As the nation’s capital, Washington DC is a famous city for tourists and residents alike. The town is surrounded by the Potomac River, bordering the states of Maryland and Virginia. DC is home to some of the country’s oldest national treasures. It’s the center of politics and is the center for arts, culture, and history.
DC is renowned for its neoclassical monuments and buildings, such as the three branches of the federal government, the Capitol, White House, and Supreme Court. Washington is also home to over 30 vibrant neighborhoods that bring their personality to the city. From exploring culture and history to shopping and enjoying nightlife, these neighborhoods have something for everyone to enjoy. Below are five up and coming areas in DC you would want to live in.
1. Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by beautiful historic row-homes and apartment buildings. The streets are lined with trees and parks. If you are looking for a small-town feeling in the big city, this neighborhood is for you. Mount Pleasant is a pedestrian-friendly community with dining, retail, and close access to transit.
There is always something exciting happening in the neighborhood. Residents can enjoy relaxing afternoon bike rides throughout the green space, cultural cuisine from pizza to Ethiopian, Indian, Thai and Vietnamese, historical views, and unique shopping boutiques.
2. Georgetown
The neighborhood of Georgetown is charming, with its cobblestone streets on the border of the Potomac River. The community is located on the Northwest side of the city and home to the university. Georgetown has some of the most popular shopping and dining districts in Washington, DC. In Georgetown, you can enjoy lots of attractions such as sightseeing cruises, water activities (canoeing, or kayaking), shopping at M Street, walk through the Dumbarton Oaks Museum, and historic walking tours.
3. Capitol Hill
Extending through DC’s Northeast and Southeast quadrants, Capitol Hill is one of the cities’ maturest neighborhoods. It is also the home of the Capitol Building and numerous other political and cultural buildings. In this neighborhood, you have easy access to museums, government buildings, shopping, transit, and restaurants. There is lots to do in this neighborhood to keep busy such as guided tours of the Capitol building, exhibits at the Folger Shakespeare Library, leisure walk through the rare United States Botanic Garden, or enjoy hopping on and off a sightseeing bus tour.
4. U Street
If your looking for a neighborhood with a large amount of cultural heritage, then the historic U street is the community for you. U Street is popular with locals for its unparalleled music and nightlife. Residents and visitors enjoy the vibrant culture of the neighborhood, along with the great restaurants, bars, and shopping boutiques. Like all neighborhoods in DC, you can always find something to do that interests you, but if feeling like being a tourist in your own community, you should visit these attractions:
- Tour the African Civil WarMemorial and Museum to experience more about the cultural heritage of the neighborhood
- Get your chili fix at Ben’s Chili Bowl
- Enjoy shopping at the original shopping boutiques, but especially the furniture stores if you are refurbishing your home
- Busboys and Poets is a must-visit for any aspiring writer or literary.
5. Dupont Circle
Dupont is a multicultural neighborhood that has a lot to offer. It’s a popular community in DC, filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and an assortment of restaurants for residents and visitors to enjoy. A popular spot for residents in Dupont Circle is the circle fountain, where many locals like to gather for relaxation, reading a book, people watching, or meeting up with friends. If you decide to live in Dupont Circle, you should definitely visit the Philips Collection, one of the best art galleries in the DC. Also, take a tour of the embassies along Massachusetts Avenue, and experience great meals at one of the many famous restaurants in the neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
Washington, DC, is a busy and vibrant city to live in, and all of its neighborhoods reflect the cities personality. These are just five of the many up and coming areas in DC to enjoy. Each has its own feeling and attractions to explore.
