Best Neighborhoods in Washington, D.C

Capitol Hill's Dual Personalities
Capitol Hill is abuzz during the day with interns, government workers, military personnel, lobbyists and lawyers. But by evening, it is one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. as it is an active residential enclave full of single people, couples and families with just as many dogs as there are children.

Real Estate Prices
Many people first come to Capitol Hill wanting a Georgetown address but prefer the prices in this area. As one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., it's not exactly cheap with starter homes in the $750,000-$1 million dollar range. It has all the historic charm and character of other more expensive neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. such as Georgetown or Northwest, D.C. but is within affordable reach for many first time home owners.

Metropolitan Locale
Capitol Hill and Eastern Market are home to at least three metro stops. For business people who frequently travel, Capitol Hill is one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. as it is the ideal location close to main transportation options. Capitol Hill is easily accessible to the highway to head out of the city by car, to travel the Northeast corridor up to Philadelphia & New York by train at Union Station and within a 15-20 minute car ride or quick metro stop to Washington Reagan National Airport.

Parking and Transportation
Covered or underground parking is rare. Street parking is often available as there are a limited number of multiple occupancy condominium buildings. However, certain areas have new condominium developments which have put an increased demand on available parking. What makes Capitol Hill one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. is the true urban experience to go green and go car less. Some residents do not even own a car or have given up their second car to participate in a car sharing program with Zipcar. Zipcar has many cars readily available close to metro stations.

Capitol Hill Row houses
What makes Capitol Hill unique and one of the best neighborhoods to live in Washington D.C. are its historic rowhouses. Typically 2-3 story brick row houses, many with fireplaces, narrow yards and often wrought iron steps, fences and gates. Tree lined streets, a uniform building height and designation as a historic district protect the area's distinctive character.

Friendly Neighbors
The residents are of mixed income and mixed race. There are many long term residents who the District government has grandfathered in minimal tax increases to ensure the integrity of the citizens who contributed to its development as one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. There is also a transient nature to some of the residents having to move on because of a change in government or diplomatic assignments. You will sometimes meet new acquaintances who actually can't talk about the specifics about what they do for a living because of security risks. But many residents remain loyal to Capitol Hill because it is still the kind of neighborhood where people still get to know their neighbors. Block parties are common and people often get chummy with folks on their particular street or area of Capitol Hill.

What is Not Capitol Hill
There are areas which many Realtors call Capitol Hill using terms such as "Old City" but actually extend beyond what's considered part of the area. Anything higher than H Street is one of those areas that have been underdeveloped which show great potential but while being populated with more restaurants and night life is still considered on the edge and less safe an area to live. There are also random pockets of Capitol Hill around Union Station that are not the safest either and should be investigated further at different times of the day or night if you are consider investing in a property.

Schools
Capitol Hill & Eastern Market are one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. to raise a family and is home to a few charter schools and some of the most active parent groups in the city with a commitment to raising funds and providing support for their children to get a decent public/private education in the District of Columbia. There is a social network/support group called "Moms on the Hill".

Local Businesses and Shopping
Convenience is what makes Capitol Hill one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. One of the best places to buy groceries is at the historic Eastern Market where you can buy fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheese. There is a Safeway and Yes! Organic Market. Frager's Hardware is the area's old fashioned general store where you can find anything and everything to fix your house. Trendy and funky boutiques, clothing shops, bookstores, antique and specialty shops make Capitol Hill/Eastern Market a shopping destination.

Restaurants
There are plenty of places to catch lunch, happy hour or dinner whether it be for a quick bite or fancy expense account meal. But the excellent selection of restaurants is what make it one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, Dc. Restaurants line the streets leading to Union Station with not one but two Irish pubs next to one another. Barracks Row which is located in the Eastern Market area is the neighborhood's trendiest places to dine. Breakfast on weekends inspires huge line-ups at the Market Lunch in Eastern Market and Pete's Diner by the Library of Congress is an inexpensive place to enjoy a cup of joe and a stack of pancakes.

Parks and Playgrounds
Capitol Hill has more than one doggie day care facility. Plus you'll see dogs frolicking at both Stanton Park and Lincoln Park with their owners socializing as much as their dogs. Strollers equal the number of leashes in both parks.

What Makes Capitol Hill / Eastern Market a Great Place to Live
What makes Capitol Hill one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. is because it is a true urban community where you can walk everywhere and people still say hi to one another. You can head out the door and bump into people you know at Frager's Hardware or Eastern Market. You can buy note cards at the flea market on Sundays or sample cheese from the cheese guy at Eastern Market. Or grab a cup of coffee and watch people stroll by. I previously lived for a couple of years in Alexandria, Virginia which is also filled with beautiful historic rowhouses and an easy commute into Washington, D.C. but I never met my neighbors. On Capitol Hill, I traded gardening secrets, got invited to open houses and cocktail parties along the street, met the dogs who lived in the area, sat on the stoop and watched people walk by. It is a real, vibrant neighborhood with everything that's needed within walking distance. You can even walk down Capitol Hill to the Smithsonian or for an extended walk even head downtown. It may not be the cheapest place to live but it is an excellent investment as it is one of the few real estate markets in the country that have continued to either hold or increase in value. It is the best combination of people and place.