Neighborhoods

A wide variety of housing options are available throughout the metropolitan area. Personal preferences are generally the deciding factors in choosing a home. For GW students, proximity to campus may make a difference in where you want to live. No matter where you decide to make your home, close to campus or far away, there are tradeoffs. If cost is a key issue, remember that the farther away from the city, the less expensive the housing. If you rely on public transportation, keep in mind that living in the city requires less travel time. If you own a car, you should know that parking is generally difficult in the city, as street parking is scarce and garages often cost approximately $15 per day.

The District of Columbia is divided into four quadrants, with the U.S. Capitol serving as the center point. The quadrants correspond to the compass directions: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast. Below is a brief overview of each quadrant:

• Northwest: the Northwest quadrant is home to GW's Foggy Bottom and Foxhall neighborhoods as well as Georgetown and Dupont Circle. It is the largest area of the District and is composed of several contrasting neighborhoods, including older areas and those being modernized and renovated. Most neighborhoods within Northwest, DC are accommodated by both Metro buses and the Metrorail system. 
• Northeast: the area around Howard, Catholic, and Gallaudet Universities and Union Station. As many residents of this area are students, housing options are less expensive and less luxurious. Metro buses travel regularly through all major arteries within Northeast and both the yellow and green lines of the Metrorail system service neighborhoods of this area. Commuting time to campus is approximately 20-40 minutes. 
• Southwest: the downtown area near Washington's waterfront. Southwest includes a wide range of economic and ethnic groups and is the location of many Federal buildings. New apartment complexes are being built in this area at very reasonable rates. Public transportation exists in the way of Metro buses and the Metrorail system. Commuting time to campus is approximately 20-30 minutes.
• Southeast: the neighborhood most famous in this area is Capitol Hill location of the Library of Congress and most major government offices. The Southeast is a very historic area, consisting of important Federal buildings and residences representing diverse architectural styles. Members of the political set, many Federal employees, and young professionals make their home in Southeast. Due to the diversity of the residents housing options and prices in the Southeast vary greatly. Public transportation via metro bus and the Metrorail system are available on a frequent basis. Commuting time ranges from 30-40 minutes in rush hour.

Below are descriptions of popular neighborhoods in and around Washington, DC:

Foggy Bottom

Foggy Bottom is home to GW's largest campus. Housing is convenient but can be very expensive and limited. Advantages to living in this area include a very close proximity to campus as well as the Orange and Blue lines of the Metro and other DC attractions. Housing options include high-rise apartments and townhouses. 

• Average Commute Time: 0-10 minutes walk
• Average Rent for Studio: $2,061
• Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $3,179

Dupont Circle

The Circle is actually the entire area around lower Connecticut Avenue, surrounded by Foggy Bottom to the south, and Adams Morgan/Washington Heights to the north. Dupont Circle is a busy office and luxury shopping area, as well as an urban cultural center populated by young people, artists, and musicians. The streets and avenues that radiate from Dupont Circle offer many types of accommodations at various prices, from older high-rises to smaller apartment buildings and basement apartments or private rooms in homes. Dupont Circle is within walking distance of the university, is a main thoroughfare for metro buses, and is located on the Red Line of the Metrorail.

• Average Commute Time: 10 minutes by bus and Metro; about 15-20 minutes walk
• Average Rent for Studio: $2,320
• Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $2,449

Georgetown

The Georgetown shopping area caters to students and young adults, but housing in this area is expensive and at a premium. Many apartments do not rent to students, but rather to government and diplomatic employees. Occasionally townhouses are available and are rented to several students who share the cost. Families sometimes rent individual rooms, or basement apartments in their private homes. This area can be reached by any bus on Pennsylvania Avenue.

• Average Commute Time: 15 minute walk; 8-10 minutes on the Circulator Bus
• Average Rent for Studio: $1,375
• Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $3,450

Capitol Hill / Eastern Market

Located near the United States Capitol, this neighborhood is home to many elected officials, congressional staffers, lobbyists, and journalists.  The “Hill”, as it is sometimes called, is a community of restored row houses and a few apartment communities.  Capitol Hill is home to many restaurants, shops, and boutiques that serve area locals and tourists. It is an old historical neighborhood with culinary and cultural attractions. Capitol Hill/Eastern Market is accessible by the Capitol South and Eastern Market stops on the blue line of the Metrorail.

• Average Commute Time: 15-18 minutes by Metro
• Average Rent for Studio: $1,850
• Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $2,350

Adams Morgan

This is an urban area near Dupont Circle and Kalorama, centered around Columbia Road and 18th Street, NW. Adams Morgan has a diverse population, both ethnic and economic - foreign and domestic students, young families, diplomatic officials, recent immigrants and longtime residents of the District. The neighborhood is richly diverse with many international restaurants and markets, including Latin Market on Sunday, plus many inexpensive shops and free festivals. Also referred to as Washington Heights and Dupont Circle North, housing options and prices vary enormously.

• Average Commute Time: 10-15 minutes by train
• Average Rent for Studio: $2,167
• Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $2,731

Cleveland Park / Woodley Park

Located on Connecticut Avenue, these neighborhoods are within walking distance of the National Zoo, a variety of restaurants, shops and nightspots. Cleveland Park and Woodley Park are elegant neighborhoods with a variety of housing opportunities, including apartments, group houses, and basement apartments in private homes. Approximately a 40 minute walk straight up Connecticut Avenue from GW, this area is situated on a busy Metrobus route, and there are two Metrorail stations on the Red Line. 

• Average Commute Time: 10-15 minutes by Metro
• Average Rent for Studio: $1,740
• Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $2,105

Arlington, Virginia

North Arlington's main streets are Lee Highway (Key Bridge), Route 50 (Theodore Roosevelt Bridge,) and Wilson Blvd, (Theodore Roosevelt Bridge). All are accessible from GW by Metro on the Orange and Silver Lines at the Rossyln, Courthouse, Clarendon, and Ballston stations. There are many types of housing in the North Arlington area including townhouses, garden apartments, large high-rises, luxury apartments, duplexes, and individual homes. Rent is typically lower in Virginia. 

There are many moderately priced accommodations in South Arlington. As in North Arlington, there are varied types of housing. Crystal City is a section of high-rises off of U.S. Route 1 overlooking the Potomac River and is accessible by Metrorail on the Blue Line. Large populations of students, especially graduate students, live here. A new development of apartment complexes has been built at Pentagon City, adjacent to the Fashion Center shopping mall and also accessible on the Blue Line. 

• Average Commute Time: 10-20 minutes by Metro from stops like Pentagon City or Clarendon
• Average Rent for Studio: $1,965
• Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $2,361

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, a historic city, offers a wide price range in housing and a wide variety in types of housing, although many landlords may not advertise in newspapers. Many students, young adults, and historic, established families live in Alexandria. The main thoroughfare, Shirley Highway (I-395) is very crowded during rush hour. A key attraction of Alexandria is Old Town, a restored colonial area with a wide array of shops and other attractions. The Yellow Line on the Metrorail makes several stops in the Alexandria area. 

• Average Commute Time: 25-30 minutes from King Street Metro
• Average Rent for Studio: $1,765
• Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,943

Silver Spring, Maryland

Silver Spring serves as the primary urban area in Montgomery County and its revitalization has ushered in a diverse mix of people. It contains many reasonably priced apartments. In recent years the Downtown area has been revitalized with an eclectic mix of entertainment, restaurants, and shopping centers. Silver Spring is located on the Red Line of the Metrorail.

• Average Commute Time: 45-60 minutes from Metro.
• Average Rent for Studio apartment: $1,512
• Average Rent for 1 Bedroom apartment: $1,815

Bethesda, Maryland

Bethesda is located just over the District’s northern border. It is home to the National Institute of Health, National Naval Medical Center, and the headquarters of both Marriot International and the Lockheed Martin Corporation. Bethesda is best known for its large number of restaurants. There are many apartment buildings and condominiums in downtown Bethesda. This lively urban community is located near two metro stops on the Red line (Bethesda and Medical Center).

• Average Commute Time: 30-45 minutes from Metro.
• Average Rent for Studio apartment: $1,711
• Average Rent for 1 Bedroom apartment: $2,191

Source: "Neighborhoods," provided by the Office of Off-Campus Student Affairs (OCSA). For more helpful tools and information on renting and tenant responsibilities, visit Off-Campus Student Affairs.

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