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Navigate apartment hunting and city life like a local with our curated articles about Washington, District of Columbia.
As the U.S. capital, it’s no surprise that Washington, D.C. is brimming with history and culture.
If you’re considering moving to D.C., the city might appeal for its iconic landmarks, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Memorial. And there are numerous museums and theaters to visit, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Finding an apartment in Washington, D.C. begins with picking the right neighborhood for your lifestyle. If you’re a social butterfly, you’ll find many bars, restaurants, and boutiques on Adams Morgan’s 18th Street corridor. And if history and tradition are your thing, the Capitol Hill area is close to numerous historic sites.
Find apartments in Washington, D.C. and nearby cities with Apartment List. Our app makes apartment hunting efficient and personal, starting with the Renter Quiz. Instead of typing “apartments for rent near me” into Google, take our quick survey to let us know what you’re looking for. Our AI-driven platform will curate apartments in the District of Columbia based on your preferred amenities, budget, and location.
Whether you’re interested in a spacious three-bedroom apartment in Washington or a cozy condo in a quiet area, our user-friendly app narrows your choices down quickly. We also provide real-time alerts when new housing options become available to simplify your search.
With Apartment List, you can connect directly with landlords right on the app. Schedule tours and ask questions on the go, increasing your chances of signing a lease and snagging the perfect Washington, D.C. apartment to rent before it’s gone. If you have questions along the way, our team is here to help anytime via text, email, or phone.
National study of renter’s satisfaction with their cities and states
Apartment List has released Washington, DC’s results from the third annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. This survey, which drew on responses from over 45,000 renters, provides insight on what states and cities must do to meet the needs of 111 million American renters nationwide.
"Washington, DC renters expressed general satisfaction with the city overall," according to Apartment List. "However, ratings varied greatly across different categories, indicating that even though renters love Washington, DC, some aspects can be better."
Key findings in Washington, DC include the following:
Washington, DC renters gave their city an A- overall.
The highest-rated categories for Washington, DC were jobs and career opportunities and public transit, which both received A+ grades.
The areas of concern to Washington, DC renters are affordability (D) and state and local taxes (C).
Millennial renters are very satisfied with their city, giving it an overall rating of A.
Washington, DC did relatively well compared to other cities nationwide, including New York, NY (C+), Los Angeles (C+) and Chicago, IL (B-).
The top rated cities nationwide for renter satisfaction include Scottsdale, AZ, Irvine, CA, Boulder, CO and Ann Arbor, MI. The lowest rated cities include Tallahassee, FL, Stockton, CA, Dayton, OH, Detroit, MI and Newark, NJ.
Renters say:
For more information on the survey methodology and findings or to speak to one of our researchers, please contact our team at rentonomics@apartmentlist.com.
Historic prestige defines Capitol Hill, where this distinguished DC neighborhood surrounds the U.S. Capitol with beautifully preserved architecture from various eras. Rental options include apartments in converted historic rowhouses and carriage houses with character details unavailable in newer construction. While the area offers exceptional access to both the Capitol complex and Eastern Market's weekend farmers market, rental rates rank among DC's highest with limited inventory creating extremely competitive application processes. Most suitable for congressional staffers, government professionals, and history enthusiasts who can justify premium rates for prestigious addresses and architectural significance despite urban parking challenges and premium pricing.
Cultural diversity thrives in Columbia Heights, where this central DC neighborhood showcases urban energy through authentic restaurants, markets, and community institutions. Rental options include both historic rowhouses and newer developments with varied price points throughout this walkable district. While the area offers exceptional access to both the Green/Yellow Metro lines and the developing 14th Street corridor, weekend crowds at Target and other popular retailers create temporary congestion affecting some streets. Perfect for urban enthusiasts who value genuine diversity beyond marketing-created "international" atmospheres in newer developments with more predictable community patterns.
Coastal accessibility without coastal pricing defines Ocean Crest, where San Diego's southern community offers more affordable alternatives to beach neighborhoods despite straightforward coastal access. The district features newer construction with contemporary amenities including community pools and recreation facilities, while the nearby commercial centers provide practical conveniences without downtown congestion. Though requiring longer downtown commutes than central neighborhoods, many households find the trade-off worthwhile for significantly more living space, newer construction, and competitive rental rates compared to San Diego's premium coastal communities commanding extreme pricing despite often offering dated construction and limited amenities beyond location advantages.
*Based on base prices that don’t include fees