Which Washington D.C. Neighborhood Is Right for You?

Washington, D.C. is home to about 700,000 residents, and another 500,000 commuters descend on Washington D.C. every weekday from Virginia and Maryland for work in government and the private sector.

As of July 2022, the median Washington D.C. house price was $646,000, slightly down from one year ago. The area is still experiencing a seller's market, meaning more buyers are searching for homes than homes available. New listings, new pending sales, and closed sales are each significantly lower than the previous month.

As long as D.C. remains the center of American politics, the city’s luxury housing market should stay robust. Many famous residents have called Washington, D.C. home. Former President Barack Obama and billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos both owned a Kalorama house. The city has also been home to late jazz musician Duke Ellington, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and comedian/late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert. As if that’s not enough, the city is home to 177 foreign embassies.

More than a place to work, Washington, D.C. is a family-friendly place with over 75 museums honoring arts and culture, history, and science. Spend a day at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, or the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — and bring your family. Here are some neighborhoods to investigate in your home search.

Located about two miles due north of the White House, Columbia Heights is an ideal blend of creativity and culture. The neighborhood has been an intellectual hub ever since George Washington University (originally called Columbia Heights University) was established here in 1821. The culture is quite diverse, and the community is also close to Howard University. Despite its proximity to two universities, Columbia Heights is relatively quiet and ideal for families, with many goods and services within a 30-minute walk from home.

Owning a Kalorama house is like stepping back in time. Situated about a mile northwest of the White House, this exclusive neighborhood is home to many dignitaries. Nearly 30 foreign embassies comprise “Embassy Row,” a collection of Gilded Age estates including the embassies for Australia, India, Greece, Ireland, Japan, and the United Kingdom, among others. All told, Kalorama is one of D.C.’s most expensive neighborhoods.

Petworth lies about four miles north of the White House, and the neighborhood is ideal for young, urban professionals. Historically, Petworth is best known as the location of President Lincoln’s cottage. These days, it's home to art museums, unique pop-up restaurants, indie shops, cafes, and numerous neighborhood events and activities. If you move to Petworth, you’ll be near the Petworth Metro station, which services the Yellow and Green Lines.

The Adams Morgan district lies just two miles north of the White House. It is another ideal spot for young professionals, who enjoy many options for relaxation after work. The area is culturally diverse and boasts many different architectural styles within its borders — many of its historic townhomes have survived for hundreds of years. The nexus of Adams Morgan is the 18th Street corridor, where residents and visitors can hang out at various eateries, bars, and cafes that offer both American food and drink and international treats. After shopping and having a snack, head to the D.C. Arts Center to check out the works of emerging local artists.

The market for Georgetown Washington D.C. homes for sale remains stable thanks to its centrality and the existence of Georgetown University. The Georgetown neighborhood lies about two miles northwest of the White House. To walk the streets in this historic neighborhood is to feel as if you've stepped back in time to a quaint, picturesque neighborhood of old. Georgetown mixes that vibe with divine restaurants and unique shopping experiences, along with indie cafes, boutiques, and fine art galleries that can easily compete with those found in Manhattan and London. Former residents of Georgetown Washington D.C. homes for sale include former President John F. Kennedy and iconic chef Julia Child. Check out the Georgetown waterfront for walking, biking, or just people-watching on a warm summer’s day.

The adjacent neighborhoods Dupont Circle and Logan Circle are about 1.5 miles northwest of the White House. If you're a young or single professional aiming for one of the most well-rounded, centrally located neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., you'll find your home here.

Logan Circle has streets of elegant row homes a short walk from some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and bars. Meanwhile, Dupont Circle is primarily residential, with tree-lined streets and plenty of green spaces. Residents of these neighborhoods love their vibrant, youthful atmospheres. Here you can indulge in impromptu yoga in the park, pick-up chess games, dog-walking in the park, and a year-round farmers market with the freshest produce, unique gifts, and fresh flowers to adorn your home. Newcomers with families can rest easy knowing their school-age children will be attending some of the city's top schools.

The Wharf is about two miles southeast of the White House. It was completed in 2017 and has a 24-acre footprint; this mixed-use space hosts homes, a large concert venue called The Anthem, more than 20 restaurants, and luxury boutiques along the shoreline of the Potomac River. The Wharf is under more significant development and, at the time of this writing, features several apartments and condominium complexes totaling 868 housing units.

Are you ready to find your perfect Georgetown or Kalorama house? Reach out to trusted local agent Ryan Tyndall for assistance locating the perfect neighborhood for your needs.