Best Places to Live in Washington D.C. for Families

By Graci Woodworth and Jaclyn Pitt, Storage.com

Finding your place in this world can be pretty difficult, not to mention how hard it can be to move there. Storage.com is here to help with the moving process, either by providing storage or helping you find the ideal place to call home.

Buzzing with some of the most historic culture in the country, the Nation’s Capital isn’t just a home for politicians and lawyers. Beyond the hustle of H Street, Washington D.C. boasts quaint streets and idyllic neighborhoods for both growing and established families.

Below, you’ll find our list of the five best neighborhoods for families looking to make their home in D.C.

CAPITOL HILL

Capitol Hill Neighborhood
Photo by Josh

Quick Facts

Median home price: $532,588

Crime rate: Capitol Hill is safer than 35% of the cities in the District of Columbia.

Unemployment rate: 6.2%

Just east of the Capitol Dome lies the flourishing neighborhood of Capitol Hill. Continuously luring in new residents with its rich history and charm, it’s far from uncommon for homes in this neighborhood to sell for more than their listing price. Strewn with endless views of federal-style row houses and townhomes, Capitol Hill is a well-known hot spot for young families and starter homes.

The area is brimming with a variety of shops, entertainment, and delectable cuisine. Head on over to America’s Main Street, better known as Pennsylvania Avenue, and grab a slice with some homemade Italian soda at We, The Pizza, or dine with your pup on the patio at Art and Soul. No really, they have a menu for dogs. Looking to catch some rays where the kids can play? Loungers and pet owners flock to the seven grassy acres of paradise in Lincoln Park, named after, you guessed it, Abraham Lincoln. With something to do around every corner, Capitol Hill offers just the right blend of community and spontaneity for young and growing families.

THE PALISADES

The Palisades Neighborhood
Photo by Josh

Quick Facts

Median home price:  $906,467

Crime rate: The Palisades is safer than 94% of the cities in the District of Columbia.

Unemployment rate: 2.3%

Nestled along the Potomac River and Georgetown University, The Palisades has drawn in an abundance of families for many years. This scenic residential neighborhood in D.C. is peppered with a variety of picturesque bungalows, townhouses, and colonial-style homes, along with the occasional modern structure.

Home to the notable Francis Scott Key Elementary School, much of The Palisades’ residential streets become minimal through traffic. But when residents aren’t soaking up the stunning riverfront sunsets, you can find them browsing through the Palisades Farmers market (which is up and running year-round), hiking the peaceful woodland trails of Potomac Overlook Regional Park, or kicking back at a local favorite eatery. Seafood lovers in the area swear by BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant. For families looking for the delicate balance of city life and the outdoors, a home in The Palisades is the perfect match.

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK

American University Neighborhood
Photo by Chip Griffin

Quick Facts (Au-Tenleytown area)

Median home price:  $840,750

Crime rate: Au-Tenleytown is safer than 76% of the cities in the District of Columbia.

Unemployment rate: 2.9%

Located in the Northwest quadrant of The Capital City, many families call American University Park home-sweet-home. A walk through this well-kept neighborhood will reveal a multitude of single-family homes, many of which are donned with front porches or stoops. While there’s plenty of businesses and shops lining the nearby stretch of Wisconsin Avenue, the heart of this area is quiet and secluded.

Known for holding some of the best public schools in D.C., the residents here have a desirable sense of community that is hard to beat. Get some fresh air with the kids at Turtle Park, equipped with a stone turtle and several play areas, or indulge in some tasty Mexican food at Guapo’s Restaurant. Whether you’re in the mood for a staycation or a busy day on the town, American University Park offers its inhabitants the best of both worlds.

MOVING TO WASHINGTON?
COMPARE STORAGE UNIT PRICES

GEORGETOWN

Georgetown Neighborhood
Photo by Mr.TinDC

Quick Facts

Median Home Price: $813,460

Crime rate: Georgetown is safer than 82% of the cities in the District of Columbia.

Unemployment rate: 2.4%

Formerly called home by several early Presidents, including Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy, the established neighborhood of Georgetown captivates the hearts of its residents with old-world beauty. This historic port-town is set back along the Potomac River, strewn with row houses, Gothic architecture, and of course, the stately Georgetown University. The area also holds the District of Columbia Public Library, and several preparatory schools, such as Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School and Georgetown Day School.

Georgetown dwellers are just a short walk from river views in the lawn of Georgetown Waterfront Park, as well as the trail alongside The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Brunch lovers can enjoy their weekly dose at Sequoia, a popular spot with water views and live jazz. A visionary setting for families who long for a little peace and quiet without having to leave the city, Georgetown is simply one of the best.

CHEVY CHASE

Chevy Chase Neighborhood
Photo by Kate-Mereand Sinha

Quick Facts

Median home price: $788,379

Crime rate: Chevy Chase is safer than 68% of the cities in the District of Columbia.

Unemployment rate: 2.5%

Made up of far more than cherry blossom trees and politically-savvy residents, Chevy Chase is suburbia at its finest. Settled just east of Rock Creek Park, this hilly neighborhood is blooming with the kind of small-town culture you won’t find in the city. The crime rate in Chevy Chase is extremely low, making it renowned as one of the safest neighborhoods in the D.C. area. Homes in the area are an eclectic blend of bungalows, Tudors, and colonials.

Between its tremendous schools, independent shops (head over to Politics & Prose for a killer bookstore-coffeehouse duo), and spirited population, the Chevy Chase lifestyle is contagious to families of all ages and sizes.

DUPONT CIRCLE

rowhouses in dupont circle
Photo by NCinDC

Quick Facts

Median home price: $518,433

Crime rate: Dupont Circle is safer than 52% of the cities in the District of Columbia.

Unemployment rate: 2.4%

Referred to as the “Heart of Washington”, Dupont Circle is located in the “Old City” of Washington. Centered around its traffic circle are plenty of rowhouses, some of which are quite trendy while others are conveniently affordable.

Dupont Circle is a beautiful, historic neighborhood and is a great location to be on foot. Tour the Woodrow Wilson House on Embassy Row and soak in the pop culture of the 20s and rare White House memorabilia. The Phillips Collection houses many famous artists’ work such as van Gogh, O’Keefe, Picasso, and more. The Dupont Circle Fountain and Park is a common area where you can play chess, soak up sun on the well-manicured grass, or read a book on the curved benches.

PETWORTH

houses in petworth, DC
Photo by NCinDC

Quick Facts

Median home price: $610,742

Crime rate: Petworth is safer than 84% of the cities in the District of Columbia.

Unemployment rate: 7.8%

Located near northwest Washington, Petworth is lined with historic brick rowhouses and a mix of apartments and townhouses. You won’t find many chain stores in this neighborhood, but an abundance of independent businesses instead—kept up and running by the locals. This area is looked upon as a family-friendly and close-knit community full of diverse cultures, ethnicity, and professions.

Residents count down the days to the Petworth Community Market every year, which occurs on Saturdays during May through November. The neighbors come together to showcase fresh food, art, music, and dance! Residents of Petworth are proud to live in this urban neighborhood and show it through their Celebrate Petsworth festival during the summer and Upshur Street Arts & Crafts Fair in the winter.

Know of other great residential neighborhoods in Washington DC that we missed? Tell us in the comments!

***

If you’re moving to Washington D.C. and need storage space to help with the transition, use Storage.com’s directory of storage units in Washington D.C. to quickly find and rent a storage unit! 

All images have either been provided by a listed organization or are licensed under the Creative Commons.

All quick facts are provided by areavibes.com