Comp and Circumstance: 1BR in Dupont Vs. 3BR in LeDroit Park

• June 15th 2010

by Rebecca Ortega

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Comp and Circumstance presents two for-sale homes of roughly similar prices in DC and compares the pros and cons of each. This week, we pit a one-bedroom in Dupont against a much roomier three-bedroom in LeDroit Park. The price point for each is $480,000. Please tell us in the comments which of the two you feel is the better buy.

One-Bedroom in Dupont Circle

The first thing that jumps out from the virtual tour of 1728 New Hampshire Ave NW #401 is how beautifully decorated it is. The property has hardwood flooring, a fireplace flanked by built-in shelving and a bathroom that showcases black and white tiles and even a chandelier. At 850 square feet, the condo is as big as many two-bedrooms in the neighborhood. The property also offers parking, which as you likely know, is a precious commodity in the Dupont area.

The downside to this seemingly perfect oasis in the city is that it is not very much square footage for almost $500,000. Also, on close inspection you’ll notice that the bedroom has only a small closet (it’s listed as a walk-in, which is a bit of a stretch) and the washer/dryer is in the galley kitchen. Additionally, it doesn’t look like the building has an elevator (the listing doesn’t specify), which means a four-flight hike each day.

• 1728 New Hampshire Avenue NW, #401 (map)
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1
• Square Footage: 850
• Amenities: Penthouse unit, parking
• Price: $479,555
• Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
• See the full listing

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Three-Bedroom in LeDroit Park

If you’re looking to house a family or rent out rooms to some of your friends at this price point, 121 T St NW #1 is a great option. The home has three bedrooms, three baths and parking. It has hardwood floors throughout, crown molding and a chair rail in the main living area (always attractive), as well as an updated kitchen.

The downsides: The eventual buyer will be one of two owners in this townhouse conversion, so it will be important that he/she sees eye-to-eye with the other owner on critical issues like property maintenance. This is also the basement unit, which may turn some buyers off, and LeDroit Park is a ways from the action that Dupont Circle offers. There may also be investment potential here, though it’s not likely to materialize immediately.

While not as picture-perfect as the New Hampshire Avenue condo, 121 T Street NW offers vastly more space than what you’ll get for your money in Dupont, so if you need more than two rooms in order to achieve comfortable living, this is the property to consider.

• 121 T Street NW #1 (map)
• Bedrooms: Three
• Bathrooms: Three
• Square Footage: Approximately 2,000
• Amenities: Space, parking
• Price: $485,000
• Neighborhood: LeDroit Park
• See the full listing

So, what do you think? Is Dupont worth the price? Or do you feel LeDroit Park is the better investment? Would you prefer square footage to location or vice versa?

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.production.logicbrush.com/articles/blog/comp_and_circumstance_1br_in_dupont_vs._3br_in_ledroit_park/2168.