DC Neighborhoods

Adams Morgan

Located in Northwest DC about 1.5 miles north of the White House, Adams Morgan is known for its laid-back ambience, active nightlife scene, and famous 18th Street row of numerous restaurants, bars, and quirky retail shops.

If you were around 20 years ago, you might have known Adams Morgan as a “party neighborhood.” Back in the good old days, bars and restaurants along the main corridor would stay open until 2 or 3 a.m. and the streets were loud and raucous. While remnants of that old AdMo still exist (all hail Jumbo Slice!), for better or worse, the neighborhood is much quieter now.  The area architecture is diverse and lovely- with beaux arts estates converted to condominiums and modern architecture with tons of light.  

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American University Park

American University Park is along the Northwest border of DC and Maryland, anchored by the prestigious American University to the south. It is just Northwest of Embassy Row, although some embassies can be found in the neighborhood. Often referred to as AU Park, the small neighborhood is almost wholly residential. It was one of the first residential developments in DC to be designed for car traffic, though there are no driveways, bringing residents out to interact with one another.

AU Park consists of somewhat small, colonial style single-family houses with back allies and interconnected yards. The small homes allow residents to get creative with renovations and expansions, but also draws families out of the house bringing the community together. Despite AU Park’s proximity to the major university, it doesn’t attract rowdy events or crowds, but the neighborhood’s children can always be found playing games outside.

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Anacostia

East of the Anacostia River is the historic neighborhood of Anacostia, one of DC’s older neighborhoods and a hotspot of local African American history and culture. This vibrant and artsy neighborhood has superb restaurants and important cultural attractions such as abolitionist Fredrick Douglass’ former home, the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, and the Anacostia Arts Center.

Anacostia offers ample green space, with 1200-acre Anacostia Park running alongside the Anacostia River. The neighborhood is directly across the river from Washington Navy Yard, a fast-growing community, as well as the Nationals baseball stadium. Anacostia represents some of the more affordable properties in the DC Metro area. If you visit be sure to check out The Big Chair - just down from Busboys and Poets. 

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Brightwood

Brightwood is a serene Northwest DC neighborhood with mostly residential homes. It is unique because its boundaries are unclear, even for longtime occupants, but all are certain it guarantees peace and quiet. Brightwood does not have bars or cafés, and has few restaurants, which provides the quiet atmosphere. The closest metro station is about a mile away, but there is a bus line that allows some walkability in the neighborhood. 

Brightwood is mostly residential with single family homes lining the streets. Most residents are deep-rooted professionals, who are now retired and turning over the homes for sale or rent, sure to jumpstart a wave of interest in this affordable up-and-coming real estate. The area consists of many duplexes, houses and condos that don’t look like much at first sight but have been well maintained and have solid foundations for future renovations.

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Brookland

The Northeast neighborhood of Brookland offers an emerging arts district, quiet tree-lined streets, and plenty of green space. The area has been dubbed “Little Rome” due to its housing the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America along with the Catholic University of America and other churches, chapels, and monasteries.  

In recent years, Brookland has been recognized for its growing creative scene– with artsy street markets, performance spaces, impressive murals, and local artisans selling their art, pottery, clothing, and other handmade goods. As the area increases in popularity, restaurants, breweries, and bars are popping up– along with newly constructed condo developments and freshly renovated single-family homes. Brookland is along one of the main bike commuter routes, a compelling feature for buyers.

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Capitol Hill

As the name might imply, the Capitol Hill neighborhood surrounds the United States Capitol. It’s the largest historic residential neighborhood in DC and one of the most densely populated. It’s a unique and desirable place to live, with close proximity to regal government buildings, gorgeous and historic rowhouses, and a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene.

Check out Beuchert’s Saloon (currently fight club) for fantastic food and drinks, and Little Pearl at the Hill House– a high-end restaurant by night and posh coffee shop and coworking spot by day. The labyrinth game shop is always worth a visit, as is Biker Barre– the best cycle and barre studio in DC (formerly owned by Katie, co-partner here at Collective Property Consultants ;)

Columbia Heights

Located in Northwest DC bordering the U Street Corridor, Columbia Heights is a diverse and fast-growing neighborhood with a rich history and a growing arsenal of major retailers and a bustling restaurant scene. The neighborhood was home to famous jazz musician Duke Ellington and sits up on a hill, so rooftops here offer a panoramic view of downtown DC.

Columbia Heights is undergoing a surge of new development, with a wave of freshly renovated single-family homes and newly built condos hitting the market. It’s become a true melting pot of cultures and people from all walks of life, from young professionals and first-time buyers to families seeking an affordable and vibrant neighborhood with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Downtown DC (Penn Quarter and Chinatown)

The exact definition of Downtown DC is up for debate, with no official government designation of neighborhood boundaries. To us, the area encompasses the central business district in the northwest quadrant of the city, including Mount Vernon, Gallery Place China Town, Metro Center, and Foggy Bottom.

What’s not up for debate is the desirability, prestige, and professional convenience of living in or near the Downtown DC area. This cosmopolitan neighborhood offers a blend of iconic museums, luxury retail shopping, and important landmarks such as the White House. The area is popular with well-to-do families and professionals who work in the busy Downtown DC district.

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Dupont Circle

Just north of the White House is Dupont Circle - a neighborhood, park, traffic circle, and historic district. The area is characterized by its sophisticated air, concentration of government embassies and think tanks, and plenty of high-end shopping, dining, and sights. The iconic Dupont Circle fountain is one of DC’s most beloved landmarks. 

While Dupont is doubtlessly a sophisticated area, it’s also known to be welcoming, friendly, and inclusive. The area hosts the annual Pride Parade, with 17th street known for its plethora of LGBTQ-owned businesses. Dupont’s eclectic dining scene offers international flavors while the year-round Dupont farmers’ market is one of the most frequented in the District.

Foggy Bottom

Located west of the White House and Downtown DC, Foggy Bottom is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the district and a center for academia, government, and business. The U.S. State Department sits in Foggy Bottom, as does George Washington University (GWU) and the iconic Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

With so much to offer, residents of Foggy Bottom are as diverse as the area itself, with many colleges and medical students as well as families and young professionals working in the surrounding area. Bordering DC’s famous Rock Creek Park– a 2,100-acre greenspace– Foggy Bottom also offers ample natural beauty, biking, and running trails.

Fort Totten/Queens Chapel

Fort Totten is located in Northeast DC and earns its name from the fort built on the high point of the Northern Defense during the Civil War. The remains of the Fort still remain, although the calm residential neighborhood isn’t a tourist destination.

Fort Totten today is composed of more affordable row homes and houses than most of DC. With North Capital Street, a main artery of DC, running through Fort Totten directly to the Capitol building, getting around is easy as can be. Not to mention, the creation of the Fort Totten metro station has sparked developments in the form of apartment buildings and condominiums, along with shopping centers, notable restaurants, and a swanky brewery and distillery scene.

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Georgetown

Located just west of Foggy Bottom, Georgetown is a colorful and vibrant neighborhood at the steps of the prestigious Georgetown University. Its cobblestone streets and federal style yet luxurious architecture make it a popular travel destination and home to many professionals, families, students, and university employees.

Georgetown waterfront is a popular day picnic and dining destination, along the famous Potomac River and boasting views of Theodore Roosevelt Island and Arlington, Virginia. It also hosts a bustling, wide-range retail scene along M Street that is a hot spot for tourists and locals alike. Georgetown offers historic canal trails, delicious and diverse dining and charm make it a favorite location for Washingtonians and visitors alike.\

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Kalorama

Kalorama provides restful residential space next to the funky fun of Adams Morgan. This Northwest DC neighborhood translates to “fine view” in Greek, earned by resting atop the highest elevation in the district. True to its international name, Kalorama hosts embassies and former presidents, with unique and winding streets distinct from DC’s gridded streets.

Kalorama’s large homes have a magical appeal, each with individual architecture and design. Despite the estate lined streets, the neighborhood has a welcoming and humble appeal, with shaded dog parks and local pubs filled with the neighborhood’s distinguished residents.

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Logan Circle

One of the trendiest neighborhoods in DC, Logan Circle is home to a chic bar scene, picture-perfect restaurants, and posh condominiums. Head to 14th Street on a Friday night and you’ll see the city’s young and trendy float between establishments.

The neighborhood of Logan Circle is named for the centerpiece, a grand statue of Civil War General John Logan atop his horse overlooking picnickers from high above. The elegant neighborhood originated as a Civil War encampment that evolved during the post-war boom. A walk down any well-shaded street in the neighborhood impresses with grand and historic Victorian row homes.

Today Logan Circle’s large, retrofitted rowhomes are home to many professionals and young people looking for affordable and strategic locations. Logan Circle is in walking distance to the downtown businesses and firms, as well as Michelin star restaurants, cool coffee shops, craft breweries and many retail destinations.

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