Where to Raise a Stein Near Washington, DC
Oktoberfest 2026 near Washington, DC: Wunder Garten in NoMa, Café Berlin near Union Station, The Wharf's October 3 festival, the Heurich House biergarten in Dupont Circle, plus Vienna and Annapolis.
Marine Corps Marathon 2026: A Local's Guide to Race Weekend
The 51st Marine Corps Marathon runs Sunday, October 25, 2026: the new MCM 8K, the Kids Run, the National Building Museum expo, course highlights, and the best places to cheer in Washington, DC.
At the Gospel Brunch: A Report from the Colony Ballroom
Robert Clarke files an on-the-scene report from the 21st Annual Gospel Brunch at the University of Maryland: homestyle Southern buffet, the Washington Performing Arts gospel choir, and what it was like in the room.
Pumpkin Patches Near DC: Fall Farm Fun for the Whole Family
The best pumpkin patches and fall farm festivals near Washington, DC for 2026: Butler's Orchard, Cox Farms, Great Country Farms, Temple Hall Farm and more, plus tips for a perfect fall day out with the family.
Living in Capitol Hill: DC's Historic Heart
A neighborhood spotlight on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC: the Capitol at your doorstep, Eastern Market and Barracks Row life, DCPS schools, and what living in this historic rowhouse neighborhood is really like.
Day 4 at the Mike Ferry Superstar Retreat
Robert Clarke's first-person recap of Day 4 at the Mike Ferry 2026 Superstar Retreat at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida: the final full day of the main program, with the day's training on the health and fitness of our money, what an hour of your time is worth, and photos from the conference floor.
Day 3 at the Mike Ferry Superstar Retreat
Robert Clarke's first-person daily recap of Day 3 at the Mike Ferry 2026 Superstar Retreat at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida: three days into the program, key takeaways so far, and a look ahead at the final day of the retreat.
H Street Festival 2026: DC's Biggest Neighborhood Block Party
Your local guide to the H Street Festival in Washington, DC on Saturday, September 19, 2026: about 15 themed music stages, food vendors, the free DC Streetcar, Atlas District history, and what the corridor means for Washington, DC real estate.
Day 2 at the Mike Ferry Superstar Retreat
Robert Clarke's first-person recap of Day 2 at the Mike Ferry 2026 Superstar Retreat at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida: building on a strong Day 1, key takeaways from today's sessions, and a look ahead at the rest of the retreat.
Day 1 at the Mike Ferry Superstar Retreat: A Strong Start
Robert Clarke's first-person recap of Day 1 at the Mike Ferry 2026 Superstar Retreat at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida: the day is officially underway, fueled up at the breakfast buffet before the sessions.
Bonus Day at the Mike Ferry Superstar Retreat: Arriving in Hollywood, Florida
Robert Clarke's first-person recap of the bonus day at the Mike Ferry 2026 Superstar Retreat: arriving at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida at night and checking in for the conference.
School Without Walls: Inside One of Washington, DC's Most In-Demand Public Schools
A school review of School Without Walls at Francis-Stevens and the top-ranked School Without Walls High School: the GW Early College Program, US News rankings, the My School DC lottery, and what the school means for your Washington, DC real estate search.
Living in Navy Yard: Washington, DC's Waterfront Neighborhood
A neighborhood spotlight on Navy Yard in Southeast Washington, DC: the Anacostia riverfront, Nationals Park, Audi Field, the Green Line Metro, condo prices, rents, and what living in this fast-growing waterfront neighborhood is really like.
Ben's Chili Bowl: A U Street Institution in Washington, DC
The story of Ben's Chili Bowl at 1213 U Street NW in Washington, DC since 1958: the half-smoke, Black Broadway history, Howard University ties, and the Shaw neighborhood real estate it anchors.
Mike Ferry's Finish Strong Superstar Retreat 2026: Why This Real Estate Conference Is Worth Your Time
Mike Ferry's Finish Strong Superstar Retreat returns to Fort Lauderdale, FL September 15-18, 2026 with a Bonus Day on September 14. What this real estate sales training covers, who it is for, and why it is worth your time.
26 Things to Do in Washington, DC in 2026
Robert Clarke's 26 things to do in Washington, DC in 2026: monuments, free museums, neighborhoods, markets, music, and outdoor escapes across the capital and the DMV.
Fall Foliage in the DMV: Where Washington, DC Goes for Peak Autumn Color
A seasonal guide to fall color around Washington, DC: when the leaves peak, the best city parks, river overlooks and mountain drives, plus the harvest farms locals love.
Washington, DC Real Estate Market Fall 2026: A Balanced Second Season
A fall 2026 update on the Washington, DC real estate market, covering rising inventory, cooler competition, mortgage rates, and why September is the DMV's strong second season for buyers and sellers.
Living in Old Town Alexandria: Waterfront Charm Minutes From DC
A neighborhood spotlight on Old Town Alexandria, Virginia: King Street, the Torpedo Factory, the Potomac waterfront, Metro and VRE commutes, ACPS schools, and what living in this historic riverfront town minutes from Washington, DC is really like.
Living in Bethesda: Walkable Suburb Minutes From DC
A neighborhood spotlight on Bethesda, Maryland: Walter Reed, NIH, the Red Line, Bethesda Row, MCPS schools, and what living in this walkable suburb minutes from Washington, DC is really like.
Living in Dupont Circle: DC's Cultural Heartbeat
Discover Dupont Circle in Washington, DC — historic mansions, the Phillips Collection, the iconic fountain, Red Line access, and a real estate market built on character and charm.
Union Market: NoMa's Vibrant Food Hall & Local Business Hub
Discover Union Market in NoMa, Washington, DC — a historic market transformed into a modern food hall with 40+ vendors, artisan shops, and the heartbeat of a rapidly growing neighborhood.
Eastern Market: A Capitol Hill Institution — Local Business Highlight
Discover Eastern Market on Capitol Hill — Washington, DC's oldest continuously operating public market since 1873. Fresh produce, artisan crafts, flea market finds, and community spirit.
Washington, DC Real Estate Market 2026: Summer Update for Buyers & Sellers
An insider look at the Washington, DC real estate market in summer 2026 — rising inventory, shifting prices, buyer advantages, and what it means for your move to the DMV.
Your Guide to Early Fall in Washington, DC: Events & Seasonal Highlights
The best early fall events, activities, and seasonal experiences in Washington, DC from the DC JazzFest to fall foliage at Rock Creek Park, curated by local expert Robert Clarke.
Living in Georgetown: DC's Most Iconic Neighborhood
Discover what makes Georgetown one of Washington, DC's most desirable neighborhoods — historic charm, real estate market insights, dining, waterfront, and community life.
FORE the KIDS Golf Tournament — Supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs in the DMV
The FORE the KIDS Golf Tournament on July 23, 2026 brings together DMV businesses, community leaders, and golf enthusiasts for a day of networking, competition, and giving back to the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Best Neighborhoods in Washington, DC
Comprehensive guide to the best neighborhoods in Washington, DC — covering vibe, home prices, rent, transit, and who each area is best for.
Cost of Living in Washington, DC: What You Need to Know
A comprehensive breakdown of the cost of living in Washington, DC — housing, utilities, transit, groceries, dining, healthcare, taxes, and budgeting tips.
Moving to the DMV: Everything You Need to Know
A complete guide to relocating to Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia — housing, commutes, lifestyle, cost of living, and how to choose the right area.
The Ultimate Family-Friendly DC Guide
The best family-friendly activities, museums, parks, and kid-approved adventures in Washington, DC and the DMV — curated for parents by a local expert.
What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to DC
10 honest insider tips about living in Washington, DC — from parking headaches to happy hour culture — from someone who navigated the move.
What's Happening in DC This Summer: Events, Exhibits & Things to Do
Your complete guide to summer 2026 in Washington, DC — concerts, festivals, world-class museum exhibits, sports, outdoor movies, and free events across the DMV.
16th Ivorian Economic & Cultural Festival — August 2 in Silver Spring, MD
The 16th annual Ivorian Economic & Cultural Festival comes to Silver Spring, MD on August 2, 2026. Live music, traditional cuisine, vendor marketplace, and family fun — one of the DMV's most vibrant cultural celebrations.
A Parent's Guide to Schools in Washington, DC and the DMV
Comprehensive guide to schools in Washington, DC and the DMV — DCPS, charter schools, Fairfax County, Montgomery County, Arlington, and tips for finding the right school for your family.
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About the Author
Robert Clarke
Realtor · Coldwell Banker Realty · SP99196 · DC
Engineer turned real estate agent with a Master's from George Washington University. I help families find their place in the DMV with a blend of technical rigor and genuine local knowledge — from neighborhood deep-dives to hands-on relocation support.
Planning a Move to the DMV?
Whether you need help comparing neighborhoods, understanding your budget, or building a complete relocation plan, I'm here to make your move seamless.