Special feature: National Harbor area homes

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By Carisa Chappell

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.)