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

  • Kensington: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Kensington

    S2 E14 - 28m 48s

    Resident and realtor Mark Hudson shows John and Christine three houses in his hometown of Kensington, MD. Discoveries follow: Kensington’s founding as a Victorian garden community, the Noyes Library for Young Children, Antique Row, and connections with the nearby Ken-Gar neighborhood. Plus, local historians, librarians, shop owners and neighbors share about a place they love to call home.

  • Columbia Pike/Lake Barcroft: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Columbia Pike/Lake Barcroft

    S2 E13 - 28m 30s

    From the top of Columbia Pike to Lake Barcroft, realtor Judy Cranford can't wait to show off the homes in her own neighborhood. Explore a highway that is vital in African American history and hear stories of immigrant families that call this area home. Plus, a visit to Phoenix Bikes shows how local students give back and get around, while John and Christine enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Barcroft.

  • Chevy Chase: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Chevy Chase

    S2 E12 - 28m 50s

    Residents like realtor Julie Roberts love the parks, markets and the Avalon Theatre that give Chevy Chase's "D.C. side" its small-town feel. Julie guides John and Christine through three beautiful homes that feature corner cabinets, corner showers and even corner bathtubs. Plus, the important story of how Lafayette-Pointer Park was recently renamed to honor Captain George Pointer and his family.

  • Bloomingdale/LeDroit Park: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bloomingdale/LeDroit Park

    S2 E11 - 28m 49s

    The influences of Howard University run deep in D.C.'s Bloomingdale & LeDroit Park. With the help of realtor Suzanne DesMarais, John and Christine guess listing prices of three homes across both areas and gain a new appreciation of exposed brick and turrets. Local residents also share their history and perspective on these two fascinating adjacent neighborhoods.

  • Fort Washington: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Fort Washington

    S2 E10 - 28m 32s

    With stunning views, a fort that has watched over the District for two centuries, and a vibrant African American boating community, Ft. Washington offers an intriguing mix of history and outdoor space. In this episode, local realtor and resident LaGreta Dennis guides John and Christine to two homes in Ft. Washington followed by an end-unit townhome just up the hill from nearby National Harbor.

  • Georgetown: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Georgetown

    S2 E9 - 28m 42s

    Bicycles & bowties greet John & Christine when they meet realtor & Georgetown fixture Jamie Peva. Residents and visitors of Georgetown know this popular neighborhood very well. But do they? This episode features little-known history, new perspectives and lots of jazz. Plus, 3 homes built between 1850 and the 1900s, offering the kind of sneak peek that everyone wishes for when visiting Georgetown.

  • Reston: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Reston

    S2 E8 - 28m 27s

    Reston is one of America's most successful planned communities. This episode shares the history and vision of Robert E. Simon, the "R-E-S" in Reston, and how the water, paths and public art connect residents. Hosts John and Christine visit 3 different homes –with ponds, trails and penthouse views – guided by the show’s first mother-daughter/resident-realtor team, Boofie and Margaret O'Gorman.

  • Mount Pleasant: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Mount Pleasant

    S2 E7 - 28m 14s

    Guided by resident & realtor Megan Conway, Christine & John visit Northwest D.C.’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood to guess listing prices for a condo in a striking Beaux-Arts building; a mid-century modern townhouse with an oasis out back; and a renovated 1882 Victorian home. Plus, stories of historical preservation, Central American migration, and how mom & pop businesses help shape the community.

  • Bowie: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bowie

    S2 E6 - 27m 59s

    If You Lived Here travels to Bowie, Maryland, where hosts Christine and John guess listing prices for three homes, including a 15,000 square foot property that has to be seen to be believed. Also, learn about Bowie’s journey from affordable housing for some to fair housing for all, its thoroughbred horse-racing history, and discover why minor league baseball is so vital to the larger community.

  • Brookland: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Brookland

    S2 E5 - 28m 13s

    Christine & John guess listing prices in a Brookland neighborhood the locals call "Little Rome.” Up first - a classic and colorful 1923 rowhouse, followed by one of Brookland’s beautiful "kit" bungalows. The day ends in style at the former home of jazz great Shirley Horn. Also, a visit to long-time local business Petals, Ribbons & Beyond, and origin stories from a Brookland historian.

  • Del Ray: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Del Ray

    S2 E4 - 28m 32s

    Once home to the 2nd largest U.S. railroad, Del Ray in Alexandria, Virginia is quaint, friendly and fun. Hosts Christine and John visit a 3-bedroom townhome built in 1956, an elegant, remodeled 1930’s home, and an expanded bungalow with a beautiful blend of old and new. Plus, see how Del Ray celebrates its canine residents with murals, and meet a local shop owner.

  • Capitol Hill: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Capitol Hill

    S2 E3 - 28m 26s

    The largest neighborhood in Washington, D.C. is full of history, from Eastern Market, one of the city’s oldest public markets, to 100+ year-old homes. Join Christine and John as they guess the listing prices of a remodeled Alley House just 6 blocks from the Capitol, a historic condo that was previously the Mount Joy Baptist Church, and the Deer House, built by an Italian stonemason in 1903.

Extras + Features

  • A Mid-Century Modern Stunner in Kensington: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Mid-Century Modern Stunner in Kensington

    S2 E14 - 9m 3s

    "The details of the mid century modern hit you as soon as you walk through this door," exclaims Christine as she and John tour this 1960 home in the Rock Creek Hills section of Kensington. Inside, teak wood finishes and brickwork pop. Outside, the wraparound deck with woodland views make the home feel more like a retreat than a house in the suburbs. This one is a stunner!

  • A Small Town Feel Minutes from the City: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Small Town Feel Minutes from the City

    S2 E14 - 6m 4s

    With a spacious first floor bedroom and two more upstairs, this charming cape cod in Kensington is the perfect place to raise a family or age in place. Christine and John love the small town village feel of the neighborhood, and the details inside the home create a cozy blend of vintage and updated.

  • Preview: Kensington: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Kensington

    S2 E14 - 30s

    Resident and realtor Mark Hudson shows John and Christine three houses in his hometown of Kensington, MD. Discoveries follow: Kensington’s founding as a Victorian garden community, the Noyes Library for Young Children, Antique Row, and connections with the nearby Ken-Gar neighborhood. Plus, local historians, librarians, shop owners and neighbors share about a place they love to call home.

  • A Secret Garden in Kensington's Historic District: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Secret Garden in Kensington's Historic District

    S2 E14 - 5m 58s

    John loves "a house with a story" and this 4 bedroom, 3 bath charmer in the Kensington Historic District definitely fits the bill. Built in 1909 and tucked away on a large double lot, the front walk feels like a secret garden path. Inside, the original home has been enlarged to over 2500 square feet and features striking custom stonework and breathtaking windows. A true private oasis!

  • "Hold Your Light" in Ken-Gar: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    "Hold Your Light" in Ken-Gar

    S2 E14 - 2m 38s

    The predominantly African American community of Ken-Gar was established in 1892 by maids and butlers who worked as house servants in the large homes of Kensington. Today the "Hold Your Light" mural at the gateway to the neighborhood celebrates the endurance of the human spirit.

  • A Country Cottage Along Columbia Pike: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Country Cottage Along Columbia Pike

    S2 E13 - 6m 5s

    "I've walked into a country cottage," says Christine as she tours this impeccably renovated 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in Arlington's Claremont neighborhood. The charm flows through the house from top to bottom, and the functional layout makes it easy to see why so many Claremont residents stay in their homes for decades.

  • Preview: Columbia Pike/Lake Barcroft: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Columbia Pike/Lake Barcroft

    S2 E13 - 30s

    From the top of Columbia Pike to Lake Barcroft, realtor Judy Cranford can't wait to show off the homes in her own neighborhood. Explore a highway that is vital in African American history and hear stories of immigrant families that call this area home. Plus, a visit to Phoenix Bikes shows how local students give back and get around, while John and Christine enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Barcroft.

  • "A United Nations in an actual community": asset-mezzanine-16x9

    "A United Nations in an actual community"

    S2 E13 - 3m 26s

    As photographer Lloyd Wolf likes to say Arlington, Virginia's Columbia Pike corridor is "A United Nations in an actual community." Over the past 50 years, the neighborhood has welcomed immigrants from all over the world. Today, international diversity and culture are celebrated, along with Arlington's rich African American history at The Black Heritage Museum, which opened on the Pike in 2018.

  • A  Wooded Retreat Inside the Beltway: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Wooded Retreat Inside the Beltway

    S2 E13 - 7m 32s

    John and Christine are blown away by this mid-century deck home in the woodsy Lake Barcroft neighborhood. With 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, exposed beams throughout and windows that bring in the natural light, it's a true work of art -- with a vibe that is much more mountain retreat than Beltway bureaucrat.

  • Combining Form and Function on Columbia Pike: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Combining Form and Function on Columbia Pike

    S2 E13 - 4m 45s

    Christine and John are impressed with how the open layout of this renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bath duplex along Arlington's Columbia Pike corridor combines form and function. From a beautiful multi-purpose island for prepping, cooking and dining, to the renovated bathrooms, this small space packs quite a punch!

  • 1930s Charm with Plenty of Room to Spread Out: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    1930s Charm with Plenty of Room to Spread Out

    S2 E12 - 6m 14s

    This 6 bedroom, 4.5 bath house was much smaller when it was originally built in 1930, but the large lot left room for a big addition. A great room and screened in porch bring the light into rear of the home, while large windows in the front offer great views of the quiet street. Plus, there's a surprise on the top level!

  • Vintage Charm and Cozy Comfort in Chevy Chase, DC: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Vintage Charm and Cozy Comfort in Chevy Chase, DC

    S2 E12 - 5m 40s

    The archways, corner cabinets and classic bathroom tile give this Chevy Chase, DC home plenty of vintage charm, but don't be fooled. Modern renovations, including a wet bar in the basement and a new kitchen pack a lot of comfort into the cozy space.

Schedule

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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Mt. Rainier

    Saturday
    Mar 30

    30 Minutes

    Tour of three houses in Mount Rainier, Md.
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    If You Lived Here

    Leesburg

    Saturday
    Mar 30

    30 Minutes

    Tour of three houses in Leesburg, Va.
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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Saturday
    Apr 6

    30 Minutes

    Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region.
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    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Saturday
    Apr 6

    30 Minutes

    Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region.
  • Image
    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Saturday
    Apr 13

    30 Minutes

    Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region.
  • Image
    If You Lived Here: TVSS: Banner-L1

    If You Lived Here

    Rockville, MD

    Saturday
    Apr 13

    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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