Five Best Places to Live in DC

Washington DC. The name alone brings up images of cherry blossoms on the Tidal Basin, stately columns on row after row of museums and federal buildings, the Capitol Dome, the sprawling grounds of the Pentagon. The joke among locals is that you can see the Washington Monument from anywhere. And of course, no visit is complete without driving by the White House at night and trying to take a picture (though the Secret Service will always chase you away before you get a good one.)

It’s easy to forget when you are looking at images of all of these stately historical monuments that real people work in all of those buildings and live in the area. The DC area is unusual in that people who work in DC live in neighborhoods spread across the District, Virginia, and Maryland. Talk about urban sprawl! But the good news is that it means there are many options whether you want an in-town neighborhood, a picture-perfect suburb, or even a more rural, country feel. It’s all within reach in Washington DC.

5 Best Places to Live in DC

1. Alexandria, DC: If you want to be close to the action, but still far enough away from the tourists, Alexandria is the place for you. Located on the other side of that famous tidal basin, Alexandria has all of the cherry-blossom infused historic charm you might expect from this part of the country, with cobblestone streets and charming storefronts in the Old Town area. But don’t think this is just a country-quaint part of town. North Old Town is a bustling area with all of the amenities and great residential options, both old and new. There are great restaurants, hip cafes, and some excellent shopping, entertainment, and fitness venues.

2. Dupont Circle, DC: If you want to be right in the center of it all, Dupont Circle is an amazing choice. The name refers to a traffic circle as well as the nearby park and the entire neighborhood. Dupont Circle is both an elegant in-town enclave and the home of some of the best nightlife and clubbing in DC. Embassy Row is here, with its incredible mansions and estates as well as a variety of world-class inns that make you feel like a real VIP. Residential options abound, with condos, co-ops, and single family homes. All are in high demand, though, which means this is one of the pricier areas of the District. But what is a little money when you get such a great address?

3. Fort Washington, DC: Bordering DC on the Maryland side is historic Fort Washington. This prosperous area takes its name from the actual fort, which was at one time the only for protecting Washington DC. The site of the fort is now a beautiful park with views of the Potomac River, hiking paths, fishing, and many other recreational activities, as well as the the impressive main gate which is still in use. Residential areas in proximity to the Fort are in high demand, with many new built homes alongside the already existing suburban areas. Here you will find riverfront homes, two marinas, two community pools, and National Golf Club. National is the East Coast’s only Ted Robinson signature course, and the associated club offers many amenities for the entire family. Here too is National Harbor, a spectacular complex of waterfront stores, restaurants, casinos, and hotels. The Capital Wheel is a big highlight, soaring 180 feet above the Potomac and offering views throughout the region. Truly the best in suburban living, with a lot of big-city amenities included, you can’t do better than Fort Washington for your DC move.

4. McLean/Great Falls, DC: For sheer variety, the McLean/Great Falls corridor is an incredible part of the DC area. Whether you are a political wonk politician-watching at McLean Family Diner, a marathon shopper at spectacular Tyson’s Corner, or an equestrian living the Virginia horse country life in Great Falls, there is truly something for everyone in this area of Northern Virginia. Prices are high here, but in return you may spot a Kennedy at the dry cleaner or a former chair of the Joint Chiefs at the bagel shop. Proximity to DC is easy on the GW Parkway and of course there’s always the cache of living “inside the Beltway.” Residential options here tend to be traditional suburban single-family homes or larger estates as you get out into Great Falls. However, many condo options have grown up in the Tyson’s Corner area, and the new Silver Line has made Metro-commuting a possibility in this area for the first time.

5. Georgetown, DC: One of the more famous in-town neighborhoods of DC, Georgetown is known for the University that bears its name. Georgetown was originally part of Maryland, and then was its own separate municipality, but was eventually absorbed into the District at the turn of the 20th century. It still retains the feel of a separate neighborhood, though, and offers many unique charms. Here you will find great restaurants, historic sites, and excellent shopping. The Old Stone House is here, one of the oldest buildings in the District, and offers a cool respite on a hot summer’s day of sightseeing. One of its most charming features is the C&O Canal which still runs through Georgetown giving it a quaint European feel. Georgetown is a highly desirable residential area, both because of its location and the many charms of the area. Especially sought after are its row houses, which exist in abundance in this particular neighborhood.

Washington DC is a truly spectacular part of the country with natural beauty, architectural distinction, and historic charm in abundance. If you are planning a move to the area, you truly can’t go wrong with any of these lovely residential options. Each offers a variety of home styles, whether your taste runs to condos or single family homes or even some wide open spaces. Whether you are :

• just beginning to think about DC for your next home

• are already planning to move here

• are currently living here and looking to upsize or downsize,

• or if you are just looking for a new neighborhood

get in touch with me. I would love to help you find the right DC neighborhood—and home—for you.

Directions to our office:.

10460 Campus Way South.

10460 Upper Marlboro,Maryland.

10460 20774