Navigate apartment hunting and city life like a local with our curated articles about Washington, District of Columbia.
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.
Rapid transformation defines Trinidad, where colorful row houses from the early 1900s now attract young professionals seeking more affordable alternatives to Capitol Hill. Residents enjoy the nearby H Street Corridor's vibrant nightlife and the NoMa district's urban amenities without the premium prices. Though the neighborhood continues its block-by-block revitalization with some areas showing more investment than others, the strong sense of community creates an inclusive atmosphere where new coffee shops exist alongside legacy corner stores serving multi-generational residents.
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.
