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NoMa

NoMa

$522,548 Average Value
$388 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Life in NoMa, one of D.C.’s fastest-growing neighborhoods

NoMa, short for North of Massachusetts Avenue, is a vibrant Washington neighborhood that’s been reshaped by new apartments, restaurants and mixed-use development. Once known for industrial buildings and warehouses, the area began to change after the NoMa–Gallaudet U Metro station opened, making it easier to reach Downtown DC without a car. Today, NoMa is largely rental-focused and popular with young professionals who like being within walking distance of Union Market, Union Station and office hubs like the NPR headquarters, as well as quick connections to Capitol Hill and the Metropolitan Branch Trail.

The Metropolitan Branch Trail in NoMa features brightly colored murals.
The Metropolitan Branch Trail in NoMa features brightly colored murals.
NOMA Bike Paths
NOMA Bike Paths
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What buying looks like in NoMa’s renter-heavy market

More than 90% of NoMa residents are renters, most living in modern high-rise apartment buildings. Buyer options are limited, with for-sale listings mainly coming from a small number of mid-rise condo buildings and townhouse developments. A few streets have early 20th-century rowhouses, though they rarely come on the market. While new residential projects continue to add to the neighborhood's population, most are rentals. The median sale price is in the high $300,000s, lower than in nearby areas like the Atlas District and Truxton Circle, but limited inventory can make buying competitive. For those who do buy, the appeal is largely about lifestyle. “Condos in NoMa attract young professionals who want to live within walking distance of Union Station, Gallaudet University and all the new restaurants, shopping and amenities nearby,” says Maggie Daley, a local real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty. Gallaudet University, a private university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, is right outside the neighborhood.

Modern townhomes are starting to pop up throughout the NoMa neighborhood.
Modern townhomes are starting to pop up throughout the NoMa neighborhood.
Mid-rise condominium complexes can be found throughout the NoMa neighborhood.
Mid-rise condominium complexes can be found throughout the NoMa neighborhood.
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Living near Union Station and the Metropolitan Branch Trail

One of NoMa’s biggest draws is its transit and pedestrian-friendly setup. “I routinely hear this neighborhood is really becoming a neighborhood of choice because it’s served by transportation,” says Maura Brophy, president and CEO of the NoMa Business Improvement District. “It’s also a place where you don’t have to leave to find a good restaurant, a park, a trail or a gym.” Most homes are a short walk from the NoMa Gallaudet U and Union Station Metro stops, with Red Line access to downtown and neighborhoods like Dupont Circle. Union Station also serves Amtrak, MARC and VRE trains, and Metrobuses run through the area. Biking is another easy option, with Capital Bikeshare stations and bike lanes connecting to the Metropolitan Branch Trail, which runs from Union Station toward Silver Spring.

Union Station in NoMa also features a wide variety of retail and dining options.
Union Station in NoMa also features a wide variety of retail and dining options.
Colombus Circle is located across the street from Union Station in NoMa.
Colombus Circle is located across the street from Union Station in NoMa.
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Receive your bread pudding with a smile at the popular Puddin located in Union Market
Receive your bread pudding with a smile at the popular Puddin located in Union Market

Where to eat and drink in NoMa and Union Market

Restaurants and bars line the ground floors of many of NoMa’s residential buildings, with new spots continuing to open. The mix is broad, from casual hangouts to harder-to-book destinations. “You can go out and get a 3-dollar martini, or there are places where you have to be online at a certain time of day just to get a reservation,” says Brophy. On a typical day in the neighborhood, that might mean stopping by:

  • Andy’s Pizza, a neighborhood pizzeria known for its happy hour
  • Wunder Garten, an outdoor beer garden with games and fire pits
  • Simona Cafe, a local coffee shop that’s popular for getting work done
  • King Street Oyster Bar, a go-to for fresh seafood and cocktails
  • Red Bear Brewing, a craft brewery with an industrial feel
Nearby Union Market has dozens of additional shops and restaurants, including Michelin-starred Masseria and Elcielo, as well as more casual cafes and bars. There’s also more to explore along the H Street Corridor. Daily errands are easy, with Harris Teeter and Streets Market in the neighborhood and Trader Joe’s a short walk away.

Playgrounds, dog parks and trails close to home

NoMa is a busy, densely populated neighborhood, but groups like the NoMa Parks Foundation help make sure there’s still room for green space. Alethia Tanner Park is the neighborhood’s largest park, with a playground, dog park and open lawn that hosts outdoor movie nights and a seasonal farmers market. Mamie “Peanut” Johnson Plaza offers a place to pause and relax amid one of the area’s busier intersections, while Swampoodle Park features a vertical Wallholla play structure and a dog park with agility equipment. The Metropolitan Branch Trail is widely used by commuters, but it’s also a popular spot for leisurely walks, runs and bikes along the Metropolitan Beer Trail.

Swampoodle Park is right on the edge of NoMa and the Atlas District.
Swampoodle Park is right on the edge of NoMa and the Atlas District.
The Metropolitan Branch Trail runs through the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, DC.
The Metropolitan Branch Trail runs through the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, DC.
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The National Guard Memorial Museum in NoMa tells the history of the U.S. National Guard.
The National Guard Memorial Museum in NoMa tells the history of the U.S. National Guard.

From NoMa events to landmark attractions

Neighborhood events are a big part of life in NoMa. “You walk out your door and never know what you’re going to come across,” says Brophy. “There are activities all hours of the day, all days of the week.” Many community gatherings take place at Alethia Tanner Park, including NoMa in Color, an annual festival that celebrates the neighborhood’s murals and creative identity. NoMa is also just a short Metro ride from Penn Quarter and major attractions like:

  • Smithsonian National Postal Museum, a walkable museum near Union Station
  • National Mall, known for its monuments and Smithsonian museums
  • Capital One Arena, for NHL games, NBA games and major concerts
  • Ford’s Theatre, a historic venue hosting all kinds of performances

Sally Stimpson
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Naleli Murry
Photography Contributed By
Naleli Murry
Grace Kim
Video By
Grace Kim

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl

11 min drive

Subway

Noma-Gallaudet U

Train

Union Station

Bus

N Capitol St & Mass Ave

Bus

K St & 1st St NE Nb

Bus

Union Station Parking Garage

Bus

H St NW & 1st St NW

Bus

K St & 1st St NE

Bus

Massachusetts Ave NE & Columbus Cir NE

Bus

North Capitol St NE & K St NE

Reviews

Are you familiar with the NoMa neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime NoMa US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
205
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1925
Months of Supply
12.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,151
Significantly below the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,469
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,036
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
698
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
19
Median Rent
$5,285
Median Single Family Home Rent
$5,095
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,095
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,550
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,600
Median Condo Rent
$2,872
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$8,212

Demographics

Total Population
8,528
Median Age
33
Population Density
34 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$78,495
On par with the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$94,481

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.9%
College Graduates
63.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
78.5%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Exceptionally friendly

Bikeability®

90 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

Walkability®

100 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

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
NoMa