Washington Highlands is a community located on the southeast side of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is within proximity to local businesses and amenities. A school and recreation arts and tennis center are located in the community and a large hospital sits on the north side of the area. The commercial corridor is situated along the southeast border, Southern Avenue, and is lined with small businesses providing services to locals including eateries and shops.
The weather in this area varies with the season and dog walkers will need to be prepared for a variety of conditions. Hot, humid summers mean you and your pup may choose to venture out earlier or later in the day before temperatures peak. Winters mean sub-freezing temperatures and precipitation in the form of snow. Check out local pet supply stores for a jacket for your canine companion if your pup needs a little extra insulation in wintertime.
There is a variety of housing options in Washington Heights which include single-family homes, multi-family housing complexes, apartment buildings, and public housing complexes. The hospital on the north side of the community is a dominant landscape feature. The ravine and Oxon Run on the southwest border provides natural landscaping near the community.
Areas at the south end of Washington Heights are fairly level, however, the terrain slopes fairly steeply in some places to the north which is at a much higher elevation. When walking with your dog, be prepared from some climbing if you head north in the community.
The Ferebee-Hope Recreation center and grounds are located in Washington Heights. Amenities associated with this facility include a gymnasium, outdoor basketball courts, an indoor pool, playground, ball diamond, and a tennis center. There are some paved paths in and around the center which make a good place to stroll with your dog.
If you're looking for some natural terrain, try the Oxon Run Park. There are sports facilities and fields along the greenway which follows the waterway. Most of the area is open and naturally landscaped and a pedestrian trail runs through the greenway following the watercourse. Be careful after heavy rainfall when creek banks can become unstable and during winter when running water in the creek may not be solidly frozen.
The parkway contains ecosystems preserved for local wildlife including wetlands that should be avoided by you and your pup as footing can be treacherous and wildlife should not be disturbed.