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Washington, DC, skyline at dusk with Capitol Building in view

Best Neighborhoods in Washington, DC for Singles & Young Professionals

Thinking about living in Washington, DC? The nation’s capital is one of America’s best cities for young professionals because of its stable job growth and exciting nightlife. Check out these five great neighborhoods for singles and young professionals in Washington, DC!

Adams Morgan

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  • Home Price: $529,538 median purchase price; $1,803 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of Washington, DC neighborhoods

Few DC neighborhoods possess the energy and excitement of Adams Morgan. Home to neighborhood staples like Muzette Karaoke and blues bar Madam’s Organ, the 18th St corridor is packed with dozens of hip bars, music venues, restaurants, and clubs—making it one of the best areas for young adults to live and experience Washington DC’s nightlife. The neighborhood’s lively personality is reflected in its architecture, as well. Adams Morgan’s streets are jam-packed with mural-adorned buildings and rowhouses that are as colorful as the area itself. Another perk of living in Adams Morgan? If you need to commute into Downtown DC, you can hop on the Metro line at the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station and be there in minutes!

Things to Do in Adams Morgan

Dance to live music, sample various cuisines from local vendors, and participate in cultural dances at the annual Adams Morgan Day. Check out work from some of the city’s finest emerging artists and attend art exhibitions like WallMountables at the DC Arts Center. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, or plants at the Adams Morgan Farmers Market. Start your day off right with a Matcha Latte paired with a Cheddar Biscuit or Chocolate Waffle from Tryst. Feast on some of DC’s best barbecue at Federalist Pig, with meals like the Pork Belly, Sampler Platter, or Texas Ranger Signature Sandwich. Discover amazing Afghani dishes like Morgh Qorma, Lamb Tikka, and Buranee Bademjan at Lapis. Savor the Tuna Crudo, Salt Roasted Sunchoke, and Seared Halibut at the Michelin Star-winning Tail Up Goat. Or choose from over 2,600 different whiskeys and signature cocktails, including the Trailblazer and the Boulevard of Broken Figs, at Jack Rose Dining Saloon.

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Capitol Hill

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  • Home Price: $587,596 median purchase price; $1,615 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 24% of Washington, DC neighborhoods

History buffs won’t find a more attractive Washington, DC neighborhood than Capitol Hill. It’s home to some of the most historically significant buildings in America, including the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and U.S. Capitol Building. Of course, life in Capitol Hill isn’t all about U.S. history and government buildings. This densely-populated neighborhood is not only one of the best places to buy a home in DC, but it’s also buzzing with fun restaurants, hole-in-the-wall shops, and spacious parks, giving singles and young professionals plenty to do. And when residents need to access other parts of DC, there are two Metro stations—Capitol South station and Eastern Market station—within walking distance of homes!

Things to Do in Capitol Hill

Find local produce and ingredients alongside handmade crafts, jewelry, and more at Eastern Market—a neighborhood staple since 1873. Venture south to cheer on the Washington Nationals (MLB) as they run the bases at Nationals Park. Get the crew together for a picnic and some bocce ball at Garfield Park. Play your favorite card game, put together a puzzle, or attend Board Game Night and other events at Labyrinth Games & Puzzles. Grab seasonally rotating doughnuts like the Creme Brulee, Peppermint Patty, or Strawberry Jam from District Doughnut. Munch on Sweet Mexican Cinnamon Knots after enjoying pizzas like Bacon Me Crazy or The Butcher’s Block Pie at We, The Pizza. Celebrate a special occasion with a five-course meal at Rose’s Luxury, featuring options like the Squash Blossom Rangoon, Pasta al Limone, and Miso Glazed Short Rib. Or stop in to try seasonal cocktails like the Vermont Maple Oink Fashioned, Rum Forest Rum!, or Truese Be Told at Barrel.

Dupont Circle

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  • Home Price: $522,360 median purchase price; $1,905 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 26% of Washington, DC neighborhoods

Built around its namesake traffic circle, the Dupont Circle neighborhood offers a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere that caters to a diverse range of residents. This area is known for its unique design and architecture, with homes in Queen Anne, Victorian, and Georgian Revival styles. There’s also Embassy Row, an area packed with embassies showcasing the neighborhood’s rich culture. With an array of bars, nightclubs, and lounges concentrated along Connecticut Ave—including iconic indie bookstore, bar, and restaurant Kramers—there’s no shortage of things to do. Residents can also gather at community events like First Friday Dupont and the year-round Dupont Circle Farmers Market. And because Dupont Circle is one of DC’s most walkable neighborhoods, most of these amenities are within walking distance—though convenient public transportation options are available, too!

Things to Do in Dupont Circle

Get tickets to shows like Merrily We Roll Along, The Elephant in the Room, Noises Off, and more at the award-winning Keegan Theatre. Learn about Chinese American history and culture through exhibits like Building America and Chinese American Diaspora at the Chinese American Museum. Watch the latest stand-up show, sign up for open mic night, or take comedy classes at The DC Improv Comedy Club. Explore rotating exhibitions like Up Close with Paul Cézanne, Multiplicity, or Bonnard’s Worlds at The Phillips Collection, America’s first museum of modern art. Try a Feta Bacon Omelet, Chopped Steak & Eggs, or a Maryland Benedict at Annie’s Paramount Steak House, a historic DC restaurant that has served the neighborhood for over 75 years. Start with Tuna Nachos before ordering Fried Rice with Pulled Pork, Beef Bao Buns, or a Typhoon Roll at Tokyo Pearl. Fill up on a Cheese & Charcuterie Board, Blackened Shrimp Tacos, or Rappahannock Oysters during happy hour at Teddy & The Bully Bar. Or enjoy Yuca Fries and Yo Perreo Sola Sliders with a Citron Margarita before hitting the dance floor at Cafe Citron.

Foggy Bottom

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  • Home Price: $364,920 median purchase price; $1,751 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Washington, DC neighborhoods

Though the neighborhood’s name may conjure thoughts of a sleepy locale, there’s a lot going on in Foggy Bottom! Located just southwest of Downtown DC, Foggy Bottom is home to the The George Washington University campus, vibrant bars like Top of the Gate at the famous Watergate Hotel, and some of Washington DC’s top attractions. Housing in this area is diverse, with options ranging from historic rowhouses to modern apartment buildings and condominiums—which help make it one of the best places to rent a home in Washington, DC! This safe, affordable DC neighborhood is particularly popular among college students, recent graduates, and young professionals—thanks to its relatively low cost of living, close proximity to the National Mall, and quick commutes to The Hill via the Foggy Bottom-GWU station.

Things to Do in Foggy Bottom

Experience classic musicals, operas, comedy shows, and music festivals at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Wander among historic monuments—including the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Washington Monument—at the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board from Thompson Boat Center for a peaceful afternoon on the Potomac River. Treat yourself to a Mini Sugar Donut or Almond Croissant with an Americano from PAUL French Bakery & Cafe. Customize an ice cream cookie sandwich with cookie flavors like Ginger Molasses, Double Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and more at Captain Cookie & the Milkman. Try creative versions of classic sandwiches like The French Onion Style, The Buffalo Blue Style, and the Cajun Style at GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar. Munch on the Almost Famous Wings or the Totchos during Comedy Night at Tonic at Quigley’s. Or join the regulars for a Bluegrass Martini, Lady Frog, or K Street Key Lime Martini at neighborhood bar Froggy Bottom Pub & Restaurant.

Southwest Waterfront

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  • Home Price: $376,320 median purchase price; $1,426 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 15% of Washington, DC neighborhoods

Nestled along the Potomac River, Southwest Waterfront is among the best places for singles and young professionals to live in Washington, DC! This historic DC neighborhood boasts spacious apartments and contemporary condos surrounded by an abundance of fun things to do. Residents who love the outdoors have easy access to green spaces like East Potomac Park and riverfront activities including watersports, boat rides, and more. Young people particularly enjoy spending time at The Wharf, a bustling area with shopping, food, live music, and even an over-water ice skating rink. This unique Washington, DC neighborhood is also home to The Municipal Fish Market—the oldest continuously operated open-air seafood market in the U.S.—and the renowned Smithsonian Museums and International Spy Museum are just a few minutes away. Not to mention, getting around the area is a breeze thanks to the Waterfront Metro station and Capital Bikeshare DC rentals!

Things to Do in Southwest Waterfront

Buy tickets to performances like The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence, Mindplay, or Tempestuous Elements at the Arena Stage—and if you’re a person of color, consider applying for The Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fellowship. Attend artist workshops or check out rotating exhibitions like Ice Cream & Pops and Above Below Water at Culture House DC. Catch comedy specials or see shows from touring bands like Khruangbin and Two Door Cinema Club at The Anthem. Have a picnic, play a game of frisbee, or jog with your pup at Southwest Waterfront Park. Order delicious dishes like Crab Benedict, Austrian Style Crepes, or Breakfast Paella for brunch in DC at Del Mar. Indulge in Italian dishes like Veal Ravioli, Saltimbocca di Pollo, or Fritto Misto at Officina. Sink your teeth into Crispy Fried Calamari before digging into Creole Fusion Jambalaya, a Miso Glazed Salmon Bowl, or Signature Stuffed Salmon with Crab at Station 4. Or savor the flavors of Bibimbap, Spicy Seafood Jjambong Ramen, Bulgogi Fried Rice, and more at MOMO Chicken & Grill.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes