Sophia and Danny Grimes, along with their children, four-and-a-half year old Jordan (called JJ), and eleven-month-old Kendall, have settled into their home in Palisades Kent. The family, though they are originally from diverse backgrounds, has found a comfortable niche in their neighborhood after relocating from the Logan/Dupont Circle region in August 2022, and are proud to now call Palisades Kent home.

 

Sophia was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Warner Robins, Georgia in an Air Force family, and Danny grew up Damascus, Maryland. Both children were born and raised in Washington D.C. Sophia and Danny, when looking for a place to settle down, sought a neighborhood that offered more space and a sense of community for their growing family. “We wanted to stay in D.C. proper but with a young child, we needed more space and wanted that neighborhood feel,” Sophia explained. “After looking at a few houses in the Palisades neighborhood, we fell in love.” They were drawn to how Palisades felt like the communities and neighborhoods they grew up in, but was still within walking distance of community essentials like schools, restaurants, and parks.

 

Before relocating and settling in the DMV, Sophia and Danny met in 2011 while working at Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina. They have been together for thirteen-and-a-half years, and in May of this year, they will celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary. On the kids side of things, JJ attends Key Elementary School and has “a gamut of activities,” including soccer, karate, and cooking, and currently enjoys indoor hockey. Kendall, born in April 2024, is focused on exploring her surroundings and keeping up with her older brother. As a family, The Grimes enjoys spending time together, particularly during the warmer months. “We love going for popsicle walks outside after dinner,” Sophia shared. They also frequent the Palisades farmers market, the Palisades playground, and Mimi’s for treats.

 

Professionally, Danny works in commercial real estate at CBRE, specializing in office and life science dispositions. “He has always had a passion for finances and investments from his early days at Bank of America, and now has established his career in real estate and is able to advise on real estate investments,” Sophia says. Sophia herself is a former government consulting Program Manager, but with the children only getting older, bigger, and busier, she is currently a stay-at-home mother. “I've always dreamed of raising my kids just like my mother did with me and my siblings and feel very fortunate and grateful that I was able to be home with JJ and now with Kendall,” Sophia shares.

 

In their free time, Danny enjoys golfing at Woodmont Country Club, while Sophia has taken up Mahjong. They both appreciate the local dining scene, mentioning restaurants like Claudios, Et Viola, Bistro Aracosia, and Sweet Agave. They express gratitude for the community they found at Community Preschool at the Palisades (CPP), where JJ started his schooling. The Grimes value their time spent together, the proximity of Danny’s family in Maryland, and the frequent visits from Sophia’s family. They enjoy attending Washington Capitals and Washington Spirit games and participating in local events. “We feel very lucky that our children get such a great presence of their grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins in their lives,” Sophia said. 

Sophia and Danny are currently working with 4 Brothers Design and Build to make more in their home as they hope to continue growing their family. Times can get busy, but good friends and a good community help those busy days slow down and feel a little lighter. “We are equally grateful for our friends in the neighborhood who are like family. Raising our kids together and going through life's ups and downs with good people make it all the more worth it.”