
The Catholic University of America is located in the Brookland neighbourhood of Washington, D.C. Brookland is in the northeast quadrant of the city, in Ward 5, and has been home to the university since 1887. The neighbourhood is known for its Catholic sites, including churches, chapels, and monasteries, and has been nicknamed Little Rome. Brookland has a small-town feel and is popular among students for its restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Neighborhood | Brookland, Washington, D.C. |
| History | Developed as a commuter rail village in the late 19th century. |
| Attractions | The Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market, Right Proper Brewing Company, Brookland Metro Stop, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception |
| Real Estate | Median price is $431,628. Most residences are renter-occupied and relatively historic, with some built before 1939 and others between 1970 and 1999. |
| Vacancy Rate | 0.0%, indicating strong demand and/or supply issues. |
| Population | 90.4% attend college. |
| Safety | Above-average safety from crime. |
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Brookland, Washington, D.C
Brookland, also known as Little Rome or Little Vatican, is a neighbourhood in the northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C. It is best known for its numerous Catholic institutions, including the Catholic University of America, the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The area has a rich history, initially serving as farmland for prominent families in the 19th century before its development as a commuter rail village with charming Victorian homes. Today, Brookland offers a vibrant arts scene, cultural events, diverse dining options, and recreational green spaces.
The neighbourhood is served by the Washington Metropolitan Area Red Line, with two subway stations and several bus lines, making transportation convenient for residents and visitors alike. The area surrounding the Brookland-CUA Metro station, located between Monroe Street NE and Michigan Avenue NE, is a popular hub for students, faculty, and staff, featuring artist studios, restaurants, and regular events such as concerts. The nearby Monroe Street Market further contributes to the area's artistic appeal.
Brookland's culinary scene offers a variety of options, including The Baker's Lounge, Brookland's Finest, Menomale Pizza, and Right Proper Brewing Company's tasting room. The neighbourhood also boasts peaceful religious sites such as the Franciscan Monastery, the Byzantine-style Church of Mount Saint Sepulchre, and the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. These sacred spaces provide a serene escape from the bustling city life.
As a diverse and stable area, Brookland has attracted prominent residents throughout its history, including notable figures like Marvin Gaye, Lucy Diggs Slowe, and Robert C. Weaver. The neighbourhood's appeal lies in its blend of suburban tranquillity and cultural offerings, maintaining a small-town feel even as it continues to grow and evolve. With its mix of religious significance, artistic endeavours, and community-oriented events, Brookland, Washington, D.C., offers a unique and engaging experience for both locals and visitors alike.
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A popular neighbourhood with low crime rates
The Catholic University of America is located in the Brookland neighbourhood of Washington, D.C. Known as D.C.'s "Little Rome", Brookland is awash with Catholic churches and sites, including the impressive domed Basilica of the Immaculate Conception—the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America. The neighbourhood is also filled with charming tree-lined streets, bungalows, and retro storefronts.
The Brookland neighbourhood has a lot to offer in terms of dining, drinking, shopping, and cultural events. It is known for its restaurants, shops, and artist spaces, which have made it a popular destination. Travel + Leisure even named it one of D.C.'s most exciting neighbourhoods. The Washington Post wrote, "If you haven’t made the trip to Brookland [...] there’s no time like the present [...] this is the place to go right now."
The neighbourhood is also home to the Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market, which features artist studios, galleries, and performance spaces. Monroe Street Market hosts regular events, such as concerts, and is a popular gathering place for students, faculty, and staff. The weekly Farmers Market is another popular attraction.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Brookland is a very walkable neighbourhood with a strong sense of community. It has one of the lowest real estate vacancy rates in the nation, indicating a strong demand for property. Despite this, real estate prices are relatively affordable, with a median price of $431,628, which is less expensive than 89.1% of District of Columbia neighbourhoods.
The neighbourhood is also known for its safety, with an above-average rating when it comes to crime. With 90.4% of the population attending college, it is a very college-focused area, and its low vacancy rates are due in part to the high demand for student housing. However, it maintains a small-town feel, with a mix of historic and newer residences.
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A mix of historic and modern residences
The Catholic University of America is located in the Brookland neighbourhood of Washington, D.C. Brookland has been nicknamed 'Little Rome' due to its abundance of Catholic churches and sites, including the Catholic University itself, which has been based there since 1887. The neighbourhood is also known for its lively arts scene and charming tree-lined streets filled with a mix of historic and modern residences.
The Brookland neighbourhood offers a unique blend of old and new, with many residences dating back to before 1939, and some even earlier. These historic homes include charming Victorian houses and bungalows from the early 20th century. At the same time, Brookland has also witnessed more recent development, with a mix of modern townhouses and high-rise buildings. This mix of architectural styles adds to the character and diversity of the neighbourhood.
The Catholic University's 193 tree-lined acres are an integral part of Brookland's landscape. The campus features Romanesque stone buildings and a grassy central lawn popular for sunbathing and recreational activities. The university's real estate is primarily renter-occupied, with a very low vacancy rate of 0.0%, indicating strong demand for properties in the area.
Surrounding the university are a variety of residential areas, each with its own distinct character. To the north of Brookland are the bungalow neighbourhoods of Michigan Park and Lamond-Riggs, while to the east lies Woodridge. To the west, Eckington and Bloomingdale offer more central Washington, D.C., townhouse vibes. And to the south, Ivy City, Trinidad, and Carver-Langston feature 20th-century porch-front townhouses.
In addition to its residential areas, Brookland has a thriving cultural scene with restaurants, shops, and artist spaces. The Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market is a popular destination for students and locals alike, featuring artist studios, galleries, and performance spaces. The neighbourhood also boasts a variety of dining options, including the Right Proper Brewing Company and Brookland Pint on the Arts Walk, offering a wide selection of beers and pub food.
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Close to restaurants, shops, and cultural events
The Catholic University of America is located in the Brookland neighbourhood of Washington, D.C. Brookland is known for its Catholic churches and sites, including the impressive domed Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic church in North America. The neighbourhood has been nicknamed "Little Rome" due to its abundance of Catholic institutions.
In addition to its religious significance, Brookland offers a lively arts zone with galleries and performance spaces. The Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market is a popular destination for students, featuring artist studios, regular events such as concerts, and a variety of dining options. The weekly Farmers Market at Monroe Street Market is also a highlight for those looking to shop and dine in the area.
The neighbourhood is known for its charming tree-lined streets, filled with older homes, bungalow-filled streets, and retro storefronts. Brookland gives way to early 20th-century bungalow neighbourhoods such as Michigan Park and Lamond-Riggs to the north and Woodridge to the east. The area also boasts a Metro stop on the corner of the campus, providing easy access to the rest of the city.
With 90.4% of its population attending college, Brookland is a college-focused community. It offers a safe and walkable environment for students, with a mix of historic and modern residences. The neighbourhood has a small-town feel, and its restaurants, shops, and cultural events provide a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike.
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Home to Catholic churches and sites
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C. It is one of two pontifical universities in the United States that are not primarily seminaries. The university is located in the Brookland neighbourhood, which is known as "Little Rome" due to its high concentration of Catholic institutions. Brookland is a diverse area with charming Victorian homes, restaurants, shops, and artist spaces. It was developed as a commuter rail village in the late 19th century and is known for its small-town feel.
The CUA itself is the national university of the Catholic Church in America and the nation's oldest Catholic research university. The university has a long history of connections with the Catholic Church and Catholic organisations, such as the Knights of Columbus. The campus is filled with beautiful green spaces and is located next to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America and one of the ten largest churches in the world. The Basilica is home to over 80 chapels and oratories and is open for worship to the CUA community.
The CUA campus features numerous chapels, including the 24-Hour Chapel attached to the St. Vincent de Paul Chapel, which is always open for prayer. Daily masses and confession are held in the various chapels across campus, and the University-wide masses are held at the neighbouring Basilica. The campus community also comes together for the Baccalaureate Mass, celebrating the sacraments and the beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith.
The CUA's unique position as the national university of the Catholic Church in America is reflected in its commitment to illuminating the relationship between faith and reason. The university offers opportunities to explore and grow in faith through its Campus Ministry team, which organises various activities to help students discover their gifts and use them to love God and their neighbours. The CUA is a rare institution that emphasises both academic excellence and spiritual development, providing a well-rounded education for its students.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
Brookland is known as DC's "Little Rome" due to its abundance of Catholic churches and sites. The neighborhood is also known for its arts scene, tree-lined streets, and charming bungalow-style homes.
Brookland is home to many restaurants, shops, and artist spaces. Popular spots include Right Proper Brewing Company, Brookland Pint, The Baker's Lounge, and the Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market.
Brookland has one of the lowest real estate vacancy rates in the country, indicating strong demand for property in the area. The median real estate price is $431,628, and the neighborhood has a high concentration of college students and renters.































