What are the best neighborhoods to buy a home in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. has 131 recognized neighborhoods. The city can also be divided into eight wards or into four (very unequal) quadrants.
Northeast
The Northeast area is home to a few universities, such as Gallaudet University, The Catholic University of America and Trinity Washington University. Homes here include plenty of townhouses and condo buildings.
One of the area’s well-known neighborhoods is Brookland, which is enjoying revitalization in recent years. Nicknamed “little Rome,” the neighborhood offers tree-lined streets, cultural venues, and plenty of churches, chapels and monasteries to be toured.
Northwest
The Northwest quadrant represents a bit more than 42% of the city and it is found north of the National Mall and west of North Capitol Street. There are many popular neighborhoods in this area.
Penn Quarter and Chinatown are home to a diverse culture that attracts tourists and residents alike. The area boasts hip restaurants, locally owned shops, and the Capital One Arena, which plays host to professional sports, concerts, live theater and special events.
Meanwhile, Dupont Circle has been named the most walkable and bike-friendly area in Washington, D.C., and is full of culture and authentic ethnic restaurants. With its historical roots, distinguished mansions can still be seen along Massachusetts Ave. But, in recent decades, it has become better known for its bohemian atmosphere and, today, the neighborhood boasts row houses and recently built condo buildings.
Southeast
Divided by the Anacostia River, the Southeast quadrant includes neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Eastern Market, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park and Hill East.
Known for the House and Senate; the Capitol; the Supreme Court buildings; galleries; museums; and historic sites, Capitol Hill is also a favorite residential neighborhood with some classic 19th-century rowhouses. In fact, it’s the city’s largest historic residential neighborhood.
Southwest
Southwest is the smallest quadrant, usually considered more of a neighborhood than a quadrant due to its size. It’s made up of five neighborhoods: The Southwest Waterfront, Southwest Federal Center, Bellevue, Buzzard’s Point and Anacostia. Townhouses, condos and apartment buildings can all be found in this area.
Anacostia is a culturally vibrant neighborhood with a rich African American history and serene walking and biking paths. Once known as Uniontown, it’s one of the District’s oldest suburbs.