Your new job will be in Washington, D.C., and you have visions of the Potomac, the Smithsonian and the National Gallery dancing in your head. But DC is a little more complicated when it comes to real estate. In fact, most people who work in DC live either in Maryland or Virginia. As you start to figure out where you and your family belong, consider how far you want to drive (or really, for how long when it comes to the beltway rush hour traffic), whether you prefer a hip urban neighborhood or a family friendly neighborhood and how big your living space needs to be. The greater DC area has a place for everyone. Here are some ways to narrow down your home search.
Profile One: Looking For Great Food and Some Scene
Adams Morgan, Washington, DC: Situated in Northwest Washington, DC, Adams Morgan has a serious night life with a heavy saturation of bars and restaurants along 18th Street and Columbia Road. The neighborhood features Victorian row houses and cute shops along with a specialty in soul food and jazz clubs.
Georgetown, Washington, DC: Georgetown is the most historic neighborhood in DC and also one of the best destinations for foodies in the area. You’ll find everything from casual eateries to fine dining. Singles will find hotspots such as romantic wine bars and high-energy college hang outs.
Alexandria, Virginia: The hometown of General Robert E. Lee, Alexandria is teeming with heritage next to the most up-to-date trends. You’ll find a thriving art scene, a unique business district and travel by metro, trolley or boat.
Profile Two: Looking For Good Family Area and Cosmopolitan Digs
Arlington, Virginia: Directly across the Potomac River, Arlington is a small geographic area full of diversity from quaint residential areas to towering skyscrapers. Arlington is car free with plenty of options for getting around. You’ll find hip restaurants and large shopping areas all within a few miles of each other.
Silver Spring, Maryland: Just north of Washington, DC, Silver Spring is a family-friendly area where you can find a vast range of living arrangements. As Silver Spring resident, Dan, explains, “In Silver Spring, you can go from a busy urban center to pick-your-own farms in just a few miles, all with the same address.” You can have a full homestead and still live within minutes of fine dining.
Profile Three: Looking for Socially Diverse and Affordable Neighborhoods
Mt. Rainier, MD: Urban gateway next to shade tree neighborhoods, Mt. Rainier has a vibrant art and community life. It’s not as fancy as other DC neighborhoods. It lacks fancy restaurants and movie theaters, but it’s fast becoming a village community for artists, multiculturalists and pacifists who are building a community and featuring inexpensive homes with sprawling backyards.
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC: Columbia Heights is arguably the most ethnically and economically diverse neighborhood in the DC area. You’ll find the GALA Hispanic Theatre and BloomBars, a community arts organization. You’ll also find a wide assortment of food and drink including vegan, Mexican, and dive bars.
There’s something for every home search in Washington DC. The challenge is in choosing your perimeters and deciding on what your values are. Whether you’re looking for the most elegant of restaurants and historic brownstones or a sprawling yard with room for your kids to run, you’ll find what you need if you do your research.
– Robin Knight is moving to the Washington, D.C. area and is looking at Alexandria homes as the area for his family to settle.
