[Happy Monkey]

Where I grew up.

Although one of Washington's first tracts developed with the automobile in mind, the approximately 2700 homes are closely spaced, feature porches or stoops, and often lack driveways, which boosters say contributes to community spirit.

Where I live now.

McLean Gardens is a 43-acre (170,000 m2) housing development — on the former estate of newspaper publisher John R. McLean — built in 1942 as temporary housing for wartime defense workers. In 1980, after a long battle by the tenants, who were able to secure the largest buy-out in DC history by a residents' association, the original 31 red brick apartment buildings converted to condominiums; nine original dormitory buildings had been destroyed in 1974-75.