Lanier Heights
Ranked 16th best neighborhood in Washington
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Great for
- Parks & Recreation
- Eating Out
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Resale or Rental Value
Not great for
- Schools
- Medical Facilities
- Parking
- Safe & Sound
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- LGBT+
- Retirees
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Reviews
Lanier Heights
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Parks & Recreation
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Public Transport
Editors Choice
"A secluded urban neighborhood...in the middle of it all"
I write this post with reluctance for revealing how great this neighborhood really is. I like to think of this neighborhood as my own little DC secret paradise as for how few people know about it. I have been living in this neighborhood for two and a half years and I am sad to say I will be leaving it soon.
Just take a walk down Lanier Place, the heart of this sub-neighborhood of Adams Morgan, on a sunny evening and you will fall in love with it just for the diversity of people going about their daily lives - from joggers passing through the less crowded sidewalks, children throwing football with the firemen at the local fire station, professionals returning home from work downtown, or just a couple out for an evening walk. There are always people on the tree-lined street which makes it feel safe even for a late night walk home from downing several drinks.
Lanier Heights is truly a residential neighborhood with very few public businesses within its boundaries, but with plenty of restaurants, bars, stores, just within a short five minute walk. Living here you have all the access to great vibrant commercial districts without having to deal with crowds or late night noise. 18th Street of Adams Morgan, the main commercial district and popular college-age bar scene, is just one block away. Mt. Pleasant, just to the north of Lanier Heights, has an incredible selection of ethnic restaurants as a vibrant and heavily Hispanic neighborhood (also with a cute farmer's market).
Transit routes pretty much go around Lanier Heights on the busier streets of Calvert St., Columbia Rd., 16th St. (not through it - which is good in my book). Within a short 5 minute walk you can access numerous bus lines that would take you all over the city. By bus, downtown is about fifteen to twenty minutes. If you prefer to walk, downtown is about a 30-40 minute pleasant walk through Adams Morgan and the Dupont circle neighborhood. Metro, on the other hand, isn't as easily accessible - about a 15 minute walk to both the Columbia Heights Metro Station (yellow & green) and the Woodley Park Metro Station (red) - but when you live this close to downtown, metro isn't nearly as important. Bus lines and Captial Bikeshare stations become more relevant.
A truly unique and incredible amenity of living in Lanier Heights is its closeness to Rock Creek Park and the National Zoo. I often tend to overlook both of these amenities but when I have free time and/or visitors, I am reminded by how great they really are. Lanier Heights overlooks Rock Creek Park - a wooded National Park with bike paths and running trails that run directly from Georgetown to Maryland passing right by Lanier Heights. Via the bike path, Georgetown is a twenty minute bike ride from Lanier Heights. There is also a back entrance to the National Zoo from Lanier Heights. Within a 15 minute walk from neighborhood you can be viewing the lions, tigers, and bears...for free!. It is truly a unique aspect of the neighborhood that very few others in the city (or country) can provide.
I wouldn't classify Lanier Heights as trendy, but more of an established, stable diverse community. It is an excellent place to live, no matter who you are. I am happy to call Lanier Heights as my home for two and a half years and if I ever move back to DC, I know exactly where I'd move. .
Just take a walk down Lanier Place, the heart of this sub-neighborhood of Adams Morgan, on a sunny evening and you will fall in love with it just for the diversity of people going about their daily lives - from joggers passing through the less crowded sidewalks, children throwing football with the firemen at the local fire station, professionals returning home from work downtown, or just a couple out for an evening walk. There are always people on the tree-lined street which makes it feel safe even for a late night walk home from downing several drinks.
Lanier Heights is truly a residential neighborhood with very few public businesses within its boundaries, but with plenty of restaurants, bars, stores, just within a short five minute walk. Living here you have all the access to great vibrant commercial districts without having to deal with crowds or late night noise. 18th Street of Adams Morgan, the main commercial district and popular college-age bar scene, is just one block away. Mt. Pleasant, just to the north of Lanier Heights, has an incredible selection of ethnic restaurants as a vibrant and heavily Hispanic neighborhood (also with a cute farmer's market).
Transit routes pretty much go around Lanier Heights on the busier streets of Calvert St., Columbia Rd., 16th St. (not through it - which is good in my book). Within a short 5 minute walk you can access numerous bus lines that would take you all over the city. By bus, downtown is about fifteen to twenty minutes. If you prefer to walk, downtown is about a 30-40 minute pleasant walk through Adams Morgan and the Dupont circle neighborhood. Metro, on the other hand, isn't as easily accessible - about a 15 minute walk to both the Columbia Heights Metro Station (yellow & green) and the Woodley Park Metro Station (red) - but when you live this close to downtown, metro isn't nearly as important. Bus lines and Captial Bikeshare stations become more relevant.
A truly unique and incredible amenity of living in Lanier Heights is its closeness to Rock Creek Park and the National Zoo. I often tend to overlook both of these amenities but when I have free time and/or visitors, I am reminded by how great they really are. Lanier Heights overlooks Rock Creek Park - a wooded National Park with bike paths and running trails that run directly from Georgetown to Maryland passing right by Lanier Heights. Via the bike path, Georgetown is a twenty minute bike ride from Lanier Heights. There is also a back entrance to the National Zoo from Lanier Heights. Within a 15 minute walk from neighborhood you can be viewing the lions, tigers, and bears...for free!. It is truly a unique aspect of the neighborhood that very few others in the city (or country) can provide.
I wouldn't classify Lanier Heights as trendy, but more of an established, stable diverse community. It is an excellent place to live, no matter who you are. I am happy to call Lanier Heights as my home for two and a half years and if I ever move back to DC, I know exactly where I'd move. .
Pros
- diversity
- neighborhood amenities
- community
- Access to parks
- Green
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
SuhaylaS
How much would you say rent runs in this neighborhood?
2yrs+
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Lanier Heights
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"I used to live here!"
As the title says, this was my place of residency for a year, and I loved it. Absolutely loved it. My old roommate was so fond of it that when our lease ran out, he snagged a condo down the road from our old building. It's right in the middle of Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights, and even though it's super close to where thousands of frat boys are getting drunk on the weekend, it's still very quiet, and has a wonderful small town feel.
The real estate leans toward the pricey, but I actually know several 20-somethings in the area who have managed to make it work and live in a great apartment, even if their income isn't quite what they're hoping for just yet. Starbucks, Safeway, and dozens of independently run businesses. Some streets can be a little iffy at night, but I have never felt anything but safe here. Also, it's a stone's throw away from the Woodley Park Zoo. I may be biased, but I find this neighborhood perfect, and I still miss it.
The real estate leans toward the pricey, but I actually know several 20-somethings in the area who have managed to make it work and live in a great apartment, even if their income isn't quite what they're hoping for just yet. Starbucks, Safeway, and dozens of independently run businesses. Some streets can be a little iffy at night, but I have never felt anything but safe here. Also, it's a stone's throw away from the Woodley Park Zoo. I may be biased, but I find this neighborhood perfect, and I still miss it.
Pros
- Green
- Great bars and restaurants
- The zoo!
Cons
- Parking
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Lanier Heights
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"My favorite neighborhood"
Lanier Heights is a great neighborhood of approximately 7,782 residents located in the northwest section of the city close to the National Zoological Park. The neighborhood’s boundaries are generally defined as being within the footprint of Beach Drive N.W., Harvard Street N.W., Columbia Road N.W. and Calvert Street N.W. In 2010, the average price of a home sold here was $682,095 with 27% of the homes. being owner occupied. Homes here tend to be the typical “attached “row house” homes found in many neighborhoods within the District. In addition, you will find many apartment buildings as well as condominiums here as well. .
Outstanding restaurants and a variety of shopping options are located within the neighborhood, particularly along Columbia Road N.W. There is no need to travel outside of the neighborhood for these activities. Public transportation is available with numerous Metro Bus stops being located in the neighborhood. Dedicated green space is available in Rock Creek Park and of course the zoo is a wonderful place to visit. One of the downsides here is that parking can be very challenging.
Crime within the neighborhood exists. Recent crime statistics indicate that crimes against people and property are frequent. As always check the most recent crime statistics and make an informed decision as to the crime risk in any neighborhood. Despite the crime, the neighborhood is great and I never tire of the zoo so I would love to live here.
Outstanding restaurants and a variety of shopping options are located within the neighborhood, particularly along Columbia Road N.W. There is no need to travel outside of the neighborhood for these activities. Public transportation is available with numerous Metro Bus stops being located in the neighborhood. Dedicated green space is available in Rock Creek Park and of course the zoo is a wonderful place to visit. One of the downsides here is that parking can be very challenging.
Crime within the neighborhood exists. Recent crime statistics indicate that crimes against people and property are frequent. As always check the most recent crime statistics and make an informed decision as to the crime risk in any neighborhood. Despite the crime, the neighborhood is great and I never tire of the zoo so I would love to live here.
Pros
- Access to parks
- neighborhood amenities
- community
Cons
- Parking
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Lanier Heights
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
"little known treasure"
Lanier Heights is an historic neighborhood with a strong sense of community and an activist neighborhood association. Recently the activists have fought a war over the potential to make Lanier Heights an official historic district, with varied (and much debated) results. One can easily understand why such a battle is being fought, however: development is going on all around the single-family homes of Lanier Heights, and not everyone is going to be happy about that. The declaration of an historic district would essentially stop most development, including the construction of new condo or apartment complexes.
Regardless of the outcome of this campaign however, Lanier Heights does have some important advantages. Being right next to the amenities of Adams Morgan, residents can walk to any sort of restaurant or shop they desire. And close by you will find both the National Zoo and two Metro stations. While this does mean an uptick in tourism during summer, there is plenty of space for everyone. Like surrounding neighborhoods, Lanier Heights has decent public schools. Because housing is more reasonable, it is mostly occupied by young professionals. For those fortunate to have children, there are plenty of private schools in addition to the public ones. In short, Lanier Heights is a nice place in the middle of the city.
Regardless of the outcome of this campaign however, Lanier Heights does have some important advantages. Being right next to the amenities of Adams Morgan, residents can walk to any sort of restaurant or shop they desire. And close by you will find both the National Zoo and two Metro stations. While this does mean an uptick in tourism during summer, there is plenty of space for everyone. Like surrounding neighborhoods, Lanier Heights has decent public schools. Because housing is more reasonable, it is mostly occupied by young professionals. For those fortunate to have children, there are plenty of private schools in addition to the public ones. In short, Lanier Heights is a nice place in the middle of the city.
Pros
- community
- neighborhood amenities
Cons
- tourists overrun the place in summer
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Lanier Heights
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Inner City Suburb"
Lanier Heights is a growing neighborhood in northwest DC. It is unique in that some people do not believe it even exists. Many in the greater Washington community maintain that Lanier Heights is not its own, independent neighborhood but just a small part of Adams Morgan. So, you can literally walk down a single street and meet next door neighbors who disagree on which neighborhood they live in.
Originally developed during the 1880s as a home for Smithsonian Institution employees, Lanier Heights quickly grew into a comfortable, upper middle class neighborhood. Though it was completely segregated prior to the 1950s, it is now a diverse, well-integrated community that attracts people of all races and walks of life. In fact, it now attracts so many people who want to live there that house prices have grown out to outrageous levels.
In addition to quality housing, Lanier Heights features several supermarkets, fast food establishments and family friendly restaurants. In many ways it is almost suburban in nature, with local doctors and dentists also available, along with churches and a large public park.
Originally developed during the 1880s as a home for Smithsonian Institution employees, Lanier Heights quickly grew into a comfortable, upper middle class neighborhood. Though it was completely segregated prior to the 1950s, it is now a diverse, well-integrated community that attracts people of all races and walks of life. In fact, it now attracts so many people who want to live there that house prices have grown out to outrageous levels.
In addition to quality housing, Lanier Heights features several supermarkets, fast food establishments and family friendly restaurants. In many ways it is almost suburban in nature, with local doctors and dentists also available, along with churches and a large public park.
Pros
- neighborhood amenities
Cons
- growing very fast
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
