City Guide
Washington, DC
Overview
Home to 690,000 residents, Washington, DC is one of America's biggest and most important cities. Because of urban planning laws and the lack of skyscrapers, many of the city's neighborhoods have a small-town (yet moderately fast-paced) feel. For those living in Washington, DC, the city is full of diverse job options, top-notch museums and galleries, and plenty of entertainment opportunities.
What’s it like to live in Washington, DC ?
If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Washington, DC you'll find that the median sale price is
$630,000
and homes stay on the market for 50 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of
a single family home and a condo/co-op in Washington, DC are $1,110,000
and $450,000
, respectively. Washington, DC area townhouses have a median sale price of $785,000
, making them less expensive
than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Washington, DCExplore our Washington, DC housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over
the years and how Washington, DC home prices compare to other markets. If you're curious about the most
valuable home features in Washington, DC, or looking for a new home improvement project,
discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.
Popular neighborhoods in and around Washington, DC
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Compete Score | Walk Score | Real Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Hill | $837,000 | 56 / 100 | 88 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Georgetown | $1,328,750 | 46 / 100 | 85 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Old Town | $899,250 | 57 / 100 | 84 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Northwest Washington | $715,000 | 51 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Dupont Circle | $425,000 | 56 / 100 | 98 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
Washington, DC Articles & Neighborhood Content
Read more on the Redfin blog
Popular homes for sale in Washington, DC
See all homes for sale
Rental listings in Washington, DC
See how much rent you can affordSee all rental listings
What is the cost of living in Washington, DC?
The cost of living in Washington, DC is 50% higher than the national average. Housing is typically the largest expense for most American households. In Washington, DC, the average monthly rent is $3,277, while the median home price is $630,000. Overall, housing in Washington, DC is 50% higher than the national average. Groceries, like produce, dry goods, and other essential household items, cost 6% higher in Washington, DC. Though healthcare costs 3% higher in Washington, DC compared to the national average, costs vary greatly by location, person, personal health, and health insurance. In Washington, DC, an optometry check-up costs around $90.75, while a dentist appointment is $117.67 on average. Learn more about the cost of living in Washington, DC. Discover how utilities, transportation, and lifestyle, compares against the national average.
Compared to the national average
50%
Cost of living
50%
Home prices
Cost of living calculator
Compare cities across the U.S.
Washington, DC Migration & Relocation Trends
In Jun '23 - Aug '23, 19% of Washington, DC homebuyers searched to move out of Washington, DC, while 81% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.
- Across the nation, 3% of homebuyers searched to move into Washington, DC from outside metros.
- New York homebuyers searched to move into Washington, DC more than any other metro followed by San Francisco and Blacksburg.
Where are people moving to Washington, DC from?
- 81% of Washington, DC homebuyers searched to stay within the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
- Salisbury was the most popular destination among Washington, DC homebuyers followed by Virginia Beach and Miami.
Where are people from Washington, DC moving to?
Number of People Moving to Washington, DC
least
most
People are moving to Washington, DC from
| Inbound | Net inflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Jun '23 - Aug '23 | ||
| 1 | 3,549 | ||
| 2 | 182 | ||
| 3 | 168 | ||
| 4 | 121 | ||
| 5 | 45 | ||
| 6 | 24 | ||
| 7 | 17 | ||
| 8 | 14 | ||
| 9 | 12 | ||
| 10 | 10 | ||
People are leaving Washington, DC for
| Outbound | Net outflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Jun '23 - Aug '23 | ||
| 1 | 3,393 | ||
| 2 | 2,117 | ||
| 3 | 1,730 | ||
| 4 | 1,333 | ||
| 5 | 1,164 | ||
| 6 | 1,105 | ||
| 7 | 989 | ||
| 8 | 938 | ||
| 9 | 927 | ||
| 10 | 822 | ||
Methodology
This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two
million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user
must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.
What is there to do in Washington, DC ?
There are numerous great ways to spend your time in Washington, DC, from enjoying local art, dining at some of the best restaurants in town, or spending time at a park. Home to 176 museums, add these frequently visited destinations to your list - National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, and National Museum of Natural History. Performing arts venues like John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Arena Stage are fan-favorites amongst locals to catch a live show or concert. Parks are ample in Washington D.C., where you can find green spaces like Georgetown Waterfront Park, The Yards Park, and Meridian Hill Park. From half-smokes, mumbo sauce, pupusas, and Ethiopian cuisine, there are countless restaurants and acclaimed eateries throughout the city. For a quick taste of the town, stop by Roaming Rooster, El Sol Restaurante & Tequileria, or Chaplin's Restaurant.
Explore some of the best things to do in Washington, DC
What's the best way to get around Washington, DC ?
The best way to get around Washington, DC is by foot, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Washington, DC has a walk score of 77, meaning this area is very walkable. Another way to get around the city is by public transportation. Washington, DC has a transit score of 69, with many nearby public transportation options. Most bus stations and rail stations are located in 20002, 20009 and 20005. You can also get around Washington, DC by bike. With a bike score of 70, there is some amount of infrastructure for biking.
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
Good Transit
Transit Score®
Bikeable
Bike Score®
Washington, DC Transportation
Bus Station
Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.
Rail Station
Washington, DC has 40 heavy rail stations; L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station, Anacostia Metro Station, Brookland-CUA Metro Station, Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center Metro Station, Georgia Ave-Petworth Metro Station, Stadium-Armory Metro Station, Smithsonian Metro Station, Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station, Rhode Island Ave - Brentwood Metro Station, NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro Station. This allows you to use heavy rail to commute in and out of the city from the surrounding area and even travel to other cities.
Tram Station
Washington, DC has 1 tram stop. There are few tram lines, which means it is difficult to use them to commute.
Metro Station
Washington, DC has 5 metro stops. There are few metro lines, which means it is difficult to use them to commute.
Car & Bike Rentals
Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 56 car rental locations. Renting a bike is another good way to get around. There are 23 bike rental locations.
Airports
Washington, DC has 1 airport which allows you to easily travel.
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