Moving to Washington, DC is a great choice for people from all walks of life thanks to the city’s cultural diversity, historic charm, and variety of amenities. These are the five best places to live in Washington, DC!
Adams Morgan
- Home Price: $529,538 median purchase price; $1,803 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of Washington, DC neighborhoods
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families
One of the best places to live in DC is Adams Morgan! With a blend of modern apartments and historic rowhomes, this Capital City neighborhood offers many living options for residents. Those looking to plant roots and start a family are also drawn to this area, as it’s near well-rated DC schools in the area like H.D. Cooke Elementary School, and provides plenty of family-friendly fun with regular gatherings like Adams Morgan Movie Nights and the Adams Morgan Farmers Market. Not to mention—Adams Morgan is in close proximity to annual community events in DC like Adams Morgan Day, and a free, outdoor concert series known as AdMo Vibe held at Kalorama Park during August! Plus, the 18th Street corridor is a busy hub of DC nightlife and entertainment, with local cafes, diverse restaurants, active bars, and other fun things to do in Adams Morgan. To top it off, this active, walkable DC neighborhood boasts a vibrant arts scene spanning everything from live music venues to art galleries! Immerse yourself in programs like the Mural Arts Program or ArtsAdvance: Career Studios at the Sitar Arts Center. Browse exhibitions centered around social justice in the community art gallery at The Festival Center. Hang out on the green space or take advantage of the basketball courts at Kalorama Recreation Center. Searching for the best restaurants in Adams Morgan? Sample Japanese breakfast dishes like Housemade Nuka Zuke, Dashi Maki Tamago, or Vegetable Agedashi at Perry’s Restaurant. Order Pakowra, Lamb Shank, or Sambosa Trio at the authentic Afghani restaurant, Lapis. Or find delicious options for vegetarian food in DC like Spinach Rice, Saag Chana, or Aloo Gobi at VEGZ.
Capitol Hill
- Home Price: $587,596 median purchase price; $1,615 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 24% of Washington, DC neighborhoods
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families
If you’re looking for a tight-knit, historic neighborhood in Washington, DC, consider living in the residential area of Capitol Hill! One of the best neighborhoods in the metro, it provides a good blend of urban amenities, from quiet green spaces—like Garfield Park and Folger Park—to vibrant restaurants and nightlife. It’s easy to get around and explore Capitol Hill, thanks to accessible public transportation like the train lines at Congress Heights Union Station, metro stations like Capitol South, and great walkability and bikeability. Young professionals interested in political jobs will appreciate the close proximity to government buildings on The Hill, including the United States Capitol and Library of Congress. Families can enjoy great DC schools like Brent Elementary School, Peabody Elementary School, Capitol Hill Day School, and more. And everyone can choose from a variety of housing options, like rowhouses, Greek Revival, and Federal homes. Discover the eclectic charm of Barracks Row, one of the oldest active Marine Corps installations in the U.S., during events like Live on the Hill and First Fridays on Barracks Row. Shop for local produce with neighbors during weekend Farmers Markets at Eastern Market, a cultural hub for residents of Capitol Hill. Catch performances of top plays like Metamorphoses, explore native plants in the gardens, or peruse books dating back to the 15th century at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Snack on a Mexican Bowl, Al Pastor Burritos, or Avocado Salad Con Carnitas for lunch at Paraiso Taqueria. Feast on Grilled Salmon, a Shroom Burger, or a Philly Steak Sandwich while enjoying late-night jazz in DC at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant. Or sip Friends-themed cocktails like We Were On A Break or Ursula and snack on Short Ribs Sliders on Betsy DC‘s garden-style rooftop.
Dupont Circle
- Home Price: $522,360 median purchase price; $1,905 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 26% of Washington, DC neighborhoods
- Best For: Singles, young professionals
Whether strolling through its leafy avenues or exploring its unique boutiques, cafes, and dive bars, Dupont Circle provides a charming place to live in Capital City. A highly walkable area, Dupont Circle attracts residents and visitors alike with its picturesque brick rowhouses, Modern and Victorian-style townhomes, and apartments, community events like the Dupont Circle Farmers Market and First Friday Dupont, and its access to Embassy Row. This DC neighborhood attracts young adults with its support of LGBTQ+ businesses, including gay bars in DC, vibrant events like the annual 17th Street High Heel Race, and short distance to resources like The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. Looking for more things to do in one of the best neighborhoods in DC for young professionals? Explore iconic DC museums in the area like The Phillips Collection, Larz Anderson House, Heurich House Museum, the Chinese American Museum DC. Become involved with the arts in DC by checking out rotating exhibits like Marmo | Marble. Carving The Future or attending monthly events like Drag Underground at Dupont Underground. Take sketch classes, participate in trivia nights, or catch performances by comedy acts at the DC Improv Comedy Club. Go out for breakfast in DC and order a Red Smoothie, Buttermilk Waffle, or Scrambled Tofu Toast at Lyle’s Restaurant & Bar. Savor a French Cheese Plate, Homardine, Steak Tartare, and other French dishes at Bistrot du Coin. Or head to a local Mexican restaurant in DC and enjoy Chicharrones, Fried Plantain, or Chile Relleno at Amparo Fondita.
Foggy Bottom
- Home Price: $364,920 median purchase price; $1,751 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Washington, DC neighborhoods
- Best For: Students, singles, young professionals
For students and young professionals living in Washington, DC and seeking a laid-back atmosphere while still being close to the action, Foggy Bottom is a great choice. This safe, affordable DC neighborhood boasts modern condos, luxury lofts, and affordable apartments alongside historic homes. Nestled amongst by institutions like George Washington University and landmarks like the National Mall encourage students to get involved by hosting community events like basketball games, dinners, barbecues, and more. To top it off, the Arts Club of Washington creates a space for community connection and creativity with events in Foggy Bottom like book clubs, concert series, and more. Bike or hike in the nearby Rock Creek Trail for a green escape from the urban hustle. Get some friends together and rent a boat from the Thompson Boat Center to set sail on the Potomac River. Devour a Goat Cheese Burger, Skillet Cornbread, Yankee Pot Roast, and other farm-to-table American dishes at Founding Farmers DC. Dine on refined, seasonally changing menu items like Roasted Bone Marrow, Burrata Panzanella Salad, or Maryland Crab Cake at Kingbird. Or catch up with friends over Bison Tots, Bernie Pizza, and Taco Mac from local favorite, Tonic At Quigley’s.
Southwest Waterfront
- Home Price: $376,320 median purchase price; $1,426 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 18% of Washington, DC neighborhoods
- Best For: Families, retirees
Stunning views and a serene ambience complemented by a vibrant lifestyle makes Southwest Waterfront perfect for anyone deciding where to live in DC! While retirees are drawn to the golfing opportunities in DC just across the Washington Channel, families appreciate easy access to great schools like Jefferson Middle School Academy and Amidon-Bowen Elementary School. And with Nationals Park just beyond the neighborhood, residents have easy access to MLB games. Not to mention, Southwest Waterfront’s art scene attracts residents and visitors of all ages thanks to Culture House DC, Rubell Museum DC, and ARTECHOUSE DC, and its outdoor recreation in the Potomac River, with Southwest Waterfront Park, King-Greenleaf Recreation Center, Benjamin Banneker Park, and more. Embark on a scenic boat ride along the river aboard a water taxi, enjoy over 17 acres of green space, or mingle with neighbors during community events like Pride on the Pier, Rock The Dock, and more at The Wharf. Shop for fish at one of the oldest fish markets, the Municipal Fish Market. Catch touring artists and bands like Bleachers and Faye Webster at The Anthem or attend annual music events like ROAMSTOCK at Pearl Street Warehouse. Take in views of the waterfront while enjoying Mediterranean dishes like Arancini or Lamb Chops and sipping a Fire On Floor cocktail at La Vie. Chow down Lomein, Miso Ramen, or Ginger Salad at MOMO Chicken & Grill. Or meet up with friends and share Oysters on The Half Shell, Hushpuppies, and more at Hank’s Oyster Bar.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
