The Best Neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.

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The Best Neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., the vibrant capital of the United States, is a city renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity, and thriving urban lifestyle. As a prospective resident or someone considering a move, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial. Luckily for you, we here at Bellhops (we’re local movers in Washington, DC, Arlington movers, Fairfax movers, Alexandria movers and movers throughout the country) have done the research for you, and have come up with a list of some of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. To create this list, we looked at some common quality-of-life factors like school quality, average home prices, average rent, and community safety. Let’s dive in and find the perfect place to call home!

This list and our “Best Suburbs of Washington, D.C.,” “The Best Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.,” and our “Best Neighborhoods for Families in Washington, D.C.” lists are more in-depth neighborhood guides meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with links to popular destinations, as well as available houses for sale and apartments for rent.

Looking for Long Distance Washington D.C. Movers?

So you’re interested in moving to D.C.?

Good choice. Few spots in the States have blended rich culture, amazing food, public parks, historical monuments, and renowned museums, as well as D.C. No wonder this city ranks high on the best places to live in the country.

If you’re hoping to find your perfect pocket of the city, this guide is for you. Look below for some helpful details and information on the four best places to live in Washington, D.C.

Georgetown

Located in Northwest D.C., Georgetown is a historic neighborhood renowned for its quiet streets, upscale boutiques, and waterfront views along the Potomac River.

Friendly Factor in Georgetown

Georgetown’s tree-lined streets make it a perfect place to walk the dog, take a stroll, and catch up with your neighbors. Tourist traffic is relatively low outside of the main shopping and dining areas between M St. and the Potomac, the pace of life feels slower in the residential areas here.

Things to Do in Georgetown

The Georgetown restaurant scene is both refined and robust. Belgian beer lovers could go months without having the same beer twice at The Sovereign, Stachowski Market serves sandwiches as big as your head, and dinner at Lutece followed by craft cocktails at L’Annexe rounds out a perfect date night.

Georgetown’s proximity to the water also makes it a great choice for anyone interested in kayaking, racing skulls, or taking sailing lessons with Boating in DC. The C&O Canal trail lures hikers and the occasional angler, too.

Schools in Georgetown

The area also boasts top-rated schools, including Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, Hardy Middle School, Hyde-Addison Elementary, and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

Homes in Georgetown

Living in this highly sought-after neighborhood comes with a higher price tag. The median home price in Georgetown is around $1.6 million, and rental rates are also on the higher side.

The Best Neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. Bellhop Blog

Dupont Circle

Situated in the heart of D.C., Dupont Circle is known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Friendly Factor in Dupont Circle

With Dupont Circle’s outgoing vibe and multicultural vibe, it’s no surprise so many foreign countries chose the area for their embassies. It’s also known as an LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood, and a hive of activity during the city’s Pride festivals.

Things to Do in Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle borders Rock Creek Park, a perfect location for an early morning run or a Sunday bike ride. It’s also packed with culinary and cultural goodness. Grab a sweet treat from Une je ne sais Quoi French patisserie and then admire the architecture of various embassies as you stroll along to the Phillips Collection modern art museum, O Museum in the Mansion, or Dupont Underground . Finish your evening with cocktails at McClellan’s Retreat or a burger at Duke’s Grocery and walk home to rest up so you can do it all again tomorrow!

Schools in Dupont Circle

The school options in Dupont Circle include Fusion Academy and Ross Elementary School, which are highly regarded.

Homes in Dupont Circle

This neighborhood offers a mix of historic row houses and modern apartments. The median home price in Dupont Circle is approximately $455,000, and the rental market is competitive with average rates a little above $2,500 per month.

Capitol Hill

A historic neighborhood located east of landmarks like the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, Capitol Hill offers a blend of established neighborhood charm and modern city living, with its bars, restaurants, and abundant cultural options.

Friendly Factor in Capitol Hill

Despite being named after the seat of our country’s powerful legislative branch, Capitol Hill is a relatively laid-back and family-friendly neighborhood. The rowhomes have tastefully-landscaped small gardens, children ride bikes on red brick sidewalks, and neighbors smile as they walk by with coffee in hand.

Things to Do in Capitol Hill

Rub elbows with Congressional staffers during happy hour at Hawk ‘n’ Dove, savor the upscale fare at Beuchert’s Saloon, and grab a glass at The Eastern Wine Bar. Saturday mornings, be sure to visit the farmer’s market and art vendors at Eastern Market and pick up a bottle for dinner at DCanter Wine Boutique on Barrack’s Row. After your shopping is done, meet friends for a picnic in Lincoln Park while the kids kick a soccer ball, or simply string up a hammock and read that book you just picked up from the used bookstore at Eastern Market.

Schools in Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is home to Maury and Brent elementary schools, as well as the Library of Congress, so educational opportunities abound.

Homes in Capitol Hill

The area features a variety of architectural styles, including charming old row houses and modern condos. The median home price is around $850,000, while the median rent is around $2,650 per month.

Adams Morgan

Famous for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and music venues, Adams Morgan is a diverse and lively neighborhood.

Friendly Factor in Adams Morgan

Adams Morgan is the place to get off your couch and on the move. The area is exceptionally walkable and provides easy access to public transportation. Locals here play pick-up basketball and soccer and there’s no shortage of smiling faces in the cozy coffee shops and music venues.

Things to Do in Adams Morgan

AdMo’s diversity is clearly reflected in the food and drink options available. The Green Zone, specializing in Middle Eastern spirits integrated into cocktails with an American twist, is one of the city’s best bars, and Jack Rose has an astounding 2,600 bottles of Whiskey. Ethiopian, Himalayan, Korean, and countless other cuisines are steps away from anywhere in Adams Morgan. Young professionals love the bargains at legendary dive bar Dan’s Café and the live music and reasonable drinks at Madam’s Organ. Tail Up Goat and Reveler’s Hour offer more upscale options for those looking for a more low-key and high-class evening.

Work off all that food in a stroll around Kalorama Park, or playing basketball, tennis, football and soccer at the Marie Reed Recreation Center.

Schools in Adams Morgan

The school options in Adams Morgan include Oyster-Adams Bilingual School and Marie Reed Elementary School.

Homes in Adams Morgan

Adams Morgan has a range of housing options, but condos and row houses dominate. The median home price is around $565,000, and median rental rates are approximately $2,000 per month.

Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights is one of the hottest neighborhoods in D.C., pulsing with energy from the young, diverse, and culturally inspired residents.

Friendly Factor in Columbia Heights

On Sundays, Meridian Hill Park in Columbia Heights has played host to a community drum circle for over 40 years. The communal and collaborative nature of the festivities set the welcoming tone for this area of Northwest D.C.

Things to Do in Columbia Heights

Here, you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants sharing a block with archetypal dive bars and beer gardens. Hit Lyman’s Tavern for happy hour, dig into Malaysian for dinner at Makan, and then dance the night away at Wonderland Ballroom. Jam out at the aforementioned drum circle on Sundays, and let your green thumb go wild at the Euclid St. community garden.

Schools in Columbia Heights

Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, one of the best public schools in the city, is a highly regarded magnet school at the south end of the neighborhood.

Homes in Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights has its own metro stop, making it easy to commute or access other parts of the city. Columbia Heights is also one of the more financially accessible areas of the city, with a median home price around $700,000. Renters can expect an average price of around $2,200.

Crime and Safety in Washington, D.C.

When it comes to crime statistics, it is important to note that Washington, D.C., like any major city, experiences crime to varying degrees across neighborhoods. Of the five neighborhoods listed here, Georgetown is considered the safest. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) provides detailed crime data on their official website, allowing residents to make informed decisions regarding safety.

There you have it: the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital contains a wide array of diverse and attractive neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and vibe. Whether you prioritize excellent schools, cultural offerings, or a vibrant nightlife, there is a neighborhood in D.C. to suit your preferences. We’ve looked at factors like school quality, average home prices, average rent, and restaurant selection to help you make an informed decision, but ultimately, you’ll find the neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle.

We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. Like we said, we’re local movers in DC, and can coordinate local, long distance DC moves, and last minute moving services in Washington, D.C., and we would love to help. Lastly, if you’re looking to move to a neighboring city such as Baltimore, feel free to give us call as well!

Jean Ilera

City Operations Associate at Bellhop

A multiyear veteran of Bellhop, Jean is known for his fantastic work ethic, cheerful attitude, and big smile. Since moving to the DMV in 2020, Jean has enjoyed meeting new people, exploring food spots, and challenging his buddies to the occasional game of HORSE on the basketball court. Jean is the embodiment of Bellhop's core values, including Servant's Heart; one customer raved, "Jean led an incredible team...they were ultra professional, courteous, and FAST (did I say fast?! Because -- whoa.)"