Do you know which US city was founded as the result of political maneuvering, racial issues, national identity and compromise?
Washington DC of course.
Any history buffs (or fans of the musical Hamilton) know that Washington DC began as a compromise between the North and the South. Alexander Hamilton and the northern states needed the new government to assume Revolutionary War debts. Thomas Jefferson and his southern group wanted any permanent seat of the US federal government to be in a location friendly to slave-holding agricultural interests. Thus after much debate, in 1790 Washington DC was born, centered in the 100 square mile District of Columbia.
That complex legacy continues to this day. The city is beautiful, historic, ethnically diverse and cosmopolitan, filled with contrasts- a notoriously high cost of living and traffic gridlock, but excellent public transportation and a booming economy directly and indirectly based on the federal government. Specific to security, Washington DC offers a range of job opportunities for every facet of the security industry. The presence of government buildings and embassies, high-profile businesses, numerous events, and VIPs/executives needing protection means there is a huge demand for security personnel, security systems and data protections. So as a security professional, you can seriously consider a move to Washington DC.
So What Are Washington DC’S Most Secure Neighborhoods?
For the purpose of this guide, ONLY Washington DC neighborhoods will be considered, not places within the surrounding counties that are sometimes included as part of the Washington DC metro area- Fairfax County, VA, Arlington County, VA, Lousoun County, VA, Prince Willian County, VA, Montgomery County, MD and Prince George’s County, MD.
When considering a move to Washington, DC, it is important to realize that living costs here are much higher than the national average. Unlike the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, or even the safest neighborhoods in NY State, the high living costs of DC neighborhoods are in a class by themselves. The median sale price of a home in Washington DC is $659,500- significantly higher than the 2024 national average of $440,000 (or Chicago’s $375,000 or NY state’s median price of $405,000). Rent prices are also high, with the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment being around $2,495 per month.
Here are some top 10 safest neighborhoods in Washington DC:
Anacostia
Anacostia Playhouse and the Anacostia Arts Center are just two cultural attractions this historic southeast DC neighborhood offers. Popular landmarks are a 20 foot tall Big Chair sculpture and abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ home-turned-museum. Green spaces abound for bikers and nature-lovers (e.g. Anacostia Riverwalk Trail)- and the National Arboretum’s world class collection attracts many visitors (especially azalea-lovers). Cost of living is better here than in much of DC- median home values are $493,564 and rents are $1,275/mo. 68% of Anacostia residents are renters, the rest own. The area is popular with mostly white collar workers (88.87%) employed by private companies, followed by government work and non-profits. Anacostia has about the same crime rate as the average US neighborhood (CrimeGrade gives its crime rating a C).
Brookland
This small neighborhood has a college town vibe due to its proximity to Catholic University of America- its parks and bustling commercial district attract singles, families, and retirees alike. Demographically, white collar workers make up 88.48% of the 9,589 residents, with most working for private companies (43.4%), the rest mostly employed by the government or non-profits. 58.21% here own their homes, while 41.81% rent. Main attractions in what is called “Little Rome” are the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the 1898 Franciscan Monastery and gardens, and St. John Paul II National Shrine. House prices in Brookland are up 16.8% from last year, selling at $882,000. And rents are around $1,929/month. Brookland is safer than the average US neighborhood- CrimeGrade gives it an overall crime grade of B.
Capitol Hill
Walkable with green spaces such as its Lincoln park area, historic Capitol Hill is a top choice for low-crime neighborhoods in Washington DC by young professionals and families. Highly-rated schools- (Capitol Hill Learning Group or historic St Peter School)- cater to families looking for quality education. This neighborhood’s colorful row houses are built around historic landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol. Capitol Hill’s cost of living is higher than average- its average home value is $903,312, with median rent at $2,495/month- 25% higher than the national average. Almost half (44%) of Capitol Hill residents rent rather than own. While its overall crime ranks at D+, Capitol Hill’s annual crime rate is likely weighted due to its 24 parks/recreational areas- low population areas that nonetheless boost crime statistics due to their high number of visitors.
Columbia Heights
This eclectic CoHi area is in the northwest quadrant of Washington DC just a mile north of the White House. It is known for its landmark Tivoli Theater and its 1821 Columbia Heights/George Washington’s University. Young professionals and young families enjoy its diversity with a solid Hispanic culture, walkability, variety of restaurants and bars, and easy access to the metro. Safety-wise Columbia Heights ranks at a C– for overall crime, with property crime such as home break-ins or theft being slightly higher than the average US neighborhood. Median sale prices for houses here are $630,305 and median rent is $2,200/month.
Congress Heights
This lively neighborhood is rooted in African American history, art, and culture. It borders the old St. Elizabeth Hospital which in 2018 added an Entertainment and Sports Arena on their site- bringing basketball and concert events to the area. White collar workers make up 86% of the working residents in Congress Heights, employed by private companies and governmental institutions. Many here don’t own a car, but commute by train or bus. Rents start around $1,650/month for a 1 bedroom here, and the median sale price for a home is at $410,000. The overall CrimeGrade here is a C-, making the area crime rate slightly worse than the average US neighborhood.
Foxhall Village
If you’ve always wanted to live in an old English village, Foxhall or Foxhall Village is the charming planned community for you! It was built in the mid-1920’s to resemble an English village with its brick,Tudor style row-houses and tree-lined streets. (It is not to be confused with Foxhall Crescents, a pricier detached home community located further northwest). Residents of the “Village In the City” value the area’s designation as a national historic district. Its crime rating is at 61% lower than the DC average making Foxhall one of DC’s secure places to live. Median home prices here are $944,350- along with median rents at $2,689/month. 60% of residents own, 40% rent. A very high proportion of Foxhall Village residents work from home (31.9%) compared to the rest of the neighborhoods in the US. Many white collar professionals and government workers reside here- 54.0% have earned advanced degrees such as a Masters, law, or PhD.
Logan Circle/Shaw
Close to downtown DC, urban Logan Circle and Shaw neighborhoods have residents that appreciate the area’s trendy living, craft breweries and vibrant nightlife, nestled among old Victorian houses. There’s attractions such as the Black Cat venue (host to hardcore punk, underground or alternative music groups) or DC9 (packed with deejays, bands and dance parties). Single professionals enjoy such amenities, but it is considered one of DC’s family-friendly neighborhoods- families appreciate the area’s esteemed schools as well. These neighborhoods rank high in the 90’s (out of 100) as a walker’s paradise, a transit rider’s paradise, and a biker’s paradise. Housing costs are also high, with a median sale price hovering at $802,500 (1 bedroom rents match at $2,500/mo). Unfortunately Crime Grade gives the area a D- overall– its northern most part is considered safest-its southern area has higher crime with a concentrated retail presence.
The Palisades/Potomac Heights
Do you regularly purchase box seats to opening nights at the symphony, or attend a gallery opening? If so, these are the DC neighborhoods for you. The Palisades/Potomac Heights suburban-style neighborhoods have median home values of $1,517,039 to $1,683,375– with median rents ranging from $2,031–$3,418. About 88% here own their homes. A high percentage of residents (around 45.0%) “commute” by working from their home office, and the white collar workforce here is employed by government and private companies. Executive families take advantage of the highly rated schools, though private preparatory schools are popular too. The crime rate is very low, and CrimeGrade gives it an A+ grade for overall safety- its crime rate is 26% below the national average, making it one of DC’s top secure places to live.
Petworth
Located in northwest DC, this neighborhood is often a key pick for young, single professionals. Petworth residents boast about the friendly “porch culture” here, in addition to hangout spots like the Quail Coffee House, French bistro Chez Billy, or even their popular annual summer fest. Petworth has a historic side too, such as its beautiful President Abraham Lincoln’s Cottage (where Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation). In October 2024, house median prices in Petworth were around $787,500 with 1 bedroom rents starting at $2,845/month. Cost of living here is 16% higher than the Washington DC average- but the good public transportation in Petworth can cut your costs if you opt out of owning a car though. Petworth’s average home sale price is $787,500 and its average rent is $2,845 for a 1 bedroom apartment (42% higher than the national average). Petworth is considered safer than 38% of other DC areas, with an overall CrimeGrade of A.
Adams Morgan
Finally, despite its current crime rating, Adams Morgan neighborhood is mentioned often as a great living destination. Filled with multiple embassies and just 1.5 miles from the White House, this area has a high amount of security for most residents but still has a current D- CrimeGrade rating. (There is ongoing debate about what has driven that crime- even possibly juvenile carjackings from a recent “KIA challenge” on TikTok). Almost everyone (96%) in Adams Morgan is a white collar worker in government or private industry. Median rents are $2,600/mo and houses currently cost $541,250. Reviews for schools here are good, though the area attracts young professionals more interested in its good Metro system, walkability and lively social life. Madam’s Organ Blues Bar is a favorite attraction with live music every night. Music and vinyl lovers also happily frequent Songbird Music House and Record Cafe for their latest DJ’s, bands, and vinyl releases.
Other safe DC neighborhoods are mentioned often as well. There is charming Hawthrone, affluent Spring Valley, urban apartment-filled Chevy Chase, modest Bellvue, the heart of DC’s nightlife Dupont Circle, and affluent Georgetown, just to name a few.
But with this guide and additional research into other safe neighborhoods in Washington DC that you may discover, any relocation to this historic heart of the American government will be secure and successful.
