Culture

If You Lived Here

WETA's house-hunting series spotlights a wide array of neighborhoods and properties throughout the national capital area while celebrating each area’s history, culture, notable places and flavor. Hosts, best friends and longtime Washingtonians Christine Louise and John Begeny tour homes and communities with local realtors, exploring the D.C. Metro region one neighborhood at a time.

Rockville

28m 36s

Together with Rockville realtor Rowena De Leon, John and Christine Louise visit three homes in the Maryland neighborhood from a starter condo to a dream bungalow. Along the way, our hosts explore the history of Rockville Pike, Offutt’s General Store (which later became Hank Dietle’s Tavern), and stop by Gwennie’s Bakery, a local Filipino business featuring traditional UBE desserts.

Episodes

  • Rockville: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rockville

    S3 E16 - 28m 36s

    Together with Rockville realtor Rowena De Leon, John and Christine Louise visit three homes in the Maryland neighborhood from a starter condo to a dream bungalow. Along the way, our hosts explore the history of Rockville Pike, Offutt’s General Store (which later became Hank Dietle’s Tavern), and stop by Gwennie’s Bakery, a local Filipino business featuring traditional UBE desserts.

  • Foggy Bottom: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Foggy Bottom

    S3 E15 - 28m 35s

    In Foggy Bottom, hosts John and Christine explore life along the Potomac River with realtor Gigi Winston. With tours of an updated one-bedroom unit, followed by a two-bedroom townhouse, to a dream renovation overlooking the river at the Watergate Complex, viewers might never want to leave. Plus, dive into the history and activity of the Kennedy Center and the past, present and future of Watergate.

  • Columbia: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Columbia

    S3 E14 - 28m 50s

    Realtor Peter Boscas takes John and Christine on a tour of Columbia, MD, a planned community that inspires local residents with its vision for diversity and inclusion. The hosts visit a classic Columbia townhome, a contemporary property and a newly built four-bedroom home. The episode also explores Merriweather Post Pavilion and shares stories of the famous artists that have performed there.

  • Rosslyn: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rosslyn

    S3 E13 - 28m 26s

    In Rosslyn, with realtor Aiden Berri, John and Christine explore urban living, from a ground-level condo with a perfect patio, to a two-bedroom with incredible views, to a stunning penthouse with its own private elevator. Viewers will explore Rosslyn’s history and residential renaissance, plus some unique background about its famous neighbor, Arlington National Cemetery.

  • Leesburg: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Leesburg

    S3 E12 - 28m 45s

    Vineyards, country charm and history – welcome to Leesburg! Join hosts John Begeny, Christine Louise and realtor Vicky Noufal, as they tour 3 homes in this Virginia community, including a single-family built in 1798, a five-bedroom in the heart of the Lansdowne neighborhood and a gorgeous large home on 11 acres.

  • Mount Rainier: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Mount Rainier

    S3 E11 - 28m 46s

    With realtor Silvana Dias, hosts John and Christine visit the “streetcar suburb” of Mount Rainier, MD. First, visit a bungalow that encapsulates the “epitome of a Mount Rainier home,” then an “urban-country” historic farmhouse, and, finally, a newly built home in the heart of the neighborhood. Also, meet 3 of Mount Rainier’s mayors and learn about the thriving artistic community.

  • Adams Morgan: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Adams Morgan

    S3 E10 - 28m 49s

    Guided by realtor David Bediz, John and Christine visit Adams Morgan, a popular entertainment destination in D.C. with both diverse housing options and a diverse community. Tour a one bed/one bath apartment that overlooks Meridian Hill Park, a Beaux-Arts style co-op in the heart of the neighborhood, and a 100-year-old town house on a quiet street.

  • Annandale: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Annandale

    S3 E9 - 28m 10s

    In Annandale, VA, hosts John and Christine tour 3 homes with realtor Deirdre Thao Vo. First, a split-level starter home, followed by a charming mid-century modern home with contemporary updates. Finally, the hosts explore a 5 bed/5 bath modern, open-concept home. Also learn about Annandale’s Korean food and business community, thriving local arts scene and one particularly interesting shop.

  • Logan Circle: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Logan Circle

    S3 E8 - 28m 31s

    With realtor Daryl Judy, John and Christine tour 3 homes in Logan Circle, D.C. First, a one bedroom condo with a loft and rooftop terrace. Next, a modern condo with beautiful updates. And finally, a 5-bedroom row home featuring architectural arches. Also, learn about the evolution of Logan Circle from local business owners and residents who have lived through the transformation of the area.

  • Bethesda: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bethesda

    S3 E7 - 28m 36s

    John and Christine travel to Bethesda, Maryland with realtor Dana Rice to tour three distinct houses. First, visit a bungalow-style starter home, then a “stereotypical” Bethesda colonial-inspired home, and finally, a 2000-built renovated home situated on a country lane. Also, hear from historians, meet a horticulturist from the local coop, and tour the Josiah Henson Museum and Park.

  • Vienna: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Vienna

    S3 E6 - 28m 41s

    Nestled along the Washington & Old Dominion railroad line, Vienna is home to many local favorites, including the Vienna Town Green and Jammin Java music venue. With help from realtor Lex Lianos, hosts John and Christine tour and guess the listing prices of three homes, ranging from 1960s split-levels to 2020s bungalow styles. Also, hear from Vienna mayor Linda Colbert.

  • Deanwood: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Deanwood

    S3 E5 - 28m 10s

    Once home to legendary Motown singer Marvin Gaye, the Deanwood neighborhood in D.C. has a deep sense of community among its residents. Join hosts John and Christine and realtor Keith James as they tour 3 homes built between the 1910s and 1920s and learn about the neighborhood’s many churches, the Lederer Community Garden in Marvin Gaye Park and Nannie Helen Burroughs’ National Training School.

Extras + Features

  • Annapolis was Once the "Athens of America": asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Annapolis was Once the "Athens of America"

    S3 E2 - 1m 55s

    Long a center for sailing and oysters, Annapolis reached the height of its prominence in the 1770s - 1790s, when it was known as the "Athens of America." After decades as a crossroads for American political and cultural life, the city slipped into a century-long recession. The downturn served to stifle development and preserve much of the colonial architecture for which Annapolis is known today.

  • Step Inside the "Quintessential Annapolis Dream Home": asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Step Inside the "Quintessential Annapolis Dream Home"

    S3 E2 - 8m 41s

    "This is the dream of Annapolis living," realtor Kirstin Whitaker tells John and Christine, and it's easy to see why. Situated on 3.5 acres overlooking the Severn River and built in 1910, this 7 bedroom, 4.2 bath home was once used as a retreat by Capuchin Monks. From the wrap around porch, to the interior renovations that meld with the home's original details, this home oozes character.

  • "The Perfect Starter Home in Annapolis": asset-mezzanine-16x9

    "The Perfect Starter Home in Annapolis"

    S3 E2 - 5m 1s

    With original details around every corner, John and Christine love the flow and character of this 1940s home in Annapolis's Homewood neighborhood. Upstairs, large windows flood three bedrooms with light. Downstairs, a four season sun room looks out over a lush backyard built for entertaining. No wonder John calls it "the perfect starter home in Annapolis."

  • Buying This Home in DC's Navy Yard is Buying a Lifestyle: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Buying This Home in DC's Navy Yard is Buying a Lifestyle

    S3 E1 - 5m 14s

    The modern vibe of this 2-bedroom, 2-bath, 950 square foot condo on First St., SE impresses, as does the size and functionality of the kitchen. But what really makes this home pop is the sunken patio, perfect for entertaining before a night out in Navy Yard. As realtor Chris Chambers puts it, "If you're buying down here... you're buying for the lifestyle."

  • Preview: Navy Yard: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Navy Yard

    S3 E1 - 30s

    From a row home built in 1915 to a condo overlooking Nationals Park, the season premiere explores both old and new homes in D.C.’s Navy Yard. Guided by realtor Chris Chambers, hosts John and Christine tour three homes in the Southeast D.C. neighborhood to guess the listing prices of each location and learn about the area’s meaningful history from some of Navy Yard’s long-time residents.

  • One of the Few Remaining Original Homes in Navy Yard: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    One of the Few Remaining Original Homes in Navy Yard

    S3 E1 - 5m 37s

    Christine calls this renovated 1915 rowhome on K St, SE "a great combination of old and new" -- a rarity in the Navy Yard neighborhood where most original homes were leveled during the construction boom of the early 2000s. Inside, a quartz waterfall countertop is a statement piece in the kitchen, as are modern finishes in the bathrooms. Outside, the team is blown away by a deck and patio.

  • Rebirth Around the Washington Navy Yard: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rebirth Around the Washington Navy Yard

    S3 E1 - 5m 27s

    The Navy Yard neighborhood was once home to a vibrant community of immigrants and African Americans. But by the 1980s, many residents had left as the area became a haven for drugs and crime. In recent years, the Arthur Capper/Carrollsburg Housing Project was replaced with a mix of market rate housing, workforce homes, and affordable housing surrounding a brand new community center.

  • A Condo with a View in Navy Yard: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Condo with a View in Navy Yard

    S3 E1 - 6m 36s

    As soon as they enter this 7th floor condo overlooking Nationals Park, John and Christine are blown away by the view that overlooks Nationals Park. Inside, the unit is sleek and modern from top to bottom. Lacquer cabinets, a large granite island, and high-end appliances in the kitchen impress -- as does a flexible open concept living space built for entertaining.

Schedule

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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Alexandria

    Saturday
    Apr 27

    30 Minutes

    Exploring Old Town in Alexandria, Va.
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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Silver Spring

    Saturday
    Apr 27

    30 Minutes

    Exploring three properties in Silver Spring, Md.
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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Southwest Waterfront

    Saturday
    May 4

    30 Minutes

    Three homes in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Anacostia

    Saturday
    May 11

    30 Minutes

    Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region.

Remembering John Begeny

On August 21, 2023, the WETA community lost a dear friend in John Begeny, co-host of If You Lived Here. Learn more about John's amazing life, and share your memories.

Metro DC Neighborhood Guide

The Neighborhood Guide explores the diverse array of neighborhoods highlighted in If You Lived Here — expanding upon the history and culture of each area and providing detailed information about population, transportation, schools, restaurants and other unique features.

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