Where to Live In (and Around) DC
Lifestyle
Among locals, DC is known for more than its historic roots and iconic monuments — it’s known as a vibrant city with a neighborhood for everyone. Offering a dynamic mix of inviting communities, the greater DMV area has a distinct sense of place sure to make anyone feel right at home. So, whether you’re searching for a bustling urban enclave or an idyllic residential retreat, there’s no doubt that DC has the neighborhood for you. Keep reading for some of our favorite DC-area communities to live and explore!
1. Shaw
A historically African-American neighborhood with a storied past, Shaw is home to the 1910 Howard Theatre, where jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and DC local Duke Ellington once performed. Today, Shaw is known as one of the city’s hippest enclaves — a place where urban attractions and residential charm collide.
Between its craft cocktail bars, beer gardens, indie clothing boutiques, and trendy global restaurants, Shaw is a place with something for everyone to enjoy.
➤ Click here to discover why it’s one of DC’s most beloved destinations!
2. Alexandria, VA
Nestled on the Potomac River within view of Washington, DC, Alexandria, VA is a picturesque town nationally recognized for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18th-and-19th-century architecture. Humming with a cosmopolitan feel and a walkable lifestyle, this charming colonial enclave is widely known as a welcoming weekend escape next to our nation’s capital.
➤ Click here for a closer look at life in Alexandria, VA!
3. Capitol Hill
Despite its signature reputation as the seat of the US government, Capitol Hill is so much more than a legal hub.
Not only is Capitol Hill home to the domed United States Capitol, Senate, Houses of Representatives, and the neoclassical Supreme Court, but it’s also where you’ll find the iconic Eastern Market and Barracks Row, a quirky enclave that’s lined with an eclectic mix of bakeries, pizzerias, and global eateries.
➤ Click here to see why we can’t get enough of Capitol Hill!
4. Falls Church, VA
Named one of the best small towns in America, Falls Church more than lives up to its nickname, “The Little City.” But while it may be small in size, this charming suburb offers enormous appeal for those hoping to settle down in a peaceful, residential enclave — without giving up easy access to the sights and sounds of DC.
➤ Click here to discover what makes Falls Church one of our favorite places in VA!
5. Bethesda, MD
Set just outside of Washington, DC, Bethesda has earned its reputation as a coveted residential destination brimming with a dynamic array of attractions for everyone to enjoy. Locals and visitors alike converge to browse the vibrant Bethesda Row shopping center, sample the upscale culinary scene, explore the abundant parks and green spaces, and to savor the neighborly feel of the community at their doorstep.
➤ Click here to learn more about the (many) benefits of living in Bethesda today!
6. DuPont Circle, DC
One of DC’s most beloved and vibrant neighborhoods, DuPont is a lively enclave lined with eclectic eateries, quirky coffee shops, charming book stores, and refreshing bars. From cultural diversions to entertaining nightlife and an exciting mix of daily activity, DuPont is a place that offers something for everyone.
➤ Click here to dive into the DuPont Circle scene for yourself!
7. Columbia Heights, DC
One of DC’s original streetcar suburbs, Columbia Heights experienced a wave of development in the early 2000s. Today, it stands as a bustling enclave that blends modern architecture with historic buildings both charming and grand.
➤ Click here to for a closer look at Columbia Heights!
Ready to find your next home in DC? Wise choice.
Check out our selection of homes currently on the market right here.
