Washington, D.C. Neighborhood Guides
District of Columbia
About
Welcome to the Nation's capital! Washington, DC, represents the hub of all American politics, policy-making, and lobbying. This is the epicenter of the entire National Capital Region, and all roads seem to lead here. D.C. abounds with history, cultural opportunities, theaters, museums, festivals, political events, restaurants, and nightlife. It reflects the tremendous diversity in population, interests, and culture that makes America unique. The city is roughly divided into four quadrants, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast. (Pay close attention to those address designations when traversing the city!) Each area of the city has its own unique culture and considerations for those looking for homes.
Neighbors
The variety of people you'll find within D.C. is almost impossible to describe. Some neighborhoods are swanky and affluent, home to the Nation's most powerful and influential people. Other neighborhoods are populated with students and young professionals trying to work their way up the D.C. ladder. Still, others reflect the region's history and display its vibrant culture.
Commute
Public transit is easily accessible from nearly everywhere in D.C. If there isn't a Metro station within walking distance, bus lines are plentiful. Some parts of the city areas also have streetcars, water taxis, and bike-share services. Tech rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are also abundant!
Schools
Schools are operated by the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and the Washington Latin Public Charter schools in Northwest D.C.
Lotteries are available for preschool programs (3- and 4-year-olds), out-of-boundary schools K-12 (those outside your zone), selective high schools, and charter schools. Spots fill up, so enroll as soon as the lottery opens in their online system.
Military families may apply for the DCPS Lottery by working with your School Liaison Officer (SLO) before you have orders. We suggest discussing school options with the SLO, particularly for middle/high schoolers, and if you have a gifted child with an IEP or other specific needs.
D.C. preschools are publicly funded (FREE) and fill quickly. Enrolling early in a preschool or Child Development Center (CDC) near your home is recommended because bus transportation is unavailable at this age.
Northwest D.C.
About
Northwest is D.C.'s largest and most "postcard-worthy" area. Extending north of the National Mall and west from North Capitol Street (the street that extends from the Capitol Building), Northwest is home to many of the District's wealthier neighborhoods. The restaurants are world-class, the shopping rivals any other metropolitan city, the history is inspiring, and there's a story on every corner. The variety of people you'll find in Northwest D.C. is almost impossible to describe. Some neighborhoods are swanky and affluent, home to the nation's most powerful and influential people. Other areas are populated with students and young professionals trying to work their way up the D.C. ladder. Singles and young couples love Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Penn Quarter for the social scene.
Big Plus
Because of the international diversity of D.C., you can find ethnic food from around the globe in addition to boutique cupcakeries, dive diners, celebrity chef powerhouses, and everything in between, in any price range.
Visitors flock to Northwest neighborhoods for the shopping and social scene. It's all here - boutiques with couture clothing, bespoke suits, luxury designers, department stores, farmers' markets, and even flea markets with funky vintage finds.
Parks and green spaces are in high demand because of D.C.'s active and outdoorsy residents and are plentiful in the Northwest.
Things to Consider
Northwest is expensive. More affordable neighborhoods are in other quadrants of D.C., but Northwest typically gets all the love.
Do your research on schools, as there are so many options. Your installation's School Liasion Office (SLO) is a great resource.
Buying or renting a home sight unseen is not recommended; you'll want to get a feel for the neighborhood before you move here.
Commute
Public transit is easily accessible from nearly everywhere in the Northwest. Bus lines are plentiful if there isn't a Metro station within walking distance, or you can just grab a bike from the bike share rack! Northwest is very walkable, so ditch one (or both) cars and embrace the public transit system.
Points of Interest
National Cathedral
The White House
Smithsonian National Zoo
Rock Creek Park
Southwest D.C.
About
Southwest is the smallest of Washington, D.C.'s quadrants, but if you've visited the Nation's Capital, you've probably been there. The boundaries of Southwest extend from the axis of the Capitol Building west for the entire length of the National Mall and south to include Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling across the river. Southwest is one of the more historic areas in the District, with some homes dating back to the 1700s. This history collides with the new waterfront development that will likely be one of the hottest new neighborhoods in D.C. This represents a broader transition from being an often-overlooked area to an active, thriving, urban community with street-level shops and eclectic residents.
Big Plus
Ideal location for those reporting to Fort McNair, but larger families tend to migrate to Northern Virginia in search of more space.
Stunning views of the Potomac River abound, and residents love being within walking distance of the National Mall.
Southwest is a great location. You're close to all of the beloved attractions at and near the National Mall, just a bridge away from Old Town Alexandria, and not far from Arlington.
Things to Consider
Buying or renting a home sight unseen is not recommended; you'll want to get a feel for the neighborhood before you move here.
Until the new developments are completed, there's limited inventory available.
Areas near the National Mall are tourist-heavy, with abundant monuments and attractions, but the crowds of visitors thin out dramatically as you travel south.
Commute
Public transit is incredibly accessible from the Southwest Waterfront. The Waterfront Metro Station (Green and Yellow lines), L'Enfant Plaza (Green, Blue, Orange, Yellow, and Silver), and Federal Center (Silver, Blue, and Orange) are all nearby. It's only 4.5 miles away from Reagan National Airport, and Union Station is easily accessible as well.
Points of Interest
Smithsonian National Museums
Washington Monument
Lincoln Memorial
Thomas Law House
St. Dominic's Church
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
Maine Avenue Fish Market
Northeast D.C.
About
Northeast is a much-overlooked quadrant of D.C. with many up-and-coming neighborhoods with affordable homes, condos, and plenty of fixer-uppers in transitioning neighborhoods. Hipster destinations like NoMa (North of Massachusetts Ave.) and the H Street Corridor are trendy locales with nightlife, more affordable housing, and easy Metro access. The northern part of Capitol Hill lies within the Northeast boundary as well. The area is rich in African-American history, and some areas east of the Anacostia River have morphed from plantations into some of the city's first majority African-American communities. There are many gems to be discovered in Northeast!
Big Plus
You can find an affordable home here, especially if you're interested in a rehab property. Single-family, detached homes are also reasonably common but can need some TLC.
Artsy, energetic, and quirky vibes exist in several Northeast neighborhoods-particularly near the H Street Corridor and the Atlas District. Young singles love the area for its nightlife and chill personality.
The rail hub, Union Station, makes trips up and down the Eastern Seaboard convenient.
Things to Consider
Retail, restaurants, and amenities are thin but improving.
Neighborhoods nearest the Metro stations are getting the most attention in revitalization efforts. Be sure you know how far your public transit options are from any home you're considering.
There is a lottery for D.C. schools if your neighborhood school doesn't excite you. However, that means you could spend a good portion of your day driving your kids to and from school.
Commute
The new D.C. Streetcar adds another way of getting around, in addition to the Metro rail and bus systems, bike shares, and Ubers aplenty. If you're in some of the outer neighborhoods that border Maryland, you may need a car to get around-primarily due to the lack of retail.
Points of Interest
U.S. Capitol Building
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Supreme Court
Catholic University of America
National Arboretum
Southeast D.C.
About
Southeast D.C. is the area south of East Capitol Street and east of South Capitol Street (think of the Capitol Building as the center point of a compass). It continues beyond the Anacostia River and includes the area known as "East of the River." Southeast has a vibrant culture and has undergone significant revitalization over the past few decades. As with any urban city, you'll find pockets of crime and areas with bad reputations, but we encourage you to look past that. There are many new high-rise buildings near the water, and the Capitol Hill neighborhood has quaint, tree-lined streets with pricey rowhomes and local shops on every corner. The construction of Nationals Park in 2008, home to the Washington Nationals professional baseball team, has helped the area tremendously by attracting restaurants, grocers, parks, and public-use amenities to the Southeast Riverfront.
Big Plus
Southeast is home to a gorgeous riverfront, abundant public spaces, and parks with a young vibe and an active culture.
Two fantastic parks, Yards Park and Capitol Park are right on the river and are constantly abuzz with activity.
The Eastern Market is a trendy food and arts market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, and it lies only a mile north of the Navy Yard.
Things to Consider
Areas near the National Mall are tourist-heavy with the abundance of monuments and attractions, but the crowds of visitors thin out dramatically as you travel south.
Buying or renting a home sight unseen is not recommended; you'll want to get a feel for the neighborhood before you move here.
There is a lottery for D.C. schools if your neighborhood school doesn't excite you. However, that means you could spend a good portion of your day driving your kids to and from school.
Commute
Transit options are many, with the Navy Yard Metro Station, bus service, and the Circulator bus to connect to Union Station and Capitol Hill. There's even a water taxi!