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.
Navigate apartment hunting and city life like a local with our curated articles about Washington, District of Columbia.
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.
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.
Welcome to the Apartment List March 2026 Rent Report for Washington, DC. Currently, the overall median rent in the city stands at $2,064, roughly the same as last month. Prices are now down 5.0% year-over-year. Read on to learn more about what’s been happening in the Washington, DC rental market and how it compares to trends throughout the broader Washington, Dc metro area and the nation as a whole.
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.
