Boston and Washington, D.C. share
numerousenticingparallels, filled to the brim with historic
landmarks, monuments, museums and world-renownedcolleges and
universities. As major metros on the East Coast, both cities have
much to offer thoseventuring into exciting phases of life.
Below,Gibson Sotheby’s
International Realty‘s Susan Condrick and
TTR Sotheby’s International
Realty‘s
Jonathan
Taylorshare their experiences and
insightsintoestablishing roots in their respectivecities.
Condrick, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty.
Taylor, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
What is the best neighborhood
in your city for young professionals?
SC: Ive been thinking about this question and
as trite as it may sound, I think there are many neighborhoods on
both the Boston side and the Cambridge side of the river which
would appeal to a young professional. As weve transitioned into an
international city and as the demand for rental and purchase has
outpaced inventory over the last 6+ years and people are spreading
out a bit beyond the traditional squares and zip codes, interesting
new restaurants, stores, and music venues have followed.
JT: There are so many great neighborhoods in
the city that are suitable for young professionals, but I would say
that among the top are the H Street Corridor, The Wharf and Logan
Circle/Shaw. The H Street neighborhood is near The Capitol and is
steeped in history, with notable locations for both residential and
commercial interests. Being in close proximity to Union Station
allows these residents to travel in and out of the city with ease.
The Wharf is a newly developed part of the city that has attracted
a lot of young professionals. it sits at the convergence of the
Anacostia River and the Washington Channel, and has had a long
history of poverty. But since its development, it is now bustling
with new residences, restaurants and retail shops. The Logan Circle
neighborhood once riddled with pawn shops, massage parlors and auto
shops, now boasts art galleries, hip retail stores and some of the
best restaurants in the city. A combination of beautiful Victorians
and brand new condos line the streets of this neighborhood. Shaw is
just a few blocks away and also has a similar blend of newly
renovated townhouses, surrounded by some of the hippest restaurants
in the city. The Metro accessibility and bus routes make these
neighborhoods ideal for millennials who choose not to have cars –
but would rather rent a motorized scooter for the day.
What are the advantages of living in your
city?
SC: The beauty of the Boston/Cambridge area is
that its relatively compact and easy to get around without a car.
One can take in a Red Sox game at Fenway Park and walk to Central
Square in Cambridge in no time (and vice versa). On anygiven day,
one can access the Charles River, tour historic sites, take in a
sports game or see an award-winning play.
JT: Living in the most powerful city in the
world provides you with the hustle of urban living, coupled with
beauty of the museums and national parks. Rock Creek Park is one of
the largest National parks in the US, making DC residents some of
the healthiest in the country. Every weekend you will witness
joggers, bikers, rowers along the Potomac and volleyball players on
the monument. Overall the population of DC residents are highly
educated and have usually come from some other part of the country
or the world. They came for a job and decide to stay. The
incredible social and food scene is making the District a true
destination. Access to nearby Virginia and Maryland also make it
easy for those who have to work in the suburbs.
What is your citys best kept secret?
SC: I dont know if I would categorize it as a
good thing, but I always hear from newcomers the apprehension they
felt anticipating a difficulty in meeting new people here, and
instead forming deep, long-lasting bonds with Bostonians. And while
driving in the area, the best defense is a good offense!
JT: The city has quite a number of secrets, but
my favorite tip to share with family and friends who like to visit
is that all of the Smithsonian museums are free. We also have the
Newseum, the Spy Museum and a museum inside the DEA (Drug
Enforcement Agency). Each neighborhood in the city offers their
fair share of secrets, but inside the Mansion on O Street in Dupont
Circle, you are able to rent a tricked-out two-level log cabin for
the night. In Georgetown, the steps from the 1973 filmThe Exorcist
are just blocks away from Georgetown University. The National
Cathedral is the sixth largest Cathedral in the world and was
finished in 1990 under President George H.W Bush, where his
memorial service was just held last week.
How did you become a Boston and D.C. local?
SC: I grew up on the South Shore and as a child
came to Boston and Cambridge frequently to visit family, so in a
way, its always been a home away from home.
JT: In 1984, I came to D.C. from a life in New
England, straight out of Colby College. I only knew one person
here, and he was a friend was from high school who had gone to
Georgetown University and was working at a hot spot in Georgetown
called Houstons Restaurant. I started working there and just kept
meeting people. I met Dale Denton who owned a local real estate
firm and as I was taking real estate classes at the time, decided
to give it a try. I continued to meet very interesting people,
including my first business partner, Wallace Tutt. We started Tutt
Real Estate in 1988 and have never looked back. We joined Sothebys
International Realty in 2006 and have continued to grow into nine
offices, and we just keep growing
Why do you value Sotheby’s International Realty’s global
network?
SC: Its all about the trust in the Sotheby’s
International Realtybrand and its people. There are 19000+ agents
worldwide who share more than a logo; we are stewards for an iconic
brand. In 70 countries and territories on six continents, all with
varied customs and languages, my clients can expect the same level
of professionalism and service they have come to expect from me.
What a powerful tool to have at every listing appointment, open
house or client meeting.
JT: The access to trusted colleagues who have
become close friends from around the world is an incredible source
of information and life experiences.The quality of the people in
the network is second to none.