So, you’re considering a move to Washington, DC, the fourth-highest-ranking U.S. city in terms of cost of living. With the median home price in Washington DC sitting at an exorbitant $615,000, you’ll want to choose your neighborhood carefully (to make that hefty investment worthwhile).
If you’re only in the market to rent–let’s say you’re planning to attend Georgetown or the University of Maryland–renting an apartment in a quiet neighborhood could be a priority. After all, you wouldn’t want heavy traffic or other sounds of the city to interfere with your study sessions.
Whatever the case, don’t assume every neighborhood in the Washington DC area offers the amenities. Do a deep dive into the best neighborhoods in Washington DC, and evaluate the pros and cons of each.
What Are the Best Places to Live in DC?
Capitol Hill
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- Rent Price: $1,200 – $2,000
- Home Sale Price: $30,000 – $4.2 million
- Location: Southeast Quadrant of D.C., near the Capitol Building
- Ideal For: Families, Young Professionals, college students
- Points of Interest: Supreme Court, US Botanic Garden, National Mall,
- Pros: Historic charm, proximity to Capitol Hill, family-friendly
- Cons: Competition for Housing, limited parking
Capitol Hill exudes historic charm with tree-lined streets and iconic architecture. It’s ideal for families seeking a safe, community-oriented environment. Students and young professionals will also appreciate its proximity to government offices.
Eastern Market, a historic public market, has been a cornerstone of the Capitol Hill community since 1873, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods.
This neighborhood is also home to the Library of Congress, adorned with gilt murals in the 1897 Thomas Jefferson building. A stone’s throw away from the National Mall, it’s a go-to place for history buffs to immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage.
Capitol Hill is a diverse community housing educational institutions like Gonzaga College High School and George Washington University.
U Street Corridor
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- Rent Price: $2,500 – $3,500
- Home Sale Price: $180,000 – $3 million
- Location: Northwest D.C., stretching from 9th Street NW to 18th Street NW
- Ideal For: Young Professionals, students
- Points of Interest: Historic 9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Meridian Hill Park
- Pros: Rich cultural history, energetic nightlife, eclectic dining options
- Cons: limited parking, can be noisy
Once known as the “Black Broadway” during the early to mid-20th century, U Street has been a historic hub for African American culture, music, and activism. It’s a magnet for young professionals seeking an energetic atmosphere, with its plethora of music venues and diverse dining choices.
The iconic 9:30 Club, a historic music venue, hosts a variety of performances, while the Lincoln Theatre has a rich history in Black American performing arts. Whether you’re craving soul food, Italian, or Ethiopian cuisine, U Street Corridor has got you covered.
Its proximity to vibrant areas like LeDroit Park, and Mt. Vernon Square, as well as cultural venues like The Howard Theatre and Bohemian Caverns, enhances its appeal.
Georgetown
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- Rent Price: $2,500 – $5,000
- Home Sale Price: $85,000 – $14 million
- Location: Northwest D.C., along the Potomac River
- Ideal For: Families, Young Professionals, students
- Points of Interest: Georgetown University, M Street, Martin’s Tavern, C&O Canal
- Pros: Historic charm, waterfront views, upscale shopping and dining
- Cons: limited parking, can be touristy
Georgetown in Washington, DC, offers a unique blend of history, luxurious homes, and beautiful waterfront views. Families appreciate its top-rated schools, while young professionals are drawn to the vibrant dining scene and close proximity to downtown.
Known for its cobblestone streets and Federal-style architecture, Georgetown is brimming with historic buildings and structures.
Popular points of interest include Georgetown University, known for its academic excellence and historic campus–as well as M Street, a bustling hub spotted with high-end shops, restaurants, and lively bars. With the Potomac River nearby, you’ll also be able to enjoy the waterfront dining options the area has to offer.
Not to mention, the Georgetown Waterfront Park is perfect for kayaking, jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying a live music show while savoring a drink. Plus, the neighborhood is compact enough to explore on foot, adding charm and appeal.
Logan Circle
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- Rent Price: $2,000 – $5,000
- Home Sale Price: $42,000 – $4.5 million
- Location: Northwest D.C., centered around the traffic circle at 13th Street NW and P Street NW, positioned slightly northeast of the White House
- Ideal For: Young Professionals
- Points of Interest: Logan Circle Park, ChurchKey, Le Diplomate
- Pros: Trendy atmosphere, diverse dining options
- Cons: Limited parking, higher rent prices, can be crowded
At the epicenter of Washington DC’s14th Street, Logan Circle attracts young professionals with its trendy ambiance. The Logan Circle Park is a focal point surrounded by historic row houses and a popular relaxing spot for locals. With Mexican cuisine at El Centro DF, pizza at Etto’s, and more, this neighborhood offers diverse culinary experiences.
Also, The Studio Theatre is a prominent cultural venue known for hosting contemporary plays and performances. Logan Circle hosts various community events, including the annual Logan Circle Holiday House Tour. This tour provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the neighborhood’s historic homes.
Adams Morgan
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- Rent Price: $2,000 – $6,000
- Home Sale Price: $50,000 – $3 million
- Location: Northwest D.C., centered around 18th Street NW and Columbia Road NW
- Ideal For: Young Professionals
- Points of Interest: Line Hotel, Perry’s Restaurant, Tryst
- Pros: Eclectic atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, diverse cultural scene
- Cons: Noise, parking challenges, can be crowded on weekends
Adams Morgan is conveniently located near Columbia Heights and Dupont Circle metro stations, ensuring easy commuting. It’s renowned for its diverse culture and vibrant nightlife. 18th Street NW, in particular, is a hub of bars, clubs, and live music venues, making this area perfect for entertainment lovers. For those who love arts and cultural events, Adams Morgan is a great fit, thanks to its close proximity to the DC Arts Center.
This area also stands out for its diverse mix of historic townhouses. As an Adams Morgan resident, you’ll be able to attend the annual Adams Morgan Day, a neighborhood festival that showcases the area’s diverse culture through music, dance, art, and food. If you live in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, you’ll be able to sample the local dining scene and visit renowned restaurants like Perry’s Restaurant and Lapis.
NoMa
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- Rent Price: $2,000 – $3,500
- Home Sale Price: $490,000 – $1.7 million
- Location: Downtown DC, adjacent to Union Station
- Ideal For: Young Professionals, families
- Points of Interest: Union Market, Gallaudet University, Smithsonian National Postal Museum
- Pros: Rapid development, proximity to transportation hubs, growing culinary scene
- Cons: Limited green spaces, ongoing construction, less historical charm
NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) is a rapidly developing area in Washington, DC, with contemporary apartment buildings and office spaces springing up at rapid speeds. NoMa is particularly appealing to young professionals due to its modern developments.
While known for its urban environment, NoMa is relatively limited in terms of large green spaces. Residents often utilize nearby parks like Union Square and the Metropolitan Branch Trail for outdoor activities.
When living in NoMa, you can visit the Union Market, offering a diverse range of gourmet vendors, artisanal products, and a lively atmosphere.
This neighborhood is also home to Gallaudet University, a distinguished academic institution that caters to deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Located adjacent to Union Station, one of the city’s major transportation hubs, NoMa enjoys excellent connectivity. Residents have easy access to Metro, Amtrak, and commuter rail services.
Summary
Once you’ve landed on the best Washington DC neighborhood for you and have officially prepared for your relocation, you may find that the cost of living is higher in Washington, DC, than your current city of residence. As of recent states, the cost of living in Washington, DC, is 39% higher than the national average.
With this in mind, you are probably looking for ways to reduce costs. You can achieve this by downsizing or reducing recurring expenses like monthly storage costs. With either option, Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, can help. Neighbor is the only storage provider offering safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage units in all 50 states, so you can find the right one where you need it.
