Columbia Heights

Embracing A Different Culture
Columbia Heights is a neighborhood which is a mesh of contemporary architecture and history which embraces different cultures extensively. The vibrant region has a flourishing nightlife at spots like the Meridian Pint or the Wonderland Ballroom where people can enjoy music and happy hours or simply some beer and barbecue at the Kangaroo Boxing Club. The walkable neighborhood provides healthy food in the Saturday Farmer's Market and exotic Lao food at Thip Khao.

Reviewers love it for the ample amenities nearby and pretty tree-lined streets. Prices here are a bit cheaper compared to other neighborhoods in DC, so if you're on a budget and want to enjoy DC's melting pot of cultures, Columbia Heights is for you.
What Columbia Heights Residents
Think About Their Apartments
overall
7.3
value
7.6
amenities
6.3
social
7.0
management
7.0
safety
6.5
Median rents in Columbia Heights
Studio
$
1,600
1 Bedroom
$
2,150
2 Bedroom
$
2,950

Living in
Columbia Heights

Great Restaurants And Bars
Proximity To Amenities
Cultural Oriented
Walkable
Good Neighborhood
Noisy At Times
Balanced
Columbia Heights — 7.8/10 Rating (based on 51 neighborhood reviews)
This is a city so there are always things happening. Target, Chipotle, Cava, Chick-fil-A, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Louis Grill, and more are with walking distance. U Street is about 1 mile from here. Most things are in walking or Metro distance (Green line, about 2-3 stops from Shaw exit for the medical school and hospital). The community here is safe. It is worth to pay to park rather than getting DC tickets and having them move your car.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highland Park at Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights has a lot of great neighbors. There is a lot of crime though especially if you get closer to the Metro station where shootings occur frequently. This apartment building is far enough away from that are so it feels safe though. It can also be really loud if you're in the crowded parts. But people are friendly.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highview Apartments
Great neighborhood for being close to Howard but slightly away at the same time (different vibe). Lots of restaurants and chill bars around plus (and more importantly), lots of grocery stores, gym, etc.

If you value quiet, try to go a block or two away from 14th street (which is a popular artery for fire engines / ambulances / police cars - i.e. lot of sirens).

Con: Increasing amounts of gentrification in this neighborhood is increasing rent prices
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Adams Court Condominiums
There are so many things to do in the area and the majority of them are a 15-20 minute walk away. There are 2 metro stations (both on the Green line) which makes going to see the monuments and museums a 20 minute trip. The area is great for experiencing life in the city.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highview Apartments
I love this neighborhood, there are grocery stores and a Target in walking distance, as well as tons of locally owned restaurants and bars. It's also close to Rock Creek Park. There are three farmers markets within walking distance.
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
1438 Meridian Pl NW Apt 101
Nowhere else in DC is there such a melting pot of culture, food and things to do. Everything is in walking distance and there is no need for a car. If your are a foodie your a few blocks from U street or Adams Morgan,
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Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
1429 Girard Street
It's not a great neighborhood intrinsically, nor is it particularly close to GW. But it's close to pretty much everything else while being far enough away/still being gentrified so that it's cheaper.
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Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
N/a
we love it here especially for food and convenience to groceries. unfortunately georgetown people are spread out and not too many too close by but this is true of any neighborhood
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Kenyon Square
Great area, close to the metro, awesome restaurants and bars nearby, super bike/pedestrian friendly, but lots of theft (packages/mail stolen, bike stolen, car broken into).
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Common Monroe
There is crime, but less than previous years. The area is very multicultural, so you can walk a block and pass by hispanic food, korean food, and a burger place.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highland Park
Love the neighborhood. Extremely diverse, full of great restaurants and small businesses. Close to transit.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Reserve
I love being able to walk to my favorite cafe, but beyond that, things like the Metro are a bit far.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
1211 Otis Place NW
Columbia heights is a really nice commercial area of DC. It contains a Best Buy, a Target, Washington Sports fitness club, a 24-hour Giant and a Chipotle all withing 10 minutes walking distance of my house. Its also a really safe neighborhood. I've lived here for nearly 2 years and I haven't hear any reports of property damage of vandalization.
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Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
1226 fairmont st. NW
Pros: Plenty of restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, public transport options, etc.

Cons: While I never feel unsafe, there has been enough violent crime in the area that I am always extremely cautious, even in the daytime. Lots of street noise if you live on a road that runs north/south. Juvenilles shooting off fireworks, revving atvs, and arguing with each other also adds to that.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Columbia Uptown
Far enough from campus that you feel you're not surrounded by undergrad , but a very fast (and relaxing) bike ride still. Right by 14th street — best of the best bars, restaurants, gyms, and TJ's! Also, ALL of my non-law school friends live in a 4 block radius, which I strongly recommend.
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Majestic
The little neighborhood that I’m in is great. I’ve never had safety concerns. However, when you go a mile away to the Target in Columbia Heights, then that area is a bit more dangerous.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
2112 New Hampshire Avenue
Neighborhood is hit or miss depending on which street you live on.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Allegro
The neighborhood is nice and within walking distance to other neighborhoods. However, the apartment is right next to a park so it can get loud at times. Being on top of a Domino's also leads to some rodent problems.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Columbia Uptown
I love this neighborhood. There is definitely a high police presence. Restaurants are amazing and close shopping near by. Good buses downtown.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
1371 Perry Pl NW
Columbia Heights is busy and stays busy. People from across the district come here for Target which can be a stressor when walking the surrounding streets. There has been an uptick in crimes over the past year, which is something to consider if moving to the neighborhood. However, I love the convenience of stores and restaurants in the area and the proximity to the metro.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highland Park at Columbia Heights
Good
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Reviewed by
5
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Row house
Still a lot of crime, but lots of stores, bars and restaurants nearby. Overall the area is increasingly getting better (and more expensive)! Not a lot of on-street parking.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Newton Towers
It's Columbia heights so it's becoming gentrified but still a lot of people are around at any given point
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Reviewed by
5
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Kenyon House Apartments
Very you need in walking distance.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Reserve
I love my neighborhood!
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Isabella
Lots of shopping a good food near by
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Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Columbia Uptown
So far, I love living in columbia heights. I live at the southern-most part, so I'm in walking distance to many neighborhoods (logan circle, adams morgan, shaw). There are many restaurants, shops, and bars that are close by. I also love living so close to the college of medicine. I ride my bike everyday and it only takes me 5 minutes each way.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Fedora
I love this neighborhood. Shopping, such as Target and Best Buy, is easily accessible. There are great restaurants featuring diverse food options. The neighborhood itself is very diverse, with a large Latino population and a mix of other races and ethnicities as well. There's a wonderful farmer's market on Saturday mornings. Meridian Hill, or Malcolm X Park, is nearby. Other neighborhoods with great bars and restaurants are within walking distance, including Petworth/Park View and the U Street Corridor. The metro ride to American University is quite long; I'd recommend taking a bus to Tenleytown and then taking the AU bus to campus.

Regarding neighborhood safety, there are occasionally shootings unfortunately. I have never personally felt unsafe even at night, but realize others might feel so.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Berkeley Condos
I really like the Columbia Heights, because it feels much more like the authentic "DC" than the Foggy Bottom area. It's close to the 14th Street corridor and also Adams Morgan corridor where there are a lot of restaurants/bars/shops, but still has a neighborhood feel to it. It's a little bit farther from campus, but the 2 mile walk to/from school is my built-in exercise/decompressing time for the day. I really like having physical separation from school, and there are bus several bus lines within close proximity, as well as a metro stop nearby. Some of the most affordable housing in DC (that is compatible with having class in GW) is in the Columbia Heights area. There are many "group houses" that often pop up on Craigslist where you can pay a more reasonable amount for a bedroom in a house with other roommates.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
1451 Girard St. NW, Unit 5
There is always something going on! That is part of a city. I live across the street from Target, Bestbuy, Chiptole, liquor store, Cava, and CVS. Things are within walking distance (i.e., U-street is about 15 minute walk down 14th).
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highland Park at Columbia Heights
I love Columbia Heights! I'm two blocks off of 14th Street where transit (yellow/green) and stores are, including Giant, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and several eateries! It's also a quick walk to AdMo and U Street corridor.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Monroe Common
Diverse but densely populated. Close to 14th street stores, bars and restaurants. Mostly quiet. Not far from campus. Heavy police presence for safety - response time: 2 mins. Parking in driveway out back.
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Unit 2
Columbia Heights is clean and houses several stores within walking distance of housing. It can get a bit busy with cars, but that's D.C. There is also lighting at night, which makes me feel safe.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highland Park at Columbia Heights
Vibrant, diverse, hub of the city. Walking distance to world-class restaurants. Several grocery store options nearby. Walkable to nightlife (Adams Morgan, U Street/Shaw, 14th).
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Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Tivoli Gardens Apartments
Chickfila and Target (and other Columbia Heights shopping/restaurants) are walking distance north, and u street is walking distance south for great bars and restaurants.
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Capitol View on 14th
It's a good neighborhood. There are lots of things to do, and plenty of mall-looking places. I enjoy the fact that there are so many options in terms of food.
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Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Fitzgerald
I love the personality of the neighborhood. It's close to the metro and not too far from school. There are some areas that are maybe a little suspect but I can easily avoid those areas with no issues.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Tivoli Gardens Apartments
Chose this location because it is close to MedStar Washington Hospital Center where I will be working after graduation - 20 minutes on foot. Built on top of metro station, which is amazing. Restaurants of 14th, U St, Adams Morgan, Shaw all within walking distance. It is a very busy location - close to DC USA - but I never hear noise in my apartment. It is not the cheapest part of town but DC is not known for affordability.
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highland Park at Columbia House
I love living in Columbia Heights. I think it is the perfect balance of residential and urban with tree-lined streets but tons of amenities nearby. I am very close to several bars and restaurants on both 14th Street and 11th Street and love having a Target and Giant so close. There have been some crime issues recently, but I haven't personally experienced this issue and I don't think the crime is any higher than in other parts of the city. In general it's a great place to live and spend time in!
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Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Reserve
A lot of families and young professionals with a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and gyms.
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
1211 Euclid Street NW
Columbia Heights is nearby lots of restaurants and bars and we live right next to the metro.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highland Park at Columbia Heights
I love Columbia Heights! It's a real neighborhood where the neighbors are friendly, there's convenient shopping, transportation, michelin star restaurants, easy to get to other parts of the city, a Target, and it's mostly an El Salvadoran neighborhood, so there are wonderful pupusas!
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
1319 Irving St Washington DC
This is a central area when it comes to food, fun, and people!
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highland Park at Columbia Heights
Easy access to Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park. Most restaurants are a 10-15 minute walk away. Metro does not give easy access to GW, it is faster to bike
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Reviewed by
6
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Warder Mansion
Overall neighborhood is pretty good, the apartment has had 24 hour security as well which has made me feel safe as well
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Tivoli Gardens Apartments
Lots of choices around in terms food, bars, stores.
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Reviewed by
10
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Highland Park at Columbia Heights
Close to busy intersection of 14th & Irving, so some traffic noise and lots of activity on the weekends (people with loudspeakers). Great options of food and drink. Very walkable and bikeable.
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Row house
Great neighborhood with plenty of bars and restaurants. Amazing diverse, multicultural community. Easy access to public transit. However, the crime rate is relatively high.
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5
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Cromwell
I love mount pleasant!!!
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Reviewed by
9
/10
Neighborhood Rating
The Majestic
Close to grocery stores
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Reviewed by
8
/10
Neighborhood Rating
Allegro
Apparently it is not very safe. But I like it and it is close to stores and public transportation
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Reviewed by
7
/10
Neighborhood Rating
1227 Harvard St NW


Getting to Know
Columbia Heights

Neighborhood Boundaries
East to West Boundaries: Sherman Ave NW to 16th St NW
North to South Boundaries: Spring Rd NW to Florida Ave NW
dining
Bad Saint
Florida Avenue Grill
Los Hermanos
Pho Viet
grocery
Best World Supermarket
Streets Market & Cafe
convenience
CVS Pharmacy
fitness
Champion Lifestyle Fitness
CrossFit Praxis
Skill and Will Fitness
parks
Columbia Heights Dog Park
Meridian Hill Park
coffee
Dunkin’ Donuts
Mi Casita Bakery and Deli
That Cheesecake Truck
Zombie Coffee & Donuts
bus
64 (bus)
H2/H3/H8 (bus)
S2/S4 (bus)
rail
Green/Yellow (metro)
About your Neighbors
Data from the 2013 American Community Survey
Zip Codes
Columbia Heights includes zip codes 20010, 20009, and 20001
Rent vs Own
60
% of Columbia Heights residents are renters
Driving to Work
29
% of Columbia Heights residents drive to work
New Construction
10
% of housing units in Columbia Heights have been built in the last 15 years
Building Types
49
%
<20 units
17
%
20-49 units
35
%
50+ units
Demographics
Children (under 18)
12
%
18 - 34
45
%
35 - 54
28
%
55+
15
%
Unit Mix
17
%
Studio
36
%
1 Bed
25
%
2 Bed
23
%
3+ Bed
Occupation or Education
Working Professional
75
%
Undergrad Student
5
%
Grad Student
6
%
Unemployed
5
%
Retired
8
%

Best Apartments
in Columbia Heights

Camden Roosevelt
Studio $2,479
1 Bed $3,039
2 Beds $3,149

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The Park Monroe
Studio $1,450
1 Bed $1,895

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Mount Pleasant

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The Citadel Apartments
Studio $2,150

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View 14
Studio $1,916
1 Bed $2,336
2 Beds $3,552

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Castle Manor Apartments
Studio $1,773
2 Beds $3,132

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Nearby Neighborhoods

Neighborhood Guide
Logan Circle
Vibrant Neighborhood Loved by its Residents with Plenty of Restaurants and Bars
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Foggy Bottom
Art and Culture in the Capital City
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North Capitol Street
A Good Choice for People Working in the Area
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Cathedral Heights
Historical Neighborhood with a Contemporary Lifestyle
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Downtown
Business, Shopping, and Nightlife in the Heart of DC
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Adams Morgan
The bustling nightlife and the quiet residential areas of Adams Morgan welcomes both families and young professionals
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Van Ness
A Former Civil War Site and a Place to Enjoy Art, Culture, Food, and Fashion Together
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Bloomingdale
DC Neighborhood Full of Colorful Culture and Cuisine
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Judiciary Square
Central Business Location for Large Companies and Government Offices
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West End
Modern Neighborhood with a Lot of History
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Georgetown
Best Neighborhood for GW and Georgetown University Students
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Chinatown
Vibrant, busy, and always something to do
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Petworth
Friendly Neighborhood Where Residents Truly Enjoy Living
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Forest Hills
Diverse Neighborhood that is Fantastic for Outdoor Activities
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Glover Park
Residential and Cozy Neighborhood on the Outskirts of DC
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Mount Pleasant
Exotic cuisines, exciting nightlife and historical architecture makes Mount Pleasant a great place to live in
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U Street Corridor
Bustling Part of DC that Never Sleeps
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Cleveland Park
Walkable Neighborhood with Beautiful Residential Space
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Dupont Circle
Beautiful, Well Established, and Close to Everything
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Penn Quarter
Amazing Arts, Entertainment, Food, and Shopping Options
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Mount Vernon Square
Growing Neighborhood with New Businesses Being Constantly Established
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Embassy Row
One of the Most Historical Locations in the Country
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Shaw
A great neighborhood which makes the Ethiopian culture part of everyday life