The 5 Hippest Neighborhoods to Call Home in Washington, D.C.

Moving to the District? If so, lucky you! Washington, D.C. is one of the best places to call home in the country. With its booming (read: on fire) restaurant scene, iconic museums, diverse population, historic neighborhoods, political fever, cosmopolitan feel, and artsy hubs – this cultural melting pot of a city attracts a slew of young professionals and families every day.

Given its many different neighborhoods though, Washington, D.C. can also be one of the most confusing cities to navigate. To help you out, we’ve listed five of the hippest and best neighborhoods to consider when making your move to the District.

Capitol Hill

For recent college grads and young politicos, the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood offers an energetic place to call home. Steps away from the iconic U.S. Capitol building, the townhome-lined streets of Capitol Hill also happen to be an exceptionally convenient place to live. Not only is the area located close to various Smithsonian museums and the Nationals Baseball Stadium, but it also boasts multiple public transportation options including: Metro stations, Zipcar locations and bus stations.

Median house price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price in Capitol Hill was $949,000. Despite the expensive home prices, the Capitol Hill neighborhood draws a mostly younger crowd because of its relatively inexpensive rental properties.

Neighbors: Residents of Capitol Hill tend to include 20-something Capitol Hill staffers, young couples, and families. You’ll also find congressmen scattered about, as many have Washington, DC “crash pads” on the Hill.

Local eats: This neighborhood is filled to the brim with after-work watering holes. On the weekends, you’ll find residents shopping and brunching in and around Eastern Market, the neighborhood’s iconic farmers market. Other popular hangouts include: Ted’s Bulletin, Tortilla Coast, Bullfeathers, Good Stuff Eatery, Capitol Lounge, Tune Inn, Union Pub, the award-winning Rose’s Luxury, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Cava, Matchbox and Acqua Al 2.

Fun Fact: Capitol Hill is actually the largest historic residential neighborhood in the district. In addition to the U.S. Capitol, you’ll find the Supreme Court building, Library of Congress, Washington Navy Yard and the House and Senate office buildings scattered throughout the area.

For more information on Capitol Hill, check out Moving.com’s neighborhood profile .

Georgetown

Step outside on the streets of Georgetown, and you’ll hardly know you’re in Washington, D.C. Not only is Georgetown one of the most – if not, the most – picturesque and sought-after places to live, it’s also one of the best places to eat and shop in the city. Take a stroll down M Street or Wisconsin Avenue, and you’ll see everything from high-end fashion boutiques to cupcake bakeries.

Median house price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price in Georgetown was $1.8M.

Neighbors: Georgetown is an expensive place to live. Residents of this neighborhood generally include Georgetown University students, wealthy politicians, families, dignitaries, and multi-millionaires. Young professionals are scattered about, some living in expensive townhome rentals throughout the neighborhood and some living in Glover Park, a nearby neighborhood just north of Georgetown.

Local eats: Clyde’s, The Tombs, Georgetown Cupcake, Peacock Cafe, Filomena Ristorante, Cafe Milano, 1789 Restaurant and Cafe Bonaparte.

Fun Fact: Georgetown is home to the famous “Exorcist” steps, featured in the popular 1973 horror film, The Exorcist .

Dupont Circle

Those who love big city living will certainly find it in Dupont Circle. The neighborhood’s urban lifestyle and cosmopolitan vibe draws a wide assortment of people to its enclave. Take a walk around the main traffic circle to discover funky shops, hip restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Living in and around Dupont Circle, means being in the heart of it all.

Median home price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price in Dupont Circle was $520,000.

Neighbors: Residents of Dupont Circle include government employees, and 30-something lobbyists, lawyers, internationals, and young professionals – among others.

Local eats: Circa, Bistrot du Coin, Kramer Books and Afterwords Cafe, Pizzeria Paradiso, DGS Delicatessen, Komi, Cafe Dupont, and Obelisk.

Fun Fact: Dupont Circle’s iconic traffic circle is maintained by the National Park Service, and features a central fountain and chessboards. It’s also a popular location for various political rallies.

For more information on Dupont Circle, check out Moving.com’s neighborhood profile .

Logan Circle/Shaw

The Logan Circle/14th Street and Shaw/U Street areas are a must-visit (and move to) neighborhood of the city. The Logan Circle neighborhood and its main drag, 14th Street, are home to the city’s trendiest restaurants, hippest furniture stores, and best happy hours. The equally hip and historic areas of Shaw and U Street offer residents fantastic concert venues, jazz clubs, and buzzing nightlife.

Median house price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price in the U Street area was $600,000.

Neighbors: This area of the city is certainly one of D.C.’s most diverse and happening neighborhoods. Residents include Howard University students, yuppies, artists, designers, singles, married couples and everything in-between.

Local eats: ChurchKey, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Le Diplomate, Masa 14, El Centro, Cork, Doi Moi, Barcelona Wine Bar, Ghibellina, The Pig, Estadio, Commissary, Bar Pilar, and many more.

Fun Fact: Logan Circle is named after the Civil War general, John Logan.

Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights is one of the most diverse, dense and up-and-coming neighborhoods in the District. Twenty years ago, the area had little appeal. Now – thanks to various development projects – the neighborhood has become a mega shopping hub, with big chain stores like Target and Bed Bath and Beyond located just outside the Metro station. The area’s most happening strip, 11th Street, boasts funky coffee shops, hip restaurants and dance clubs.

Median house price: At the time this article was written, the median listing price in Columbia Heights was $665,000. Affordable rentals draw young professionals to this area of the city.

Neighbors: Those looking for an urban feel with all of the basic amenities and necessary shops will find it in Columbia Heights. Residents are diverse and include: young professionals, hipsters, non-profit employees, government employees and families.

Local eats: Maple, Red Rocks, Bad Saint, Wonderland Ballroom, Room 11, Thip Khao, and more.

Fun Fact: Nobel Prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis lived in the Columbia Heights neighborhood in Washington, D.C. during the early 1900’s.

Learn more about Washington, D.C. by visiting our City Profile Report feature, which includes city demographics, real estate, economic makeup, income, education, and residential information.