Located on the Potomac River, Washington DC is famously known for its politics, iconic landmarks, museums, and historic buildings. But beyond the prominent political scene, DC is a bustling city that boasts beautiful and diverse architecture, a buzzing nightlife, a vibrant food culture, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene. Green spaces can be found all throughout the city, and each neighborhood has its own unique flare that adds to the charm of the city.
There are many historic, cozy, and charming neighborhoods that make the city of Washington DC what it is today. There are so many, in fact, that you may not know what part of the city to live in. Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Washington, DC or rent an apartment, here’s a guide to help you decide on the best neighborhood in the city for you.
1. Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan is a laid-back and diverse neighborhood known for its nightlife and cultural attractions along 18th Street. The neighborhood is home to many bars, quirky shops, and international restaurants, all of which you can easily walk to as Adams Morgan is the 6th most walkable neighborhood in the city. The area is also home to several embassies and diplomatic residences.
Those living in Adams Morgan tend to be friendly and outgoing, and enjoy the arts and culture that thrives here. The homes in Adams Morgan reflect the diversity of the neighborhood, with a mix of historic and colorfully-painted row houses, apartment buildings, and single-family homes.
Median Sale Price: $685,500
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,436 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,489
Anacostia is a vibrant and historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets and Victorian-style homes. It boasts beautiful views of the Anacostia River and is a neighborhood that all history buffs should be sure to check out. Home to the Anacostia Historic District, there are many historic sites to visit here, such as the Frederick Douglass House, the Anacostia Community Museum, and Fort Ricketts.
After exploring, locals and tourists alike enjoy grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many delicious cafes, or strolling around the neighborhood while enjoying a hot cup of joe. The architecture in Anacostia is some of the most diverse and charming in the city. There are a wide range of home styles, such as Victorian single-family homes, cottages, and more modern designs.
Median Sale Price: $540,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,499 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,672
Bellevue is a residential neighborhood located in Southeast and Southwest DC. There are several green spaces here, such as Fort Greble Park, Oxon Run Park, and Shepherd Parkway. There are many new emerging businesses throughout the community. Most of the houses that can be found in Bellevue are single-family homes.
Median Sale Price: $410,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,320 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,383
Brookland is known for being a friendly and close-knit community where the residents are proud of their neighborhood. Streets are lined with trees and gorgeous historic homes, with plenty of parks and green spaces in the area as well. Some popular spots include Fort Bunker Hill, Taft Field, and Franciscan Monastery Garden.
Brookland offers its residents many things to do and see with its thriving craft brew scene, quirky storefronts, and up-and-coming arts and culture. You can find plenty of these shops and restaurants along 12th Street NE and 8th Street. Brookland has a variety of housing types, but the most common are single-family homes, apartments, and condos.
Median Sale Price: $825,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,750 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,700
Capitol Hill is a bustling and historic neighborhood with a mix of government buildings, historic landmarks, restaurants, and shops. As home to the US Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court, it’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. Capitol Hill offers a variety of restaurants, from casual to high-end dining, as well as many parks and museums, making it a great area for foodies, art lovers, and more.
The area is also well-connected through public transportation and is very walkable with a Walk Score of 88. You’ll find a mix of home types in Capitol Hill, from historic row houses to new construction. There are also many apartments and condos in the area.
Median Sale Price: $900,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,360 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,200
Chevy Chase-DC avoids the hustle and bustle of the city and has a more suburban vibe in comparison to other neighborhoods. The area has a small-town feel because of the number of locally-owned shops and markets, family-owned diners and cafes, and the lack of chain retailers.
Home to parks like Fort Reno Park, Little Forest Park, and Rock Creek Park, this DC neighborhood has plenty to offer its residents. While there are some condos and apartments, Chevy Chase-DC consists mainly of single-family homes in a variety of styles that boast colorful gardens and tidy porches.
Median Sale Price: $1,650,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,699 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,247
Cleveland Park is a quiet and charming residential neighborhood in Washington DC. While the center of the neighborhood, Connecticut Avenue NW, boasts rows of restaurants and shops, the surrounding area is gorgeous and peaceful, with tree-lined streets and historic homes. The Cleveland Park neighborhood is incredibly pet-friendly, with well-maintained sidewalks and several nearby parks.
One of the largest parks in DC, Rock Creek Park, is within walking distance and offers 1,700 acres of trails, open green spaces, the National Zoo, and more. The homes in Cleveland Park are varied in style, from Queen Anne houses to modern bungalows, but most are large single-family homes. There are also a few condo and apartment buildings within the neighborhood that tend to be historic buildings with large lobbies.
Living in Columbia Heights is like living in a small town within a big city – there’s a strong sense of community among residents. The neighborhood is home to many chain and independent shops, locally-owned restaurants serving up diverse fares, and artisan cafes, particularly along 14th Street NW. There’s also a strong arts and culture scene in Columbia Heights, with many murals and public art installations throughout the neighborhood.
With a Walk Score of 96, Columbia Heights is also one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city. Columbia Heights is also a biker’s paradise, so most of the daily errands here could be accomplished by foot or bike. Columbia Heights is a relatively urban neighborhood with new apartment buildings and condos. However, you’ll also find that there are gorgeous historic row homes that have been converted into single-family homes and condos.
Median Sale Price: $672,950
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,553 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,493
Dupont Circle is known for its lively nightlife, diverse restaurants, and abundance of shops, museums, and art galleries. Some popular spots include museums like The Phillips Collection, O Museum in The Mansion, and Heurich House Museum, historic landmarks like the Perry Belmont House, and Larz Anderson House, and venues like Dupont Underground and the DC Comedy Loft, there’s always something to see in Columbia Heights.
Dupont Circle has been a historically significant center of the city’s LGBTW+ community, hosting the annual Pride Parade. The Dupont Circle fountain attracts locals and visitors alike as it’s a great spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, read a book, take your dog for a walk, or people watch.
This neighborhood is a great place to live if you don’t have a car. It’s one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Washington D.C, it has excellent public transportation and is a biker’s paradise with a Bike Score of 96. There are a wide variety of housing styles and options in Dupont Circle. As a historic district, you’ll find various styles of row houses, from Victorian to Queen Anne styles, as well as single-family homes, and mid-rise apartments.
Median Sale Price: $430,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,662 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,232
Located just northeast of downtown, Eckington is known for its beautifully restored row homes and friendly, community-centric atmosphere. This Washington DC neighborhood is great for those that want the conveniences of a large city with an overall small-town feel. Although this area is predominantly residential, there’s plenty to do and see in Eckington, such as catching a performance at Howard Theatre or checking out the nearby National Arboretum.
There’s also several schools in Eckington, ranging from grade school to colleges. The homes in Eckington are a mix of historic row homes and more modern apartments and condos. Many of the row homes have been beautifully restored, and the newer buildings offer a variety of amenities.
Median Sale Price: $672,500
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,194 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,399
Named for the fog that often settles over the Potomac River, Foggy Bottom is a great place to live if you want to be close to the action in the city. The neighborhood is within walking distance of many of D.C.’s attractions, including George Washington University and the Kennedy Center. Foggy Bottom is also an easy neighborhood to get around. It’s the fifth most walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 97. The transportation in Foggy Bottom is excellent as well – there are many metro stations throughout the neighborhood.
The homes in Foggy Bottom are mostly historic row houses that date back to the early 1800s. Many of these homes have been renovated and now feature modern amenities. There are also a few high-rise apartment buildings and condos in the neighborhood.
Median Sale Price: $312,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,625 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,250
Georgetown is a beautiful tree-lined neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, high-end shopping, and being home to some of the best restaurants in town. Also home to many riverfront parks and green spaces like Georgetown Waterfront Park and Dumbarton Oaks Park, there are plenty of great spots to take a stroll, ride a bike, or enjoy a picnic.
The neighborhood blends historic charm with modernism and offers a diverse nightlife scene, from college bars to intimate lounges with live music. Georgetown is also home to a variety of unique museums like Dumbarton Oaks Museum, the Newton D. Baker House, Tudor Place, and the Dumbarton House.
The style of homes and buildings in Georgetown is largely influenced by its history. There are a number of Colonial and Federal style homes and buildings throughout the neighborhood, as well as row homes and townhouses. Since it’s home to Georgetown University, there’s several student housing options and mid-rise apartments.
Median Sale Price: $1,995,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,480 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,763
Glover Park is considered a quiet yet charming neighborhood that has a strong sense of community. Known for its picturesque tree-lined streets with Victorian style homes, many people who live in Glover Park enjoy getting outdoors in one of the many wonderful green spaces and parks. In addition, Glover Park is home to an array of shops, restaurants, and bars. Another perk of living in Glover Park is its proximity to other areas in both D.C. and Virginia, making this neighborhood a great home-base. Glover Park offers convenient apartment and condo living in addition to single-family homes and Victorian row houses.
Median Sale Price: $427,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,870 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,300
H Street-NoMa is a rapidly growing neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere, nightlife, and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. This neighborhood is home to Union Market, which is a food hall and marketplace featuring dozens of curated vendors and eateries. It also hosts several events and live performances throughout the year that locals enjoy. With so many hip bars and local restaurants, H Street-Noma offers plenty of dining and entertainment options for its residents.
H Street-NoMa is the 8th most walkable neighborhood in Washington DC, meaning most daily errands can be accomplished without a car. The transportation here is excellent with Union Station, two Red line Metro stations, VRE, MARC, and many bus lines. Not to mention that with a Bike Score of 96, it’s also a biker’s paradise. Needless to say, getting around H Street-NoMa without a car is a breeze.
Median Sale Price: $980,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,457 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,490
Logan Circle is a great neighborhood to live in if you’re looking for a mix of urban and suburban living. It’s an energetic and diverse community that’s known for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene. There’s also a strong sense of community in Logan Circle, and residents tend to be active in local politics and civic organizations. Home to landmarks like the Watermelon House, Logan Circle park, the Studio Theatre, and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, there’s always something going on in the neighborhood.
Logan Circle is another great Washington DC neighborhood to live in if you don’t have a car. It’s a walker’s paradise, and you can find an average of 17 restaurants and bars within just a five-minute walk. The public transportation in this neighborhood is also great, and it’s one of the most bikeable areas in the city. Many of the homes in Logan Circle are historic row houses, while the apartments tend to be more modern.
Median Sale Price: $767,500
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,571 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,153
Located just south of the U.S. Capitol and along the Anacostia River, Navy Yard has a booming restaurant and bar scene, many parks and walking trails, and historic museums. This vibrant neighborhood is also home to Nationals Park, which brings in a passionate sports fan base scene that adds to the lively energy here.
Navy Yard is rapidly developing with new cafes, eateries, and boutiques constantly being added to the neighborhood. With a Walk Score of 96, it’s easy to get around Navy Yard without a car. There’s also a great public transportation system, and biking around the neighborhood is a breeze.
There are a variety of housing options in Navy Yard, with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious condo with views of the river, a townhouse in a historic building, or an apartment in a modern high-rise, you can find it here. There are also a number of new construction projects underway, so there will be even more options in the future.
Median Sale Price: $557,500
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,625 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,656
Petworth is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in the Northwest area of Washington, DC. The neighborhood is home to a diverse population, and its residents are engaged in the tight-knit community. There are many small businesses along 14th Street NW and Georgia Ave NW, including restaurants, bars, and shops, which contribute to the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere. Additionally, there are several parks and public spaces in Petworth, making it a great place to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air.
There is a variety of housing available in Petworth, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The prices of housing will vary depending on the size and location of the property. However, generally speaking, the cost of living in Petworth is relatively affordable when compared to other neighborhoods in the city.
Median Sale Price: $787,500
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,128 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,582
Shaw is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington DC, but it’s one of the hippest and trendiest. Foodies come here for the varied and eclectic food scene, as there’s something for everyone, regardless of what their taste in food is. There’s also pet-friendly breweries, quaint plant shops, and trendy cafes serving up tasty treats and coffee.
Shaw is an exciting area full of culture, which is why many people enjoy this neighborhood. The area has a variety of museums and historic sites like the Howard Theatre, DC Firehouse 4, and the African American Civil War Museum.
Shaw is an excellent neighborhood to live in if you’d prefer to get around without a car. Not only is it a walker’s paradise, it’s also a biker’s paradise, with a perfect Bike Score of 100. This means there’s wonderful infrastructure in place, such as designated bike lanes, to easily get around by bike. Shaw also has several bus lines that run through it and connect the neighborhood to the rest of the city. As with many of the other neighborhoods in DC, you’ll find a mix of single-family homes with newer construction apartments and condos here. Shaw also has unique loft-style living.
Southwest Waterfront is a vibrant, diverse, and historic neighborhood located on the banks of the Potomac River. This urban area has evolved into a place of entertainment and a foodie haven that offers waterfront living and ample green spaces. Southwest Waterfront is often referred to as The Wharf, and the neighborhood is known for its luxury apartment buildings, thriving restaurant scene, and abundance of activities. From an 18-hole golf course and the Rubell Museum DC to live music venues like The Anthem, Southwest Waterfront is one of the most energetic neighborhoods in Washington DC.
Southwest Waterfront is another fantastic place to live if you want to be able to get around without a car. The public transportation is excellent, and it’s also a biker’s paradise, with a Bike Score of 93. Those living in Southwest Waterfront can walk to dozens of restaurants and shops in just 5 minutes. Southwest Waterfront is known for its new construction apartment complexes and condos, as well as modern townhomes.
Median Sale Price: $600,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,375 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,340
Known for its history as a center of African American culture and its engrained music scene, especially jazz, this neighborhood is one of the most upbeat parts of the city with something always going on. U-Street, also called Cardozo, is also home to eclectic shops and restaurants and is one of the most accessible neighborhoods to get around in Washington DC. With murals throughout the neighborhood and plenty of trendy bars and lounges, many appreciate the culture and unique atmosphere of the neighborhood.
U-Street is also the most walkable neighborhood in DC. You can walk to about 27 restaurants, cafes, and bars within just 5 minutes, on average. With several bus lines throughout and a nearby metro station, public transportation is a convenient option in this neighborhood. Not to mention, it’s a biker’s paradise with a Bike Score of 99. U-Street consists mainly of large new condos and lofts, as well as row homes that are typically made of brick with small porches and yards.
Median Sale Price: $685,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,935 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,181
West End is a modern neighborhood that’s home to some of the finest dining in the city. It’s conveniently located near many other areas of Washington DC, making it a great home base. There are several cafes in the area, and it’s home to several high-end hotels, although West End tends to be a relatively quiet neighborhood compared to others in Washington DC. The area is home to a variety of hotels since it’s so closely connected to other areas of the city. In terms of housing, West End has many condos and newer apartment buildings that offer an array of amenities.
Median Sale Price: $662,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,785 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $5,378
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during October 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com during October 2024. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during October 2024.
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Serving homebuyers and sellers in the DC area, Andre Margutti is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater DC area, Andre Margutti possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market.
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