Thinking about living in Washington, DC? The nation’s capital is one of America’s best cities for young professionals because of its abundance of entry-level jobs and exciting nightlife. Check out these five great neighborhoods for singles and young professionals in Washington, DC!
Adams Morgan
Photo via @mollyhmorrissey
- Home Price: $529,538 median home price; $1,803 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of DC neighborhoods
Few DC neighborhoods possess the energy and excitement of Adams Morgan. The 18th St corridor—bustling with dozens of hip bars, music venues, restaurants, and clubs—is one of the best areas for singles and young professionals 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 at the District of Columbia Arts Center. Break away from “cookie-cutter clothing” by browsing the vintage selection at Meeps. Start your day off right with a Matcha Latte and a Death by Chocolate Waffle from Tryst. Feast on some of DC’s best barbecue like the Pork Belly and Texas Ranger sandwich at Federalist Pig. Savor the Fluke Crudo and Grilled Swordfish at the Michelin Star-winning Tail Up Goat. Grab an order of Nikki’s Spicy Fish bites and an Irish Hillbilly cocktail while singing along with live performers every night of the week at premier blues bar Madam’s Organ. Choose from over 2,600 different whiskeys and signature cocktails, including the New York Mull-et and the Brothers Divided, at Jack Rose Dining Saloon. Or belt out your favorite songs during karaoke nights at Muzette.
Capitol Hill
Photo via @steph_in_dc
- Home Price: $587,596 median home price; $1,615 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 21% of 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 buzzing with fun restaurants, hole-in-the-wall shops, and spacious parks, giving singles and young professionals plenty of ways to get out and about. And if residents need to get to other parts of DC, there are two Metro stations—Capitol South and Eastern Market—within walking distance of homes.
Things to Do in Capitol Hill
Wander among the historic monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument along the National Mall. Find local produce and ingredients alongside handmade crafts, jewelry, and antiques at Eastern Market. Venture south to Nationals Park to cheer on DC’s MLB team, the Washington Nationals. Get the crew together for a picnic and some bocce ball at Garfield Park. Pair board games and cold brews with a Boozy Board Game Night at Labyrinth Games & Puzzles. Grab a Baklava or Cherry Blossom donut from District Donut on the way to work. Make the most out of happy hour with Oysters on the Half Shell from Hank’s Oyster Bar. Munch on Sweet Mexican Cinnamon Knots while your Bacon Me Crazy pizza cooks at We, The Pizza. Share family-style dinners of Smoked Brisket and Salt and Pepper Catfish at Rose’s Luxury. Or stop for drinks at Barrel and try cocktails like the Maple Old Fashioned or specialty barrel-aged spirits like The Deshler.
Cleveland Park
Photo via @scottclowney
- Home Price: $759,100 median home price; $1,908 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of DC neighborhoods
If you’re looking for a more tranquil DC neighborhood to live in, Cleveland Park is a great option! With tree-lined streets, tons of local parks, charming Victorian and Southern Colonial-style homes, and several well-regarded local schools in the area, Cleveland Park is an ideal spot for young professionals who are looking for room to grow and start a family in the District of Columbia. While Cleveland Park’s slower pace sets it apart from more urban areas of DC, the heart of the city is within a ten-minute drive or a quick ride from the Cleveland Park station!
Things to Do in Cleveland Park
Explore the far reaches of the solar system in the planetarium or go for a hike on one of the 32 trails at Rock Creek Park. See the impressive Asian elephants, orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and more at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Embrace your inner artist by creating handmade pottery and fused glass creations at All Fired Up. Introduce your palate to Indian dishes like Tandoori Chicken Chop and Kerala Fish Curry at Indique. Fill up on Nachos al Carbon and a Seafood Chimichanga at Cactus Cantina. Sample classic French dishes like Duck Confit and Cassoulet Toulousain at La Piquette. Meet your friends for a round of Guinness and Pub Trivia at Nanny O’Brien’s. Or challenge friends to a game of pool, darts, or Golden Tee with some cold brews at Atomic Billiards.
Foggy Bottom
Photo via @penny.mause
- Home Price: $364,920 median home price; $1,751 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of 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 George Washington University campus, vibrant bars and clubs, and some of Washington DC’s top attractions. This spot is particularly popular among college students, recent graduates, and young professionals for its affordable homes, lower cost of living compared to the rest of DC, 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. Visit the WWII Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the National Mall. Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board from Thompson Boat Center for a peaceful afternoon on the Potomac River. Swing by PAUL for a Cranberry Muffin and an Americano as a morning pick-me-up. Customize your dream ice cream cookie sandwich at Captain Cookie & the Milkman. Try creative versions of classic sandwiches like The French Onion and The Buffalo Blue at GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar. Munch on the Baked Potato Tots—which come fully loaded—during Trivia Night at Tonic at Quigley’s. Catch the big game on a 100-inch projection screen with a Victory Session IPA at The Exchange Saloon. Join the regulars for a Bluegrass Martini at neighborhood bar Froggy Bottom Pub. Or sip on cocktails like the Chamomile Julep while overlooking the river at Top of the Gate at the famous Watergate Hotel!
Logan Circle
Photo via @sportyjordy15
- Home Price: $538,670 median home price; $1,689 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of DC neighborhoods
With easy access to Downtown DC and nightlife galore, Logan Circle is among the best places for singles and young professionals to live in Washington, DC! The neighborhood’s epicenter is 14th St NW, a hot spot for young adults that’s overflowing with popular eateries, live music venues, and cocktail lounges. Logan Circle and neighboring Dupont Circle are also home to a large number of gay-friendly bars and dance clubs, which have helped make Washington, DC one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in America. In addition to the area’s nightlife and entertainment, Logan Circle has a number of unique boutiques, antique shops, and home decor stores to explore!
Things to Do in Logan Circle
Get your dog some exercise in the expansive open area at Shaw Dog Park. See provocative plays, stirring musicals, and more at the historic Studio Theatre. Rock out to a performance at Black Cat, a two-level music hall that’s hosted major artists like Arcade Fire, Foo Fighters, The Killers, and more. Find off-beat antiques and retro collectibles at Miss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot. Transport yourself to France with Bouillabaisse and Duck à l’Orange from Le Diplomate. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas like the Fennel Sausage and Roasted Peppers at Etto. Split a Whole Chicken with friends at Chicken + Whiskey. Plan a fun night out with drinks and a drag show at Trade. Embrace nostalgia during a 2000s dance party at one of the city’s most famous gay bars, Number Nine. Or savor a Hush Child cocktail or a Frozen Strawberry Lemonade at Black Jack!
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
