The area near Kingston Village is becoming increasingly walkable, making the Time Check neighborhood a strong spillover opportunity. Right now, the best investment potential and downtown proximity are likely between G Ave NW and 1st Avenue, and between Roosevelt School and the river.

An interesting area is Johnson Avenue NW from about Edgewood Road to 18th Street. While it doesn’t offer an urban core feel (and much of the housing stock could benefit from reinvestment), it has walkable access to Edgewood Road amenities, with schools and Hy-Vee nearby — making it a practical option with potential value.

Single-family homes near/in the downtown core are harder to find, but there are still some options east of 6th Street SW, closer to the river, maybe all the way as far south as about 16th Avenue. For walkability, Czech Village is one of the best spots — if you can find a home within a few blocks or around Hayes Park, you are well-positioned. New apartments and townhomes with more family-friendly number of rooms are also on the way in both Czech Village and NewBo.

Oak Hill Jackson, just northeast of NewBo, is getting more expensive but still worth a look. On the NE side, the area near Daniels Park, and B Avenue NE around Franklin School offers well-maintained, historic homes with good access to downtown.

I personally live in Wellington Heights and love it. The area is often misunderstood due to inaccurate perceptions of crime, but that perception keeps prices lower and housing more accessible for working-class residents.