What Are the Safest Washington, D.C., Neighborhoods for Renters in 2025? (Crime & Rent Data)

Washington, D.C., has many safe neighborhoods for renters in 2025, and this guide spotlights seven of the best: Glover Park, AU Park-Friendship Heights-Tenley, Chevy Chase, Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, Foxhall-Palisades, and Georgetown. With safety top of mind for many renters, it’s more important than ever to understand where crime rates are falling, rent prices are stable, and day-to-day life feels secure.

From the dynamic urban energy of Glover Park to the laid-back suburban charm of Chevy Chase, these are some of the safest places to live in Washington, D.C., according to 2025 crime rate data.

Ready to make the move to D.C.? Below, you’ll find a data-backed look at each neighborhood, including Washington, D.C., rent prices, safety rankings, and what it’s really like to live there.

Is Washington, D.C., Safe for Renters?

Overall, Washington, D.C., is becoming safer for renters. Total crime dropped 8% year over year, with 1,532 fewer incidents reported. Compared to neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia, D.C.’s crime rate is higher. Nationally, the city ranks in the first percentile for safety—meaning it’s safer than only 1% of states—despite the improvements.

Many residents point to Northwest D.C. as the safest quadrant, with fewer than three violent crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Contributing factors include higher household incomes, active neighborhood watch programs, and well-lit public areas.

Across D.C., several neighborhoods partner with police through real-time alert systems and street-level watch groups that share updates on suspicious activity. Studies show that engaged neighborhoods—through regular events, improved lighting, and visible community activity—tend to see fewer reported offenses.

Still, citywide stats can be misleading, as local safety varies widely. That’s why looking at neighborhood‑level data is essential for renters searching for the safest places to live in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. Crime Trends in 2025

As recently as September 2, 2025, the Metropolitan Police Department reported citywide decreases in both violent and property crime compared to 2024:

• Violent crime is down 27% year to date (YTD), with 635 fewer incidents reported across the city.
• Property crime has fallen 5% YTD, showing a decrease of 897 incidents.
• The cost of crime per D.C. resident is $1,264 per year, which is $800 more than the national average.

Crime index: A composite score (zero to 100) indicating how a city’s total crime compares to the national average; lower scores = safer.

These trends suggest that while D.C. still faces high crime, the downward trajectory in violent and property offenses reflects effective policing and community partnerships.

Violent vs. Property Crime Breakdown

How Safer Neighborhoods Compare to Citywide Averages

Renters looking for security often find relief in certain D.C. neighborhoods where crime rates are consistently below the citywide average.

Glover Park, situated in the Northwest quadrant of D.C., has a crime rate of 43.27 per 1,000 residents, compared to the District’s 67.25, making it much safer overall. Residents highlight the strong sense of community, convenient city access, and suburban calm.

Georgetown, home to Georgetown University, has a crime rate of 86.57 per 1,000 residents—above the citywide crime rate. When looking at total crime counts (rather than per capita rates), the western parts of Georgetown see the most incidents—about 224 per year. Theft is the biggest driver of Georgetown’s crime rate, with 47.11 theft incidents per 1,000 residents, contributing more than half of the overall crime rate.

How We Identified the Safest Washington, D.C., Neighborhoods

To determine the safest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., for renters in 2025, we analyzed the latest crime statistics alongside local rent prices and population data. Our approach emphasized accuracy, relevance, and renter-focused criteria.

Each neighborhood’s violent and property crime rates were benchmarked against citywide and national averages. We prioritized low crime per capita, not just raw totals, to reflect real safety for day-to-day living. From there, we cross-referenced 2025 rent data to highlight areas that offer both peace of mind and price accessibility.

Finally, we considered walkability, school ratings, and access to amenities, rounding out each selection with quality-of-life indicators that matter to renters. Whether you're relocating solo or with family, our list is designed to surface the safest places to live in Washington, D.C., backed by numbers, not guesswork.

Data Sources and Time Frames

Our rankings are built from a multisource dataset covering the most recent crime and rent trends in Washington, D.C.:

• Metropolitan Police Department data.
• CrimeGrade.org data.
• Apartment List rent estimates (Q2 2025, >8,000 active listings).
• Rent.com and Zumper rent estimates (Q2 and Q3 2025).

Ranking Factors (Crime Rate, Rent, Amenities, Commute)

Each neighborhood was evaluated with the following factor weightings.

Factor Weights

• Crime rate (50%): Based on combined violent and property crime per 1,000 residents; lower rates score higher.
• Rent affordability (20%): Average one‑bedroom rent compared to city one-bedroom average ($2,652); neighborhoods below average score better.
• Amenities (20%): Composite metric including:
  • Parks per square mile (scored 0-10).
  • Walk score (0-100).
  • Grocery stores within one mile (0-5).
• Commute (10%): Average peak-hour drive time to Downtown D.C.; shorter commutes yield higher scores.

Each neighborhood on this list received the best scores compared to the overall neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.

Crime-to-Rent Ratio Explained

Crime-to-rent ratio is the number of reported crimes per $1,000 of median annual rent. A lower ratio means you're getting more safety for every dollar you spend on housing.

For example, if a neighborhood reports 200 crimes per year and the median rent is $1,200 per month ($14,400 annually), the crime-to-rent ratio would be 13.89 crimes per $1,000 of rent.

This metric is especially helpful for cost-conscious renters. Instead of just chasing the lowest price or safest ZIP code, the ratio lets you weigh both factors together, showing which neighborhoods offer the best value in terms of both affordability and peace of mind.

7 Safest Washington, D.C., Neighborhoods for Renters

Looking for a secure place to call home in Washington, D.C.? These seven neighborhoods offer the best mix of low crime rates, renter-friendly pricing, and community-driven lifestyles, backed by comprehensive 2025 data on violent and property crime, rent prices, and safety initiatives.

Glover Park

Low-key, tight-knit community

• Violent crime: 3.721/1,000
• Property crime: 20.420/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,906
• Crime-to-rent ratio: 1.05

Glover Park is one of D.C.’s safest neighborhoods for renters and the cheapest option on our list. Tucked just north of Georgetown, it combines city access with a more laid-back residential feel. Most of the housing is made up of low-rise apartments and rowhomes, which adds to its quiet, neighborly environment.

Active neighborhood watch programs and consistent community engagement help keep violent crime at just 3.721 per 1,000 residents. Well-lit sidewalks and tree-lined streets add to the sense of security, with most reported incidents limited to minor property theft.

AU Park-Friendship Heights-Tenley

Upscale campus feel

• Violent crime: 4.006/1,000
• Property crime: 24.100/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $2,739
• Crime-to-rent ratio: 0.86

The affluent AU Park-Friendship Heights-Tenley stretch of Northwest D.C. covers several connected neighborhoods near American University. It has an upscale, suburban-meets-campus feel, with a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and bustling commercial areas along Wisconsin Avenue. Students, young professionals, and families are all drawn to the area thanks to strong schools, nearby Metro stations, and a concentration of shops and services.

Community-police partnerships and visible campus presence help maintain violent crime at 4.006 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 24.100 per 1,000 residents, both below many other D.C. neighborhoods.

Chevy Chase

Upscale suburban neighborhood

• Violent crime: 4.326/1,000
• Property crime: 21.521/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $2,803
• Crime-to-rent ratio: 0.77

Chevy Chase is one of D.C.’s most established residential areas, marked by historic homes, manicured streets, and a strong community identity. Its suburban atmosphere within city limits makes it appealing to renters who value stability and long-term investment in their neighborhood.

With the lowest crime-to-rent ratio on our list, Chevy Chase keeps crime low through neighborhood associations and private patrols. Coordinated safety measures keep more serious offenses consistently low, with violent crime at 4.326 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 21.521 per 1,000 residents.

Woodley Park

Historic charm with transit access

• Violent crime: 4.499/1,000
• Property crime: 21.650/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $2,471
• Crime-to-rent ratio: 0.88

Woodley Park offers a mix of residential calm and city convenience, with easy Red Line access and proximity to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Connecticut Avenue’s shops and restaurants provide activity, while quieter side streets appeal to families and professionals.

Community watch programs and Metro-area patrols help maintain violent crime at 4.499 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 21.650 per 1,000 residents. Street-lighting improvements and visible policing have helped reduce theft incidents.

Cleveland Park

Family-friendly near top-rated schools

• Violent crime: 4.561/1,000
• Property crime: 18.990/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $2,217
• Crime-to-rent ratio: 0.89

Cleveland Park delivers a suburban feel inside the city, with tree-lined streets, a strong school network, and easy access to Rock Creek Park. Its housing mix includes apartments and single-family homes, attracting both families and professionals.

Active community associations and frequent patrols keep violent crime at 4.561 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 18.990 per 1,000 residents—the lowest property crime rate on this list.

Foxhall-Palisades

Secluded suburban neighborhood

• Violent crime: 5.379/1,000
• Property crime: 18.220/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $2,059
• Crime-to-rent ratio: 0.96

Foxhall-Palisades offers a more suburban environment within D.C., with single-family homes, quiet streets, and green space along the Potomac River. It’s one of the more affordable neighborhoods on this list while maintaining strong safety credentials.

Its secluded design and strong neighborhood engagement help hold violent crime at 5.379 per 1,000 residents and property crime at just 18.220 per 1,000 residents.

Georgetown

Historic charm and upscale living

• Violent crime: 5.627/1,000
• Property crime: 55.510/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $2,490
• Crime-to-rent ratio: 2.05

Georgetown is one of D.C.’s most recognizable neighborhoods, known for its historic rowhouses, waterfront dining, and busy shopping corridors. Renters benefit from walkability and close proximity to downtown.

Partnerships between police and community groups help keep violent crime relatively low at 5.627 per 1,000 residents. Property crime, however, is higher at 55.510 per 1,000 residents, primarily driven by theft in retail and nightlife areas.

Neighborhood Comparison: Crime, Rent, Commute at a Glance

Average Rent Differences Across Ranked Neighborhoods

Among the safest D.C. neighborhoods, average one-bedroom rents vary significantly from $1,906 in Glover Park to $2,803 in Chevy Chase—a difference of nearly $900 monthly. The variation reflects different amenity levels, proximity to Metro stations, and neighborhood prestige rather than purely safety considerations.

Midrange options like Cleveland Park and Woodley Park offer excellent safety credentials while remaining more accessible than premium areas like Chevy Chase or AU Park-Friendship Heights-Tenley.

When we take a closer look at our findings, the data shows that price and safety don't move in perfect harmony. Glover Park offers exceptional safety (43.27 overall crime rate) and an average one-bedroom rent of $1,906. Georgetown, on the other hand, commands premium pricing ($2,490) despite having the highest crime rate, largely due to tourist activity.

Average Commute Time to Downtown, Capitol Hill, and GWU

We calculated D.C. commute times (2025) from each ranked neighborhood to three major hubs: Downtown D.C., Capitol Hill, and George Washington University (GWU). Car times reflect typical weekday traffic (8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.), and Metro estimates use official route data.

From Glover Park

• Downtown D.C.: 18 minutes by car via Massachusetts Avenue NW. 37 minutes via D80 Bus to Red Line.
• Capitol Hill: 28 minutes by car via I-395 N. 53 minutes via D82 bus to Silver Line.
• GWU: 14 minutes by car via 30th Street NW. 25 minutes via D82 bus.

From AU Park-Friendship Heights-Tenley

• Downtown D.C.: 22 minutes by car via Connecticut Avenue NW. 15 minutes via Red Line.
• Capitol Hill: 35 minutes by car via Massachusetts Avenue NW. 35 minutes via Red and Silver lines.
• GWU: 20 minutes by car via Massachusetts Avenue NW. 29 minutes via D80 bus.

From Chevy Chase

• Downtown D.C.: 24 minutes by car via Connecticut Avenue NW. 36 minutes via C87 bus line and Red Line.
• Capitol Hill: 35 minutes by car via Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW. 54 minutes via C81 bus line, Red Line, and Silver Line.
• GWU: 22 minutes by car via Connecticut Avenue NW. 42 minutes via C87 and D80 bus lines.

From Woodley Park

• Downtown D.C.: 14 minutes by car via Connecticut Avenue NW. 21 minutes via Red Line.
• Capitol Hill: 24 minutes by car via Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW. 41 minutes via Red and Silver lines.
• GWU: 10 minutes by car via Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW. 32 minutes via Red Line.

From Cleveland Park

• Downtown D.C.: 16 minutes by car via Connecticut Avenue NW. 27 minutes via Red Line.
• Capitol Hill: 26 minutes by car via Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW. 48 minutes via Red and Orange lines.
• GWU: 12 minutes by car via Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW. 31 minutes via D80 bus line.

From Foxhall-Palisades

• Downtown D.C.: 28 minutes by car via Massachusetts Avenue NW. 58 minutes via D94 bus line.
• Capitol Hill: 35 minutes by car via Massachusetts Avenue NW. 1 hour and 9 minutes via D94 and D10 bus lines.
• GWU: 18 minutes by car via MacArthur Boulevard NW. 44 minutes via D94 bus line.

From Georgetown

• Downtown D.C.: 16 minutes by car via US-29 N. 28 minutes via C91 bus line.
• Capitol Hill: 24 minutes by car via I-695 E. 48 minutes via D82 bus line and Blue Line.
• GWU: 8 minutes by car via US-29 N. 19 minutes via A58 bus line.

Choosing the Right Safe Neighborhood in D.C. for Your Lifestyle

Safety isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some renters want quiet, suburban streets, while others need nightlife, walkability, or an easy commute to work. Here’s how to balance safety with your daily routine, without sacrificing convenience or cost.

Transit-Friendly Yet Safe Areas If You Don’t Own a Car

If you're car-free but still want peace of mind, these neighborhoods offer strong safety scores and public transit access:

• Georgetown (walk score 85) \ Key routes: D.C. Circulator (Georgetown-Union Station line)
• AU Park-Friendship Heights-Tenley (walk score 79) \ Key routes: Red Line (Friendship Heights and Tenleytown - AU stations)
• Cleveland Park (walk score 77) \ Key Routes: Red Line (Cleveland Park Station)

Up-and-Coming Affordable Pockets to Watch

You don’t need to live in a super high-end neighborhood or way out in nowheresville to feel safe. Several rising neighborhoods are showing strong safety improvements and still offer reasonable rents:

• Glover Park: Offers exceptional safety at moderate rents, with active community policing efforts and new residential development improving the area's appeal. Plus, a 79 walk score.
• Foxhall-Palisades: Provides suburban tranquility at accessible prices, with ongoing infrastructure improvements and a growing professional population, enhancing long-term value.

Key indicators include:

• New Metro bus route implementations improving connectivity.
• Community policing program expansion in targeted areas.
• Infrastructure investments in lighting and sidewalk improvements.

Check Block-Level Safety Before Signing a Lease

Not all streets are created equal. Even in “safe” neighborhoods, your exact address matters. Here’s how to vet a block before committing:

1. Pull the address up on a website like CrimeMapping.com to see recent incidents and reports in the area.
2. Search community safety apps like Citizen or Nextdoor for recent reports.
3. Visit the neighborhood at night to check for working streetlights, foot traffic, and general vibe.
4. Ask the landlord about security features, as many now offer smart home tech discounts like video doorbells, smart locks, and motion-sensor lights.

Doing your homework upfront helps you avoid surprises and gives you real confidence in your new place.

How Apartment List’s Quiz Matches You Faster

The artificial intelligence-powered Apartment List quiz takes less than 90 seconds and uses your preferences—like commute needs, price range, and safety concerns—to serve up personalized, secure listings that fit your lifestyle. It’s built to help you skip the scrolling and start leasing smarter.

Take the quiz and see your matches today. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

Prefer to DIY it? We’ve got you covered there, too. Once you’ve found your place in D.C., we offer tons of resources to get you ready for your move to the nation’s capital. Check out our D.C. Cost of Living Guide, budgeting guide, and Rent Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Safest Washington, D.C., Neighborhoods

Which Washington, D.C., neighborhood is safest overall?

Of our findings, Glover Park is the safest D.C. neighborhood for renters, with a violent crime rate of 3.721 per 1,000 residents and a total crime rate of 20.420. The neighborhood combines a calm residential vibe with strong community engagement, making it ideal for families and professionals who value a greater sense of safety.

Which safe Washington, D.C., neighborhoods offer the lowest average rent?

Glover Park offers the lowest average rent for a one-bedroom apartment on our list, at $1,906 monthly. Not too far behind is Foxhall-Palisades at $2,059 per month. Both neighborhoods show relatively low violent and property crime rates, with more budget-friendly options than areas like Chevy Chase or AU Park-Friendship Heights-Tenley.

How current is the crime data in this guide?

All crime data is based on reports from January 2024 to August 2025, sourced from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and CrimeGrade.org.

What online tools help monitor neighborhood safety?

• MPD's Crime Cards: interactive map with daily stats and geolocated incidents.
• Citizen, Nextdoor, and local ward apps for real-time updates and community reporting.

Are safety scores different during daytime versus nighttime?

Yes. Many neighborhoods are quieter at night, which can alter both perception and incident patterns. Using Crime Cards’ time-of-day filters or taking evening walks helps you assess street lighting, activity levels, and late-night vibrancy.

How can I verify crime data on the exact block of an apartment?

Check Crime Cards or CrimeMapping.com for localized incident data, ask neighbors or neighborhood groups about recent activity, or scope out the neighborhood at night to evaluate lighting and traffic patterns.

What smart-home security features should renters look for?

Look for smart locks, video doorbells, and motion-sensor lighting—they deter break-ins and may help you qualify for lower renters insurance rates.