Best Places to Live in Washington, DC

Summary: Expats exploring where to live in Washington, DC have a wide variety of options, and you'll have to research them carefully to find the best place for you. Here are some of the best neighborhoods to consider.

Expats who move to Washington, D.C. have a variety of options to choose from. In addition to living within the city limits of D.C., many people live in nearby Virginia and Maryland. Below, however, we'll focus on the city itself. Overtime, we'll add more neighborhoods to this list.

Capitol Hill

As its name would suggest, Capitol Hill is located right above the U.S. Capitol Building. This location makes it easy to walk, or take a quick Uber ride, to the National Mall. It is home to the wonderful Eastern Market, and there are also several excellent restaurants on Capitol Hill.

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Kalorama Heights

If you're looking for mansions and neighbors who rank among the most powerful people in the world, Kalorama Heights may be just the place for you. Its proximity to Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle and Georgetown add more than enough options to dine, have some drinks and find other things to do.

Georgetown

Most people will recognize the name Georgetown, and this is indeed the neighborhood that is home to Georgetown University, one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. Residents and tourists alike patronize the high-end stores, restaurants and bars that have become a huge draw for what is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.

Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle is another highly sought after neighborhood that has a lot to offer in terms of culture, eateries, shops and more. The circle itself is a traffic circle and is home to a fountain where people hangout and just enjoy the bustle of the neighborhood. There are museums (Philipps Collection, National Geogrphic Museum), embassies, bookstores (Kramerbooks & Afterwords), and more. Refer to the Dupont Circle Citizens Association for a local take on the neighborhood.

Wesley Heights

Wesley Heights is a small and principally residential neighborhood. It's upscale, desirable and quiet, which means it's not the easiest place to find a home. Lovely neighborhood for those that cherish those qualities, but you'll generally be going elsewhere for restaurants and entertainment. Residents are happy to make that sacrifice.

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Brookland

Another neighborhood with popular restaurants and pubs, Brookland is also rich with history. The Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is billed as "America's Catholic Church." Similarly, there is also a National Shrine of Saint John Paul II, which is why it is sometimes dubbed "Little Rome." Brookland Pint, a popular brewpub, and Monroe Street Art's Walk also help define the neighborhood's character.

Woodley Park

With tree lined streets, access to Rock Creek Park and proximity to the Smithsonian National Zoo, Woodley Park is a highly-sought after address. The Woodley Park Community Organization tracks issues important to the community.

Adams Morgan

In Adams Morgan you will find an interesting mix of restaurants, bars, various fitness options, a great bookstore in Lost City Books (formerly know as Idle Time), and much more. So if you're looking for a lot of variety right in your neighborhood, give Adams Morgan a hard look.

Logan Circle

Logan Circle also offers a blend of options - small boutique shops and large retail stores - for instance. As with just about every other neighborhood we're highlighting, nearby restaurant and bar options are aplenty. People looking for a diverse neighborhood will find that and more in Logan Circle. The colorful Victorian rowhouses are a signature look, but plenty of modern options are available.

NoMa

The addition of the New York Ave–Florida Ave Metro, which is now NoMa-Gallaudet U station, ushered in a flood of development into NoMa over the course of the last several years, and there's been no turning back. (NoMa is an abbreviation for North of Massachusetts Avenue NE.) Union Market is an anchor, there's plenty of new housing, lots of shopping and restaurants, and much more.