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Downtown DC

Downtown DC

$586,106 Average Value
$646 Average Price per Sq Ft
56 Homes For Sale

Living in Downtown DC for walkability and transit access

Downtown DC is often associated with museums and monuments, but living here is really about convenience and a central Washington location. High-rise apartment and condo buildings sit just blocks from the White House and the National Mall, with a noticeably lower skyline than many major cities. Metro stops stay busy throughout the day as people commute to and from work, but residents appreciate how things quiet down after hours. Evenings tend to blend into walkable dinners and trips to nearby dining and cultural hubs like Penn Quarter.

Downtown DC is the urban epicenter of the United States Capitol.
Downtown DC is the urban epicenter of the United States Capitol.
Landmarks like the White House are part of everyday life here.
Landmarks like the White House are part of everyday life here.
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A refined urban vibe that quiets down after work hours

If you like being in the middle of it all, Downtown DC is a good fit. The presence of major landmarks and government buildings gives the area a more polished, cosmopolitan vibe than places like Penn Quarter or Mount Vernon Triangle, which tend to feel more high-energy. After work and on weekends, Downtown itself quiets down, and many residents walk a few blocks for dinner or events. But as local Realtor Meredith Margolis puts it, “Part of the strength of Washington, D.C., is that all the neighborhoods connect with each other. They spill into each other.” That connection makes it easy to live downtown while still treating surrounding neighborhoods as part of your everyday routine.

Condos dominate the Downtown DC housing market

Housing options in Downtown DC lean heavily toward apartments and condos, with far more office buildings than residential ones. Most people rent, but buyers can find condos in both historic conversions and newer residential towers. Boutique buildings tend to have fewer shared amenities, while larger developments may offer features like concierge service, common areas and rooftop decks.

Studio and one-bedroom condos usually sell from the mid-$200,000s to the high $500,000s, making them the most accessible ownership option. Two- and three-bedroom condos typically range from the high $400,000s to the high $900,000s. Traditional rowhomes don’t come on the market often, but they tend to be the most expensive option.

DC is known for its charming, historic rowhomes.
DC is known for its charming, historic rowhomes.
Turn-of-the-century apartment buildings are common in Downtown DC.
Turn-of-the-century apartment buildings are common in Downtown DC.
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Car-free living with walkable streets and Metro access

Many Downtown DC residents get around without a car, thanks to the area’s walkability and extensive transit options. Walking covers most daily needs, while public transportation makes it easy to reach other parts of the city. “If you work on the Hill or at the DOJ, it’s really great and easy for you,” Margolis says. It's a quick trip to Capitol Hill, Judiciary Square and George Washington University in Foggy Bottom. Transit stations are busiest during weekday rush hours, when commuters flow in and out of the district, but travel tends to be easier outside peak times. Transportation highlights include:

  • Walkable access to work, daily errands and dining
  • Bike-friendly streets with Capital Bikeshare stations
  • Multiple Metro stations serving the Red, Orange, Blue and Silver lines
  • Short trips to Union Station for Amtrak, MARC and VRE Commuter Rail
  • Extensive Metrobus service running through and around downtown

Downtown DC residents use the Farragut North Metro stop to connect to the rest of the city.
Downtown DC residents use the Farragut North Metro stop to connect to the rest of the city.
Metrobuses regularly run through Downtown DC and throughout the rest of the city.
Metrobuses regularly run through Downtown DC and throughout the rest of the city.
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Dining, shopping and everyday errands in Downtown DC

When it comes to restaurants, 14th Street NW functions as downtown’s main dining corridor. That’s where you’ll find Bresca, a popular Paris-style bistro, and Le Diplomate, known for weekend brunches. Casual lunch places like Wiseguy Pizza and sweetgreen cater to the weekday crowds. The scene skews busier during the day, when office workers fill restaurants and coffee shops, and quiets down at night. For nights out, many residents walk into nearby Penn Quarter or Chinatown. CityCenterDC anchors downtown’s high-end retail and dining scene, with luxury retailers like Dior and Gucci. For groceries, Whole Foods Market is right on the neighborhood’s edge.

Locals can spend the day shopping and eating at CityCenterDC.
Locals can spend the day shopping and eating at CityCenterDC.
Downtown DC residents can shop at Safeway.
Downtown DC residents can shop at Safeway.
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Major attractions and cultural venues sit close to home

In Downtown DC, cultural institutions and major attractions are part of the everyday backdrop rather than special occasions. They do draw visitors to the area, especially during cherry blossom season, but for residents, they’re simply part of daily life. There’s almost always something happening nearby, from large-scale events to smaller performances and exhibits. Attractions in the area include:

  • National Mall monuments and Smithsonian museums
  • Capital One Arena for NHL games, NBA games and concerts
  • Performing arts venues like Ford’s Theatre and the Kennedy Center
  • Seasonal events such as the National Christmas Tree Lighting

Part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery highlights contemporary and decorative arts.
Part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery highlights contemporary and decorative arts.
Planet World is just one of Downtown DC's many museums.
Planet World is just one of Downtown DC's many museums.
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Pocket parks and the National Mall offer outdoor space

Pocket parks add small stretches of green between downtown’s busy streets. Franklin Park offers paved paths and benches for a quick break outside, while McPherson Square, Lafayette Square and Farragut Square provide similar spots for sitting and walking. For more open space, many locals head to the National Mall, which locals use as Downtown DC’s backyard.

Franklin Park has walking paths and a patio where locals eat lunch.
Franklin Park has walking paths and a patio where locals eat lunch.
In McPherson Square, shady benches provide a quiet place to take a break from the city.
In McPherson Square, shady benches provide a quiet place to take a break from the city.
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Sally Stimpson
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Jack Adams
Photography Contributed By
Jack Adams
Ruo Zheng
Video By
Ruo Zheng

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl

10 min drive

Subway

Mcpherson Square

Subway

Farragut West

Subway

Farragut North

Bus

K St & 16th St NW Fs Eb

Bus

18th St NW & I St NW

Bus

I St NW & 15th St NW

Bus

K St & 14th St NW Wb

Bus

K St & 14th St

Bus

Pennsylvania Ave NW & 22nd St NW

Bus

K St & 13th St NW Wb

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown DC US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,120
Number of Homes for Sale
56
Median Year Built
2004
Months of Supply
8.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,766
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,854
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,151
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
768
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
462
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
871

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
65
Median Rent
$3,662
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,045
Median Townhouse Rent
$4,195
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$5,990
Median Condo Rent
$3,300
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$4,200

Demographics

Total Population
6,775
Median Age
35
Population Density
20 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$93,749
Above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$135,276

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97%
College Graduates
81.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
50.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
81.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Very bikeable

Bikeability®

80 / 100

Exceptionally walkable

Walkability®

90 / 100

Exceptional public transit

Transit®

100 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown DC