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Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Washington, DC with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: August 28, 2023

Washington, DC, is located on the Potomac River that borders the states of Maryland and Virginia. It is characterized by rising neoclassical structures, including the well-known ones that house the three branches of the federal government: the Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court.

There are a lot of interesting places in Washington, DC; some of them are the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, and dozens of museums. However, aside from these, safety and what the neighborhood can offer are other factors that should be considered before moving to Washington.

Looking for the best parts of the city that you can settle peacefully in Washington, DC? MovingWaldo will assist you in finding the ideal place to live as we identified the top 7 best neighborhoods to live in Washington, DC that offer the best quality of life in 2023.

Methodology

Due to “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Washington, DC, we based our ranking on three criteria: safety, affordability, and quality of life.

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) crime cards for the period of January 1, 2023, to August 2, 2023, at 12:00 a.m.

To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people; the data are from two main crime categories: Violent Crime and Property Crime. Violent Crimes include homicide, sex abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon (ADW), and robbery. Violent crimes can be further searched by the weapon used: guns, non-guns, or either. Property Crimes include burglary, motor vehicle theft, theft from a vehicle, theft (other), and arson.

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Rockethomes’s median pricing for June 2023 and Zillow’s 1-bedroom median cost for August 2023.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

1. Foxhall Crescent

Safest neighborhood

Crime rate: 0.21crimes per 1000 people
Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,500
Median property buying cost: $3,295,000

Foxhall Crescent is our top pick for the best neighborhood in Washington, DC; it is widely recognized for its tranquil atmosphere. Locals praise the area’s safety and well-maintained streets.

The neighborhood is close to parks, including Glover-Archbold Park and Battery Kemble Park, which provide plenty of outdoor activities.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $3,295,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $3,500 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 0.21 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023), Point2Homes (2021) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Foxhall Crescent, Washington, DC

2. Hawthorne (Barnaby Woods)

Tranquil neighborhood

Crime rate: 0.31 crimes per 1000 people
Median 1-bed apt rent: $4,950
Median property buying cost: $1,190,000

The Washington hawthorn tree, which has showy white flowers in the spring and bright red fruit in the fall, is where the name Hawthorne came from.

Locals appreciate the close-in tranquil neighborhood of Hawthorne in Northwest DC, which offers residents a natural setting as well as the convenience of proximity to downtown DC and Rock Creek Park.

As of August 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $1,190,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $4,950. For safety, it has a total of 0.31 crimes per 1,000 people, making it a safe place to live.

Rocket Homes (August 2023), Realtor Rent (August 2023), City Data (2020) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Hawthorne (Barnaby Woods), Washington, DC

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3. Sping Valley

Proximity to big city landmarks

Crime rate: 0.53 crimes per 1000 people
Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,306
Median property buying cost: $2,312,500

Spring Valley has quiet streets and rolling hills that give the neighborhood a suburban feel, even though it’s conveniently close to the big-city landmarks that D.C. offers.

Locals often praise the neighborhood for being a great community, and people are very engaged. Overall, Spring Valley’s serene setting and access to amenities make it one of the best neighborhoods in the Washington, DC, area for young professionals and families seeking a premium living experience.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $2,312,500 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $2,306 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 0.53 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Realtor Rent (August 2023), City Data (2020) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Spring Valley, Washington, DC

4. Palisades

Most walkable neighborhood

Crime rate: 1.26 crimes per 1000 people
Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,850
Median property buying cost: $1,875,000

Palisades has a diverse range of restaurants and businesses and is consistently rated as one of DC’s most walkable neighborhoods.

Locals appreciate the neighborhood’s closeness to parks such as Palisades Park, which provide green space and opportunities for recreation.

As of March 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $1,875,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,850 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 1.26 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

Rocket Homes (March 2023), Zillow (August 2023), Point2Homes (2021) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Palisades, Washington, DC

5. Chevy Chase

Leafy residential

Crime rate: 3.48 crimes per 1000 people
Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,048
Median property buying cost: $1,350,000

Chevy Chase is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Washington, DC, due to its upscale and family-friendly ambiance. It offers an ideal blend of suburbs and city.

Locals appreciate the area’s proximity to parks like Rock Creek Park, and this neighborhood has leafy residential neighborhoods.

Overall, Chevy Chase’s attractive setting makes it an ideal residential area for individuals and families seeking a premium living experience in Washington, D.C.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $1,350,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $3,048 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 3.48 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City Data (2021) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Chevy Chase, Washington, DC

6. Congress Heights

Community-oriented neighborhood

Crime rate: 5.84 crimes per 1000 people
Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,225
Median property buying cost: $460,000

Congress Heights is considered one of the best neighborhoods to live in Washington, DC due to its growing potential and community-oriented ambiance. Locals praise the area for its improved safety and affordability.

Congress Heights provide access to parks like Oxon Run Park and Congress Heights Recreation, which offer outdoor activities. It is a place for exciting sports events, live music, and arts and culture centers.

As of June 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $460,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,225 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 5.84 crimes per 1,000 people, making it a safe place to live.

Rocket Homes (June 2023), Zillow (August 2023), Point2Homes (2021) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Congress Heights, Washington, DC

7. Bellevue

Near the Maryland border

Crime rate: 7.44 crimes per 1000 people
Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,037.50
Median property buying cost: $415,000

Bellevue is a residential area in Southwest Washington, D.C., located east of Bolling Air Force Base. Locals praise this neighborhood for its abundant green spaces, cost-effective housing choices, and upscale shopping and dining amenities.

The location provides easy access to the Maryland border, and within the neighborhood, you’ll find a serene suburban atmosphere featuring spacious yards and semi-detached homes.

As of June 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $415,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,037.50 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 7.44 crimes per 1,000 people, making it a safe place to live.

Rocket Homes (June 2023), Zillow (August 2023), Point2Homes (2021) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Bellevue, Washington, DC

Conclusion

As a whole, Washington, D.C. is a welcoming district that provides a fulfilling and enjoyable living experience. Its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, coupled with its numerous amenities, makes it an ideal option for people looking for a fulfilling urban lifestyle.

Moving to Washington, D.C., and choosing where to settle is a tough decision. Our selection of the top 7 best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., with the best quality of life in 2023 might help you decide where you’ll live.

Are you planning on moving soon? Learn about the best Washington, DC movers.

The expert

Mathieu Paquette

The author of this article also acts as MovingWaldo’s booking agent. Matt, is an accomplished relocation specialist with over 6 years of experience in the industry. Matt has earned a CAM certification (Canadian Association Of Movers), Tariff Certification (Atlas Van Lines), and has an extensive business background. Before handing off everything you own, do your due diligence… or let Matt do it for you.

Provide Matt with your move criteria. He will calculate quotes from verified movers, using the same metrics. This will make it simple to compare and book your move.

Booking trustworthy movers starts here

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Moving States

Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Washington, DC with the Best quality of life – 2023

Methodology

Featured in this article

1. Foxhall Crescent

2. Hawthorne (Barnaby Woods)

3. Sping Valley

4. Palisades

5. Chevy Chase

6. Congress Heights

7. Bellevue

Conclusion

The expert

Mathieu Paquette

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Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Washington DC with the Best quality of life – 2023

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