Thinking about living in Washington, DC? The nation’s capital is a renowned site of historical and political significance with iconic landmarks like the White House and Capitol Hill. It’s also a great place to live on the East Coast, with a wealth of museums, a great job market, world-class restaurants, and much more. Because of these factors, the cost of living in DC is typically well above the national average, but it’s not without options. If you’re looking for safe, affordable places to live in Washington, DC, check out these five amazing Washington, DC neighborhoods!
Is Washington, DC a Safe Place to Live in 2025?
While crime rates in Washington, DC are well above the national average, this is often concentrated in certain areas, as with most large cities. With that being said, there are still plenty of safe places to live in the DC metro–most being further from downtown—including Mount Pleasant, Adams Morgan, and more.
Adams Morgan
- Home Price: $529,538 median purchase price; $1,803 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of Washington, DC neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Known for its public art, colorful buildings, and restaurants along 18th St, Adams Morgan is one of the best places to live in Washington, DC for those who want to be close to the city’s cultural center. Not only does the neighborhood border Embassy Row, but it’s also within walking distance of DuPont Circle and Downtown Washington, DC, where residents can experience some of the nation’s best museums, theatre performances, and historic sites. Adams Morgan is popular among young professionals who commute to work, but the area attracts plenty of families as well, thanks to the neighborhood’s low crime rate and well-rated schools like Briya Public Charter School and Marie Reed Elementary School.
Things to Do in Adams Morgan
Take advantage of the free admission available at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo just north of the neighborhood. Find used and rare books at Idle Time Books, or find your favorite punk rock albums on vinyl at Smash Records. Explore art exhibits and local stage performances created by emerging artists at DC Arts Center. Stroll through the green space of Kalorama Park on a sunny day. Savor a flaky chocolate croissant and hazelnut latte at Philz Coffee. Dig into steak frites or stuffed sausages at Roofers Union. Nibble on falafel or Baba Ghanoush at Mama Ayesha’s Middle Eastern restaurant. Or try one of Grand Duchess‘ signature cocktails like Lust for Life or House in the Woods after work.
Q: Is Washington, DC affordable?
A: Washington, DC is a more luxurious city with historical significance that boasts a higher cost of living and housing prices. Despite this, you can still find affordable neighborhoods in DC, like Foggy Bottom and Brookland, that provide a budget-friendly way to live comfortably within the nation’s capital.
Brookland
- Home Price: $437,657 median purchase price; $1,062 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of Washington, DC neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Also known as “Little Rome,” Brookland is an artsy neighborhood in Northeast DC dotted with gorgeous churches, cultural sites, galleries, restaurants, and many things to do. All kinds of people moving to Washington, DC will find something to love about living in Brookland. This safe and affordable neighborhood in America’s capital city is an extremely convenient place to live for young professionals and students, thanks Brookland’s proximity to both The Catholic University of America and Trinity Washington University, and stops on the Metro Red Line like Brookland-Catholic University of America and Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Avenue. This desirable DC neighborhood offers access to fantastic educational institutions for school-aged children as well—like the IB World School Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School and STEM-focused John Burroughs Elementary School—so it’s good for families living in DC, too.
Things to Do in Brookland
Take a guided tour and view incredible DC architecture at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Browse local masterpieces during an Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market. Attend a modern dance performance or sign up for hip-hop classes at Dance Place. Buy a handmade leather bag and other artisan goods at Stitch & Rivet. Walk around unique sculptures in the peaceful gardens of Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America. Start your morning with Salmon Cakes or the Pancake Special at Murry & Paul’s Restaurant. Try elevated bar fare like Porcini Rubbed Prime Rib, Lamb Gnocchi, Fried Maryland Catfish at Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen. Visit the family-owned Masala Story for Palak Paneer, Matar Aloo, and other Indian dishes. Or split a Quattro Formaggi or Margherita pizza from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana-certified bistro, Menomale.
Q: How safe is Washington, DC?
A: As with most larger cities, Washington, DC experiences higher crime in specific areas. However, it’s still safer than other nearby big cities, like Baltimore and Philadelphia. Additionally, you can find safe places to live in DC outside the city center. Some safe neighborhoods in Washington, DC, include Mount Pleasant and Adams Morgan, which are peaceful areas that retain access to schools, museums, outdoor recreation, and more.
Foggy Bottom
- Home Price: $364,920 median purchase price; $1,751 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Washington, DC neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
Named for the frequent fog that settles over the area, Foggy Bottom is one of the best places to live in Washington, DC for singles and young professionals. Located just west of The White House in the heart of the DC metro, Foggy Bottom features trendy bars and restaurants nestled between the iconic National Mall and Potomac River. In addition to its centralized location in the DC metro, The George Washington University and countless restaurants, shops, and hotels call Foggy Bottom home and provide residents with jobs and entertainment. Another benefit of living in this DC neighborhood is the beautiful real estate, with home styles ranging from colorful rowhouses to quaint single-family properties.
Things to Do in Foggy Bottom
Catch a concert, play, ballet, or musical at one of the most famous entertainment venues in DC, the John F. Kennedy Center. Marvel at modern art by Latin and North American artists in the Art Museum of the Americas (AMA). See beautiful cherry blossom trees in full bloom at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Tidal Basin. Stroll around well-known Washington, DC landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument at the National Mall. Wake up right with delicious brunch items like the Bourbon Battered French Toast at Founding Farmers. Fill up on Chinese cuisine like Moo Goo Gai Pan or Twice Cooked Pork from Magic Gourd Restaurant. Pair a Roast Beef Grilled Cheese with a Homemade Iced Tea or Spiked Pink Guava Limeade at GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar. Or have a Turkey Burger, Wild Mushroom Flatbread, or other New American plates at CIRCA.
Q: What is the cheapest place to live in Washington, DC?
A: While the DC metro is considered to be expensive, there are still cheap areas to call home. One of the most affordable neighborhoods in DC is Foggy Bottom, where median home prices are about $364,920 and median monthly rents are about $1,751.
Logan Circle
- Home Price: $538,670 median purchase price; $1,689 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Washington, DC neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Less than a five-minute drive north of Downtown DC, Logan Circle is a trendy neighborhood with an array of pubs, museums, local boutiques, and fun things to do. Developed around its namesake traffic circle, Logan Circle is full of architectural beauty and historical significance, particularly when it comes to its Late Victorian and Richardsonian buildings. Real estate in this DC neighborhood is similarly attractive and packed with inexpensive brick rowhouses. In fact, Logan Circle is one of the best places to buy a home in Washington, DC! This affordable area is also one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, DC for walkability and bike-friendliness, so it’s easy for residents to get around.
Things to Do in Logan Circle
See a contemporary play or take acting classes at the Studio Theatre. Admire nature photography, cultural exhibits, and speaking events at the National Geographic Museum. Play fetch or just spend a day in the sun with your furry friend at Shaw Dog Park. Find cute home decor, accessories, and more at Salt & Sundry. Try your hand at retro arcade games or sip on specialty cocktails at Player’s Club. Pair Milk Chocolate Gelato with silky Espresso at Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee. Share a plate of Happy Hour Les Fromages, then have mouthwatering entrees from the daily changing menu at Le Diplomate. Enjoy internationally inspired dishes like Sambal Shrimp or Vegetable Gyoza on the patio at Compass Rose. Share a whole Rotisserie Chicken and a round of whiskey with friends at Chicken+Whiskey. Or grab a slice of Detroit Style Classic Cheese Pizza at Red Light Bar & Detroit Pizza.
Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Washington, DC?
A: Many DC neighborhoods offer a mix of lower crime, good schools, and plenty of things to do. Mount Pleasant and Adams Morgan provide a relaxed reprieve and are considered among the nicest neighborhoods in Washington, DC, no matter your age or status!
Mount Pleasant
- Home Price: $552,782 median purchase price; $1,593 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 76% of Washington, DC neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
A northern DC neighborhood, Mount Pleasant is a diverse and quiet haven for people from all walks of life, with a low-key vibe similar to smaller cities. Though the peaceful area still has access to urban amenities like shops, restaurants, and bars that are within walking distance, this DC neighborhood is mostly known for its beautiful tree-lined avenues and quaint community feel. Here, families will find schools focused on bilingual education, like Bancroft Elementary School and Sacred Heart School. Despite its suburban status, Mount Pleasant still stays well connected to the rest of the DC metro thanks to public transit like the Columbia Heights Metro Stop and Metrobus routes 42 and 43.
Things to Do in Mount Pleasant
Bring the little ones to storytime events at Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library. Pick up baked goods, produce, flowers, meats, and more from the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market. Lace up your running shoes and jog through Rock Creek Park. Catch French New Wave and indie films at Suns Cinema. Grab a PBR and dance to jukebox tunes at beloved neighborhood dive bar The Raven Grill. Order a plate of Bagoong Fried Rice with Longanisa or Coconut-Braised Short Rib Adobo at Purple Patch. Try authentic Thai dishes like Pineapple Fried Rice or Drunken Noodles at the award-winning DC restaurant, Beau Thai. Or savor authentic Mexican flavors from a Pupusa Platter or Fajitas Supremas at Haydee’s Restaurant.
Q: Is Washington, DC safer than Seattle?
A: Yes, Washington, DC is generally safer than Seattle. Both are larger metropolitan cities that have certain areas with higher crime, but they also have areas that are deemed safe. Some safer neighborhoods for living in DC include Mount Pleasant, Adams Morgan, and Logan Circle.
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The team at Extra Space Storage understand that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you —considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education —to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
