Any DC native will gladly tell newcomers the truth: there are many more (and many better) neighborhoods than Capitol Hill. While the city itself is often associated with the politicians that live in the nicest parts of town, most locals live elsewhere, in one of many neighborhoods that make DC unique. From historic rowhouses in Bloomingdale to waterfront views in Foggy Bottom, the Capital boasts plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. Here are some of the best Washington, DC neighborhoods to call home.

The Best Washington, DC Neighborhoods

Georgetown

Photo Source: New York Times

Average one-bedroom rent: $1,666

Walkscore: 83

A surprisingly metropolitan neighborhood of classic historical homes, Georgetown is perfect for folks looking for city life with plenty of natural feeling. A newly revitalized waterfront on the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (now a national park) run parallel to a slew of modern shops and restaurants that perfectly mix the old town feeling with contemporary comforts. And because Georgetown University is in the heart of the neighborhood, there’s plenty of housing for younger (read: cheaper) renters – the only downside is the lack of Metro stops, making it hard to leave this part of town.

Dupont Circle

Image Source: Washingtonian

Average one-bedroom rent: $2,322

Walkscore: 98

While the tourist in you may associate Dupont Circle with Embassy Row, this neighborhood boasts some great livability (that Walkscore of 98 isn’t an exaggeration) with a five minute commute to downtown and a conveniently located Metro station, plus iconic parks galore. The only downside? Convenience comes at a price, and as one of the most expensive Washington, DC neighborhoods, Dupont Circle’s price to rent is no easy pill to swallow.

Navy Yard

Photo Source: Gordon James Realty

Average one-bedroom rent: $2,335

Walkscore: 84

For those seeking a brand-new place, there’s nowhere better to look than Navy Yard. This new neighborhood is quite possibly the fastest growing in DC, and between its proximity to the riverfront, the Nationals Stadium, and the new restaurants and bars opening there every week, it’s not hard to see why. The downside, unsurprisingly, is the cost – new apartment aren’t cheap, especially not in this popular neighborhood.

Adams Morgan

Photo Source: Our Community Now

Average one-bedroom rent: $2,303

Walkscore: 95

To those who aren’t already familiar with this staple neighborhood, it’s hard to explain Adams Morgan. A unique neighborhood blending vintage vibe-artistry with a culture of activism, Adams Morgan is the perfect place to live if you intend to do more than just sleep there. It may not be the cheapest Washington, DC neighborhood to call home, but for the right kind of resident, life in Adams Morgan is worth it.

Foggy Bottom / West End

Image Source: Trover

Average one-bedroom rent: $2,425

Walkscore: 95

Just a few steps from Georgetown and downtown is Foggy Bottom (sometimes referred to as the West End), home to some of DC’s most iconic sights and riverfront views. Set right on the edge of the Potomac, you can’t beat the curb appeal of the many historic homes here, or the convenience. The only downside is that home prices come at a cost – especially if there’s a view – but the quality nightlife and dining options might just make it worth the extra arm and leg you’ll pay in rent.

Logan Circle / Shaw

Image Source: Long and Foster

Average one-bedroom rent: $2,334

Walkscore: 96

The millennial hub that is Logan Circle has plenty to boast about: a walkable neighborhood full of great restaurants and bars, a mix of historic homes that will leave your inner architect drooling and new apartments for those wanting something fresh, and of course, the iconic Logan Circle park in the center of it all. It’s definitely a luxury to live in this pricey area, but the easy access to the entire city makes it incredibly worth it.

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Woodley Park

Photo Source: Airbnb

Average one-bedroom rent: $1,982

Walkscore: 72

More residential and less nightlife-heavy than other Washington, DC neighborhoods, Woodley Park is the ideal DC home for families. It’s not the best place to find a spot to rent – it’s more home-focused than apartment-oriented – but its two massive parks and quieter roads make it the perfect area for quiet walks with kids (and a cute coffee shop to get pastries at for the end).

Bloomingdale

Photo Source: Thrillist

Average one-bedroom rent: $2,355

Walkscore: 93

If you want to look in a classic Victorian rowhouse, Bloomingdale is the Washington, DC neighborhood to call home. But it isn’t easy to find a place to rent here – these classic homes have high value, and those who own them are rarely willing to rent them out. But if you can snag a spot (or purchase a home to call your own), it’s a great neighborhood for those who want a break from the nightlife crowd and would prefer to come home to a quiet, safe street.

Downtown / Penn Quarter

Photo Source: We Love DC

Average one-bedroom rent: $2,360

Walkscore: 91

Living in the heart of downtown Washington, DC is an expensive challenge, but if you’re up for it, there’s no better place to call home than the Penn Quarter. It may be constantly crowded with tourists and weekday workers alike, but having such easy access to Washington, DC’s greatest cultural hubs is hard to beat. And when you do want a break from the downtown craziness, the Metro from here will take you just about anywhere.

River Terrace / Mayfair

Photo Source: Cparkre.com

Average one-bedroom rent: $970

Walkscore: 46

Not quite ready to move to the suburbs, but want to get away from the downtown hustle? River Terrace, a new urban development tucked away in the corner of DC, is a break from the crazy activity of the rest of DC, not to mention a break from sky-high rent prices. But the neighborhood will feel much more like a suburb than a city center: be ready to drive to get downtown, to the grocery store, or anywhere but your neighbor’s house.

Brookland

Image Source: Flickr

Average one-bedroom rent: $1,562

Walkscore: 75

Don’t tell anyone, but Brookland might be the best-kept secret of all the Washington, DC neighborhoods. Low rent, low population density, and a growing center of food and shops on H Street make this a charming – and fast-growing – neighborhood well suited for families and young renters alike.

Once you’ve decided on a Washington, DC neighborhood to call home, it’s time to get packing. And come moving day, there’s no better help than Dolly. We’ll connect you to local pickup truck owners move wherever you need to, whenever you need to. From Bloomingdale to Foggy Bottom and more, Dolly is the best way to move in Washington, DC.

Walkscore data from walkscore.com. 

Rent data from rentcafe.com.