Renting in DC’s Hottest Neighborhoods

There are several important things to consider as a young professional looking to move to a Washington, DC. How close will you be to work? To public transportation? What are the closest grocery stores? Is the rent affordable? What is the nightlife like? 
To help recent college grads searching for the perfect neighborhood in Washington DC, we’ve created a list of the hottest DC neighborhoods (as well as a couple in Arlington) for young professionals and answered these questions for you.

Adams Morgan

Average rent: $2,532
Grocery stores: Harris Teeter, Yes! Organic Market, Safeway
Public transportation: Woodley Park-Zoo Metro Station
Nightlife: A mid 20s and 30s crowd that still wants to party like it’s college, Adams Morgan is famous for its numerous hookah bars and lounges. Enjoy a giant LED display at Federal, dance all night long seven days a week at Grand Central, attend a theme night at Heaven and Hell, visit Madam’s Organ for some blues and soul food, and learn to tango at Rumba Cafe.

Dupont Circle

Average rent: $2,450
Grocery stores: Safeway, Glen’s Garden Market
Public transportation: Dupont Metro Station
Nightlife: Try Sunday Funday at Bar Dupont, cheap beer on Thursday’s at The Madhatter, and check out 18th Street Lounge in the converted townhouse for live music Tuesday-Saturday.

U Street

Average rent: $2,876
Grocery stores: Trader Joe’s
Public transportation: U-Street Metro Station
Nightlife: The center of Washington DC’s music scene. Take a photo in the photobooth at Flash, try over 200 tequilas at El Centro, go underground clubbing at U Street Music Hall, see a concert at the 9:30 Club, and try the happy hour drink specials at Pure Lounge.

Columbia Heights

Average rent: $2,580
Grocery stores: Streets Market and Cafe, Giant, Odd Provisions
Public transportation: Columbia Heights Metro Station
Nightlife: Enjoy an extensive draft beer selection at Lou’s City Bar, get lost in The Wonderland Ballroom, have a margarita at El Chucho, and dance at the underground club Zeba.

Logan Circle

Average rent: $2,868
Grocery stores: Whole Foods Market
Public transportation: Mt. Vernon Square 7th St-Convention Center Metro Station
Nightlife: Choose from over 50 beers on tap at ChurchKey, order a house specialty cocktail at Black Jack, and check out the gay-friendly bar Number Nine.

Kalorama

Average rent: $2,444
Grocery stores: Open Door Market
Public transportation: Dupont Circle Metro Station
Nightlife: Walk to Adams Morgan or Dupont to enjoy a plethora of bars.

Clarendon, Arlington

Average rent: $2,419
Grocery stores: Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market
Public transportation: Clarendon Metro Station
Nightlife: A variety of young professionals looking for a good time. Watch a game at Board Room, hang outside in the beer garden at Spider Kelly’s, go to Whitlows for live music, and party on Don Tito’s rooftop.

Ballston, Arlington

Average rent: $2,333
Grocery stores: Harris Teeter, Giant
Public transportation: Ballston Station
Nightlife:  Enjoy Sunday Funday at Bronson Bierhall, try more than 500+ global beers and listen to live music at Crafthouse, sip wine at Grand Cr, or check out some local artists’ work while enjoying a latte (or rose!) at Northside Social.

Want more nightlife? Check out Georgetown, H-Street Corridor, K Street, and Midtown.

If these rental prices look high to you, contact us to see if it might make more sense to buy instead of rent.  We’re happy to talk you through the pros and cons of each option.

To get more insider scoop on the Washington DC area, be sure to get our weekly blog roundup.