343 Cedar Street NW, Unit 316Washington, DC 20012Price: $525,000

This two-story, southwest-facing condo in the sought-after Historic District of Takoma, Washington, D.C., feels warm and welcoming as afternoon sunshine floods the unit from floor to the 10-foot ceilings! Built in 2005, this 50-unit community is called Cedar Crossing. It offers 1157 square feet (per the public record). This choice unit sits atop 2 levels of a low-rise building and is serviced by an elevator & stairs. Gleaming refinished hardwood floors are on the first level and comfortable carpet on the 2nd. A balcony with sliding glass doors lets you step out into the sunshine and enjoy the condo's spacious, park-like courtyard. Two tandem indoor garage parking spaces, plus a large secure storage unit behind, offer a rare opportunity for 2-car parking and extra storage in a downtown area right next to Metro and in the heart of the Takoma Historic District. Recently painted, the main level is great for casual living or entertaining, with an open-plan layout, granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a convenient, roomy half bathroom for guests. A kitchen pantry and a large under-the-stairs storage closet with custom hangers make it easy to keep the level clutter-free. Upstairs, a spacious owner's suite with an ample bathroom features a jet Jacuzzi-type tub with shower and a stand-alone shower. The spacious walk-in closet offers built-in California closet shelving that holds an impressive amount of clothing. The bright owner suite has recently been updated with blackout blinds for light-sensitive sleepers. The 2nd bedroom has another bathroom with a spacious shower and a large customized closet. The upper hall has a separate closet for the recently installed large stacked washer/dryer. A special assessment, in addition to the regular condo fees, is to be paid by the seller at closing, so a buyer does not have to worry about a high condo payment. The condo fee includes water and sewer, so a buyer only pays for electricity for central heating and cooling, and you control the temperature setting. This is a friendly community with a shared green courtyard in the center below, enjoyed by residents for low-key gatherings or just relaxing on the community benches. Secure package delivery is available, and pets (including cats and dogs-up to two per unit) are allowed subject to registration. On the other side of this building is the Takoma Metro Station on the Red Line, with easy commuting to many stations across the Metro DC area. An advantage of this unit's location on the interior courtyard side of the building is no traffic noise from the street or the Metro system. Food and entertainment abound within a few blocks, including Takoma Station Jazz Club, Lost Sock Coffee Roasters, Donut Run, Busboys & Poets, Takoma Beverage Co., Kin Da, Roscoes, and People's Books. The Takoma Park Food Cooperative and award-winning Cielo Roja restaurant are also nearby, while a year-round farmers market is an easy stroll away. Also close by are downtown Silver Spring Whole Foods, Jinya Ramen Bar, and retail shops at the Parks Walter Reed development. This roomy condo is ideal for both those moving up from renting or downsizing who want an easier lifestyle and the feel of a large townhome without the responsibility of maintenance, and those who just want to lock up and head to the beach or the mountains!