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.
Highlights of the Best DC Neighborhoods
Georgetown: Known as the oldest neighborhood in DC, Georgetown is home to historic row houses, art galleries, and high-end shopping along with local boutiques. The Potomac River waterfront provides opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
How to Get to Georgetown: Georgetown is accessible via the Foggy Bottom Metro station with a short walk, bus routes, and bike trails. It’s a bicycle-friendly area with stations for Capital Bikeshare.
Cathedral Heights: A quieter neighborhood located near the National Cathedral, Cathedral Heights offers a family-friendly environment with parks, good schools, and a mix of housing options including single-family homes and condos.
How to Get to Cathedral Heights: Although there is no Metro station in Cathedral Heights, bus routes (N2, N3, N4, N6) and a walkable neighborhood make it easy to get around.
Dupont Circle: A vibrant neighborhood with a mix of embassies, family-friendly areas, and excellent access to downtown. Dupont Circle offers great restaurants, museums, and green spaces like Rock Creek Park.
How to Get to Dupont Circle: Easily accessible by Metro, bus, or bike, Dupont Circle is centrally located and walkable for a convenient urban experience.
What to Do in Georgetown: M Street offers high-end shopping, while the Potomac waterfront provides opportunities for outdoor activities. Georgetown is also home to over 100 restaurants offering diverse cuisine.
What to Do in Cathedral Heights: Explore the National Cathedral, famous for its architecture, gargoyles, and stained glass. The neighborhood also features former ambassador estates and excellent dining options.
What to Do in Dupont Circle: Visit the National Geographic Museum, Phillips Collection, or enjoy the outdoor spaces in nearby Rock Creek Park. There’s also a vibrant food scene with local coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries.
Ideal Neighborhoods for Various Lifestyles: Georgetown, Cathedral Heights, and Dupont Circle each offer unique experiences, making them great choices for different preferences, whether you’re seeking peace and quiet or a bustling urban environment.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best DC Neighborhoods
What makes Georgetown a unique neighborhood in DC?
Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in DC, home to historic row houses, green spaces along the Potomac River, and a blend of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. The area is known for its high-end shopping and diverse dining options, making it a vibrant place to explore and enjoy.
How can I get to Georgetown?
Georgetown doesn’t have a Metro station, but you can take the Blue, Silver, or Orange Line to the Foggy Bottom station and walk west on Pennsylvania Avenue. Alternatively, you can use bus routes like the Georgetown-Union Station route or the Dupont Circle-Georgetown-Rosslyn route. Georgetown is also very bike-friendly, with bike trails and plenty of bike racks.
What activities can I do in Georgetown?
In Georgetown, you can enjoy shopping along M Street, rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Potomac River waterfront, or indulge in the variety of restaurants offering diverse cuisines. With over 100 dining options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What is Cathedral Heights like?
Cathedral Heights is a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood located near the National Cathedral. It offers a mix of single-family homes, apartment buildings, and condos, along with plenty of green space, parks, and good schools, making it a peaceful place to live away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
How can I get to Cathedral Heights?
Cathedral Heights doesn’t have a Metro station, so you’ll need to take a bus to Dupont Circle Metro Station. Several bus lines, including the N2, N3, N4, and N6, run through or near the neighborhood. The area is also walkable, with mature trees and scenic streets to explore on foot.
What can I do in Cathedral Heights?
Visit the stunning National Cathedral, famous for its gargoyles and stained glass windows. The neighborhood is also home to former ambassador estates, which make for interesting sightseeing. For dining, you can enjoy local spots like 2 Amys for pizza or Chef Geoff’s for a seasonal menu.
What is Dupont Circle known for?
Dupont Circle is known for its cultural attractions, including Embassy Row and its proximity to downtown DC. It’s a diverse neighborhood with a mix of young professionals and families, offering an excellent blend of urban living, green spaces, and cultural institutions.
How can I get to Dupont Circle?
Dupont Circle is easily accessible via the Metro, which has its own station, or by bike or foot from downtown. The area is also well-served by buses, making it convenient to get around. You can also take in the sights of the embassies and urban landscapes as you explore the neighborhood.
What activities can I do in Dupont Circle?
In Dupont Circle, you can explore cultural institutions like the National Geographic Museum or the Phillips Collection of Modern Art. For outdoor activities, visit nearby Rock Creek Park for hiking, biking, and tennis. Afterward, enjoy the vibrant coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries in the area.
