Top 5 Transit-Friendly DC Neighborhoods
Considering making a move to or within the nation’s capital and curious which neighborhoods are best for public transit? You’re not alone! According to US census data, 36.8% of commuters use public transit in the DC Metro and surely have similar considerations.
In this article, we’ll be breaking down the types of public transit available as well as the top 5 transit-friendly DC neighborhoods.
Buckle up!
Types of Public Transit Available
In the DC Metro, public transportation is overseen by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), servicing locals and visitors 7 days a week. Under their supervision are the Metrobus, Metrorail, and DC Circulator. Trips are paid through SmartTrip via a reloadable card or mobile app.
Top 5 transit-friendly Neighborhoods
Downtown Washington | 100/100
Neighborhood Boundaries: 23rd St NW to North Capitol St NW (East to West); M St NW to Constitution Ave NW (North to South)
Coming in 1st place at 100/100 is none other than Downtown Washington! This area is considered to be a rider’s paradise with easy access to Metrorail blue, orange, green, yellow, and red lines as well as numerous bus routes; find stops virtually everywhere you look!
In Downtown Washington you can also expect to find favorite restaurants like Mazi DC, Elizabeth’s Gone Raw, and Métier; grocery stores like Whole Foods, FoBoGro, and Streets Market; numerous parks, including Franklin Square Park, Lafayette Park, and The President’s Park; and several fitness centers such as Orangetheory Fitness, Pure Barre, Humble Beast Fit, and Rumble Boxing – DC among many others.
Downtown Washington is also home to many of the attractions DC is known for, including the International Spy Museum, the National Building Museum, and the Smithsonian Museums!
Logan Circle | 90/100
Neighborhood Boundaries: 10th St NW to 15th St NW (East to West); S St NW to M St NW (North to South)
Despite its small size, Logan Circle is known for its ease of transportation with seven bus routes running through the area.
There’s also no shortage of dining options, grocery stores, parks, and fitness centers. Favorite restaurants include Le Diplomate, The Dabney, Tortino Restaurant, and JINYA Ramen Bar; grocery stores like Capitol Supermarket, Streets Market, and Whole Foods; parks such as Shaw Dog Park and French Street Park; and fitness centers like Balance Functional Fitness, Pole Pressure, Flow Yoga Center, and CrossFit MPH.
Near Southeast-Navy Yard | 78/100
Neighborhood Boundaries: S Capitol St SW to 11st St SE (East to West); 695 to M St SE (North to South)
Near Southeast, also known as Navy Yard, is an area just south of 695 with an excellent transit score of 78/100 or 78%. Expect easy access to the Metrorail green line, the subway, and about 8 bus routes, including the DC Circulator.
Like in the previous two neighborhoods, you can expect to find great eats, grocery stores, parks, and fitness centers. Popular food spots include Pho Junkie, Side Door Pizza, PLNT burger, and Taco City DC; grocery stores like Whole Foods; parks like Victoria Avenue Park and Washington Canal Park; and fitness centers, including Orangetheory Fitness and 9Round Fitness.
Mount Vernon Square | 58/100
Neighborhood Boundaries: New Jersey Ave NW to Massachusetts Ave NW (East to West); M St NW to Massachusetts Ave NW (North to South)
With a score of 58/100, Mount Vernon Square comes in at fourth on the list of top 5 transit-friendly DC neighborhoods. Although Mount Vernon Square’s score is 20 points away from the previous spot, riders can still expect to complete most trips within, and outside of, the neighborhood with ease with numerous bus and subway routes as well as Metrorail green and yellow lines.
Those residing within Mount Vernon Square can expect a plethora of dining and grocery options as well as parks and fitness centers! Favorite Mount Vernon Square restaurants include dLeña, Kinship, Mariscos 1133, and Baan Siam; grocery stores, including Safeway, Capitol Supermarket, and Giant Food; local parks like Samuel Gompers Memorial Park and 10th Street Community Park; and fitness centers like MooseFit, Reformation Fitness, and Urban Athletic Club.
Foggy Bottom-GWU-West End | 56/100
Neighborhood Boundaries: 17th St NW to Potomac River (East to West); K St NW to Constitution Ave NW (North to South)
And last on the list of the top 5 transit-friendly DC neighborhoods is Foggy Bottom! With a score of 56/100, only two points lower than Mount Vernon Square, Foggy Bottom is considered to have good transit with 11 bus and three subway lines as well as Metrorail blue and orange lines.
On top of good transit, Foggy Bottom also has numerous restaurants, grocery stores, parks, and fitness clubs. Favorite restaurants include &pizza, The Deli at Watergate, Duke’s Grocery, and The Setting; grocery stores include Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s; local parks such as Georgetown Waterfront Park; and numerous fitness centers, including SoulCycle West End, Urban Boxing, and Definitions Fitness Studio.
Considering Making a Move?
Thinking about moving to one of these top 5 transit-friendly DC neighborhoods? The team at Jennifer Young Homes would be thrilled to help you find the residence of your dreams!
Reach out and let’s get talking!
