Visitors to Washington, D.C. can open a tourism guide and be inundated with Capitol Hill’s attractions: the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Library of Congress, the U.S. Botanic Gardens and, of course, the 19th-century Neoclassical dome of the United States Capitol Building itself. But the neighborhood is more than just tourist attractions. Outside of the area immediately surrounding the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall, it’s residential and comparatively quiet. Rowhomes line one-way streets, and a mature tree canopy shades streets named after states, numbers and letters. “It’s only 10 blocks or less from the National Mall, but because it’s so residential, it serves as a village within the city,” says Joel Nelson, leading neighborhood Realtor with KW Capitol Properties, who has lived in Capitol Hill for 25 years. “The neighborhood is largely unaffected by the tourist destinations of the mall, the Capitol Building, and museums or protests.”
The Capitol is the seat of government for the United States and Capitol Hill's namesake.
Beautifully painted and unpainted row homes contrast with each other in Capitol Hill.
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Domestic tranquility
Capitol Hill, part of Pierre L’Enfant’s original 1790 design for Washington, D.C., is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Gridded streets and diagonal avenues intersect, creating small open spaces for parks. Some roads are laid with cobblestone; some sidewalks are laid with brick. Established initially as a boarding house community for members of Congress, it’s now the largest residential historic neighborhood in the nation’s capitol. 1800s and 1900s rowhomes in styles ranging from Federal to Italianate to Queen Anne are updated with modern kitchens and bathrooms. These properties typically cost $1 to $3 million. There are also studio apartments and condo options available, and they usually run in the $400,000 to $1 million range, depending on property size, condition and age.
Some row homes in Capitol Hill feature small fenced-in gardens.
Brick Victorian row homes are common in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
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Intersecting avenues and pocket parks
“It’s a destination neighborhood for people with children,” Nelson says. “We have five large city square parks… and you see tons and tons of kids, from toddlers to teenagers.” As per Pierre L’Enfant’s city design, the neighborhood’s gridded streets and diagonal avenues create squares and irregular shapes that form parks. These grassy spaces, like Lincoln Park and Stanton Park, are great places for passive or active recreation and usually feature statues of prominent American figures in the center. At Garfield Park, teens hit the skatepark, kids run around the playground and friends challenge each other to games of tennis or volleyball. Nelson says, “Capitol Hill is dense while being green.”
The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Capitol Hill is dedicated to the 18th president.
Lincoln Park in Capitol Hill is a great spot to relax and enjoy the space.
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Capitol eats
“It’s easy to get to things that are tourist attractions, but tourists don’t proceed through the neighborhood,” Nelson says. “We have access to first-class restaurants because tourists help them thrive, but it doesn’t feel like a commercial district. It’s like a small town in the city.” Here on the Hill, residents are within walking distance of D.C. staples, like Eastern Market. This indoor public market offers a variety of fresh produce, artisan goods and local crafts, serving as a vibrant hub for the community. On Tuesdays and weekends, the market opens up for Farmers Line, selling produce grown in rural areas on the East Coast. Nearby Trader Joe’s and Safeway give residents options when grocery shopping. Capitol Hill is widely considered a foodie haven, with an eclectic assortment of restaurants. Early risers grab breakfast from The Hill Café, while twenty-somethings head to Union Pub, click glasses during happy hour, and watch the game. Belga Café, modeled after an authentic Belgian eatery, serves thick Belgian waffles as well as mussels and fries. And Pineapples and Pearls, a reservation-only restaurant run by famous chef and restauranteur Aaron Silverman, is a popular spot for fine dining.
Eastern Market in Capitol Hill is full of food vendors and even a restaurant.
The Salmon Waffle is one of Belgia Cafe's most popular menu items in Capitol Hill.
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Fourth of July in the nation's capitol
Nearly 700,000 Americans celebrate the nation’s birthday on the West Lawn of the Capitol, watching PBS’s “A Capitol Fourth” concert series before fireworks blaze red, white and blue over the building’s dome. Being so close to the seat of government means that numerous political advocacy marches occur in the neighborhood, particularly in the area surrounding the Capitol building; however, residential streets are largely unaffected by them.
School days
There are numerous public, private and charter options in and around Capitol Hill. Students are zoned for the District of Columbia Public Schools and may attend Watkins Elementary School and Stuart-Hobson Middle School, both of which receive B-plus scores from Niche. They can finish their public education at Eastern Senior High School, which gets a C from Niche. Eastern offers the Eastern Academy of Health Sciences, a program for students interested in pursuing health-related degrees or jobs.
Eastern Senior High School has a C rating on Nice.
Stuart-Hobson Middle School serves students in Capitol Hill and its surrounding areas.
Watkins Elementary School serves students from first to fifth grade in Capitol Hill.
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Getting around Capitol Hill
“There’s a common perception that everyone who lives in the area works for Congress or the Federal Government, but that’s just not the case,” Nelson says. “Over the past 25 years, the economy has diversified with people from all aspects of the law, technology and more. You’ll be neighbors with people who are experts in a fantastically wide array of subjects.” Commuters to Northern Virginia or Maryland can use U.S. Interstate 695. Nelson says, “From some parts of the city, the commute is sticky. But from Capitol Hill, it’s very easy and quick to travel using the 695 throughway.” The neighborhood is highly walkable and bikeable, and three Metro stops are within walking distance. And when it’s time to fly, the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is about 5 miles southeast.
Residents of Capitol Hill have easy access to the Eastern Market Metro.
The Boxcar Tavern is located on 7th st NE, right in downtown Eastern Market
Capitol Ride share bikes help locals and tourists alike navigate their way around the sights of Capitol Hill
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Wendy Wright,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lower Senate Park
Picnic Area
Trails
The Spirit of Justice Park
Trails
Marion Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
13th Street Community Park & Garden
Picnic Area
Trails
United States Botanic Garden
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Stanton Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Lincoln Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Kingsman Dog Park
Dog Park
Trails
Garfield Park
Picnic Area
Skateboard
Tennis
Transit
Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl
11 min drive
Subway
Capitol South
Subway
Eastern Market
Subway
Potomac Avenue
Bus
Potomac Ave SE & 13th St SE
Bus
8th St NE & C St NE
Bus
C St NE & 8th St NE
Bus
E Capitol St NE & Tennessee Ave NE
Bus
Pennsylvania Ave SE & 13th St SE
Bus
C St NE & 11th St NE
Bus
K St SE & Potomac Ave SE
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Capitol Hill
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Capitol Hill Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Capitol Hill, Washington sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Capitol Hill, Washington over the last 12 months is $1,000,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Majestic Capitol Hill town-home with a TWO STORY carriage house steps to Eastern Market! Meticulously renovated and maintained by long-term owners, this circa 1902 residence retains many original elements including tile, casework and wood flooring. Note the wide bay window, beautiful wrought iron stairway leading to the massive mahogany door. Through the vestibule, lined with original ceramic
Welcome to 1315 S Carolina Ave SE — a beautiful 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom Victorian-style townhome that blends historic character with thoughtful updates, all in an unbeatable Capitol Hill location just two blocks from Eastern Market and the Metro. Step inside to find high ceilings, exposed brick, and hardwood floors that add warmth and character throughout. The main level features inviting living
A Capitol Hill Treasure with Historic Soul and Modern Grace with a A+++ location. Set on a serene, tree-lined street in the very heart of Capitol Hill, this stately 1880s Federal residence pairs timeless architecture with contemporary comfort. A vibrant yellow door hints at the warmth within, where grand proportions, soaring ceilings, and oversized windows invite natural light to dance across
A rare and highly sought-after top-floor one-bedroom unit in a beautifully converted row home just steps from the heart of Capitol Hill. This unique residence boasts a semi-private entrance shared with only two other units and offers iconic views of the Capitol Rotunda, Washington Monument, and Library of Congress. Inside, you'll find charming details such as exposed and sealed brick walls,
This Grand Beauty Awaits you!! Large main home with separate 2 BD/1BA basement rental. The open layout on the first floor, encompasses the family room, dining area, and kitchen, sets the stage for seamless gatherings or cozy evenings by two gas fireplaces. Expansive master suite featuring a luxurious ensuite bath. two more spacious bedrooms await, A secret top floor hideaway which could be
Welcome to Penn 11! As you walk in the unit you are greeted with amazing floor to ceiling windows facing Pennsylvania Ave’s “Promenade” with blossoming tall trees. Unit 205 is a 1 BR + DEN and 2 full baths. Built in 2019, the unit features custom materials throughout, 9’ ceilings, Sleek Bosch premium appliances (gas cooktop, slim pull-out hood, oven, microwave drawer and panelized
Welcome to Penn 11. As you walk in the unit you are greeted with amazing floor to ceiling windows facing Pennsylvania Ave’s “Promenade” with blossoming tall trees. Unit 205 is a 1 BR + Den and 2 full baths. Built in 2019, the unit features custom materials throughout, 9’ ceilings, Sleek Bosch premium appliances (gas cooktop, slim pull-out hood, oven, microwave drawer and panelized
Offering a selection of 325 luxurious homes, Beckert?s Park includes 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, each meticulously designed to provide both comfort and opulence. The interiors feature a blend of classic elegance and contemporary elements, culminating in an inviting sanctuary situated in the heart of Capitol Hill. Inclusive of an on-site grocery store, shopping, dining, a dog park, and
Fabulous 1-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom Home – Perfect for Comfortable Living and EntertainingStep into this beautifully updated residence offering an open floor plan filled with abundant natural light. Gleaming hardwood floors and fresh paint create a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout. The renovated kitchen is a chef’s delight, featuring granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and stylish new
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Wendy Wright,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
24,539
Median Age
38
Population Density
23 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$159,879
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$182,756
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.8%
College Graduates
84.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
53.8%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
79.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
13''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
98/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
96/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
84/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
