Rockville
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Brown’s Hardware Has Been Building Falls Church Since 1883
S2 E2 - 2m 26s
John Taylor, the current owner of Brown’s Hardware, describes the neighborhood landmark’s growth and change as Falls Church transformed from a “sleepy village” to the city it is today. And as Christine explains, that transformation was intertwined with the history of race and school segregation in Northern Virginia.
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You’ll Pine for These Maple Cabinets
S2 E2 - 8m 57s
Christine can’t get enough of the woodworking in this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath Falls Church home. Nestled in a patch of trees and with a pine mantelpiece, cherry benches, maple cabinets, oak floors, and cypress paneling on the porch, there’s good wood all over this charming property.
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Preview: Falls Church
S2 E2 - 30s
Outdoor activities for families, great restaurants, charming homes: welcome to Falls Church, Virginia! Christine and John guess listing prices of a 1940’s condominium in Winter Hill, a picturesque brick rancher tucked away in a quiet tree-lined lot, and a modern sanctuary with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. Plus, residents share their favorites, and the Eden Center offers a history lesson.
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A Country Cottage-Feel in the Heart of Northern Virginia
S2 E2 - 5m 5s
This 2-bedroom condo has a can’t-beat location in the center of Falls Church City. But what impresses Christine and John most is the condo’s green space: a large, grassy lawn in the front of the property, a private patio out back – and plenty of windows throughout the home to bring the outside in.
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Flash Back to the ‘50s with this Falls Church Rambler
S2 E2 - 6m 13s
Christine and John step into a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath time capsule a half mile from the West Falls Church metro stop. But while the wallpaper and wood paneling may need a makeover, the gas fireplace and the 250 azeala bushes which line the property are as charming as ever!
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Preview: Hillcrest
S2 E1 - 30s
In the season 2 premiere, hosts John and Christine visit Hillcrest in Southeast D.C. – aka “the Silver Coast” – where residents love their community green space, and history runs deep. They tour 3 very different residences – a remodeled 1930’s townhome, a traditional colonial with unexpected living spaces on each level, and a 1932 villa that comes with gardens, patio and a (former) speakeasy.
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3 Bedrooms or 2.5? You Decide!
S2 E1 - 5m 39s
Christine and John tour a charming starter in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Southeast D.C. Set amidst the neighborhood’s cooling tree canopy and blending elements of its pre-WWII construction with a recently renovated open floor plan, you might be able to overlook the fact that one of the bedrooms is a pretty tight squeeze.
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Everything’s Bigger on Texas Avenue
S2 E1 - 6m 31s
Christine and John are taken aback by this size of this Hillcrest, D.C. home – 2850 square feet – but what really wows them is the abundance of outdoor space on its nearly 6000 square foot lot. But do the space and amenities – including a garage and wood burning fireplace – outweigh the home’s distance from the Metro and the city’s nightlife?
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The Gardens in Hillcrest are the Pride of Southeast
S2 E1 - 3m 16s
Neighborhood historian Jim Byers explains the development of Hillcrest’s unique and varied home styles and describes how the neighborhood was transformed by white flight from Southeast D.C. in the mid 20th century. Plus, local resident Michelle Phipps-Evans talks about how Hillcrest’s vibrant gardens and yards have become a source of pride for the community.
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This Hillcrest Home has a Basement Speakeasy
S2 E1 - 8m 59s
Christine and John explore a gorgeous Mediterranean villa in Southeast D.C., where arched doorways, numerous windows, and a sunroom attached to the master bedroom provide openness and light. The real treasure, though, is hidden in the basement: the 5-bedroom house contains a once-functional speakeasy – complete with a stage, coatroom and an ice room – that you have to see to believe!
Schedule
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If You Lived Here
N. Arlington, Va.
Saturday
Dec 16
30 Minutes
Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region. -
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If You Lived Here
Takoma Park, Md.
Saturday
Dec 16
30 Minutes
Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region. -
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If You Lived Here
Hillcrest
Saturday
Dec 23
30 Minutes
Touring homes and communities in the Washington, D.C. region. -
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If You Lived Here
Falls Church, VA
Saturday
Dec 23
30 Minutes
Falls Church, Va.; condo in Winter Hill; brick rancher; Eden Center history lesson. -
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If You Lived Here
Rockville, MD
Tuesday
Dec 26
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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