In addition to being the cultural and political hub of the United States, Washington, DC is a great place to live. There are a variety of festivals, events, and attractions to explore, with iconic destinations like the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center, and numerous monuments. The nightlife, food, and music scenes are unparalleled.
All the benefits come at a cost, however. Rent in DC has been trending up and is currently 22.8% higher than it was last year. A one-bedroom apartment in DC rents for an average of $2,479 per month, which is substantially higher than the national average of $1,967.
If you’re moving to DC, you probably want it all: the attractions, the nightlife, the food, and the culture. However, you want it all within your budget. The first thing you’ll want to decide is which neighborhood best suits you. We looked at affordability, location, and access to amenities to determine the best DC neighborhoods for renters.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill offers something for everyone. It’s home to the popular Eastern Market and is near some of the most famous buildings in the country, like the US Capitol building. There are also several grocery stores, good schools, and convenient transportation in the area. With such a great location, you might be pleasantly surprised to know that rent in Capitol Hill is less than the DC average, with a one-bedroom in the neighborhood renting for around $2,218 per month.
Navy Yard
This trendy riverfront neighborhood is right around the corner from Nationals Stadium. It also offers a variety of green spaces and easy access to the metro. The local Yards Park is also very popular and unique within the city. It offers outside activities, open space, a view of the Anacostia River, a canal for kids to play in, and a variety of events when the weather is warm. This neighborhood is very popular, and that fact is reflected in its rent prices. A one-bedroom apartment in Navy Yard averages $2,621, which is higher than DC’s average.
Foggy Bottom
Convenient to all DC attractions, Foggy Bottom is neighbored by the White House, State Department, and the Washington Monument. If you’re interested in politics, you’ll love renting in Foggy Bottom! In addition to being in the heart of the action, Foggy Bottom is home to several parks and restaurants. While it is close to all things DC, Foggy Bottom is a surprisingly peaceful neighborhood. Rent in Foggy Bottom is slightly higher than the DC average at $2,539 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Petworth
Petworth is slightly more affordable than other areas of the capital while still being close to a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes. There’s even a popular recreation center with sports courts and a water spray park. It is home to popular coffee shops and hangouts as well. If you’re looking for a terrific neighborhood that’s also affordable, rent in Petworth is less than the DC average at around $1,815 for a one-bedroom apartment.
U Street
U Street is an active, diverse neighborhood filled with nightlife, culture, and entertainment. Life here will never be dull since there’s always something happening in U Street! This neighborhood offers a delightful sense of community (a rare find in this somewhat transient district), and it’s close to the White House and the National Mall. Renting in U Street will cost you, however, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging $2,582.
Renting in Washington, DC has amazing benefits. With so many great neighborhoods, choosing one won’t be easy! While these five neighborhoods are great, DC has many more to explore, so be sure to check out the neighborhood comparison tool on our Rent Trends page.
This article was originally published on February 6, 2014 and was updated on June 8, 2023.
