Special feature: National Harbor area homes

Southern Prince George’s County, specifically National Harbor and the area bordering this exciting new development, is growing both commercially and residentially. This provides many new housing options for potential home buyers who want to be close to the action.

From trendy condominium developments at the harbor to sprawling single-family homes just a short drive away, finding a home that fits families, empty nesters or single professionals shouldn’t be hard.

In addition to being the home of the new 300-acre National Harbor development on the shore of the Potomac River, Oxon Hill’s location (south of the District and east of Alexandria) makes it an appealing place to live. Fort Washington, Clinton and Camp Springs are other desirable areas to live nearby in southern Prince George’s.

Patricia Dowtin with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Camp Springs said that Prince George’s is a popular place for home buyers and tells potential buyers that there’s never been a better time to get into the market than now. “We’re also more affordable that many of our sister communities and the county has a lot of amenities.”

Some of the newest amenities are those located at the harbor that include public spaces for outdoor concerts, festivals and weekend markets. There are also scenic parks, a dog-walk park, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and art galleries. The harbor is still growing and will eventually be the home of the National Capital Children’s Museum in 2012.

For those who want to venture beyond the harbor, a convenient water taxi shuttles guests and residents to Old Town Alexandria, Georgetown and Mount Vernon.

One of the highlights of the $2 billion-plus National Harbor project is the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center that is characterized by an 18-story atrium. Amie Gorrell, public relations director for the Gaylord National, said that the hotel attracts visitors from out of town, as well as local residents looking for a weekend getaway.

Both the Gaylord National and the National Harbor are gearing up for their first winter holiday celebrations since opening last spring. Ms. Gorrell said that a soaring glass Christmas tree suspended from a ceiling will be part of the Gaylord National’s Christmas on the Potomac celebration that begins Nov. 24. The harbor will kick off a holiday celebration with a tree-lighting event on Nov. 28 and a weekend holiday market that will be held every Saturday and Sunday beginning Nov. 29 through Dec. 21.

Buyers may choose to live in one of several residences being developed at the harbor. While One National Harbor by Peterson Cos. is sold out, Peterson are also building Fleet Street, a high-rise condominium of 163 homes. Amenities include a fully equipped community room, a rooftop swimming pool and pavilion area, a fitness center and underground parking.

This unique, contemporary, 11-story building is highlighted by glass and clean lines. An upscale hotel is in the same building, so Fleet Street residents may use the hotel’s pool and fitness center. (There are separate entrances for residents and hotel guests.)

Buyers may choose from one- or two-bedroom plans on one floor or two-bedroom plans on two levels. Balconies and private terraces line the structure to take advantage of the waterfront. The smallest plan has 502 square feet of living space with one bedroom and one bath. The two-level Duplex floor plan is the largest with two bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and 1,480 square feet. Prices range from $300,000 to $1,000,000. For more information, call 301/203-4150 or visit www. fleetstreetcondos.com.

Waterfront Street Condominiums and St. George Condominiums are also being developed at National Harbor and are on American Way, which is also known as the harbor’s “Main Street.” The condos at Waterfront Street are on sale now. Sales for St. George will begin in spring 2009. For more information about residential sales at National Harbor, call 301/203-4150.

Ryan Homes is building town-home-style condominiums just 2 1/2 miles from National Harbor at Virginia Landing in Oxon Hill. The three-bedroom homes have between 1,600 and 2,600 square feet of living space, an attached one-car garage and two floor plans from which to choose.

The Matisse model starts in the upper $220,000s and has a living room and dining room combination floor plan, second-floor laundry room and 2 1/2 baths. The Picasso model starts in the upper $260,000s and boasts columns, two walk-in closets and an eat-in kitchen that opens to an outside deck. For more information, call 301/630-6925 or go to www. ryanhomes.com.

Timber Ridge in Clinton is a new development by Caruso Homes Inc. The community offers five different home styles arranged on cul de sacs. Three of the plans come with an optional coffered ceiling in the family room. Standard features in each of the homes include hardwood floors in the foyer, a gas fireplace and a basement entrance. Prices start from the low $400,000s. For more information, call 301/599-7811 or visit www.carusohomes.com.

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