How to Find Your Way Through Washington DC Neighborhoods

Have you picked the best time of the year to move here? When relocating to Washington DC, you should do your research on how to reduce costs when moving, check the general safety of the neighborhoods, and find the area that suits all of your needs. Remember, this metropolis is not only about politics; it is a major part of its charm, but there are plenty of places with a lot to offer in terms of history, art, dining, and entertainment.

Think about job opportunities and try to find a job before moving to another state. If you would like to live close to your office, Capitol Hill and Dupont Circle might be the answer for you. And if you are in pursuit of knowledge, consider living somewhere near Georgetown and be within walking distance from one of the best Universities in the United States. Opportunities that this place has to offer will be one of many reasons why you should move here.

One Street to Give You All the Fun You Need in Adams Morgan

Situated at the intersection of 18th Street NW and Columbia Road in Northwest DC, Adams Morgan is a lively and diverse neighborhood with a variety of diners, stores, and clubs, just 1.5 miles away from the White House. It features primarily historic row houses, but you can also rent condos or co-ops in some of its mid-rise apartment buildings.

If you decide not to opt for the cheapest way to move out of state and to hire professional packing services, make sure that the movers know all packing tips and tricks to box up all of your fancy clothes; you will want to use them when you go out. Adams Morgan is a center of DC nightlife, an assertion that becomes obvious in places like The Black Squirrel that serves more than 100 beers. If you are more into a casual American style bar, check out Grand Central and hit the dance floor. Heaven and Hell Club is for everybody that appreciates clever interior design since the club is split into two, showcasing inferno and paradise vibes. There are also clubs where you can dance to the rhythms of salsa, samba, and tango.

This bar-hopping location can fulfill every foodie’s dream. The best restaurants in Washington DC are located here, and they have everything from pork ribs and sandwiches to cocktail venues on the rooftops of buildings.

Find Yoga Studios and Check out Art Shows

If active life is something you are passionate about, consider Adams Morgan as your next home. Many of the local gym rats visit Solidcore or Urban Athletic Club and work up a sweat. Don’t worry, lifting weights is not the only physical activity you can engage in. When you are done unpacking, stop by Studio DC, or FlexSpert Yoga that is located on 18th Street and stretch some muscles, it will help you alleviate moving stress.

There are plenty of different things to do in Washington DC. If you are moving to another state alone, don’t stay cooped up in your home all by yourself. Go out, explore the town, meet some interesting people, and you will see how easy it is to adjust to a new state. One of the ways to do that is by experiencing everything that the area has to offer. Stop by the DC Art Center and show support for upcoming artists and performers. Walk up 18th Street and check out Crooked Beat, a music shop where you can purchase some vinyl records. A few blocks up, you will find Smash, a punk and hardcore music store.

Enjoy the Cosmopolitan Vibe of Dupont Circle

When you are figuring out where you should move, give Dupont Circle a shot, because it has something to offer to every resident, regardless of age and background. It is famous for its traffic circle and the Fountain, but also for being an international culture center, with many embassies, museums, and cultural institutions.

This is one of the best places to live in Washington DC if you are pursuing a career in politics or public services. Dupont Circle is a hub for think tanks and research institutions, from Aspen Institute and Stimson Center to Danaher Corporation. If you have one of those jobs that require relocation, finding an apartment here would be a smart choice. Moving into a smaller home such as a one-bedroom apartment here would cost you around $2,200 on average. The chances are you will reside near your future office, and your neighbors will probably be career-driven individuals like you.

One of the Best Washington DC Neighborhoods for People-Watching

When your new location is home to one of the most recognizable landmarks in DC, you should use it to your advantage. Make sure that your long-distance movers relocate your bike as well – you will most likely use it to get around. Cycle around the area and enjoy the day, watch artists perform, and people walk by. If you are moving with dogs, this would be the perfect place to take them out and let them run around the famous Fountain.

Georgetown Is an Excellent Place for Learning

When you think of Georgetown, do some of the best Washington DC public schools and Universities come to your mind? If you are making a photo inventory and moving with kids, know that here you can enroll them in some of the best primary and secondary schools in the US. But if you are seeking higher education for yourself, this historic area with cobblestone sidewalks is the perfect place to get it. Living here will put you within walking distance from Georgetown University, one of the nation’s top learning institutions. You can also tour some of the renowned 18th and 19th-century mansions that were once inhabited by the likes of JFK and many other famous characters.

Relax With Some Shopping and Entertainment

When you are done cramming for exams or when the workweek is over, it is time to unwind and go shopping. Walk down M Street, and you will encounter many shops, from mainstream ones like H&M or high-fashioned ones like Rag & Bone.

If spending money on labeled clothes is not your concept of fun, stop by Pinstripes for a bowling night. Moving a pool table to the other part of the country won’t be necessary to entertain yourself; if you like to play, there are plenty of places to choose from.

Making friends in a new city has never been easier; just invite your colleagues or neighbors for a drink at Fiola Mare or Crumbs & Whiskers.

It may happen that the relatively high cost of living in Washington DC won’t allow you to dine out every day. If you want to save up, consider cooking. Luckily, there is a farmers market where you can get all the fresh produce you need.

Capitol Hill Is the Largest and Most Famous Spot

Capitol Hill is not only the most famous but also the largest neighborhood in DC, home to the most important buildings in US politics, such as the US Capitol and the Supreme Court. It is one of the oldest and most populated locations, as well, with 19th-century row houses and a market constructed in 1873. You should know that finding a parking space can be tricky, but there is a well-organized public transportation network that can take you to any other part of the town.

The median age in Capitol Hill is 34.8 years, while more than 40% of people have a master’s degree or higher. That being said, this is a neighborhood where many career seekers live and work. If you are going to be one of them, know that there are plenty of places where you can wind down after a long day of work.

Know Where to Dine Out

Cooking a good meal on your day off can be self-rewarding. If you happen to invite friends over for lunch, it can be a bonding time as well. But when you want to grab a bite on a busy workday, there are plenty of great restaurants.

Keep in mind that no matter if you move during the holidays or any other time of the year, you will be to experience the dining scene that is diverse and international. Here you can find Ambar, a Balkan restaurant that serves cheese and meat pies with cornbread. And if you are in the mood for Japanese, stop by Conbini by Uzu, and see for yourself why is the small menu so popular with locals. Have a drink at Bluejacket and eat some grilled kielbasa and tater tots.

Checking out restaurants will not be your only way of having fun and enjoying DC. To feel like a local, put on your good shoes, and start exploring.

Find Things to Do That Will Make You Feel Like a Local

There are so many things you can do in DC, especially on the Hill. Let’s kick it off with Atlas Performing Arts Center, where you can enjoy plays, dance, and art performances. If you are still wondering how to make friends in a new state or city, consider inviting neighbors or colleagues to join you in the Escape Lounge. There you can get to know each other better over puzzles and solving tasks.

If you love outdoor activities, you will love living on the Hill, because you get to kayak across Anacostia River. If you feel like taking the day off, pack a picnic basket and head out to Canal Park, where you can catch outdoor movies. There are numerous bookshops, museums, and galleries – living in Capitol Hill will never be boring.

Columbia Heights Is an Up-And-Coming Location

Columbia Heights would not be your first choice for a new house ten years ago, but due to the revitalization movement,  it is now one of the most popular places to live in. It all started back in 2008 when the largest retail building of 890,000 square feet opened. Today, this is one of the most ethnically and economically diverse locations.

In this area heavily influenced by a sizable Hispanic population, you will encounter small shops and ethnic restaurants, as well as bars and dives. The revitalization process didn’t destroy the historic charm of the neighborhood, with the Tivoli Theatre and Joan of Arc statue still standing proudly. Don’t leave your running shoes in the storage; here you can enjoy parks and walking trails in Meridian Hill Park. If you decide to prepare a budget and hire recommended and top-rated Washington DC movers to let you know how car shipping works and provide you with auto transport services, you will be able to drive to nearby Rock Creek Park and check out the zoo and Beach Drive. Thus, be sure to transport your car across the country.

Get to Know the Quiet Streets and Modern Buildings of Columbia Heights

Picking Columbia Heights as your next home means you get to live surrounded by rows of homes in quiet streets. You will find single-family houses, group homes, and condos. With the population boom, several condo buildings provide residents with beautiful downtown views. Since more than 39% of the population are millennials, the new facilities are being built to accommodate their lifestyle. According to AreaVibes, the median rent is $1,448, while the average number of people per household is 2.3.

Shaw Is All About History and Family

Shaw is a neighborhood that has been historically connected with African Americans, their culture, and the economy. It is one of the best places to raise a family in the US. Many families have been living here for generations, and the urban lifestyle attracts new ones all the time. With the surge of popularity, the area is becoming more and more populated, so if you want to escape loud streets, seek quiet sanctuaries at some tucked away shops and coffee places.

You Will Fall in Love With the Suburban Vibe

If moving to the suburbs is not what you had in mind, how about living in a neighborhood with suburban vibes that is close to everything in the metropolis? Located in the Northwest quadrant, it is close to many bars, restaurants, and shops. Besides, when you need to go to some other part of the town, the Green Line can take you there. If you are planning on moving in together with your significant other and raising a family, Shaw might be the location for you.

Here you can find an apartment in some of the urban residential streets that are a mix of historic and modern.

Southwest and Wharf Has Many Park and Parking Spaces

This is a small residential area that was revived during the 50s. The new wave of construction put emphasis on luxury housing, green spaces, and plenty of parking space. Southwest and Wharf now has modern housing and office options, but also restaurants, hotels, and shops.

With a modified waterfront that attracts tourists and gives the residents a place where they can have fun, this is the perfect place for everybody that enjoys the beach vibes and plenty of outdoor activities.

Check out Some of Many Annual Events

Southwest and Wharf, with its waterfront streets, is a perfect neighborhood to take part in some of the many diverse activities, from workout classes to dancing sessions. During the wintertime, there is an ice rink where you can skate and have fun. If you are moving for a relationship, plan a romantic date during the holiday time, and check out some of the many festivals. When the warm weather comes, you can enjoy Dragon Boat Regatta and the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Washington DC Neighborhoods Tell the Story of the City

There are more than 130 Washington DC neighborhoods, and you can pick any of them to call your home, it won’t be a moving mistake. Each has its history, a story of how it became the area that it is today. When you figured out how to reduce relocation expenses and donate unwanted items, do your research of this big city before house-hunting, check out the entertainment, career, education, and housing options before you change the address and go through moving day tips. Having all the right information will help you avoid falling into relocation anxiety. Embrace the culture of your new area, but try to explore other districts, as well, and don’t let relocation depression catch you. DC is an archipelago of small, ever-expanding urban islands, and knowing their stories will help you learn about the US capital as a whole.