The “best” neighborhood means something different to every person. For some people, the “best” means a neighborhood with a park and plenty of families, so their children have friends to play with. Others say the word “best” and mean it literally, as they are looking for a neighborhood with the most coveted houses in the district. Then, there are those who have the vision of living in a walkable community with quick and easy access to stores, restaurants, pubs, and more, without pulling the car out of the garage. After all, a neighborhood like this would be good for your health and the environment. Whatever type of neighborhood you are hoping to find, there is a good chance you will find exactly what you are looking for in Washington, DC.
Capitol Hill
It should come as no surprise that the political center of the nation also happens to be the district’s most prestigious neighborhood. There is a large historical district here, and a phenomenal public transportation system. Shopping opportunities are in abundance, and this is where you find some of the best restaurants in the area, including Bistro Cacao, Capital Grille, and Charlie Palmer Steak. There are also 59 inner city parks in the neighborhood.
Dupont Circle
This is where you will marvel at some of the most expensive homes in the DC area. There is also a nice selection of high-rise apartment buildings, but don’t expect them to be inexpensive. This cosmopolitan neighborhood boasts an exciting nightlife and an abundance of stores and restaurants. You will find some small museums here, as well as Embassy Row and the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle.
Palisades
This neighborhood runs from Georgetown University to the Maryland border, and boasts a few homes pricing out right around $20 million. However, it also has a nice mix of apartments and townhouses, too. This is one of the less-known neighborhoods in the area, and although smaller there is a nice variety of restaurants.
Fairfax
Although technically an independent city, most refer to Fairfax as a DC neighborhood. Either way, it is one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Anyone with children likely knows that the nation’s top schools are here. You will find a thriving historic community that hosts countless festivals and performances throughout the year.
Georgetown
You cannot have a list of top neighborhoods without Georgetown being mentioned. With tree-lined streets full of 200-year-old restored houses, it is hard to compete with the natural personality of Georgetown. Upscale shops, restaurants, and cafes dot the cobblestone streets, and the area is very walkable. As you would expect, housing is expensive. The Georgetown Waterfront is where all the locals hang out. It boasts walking paths, a fountain plaza, bike trail, amphitheater, and a lively promenade overlooking the Potomac River.
A few additional Washington, DC neighborhoods that deserve an honorable mention include Adams Morgan, Penn Quarter, Chinatown, Anacostia, Rockville, Chevy Chase, and Bethesda. In Maryland, check out Germantown, Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, Kensington, and Silver Spring.
