Apartments for Rent in Cleveland Park, Washington, DC

Even those who don’t have children will enjoy the calm vibe of Cleveland Park. This neighborhood is a small town nestled in D.C. with a low crime rate and a quiet reputation. Garden enthusiasts beautify the neighborhood, and the large historic homes are well-maintained. Many D.C. apartments for rent are units in converted old houses, and Cleveland Park is no exception. You can live in one of these beautiful estates without having to buy the whole house. Cleveland Park is the kind of safe neighborhood where people tend to stay for a long time. That’s why you’ll see an even mix of older people and families with young children wandering around Brookville Market for their groceries.

One of the features that might sell you on Cleveland Park is that it’s such a walkable neighborhood. The metro station makes it easy to hop on a train to anywhere else in the city, but there’s almost everything you need within walking distance anyway. While you can own a car and some people do, the neighborhood is designed with cars as an afterthought. Even though the homes here are stately and sell for over a million dollars on average, garages aren’t a standard amenity. Many people use old carriage houses or have designated parking in the alleys behind homes. Walking is much more convenient in this area, and you can always rent a car when you need one.

The major streets in Cleveland Park are Connecticut Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue, and this is where you’ll find all the action. Since Cleveland Park feels more like a village than a neighborhood, the action here is more of the low-key, chill variety. Dine alongside your neighbors for brunch at Ardeo or Café Deluxe; both have their loyal fans. Catch the big game over beer and wings (or just hang out on the rooftop patio) at the Cleveland Park Bar and Grill. If you want loud nightclubs, you may not find many here, but you can just hop on the metro to a nearby neighborhood to get your fix. Cleveland Park is the type of neighborhood for those who appreciate an upscale steak dinner at a local favorite like Medium Rare or a drink at a wine bar like Ripple, followed by a quiet night at home.

You don’t even have to leave the neighborhood to get a glimpse of the area’s history. The Peirce Mill & Barn is the last standing 19th century grist mill in the D.C. area and is fully operated by the National Park Service. The Cleveland Park Historical Society works tirelessly to protect and maintain the rich heritage of this neighborhood’s historic homes. The historical society is also responsible for the 15 police and fire boxes in Cleveland Park that bear artistic details about the neighborhood’s history. Even though there’s a bit of an “old money” vibe in Cleveland Park, it’s a quiet whisper that is more genteel than snobby.

Originally named after President Grover Cleveland, this neighborhood has long been the home of the well-heeled. The neighborhood’s features explain its appeal. Anyone who spends time in D.C. in the summer knows that it gets pretty humid. Cleveland Park takes advantage of the natural landscape and gets breezes from all the trees and its location at the top of a valley. Most homes here now have air conditioning, but you’ll also find that the breezes keep you cooler and more comfortable than in other parts of the city.

D.C. is a competitive rental market, with most properties being snagged up within days or weeks. Don’t bother looking too far in advance because the market moves quickly. You should come prepared to a showing with paperwork in hand so you can put in an application on the spot. Pet-friendly apartments may be harder to find, too. D.C. is all about who’s willing to vouch for you, so line up some references who will assure your new landlord that Fido is a non-destructive sweetheart.

Cleveland Park has been a gem since the 1890s, when it was originally prized for its easy streetcar access. Today, metro lines have replaced the streetcar, but it’s still every bit as convenient to live here as ever. The variety of architectural styles will appeal to everyone, and the stately homes are elegant. This is not the cheapest neighborhood to find an apartment for rent in D.C., but it’s one that equals safety and stability. When you want a place to call home that makes you never want to leave, take a look at Cleveland Park.