"Washington is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm." (-John F. Kennedy).
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Welcome to Washington D.C.
Being the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. is obviously a desirable place to live. There are countless famous landmarks, monuments, and structures within the city that have been fascinating Washington D.C. residents and tourists for hundreds of years. However, it’s not just the city’s rich history and culture that draws people here. Washington D.C. is also home to great nightlife, wonderful shopping areas and an eclectic food scene. The thriving economy also provides ample job opportunities. If you are thinking about moving to Washington D.C., then you need to know the key information about the main neighborhoods in the city. This guide will give you a brief rundown of all of the top neighborhoods.
Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan is one of D.C.’s trendiest neighborhoods. Located just north of downtown, this neighborhood is famous for fantastic nightlife and a great string of restaurants and bars along the 18th Street corridor. People who are looking to have a lively night out flock to this area. The shopping is also excellent in this neighborhood. Stylish clothing stores such as Urban Dwell, Commonwealth, and Meeps regularly draw large crowds of shoppers looking for their next great purchase. Yoga is also very popular in this neighborhood and there are many hot yoga and traditional studios in Adams Morgan. Great art galleries and performance spaces, such as the DC Arts Center, round out the area and provide even more entertainment. All-in-all, this is a very exciting, trendy, and lively place to call home.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is the DC neighborhood that’s home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks. For example, the United States Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the U.S. Botanic Garden are all located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. If you want to live in the most historic area of Washington D.C. and the one that has the most political activity, then you should check out this neighborhood. If you’re a young professional looking for a career in politics, you’ll find tons of opportunity here.
Nearly everywhere you walk in this neighborhood, there is a perfect selfie opportunity with a famous landmark in the background. However, this area is also a magnet for tourists. So, if you don’t like to intermingle with tourists on a daily basis, then this might not be the best place for you.
Anacostia
Anacostia is a quaint little neighborhood that can be found on the southeast side of Washington D.C. This neighborhood is quieter than some of the neighborhoods that are in the immediate vicinity of downtown. However, it still has a very rich history and has plenty of things to do and see. In Anacostia, you can find the home of Frederick Douglas, the famous abolitionist. You can also find the Anacostia Community Museum and the Entertainment Sports Arena. The Entertainment Sports Arena is the home venue for the Washington Mystics and the Capital City Go-Go’s. It’s also the practice facility for the Washington Wizards. There are many beautiful bike trails in Anacostia and you can also rent kayaks on the Capitol Riverfront.
Brookland
The Brookland neighborhood of Washington D.C. can be found on the northeast side of the city. This neighborhood is home to Catholic University. It is often referred to as “Little Rome” due to the abundance of churches, chapels, and monasteries that can be found here. The largest Roman Catholic Church in North America can also be found in Brookland. This church is called, “The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.” Brookland is home to many college students and artists.
If you walk down the Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market, you can see the work of local painters, potters, and crafters. This work is quite impressive and you may just find yourself wanting to buy something for your new apartment. If you love breweries, then you will probably also love Brookland because there are some great breweries here, including the Brookland Tasting Room and the Smith Public Trust. Check out this neighborhood if you’re looking for a quieter area to live in.
Downtown
Downtown is one of D.C.’s most popular and important neighborhoods. Yes, the White House is here, but Downtown is home to tons of great attractions. Here you’ll find plenty of high-end restaurants and bars, the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, and the National Museum for Women in the Arts. There is also spectacular shopping in Downtown, D.C., headlined by CityCenterDC. CityCenterDC has tons of high-end clothing and jewelry brands, as well as smaller boutique stores. Essentially, the Downtown area is one of Washington D.C.’s most exciting and busiest neighborhoods. If you like to be in the thick of the action, then this is the spot for you and will provide tons to do.
Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights is a very attractive neighborhood that is located in the northern part of Washington D.C. This neighborhood is a great place for young families, as it’s full of calm, peaceful streets and gorgeous parks. For example, you check out the Meridian Hill Park in Columbia Heights. This scenic park has lots of open green space, as well as water features that will amaze you. There are also many tasty restaurants in Columbia Heights, such as the popular Thip Kao and Bad Saint. The GALA Hispanic theatre and the Mexican Cultural Institute can also be found in Columbia Heights. The diverse neighborhood is an awesome place to call home.
