Washington DC is one of the most famous cities in the country, and every month, 1,000 new people move to the city! If you’re considering a move to Washington, picking the right neighborhood can be a tough decision.
After all, there are over 20 different neighborhoods to explore, not to mention the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia to choose from as well. If you want to be close to the hustle and bustle of the city, living in one of these DC neighborhoods will give you a taste of city life with plenty of things to do.
Keep reading to learn about 3 DC neighborhoods that you are sure to love.
Georgetown
The Georgetown neighborhood, home to Georgetown University, is the oldest neighborhood in DC.
The neighborhood is full of historic row houses, green spaces along the Potomac River, and an eclectic mix of local boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
The higher-end shopping chains along the streets are to die for. If you are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free- you’ll surely find tasty picks.
There’s something for everyone in Georgetown.
How to Get There
Georgetown doesn’t have a ton of Metro stops, so you might have to walk a bit if you go that route. If you take the Metro, that the Blue, Silver, or Orange Line to the Foggy Bottom station and walk west on Pennsylvania Avenue.
You can also take the bus on the Georgetown-Union Station route or the Dupont Circle-Georgetown-Rosslyn route. Georgetown is also incredibly bicycle-friendly, with many bike trails along the C&O Canal, Capital Crescent Trails, and Rock Creek Park Trail.
You’ll also find plenty of bike racks in Georgetown and Capital Bikeshare stations, where you can pick up and drop off a bike as you need it.
What to Do in Georgetown
Once you’re there, you’ll want to know what to do in Georgetown. M Street is best known for its retail options, including high-end shops like Rag and Bone and Bonobos and more affordable options, like the Banana Republic, Loft, and Anthropologie.
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, head down to the Potomac River waterfront. At the waterfront, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to get some exercise while you enjoy views of DC and Northern Virginia.
If you work up an appetite shopping and exploring the Potomac, there are plenty of restaurant options to choose from. Georgetown has over 100 different restaurants- there is no shortage of good food. The choices are diverse and eclectic- there’s something for everyone.
Cathedral Heights
Cathedral Heights is located in the upper northwest corner of the city. This neighborhood is named for its proximity to the National Cathedral (the second-largest cathedral in the U.S.). This is a quiet neighborhood, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Cathedral Heights has a mix of single-family detached homes, apartment buildings, and condo and co-op buildings, providing plenty of options for housing. It’s a very family-friendly neighborhood, with plenty of parks and great schools.
How to Get There
Cathedral Heights doesn’t have a Metro station. So, if you want to take the Metro, you’ll need to take the bus to the Dupont Circle Metro station to access the trains.
The N2, N3, N4, and N6 bus lines also run through or near Cathedral Heights, so you can hop on the bus to get where you need to go as well. It’s also a very walkable part of town, so take a stroll and enjoy the mature trees, green space, and gorgeous homes.
What to Do in Cathedral Heights
Cathedral Heights was once the home of many foreign ambassadors to the U.S., and their large estates make for great sightseeing and exploring. Of course, the National Cathedral can’t be missed. Its architecture will blow your mind, from its over 100 gargoyles and 200+ stained glass windows.
Cathedral Heights also has plenty of options when it comes to dining. Don’t miss pizza at 2 Amys, the always-changing seasonal menu at Chef Geoff’s, or any of the other fantastic restaurants in the area.
Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle, located near central downtown DC, is probably most well-known for Embassy Row, a section of Massachusetts Avenue where many foreign embassies are located.
Aside from that, Dupont Circle is an excellent location to commute to downtown, and it’s also family-friendly, with highly-rated schools, museums, and green space. Housing varies, from single-family homes, condos, and apartments, to sprawling estates.
There are many young professionals living here, as well as young families. It’s a diverse mix and a good fit for anyone looking to live in an urban area.
How to Get There
Dupont Circle is easy to get reach. It’s walkable from downtown, and there’s a Metro stop as well as plenty of buses running through the area. Jump on a bike from the Capital Bikeshare or just walk through the neighborhood, taking in all of the embassies and other urban-living sights.
What to Do in Dupont Circle
There’s plenty to do in Dupont Circle, including shopping, dining, and adventuring. Explore the National Geographic Museum or the Phillips Collection of Modern Art.
Less than 3 miles away is Rock Creek Park, where you can hike, run, bike, play tennis, golf, boat, and even ride horses. Work up an appetite and then enjoy one of the many coffee shops, restaurants, or breweries in Dupont Circle, like Right Prosper Brewing COmpany or Emissary DC.
3 DC Neighborhoods You’re Sure to Love
These neighborhoods offer so much to their residents. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, residential community or a fast-paced urban environment, one of these locations will suit your needs.
If you’re looking for housing in D.C., contact us today. We have apartments all over the city. Let us help you find your next D.C. neighborhood to call home!
