West End

In this neighborhood, even the buildings seem to know how to see and be seen. Splendid architecture, busy streets, and with the Westin hotel front and center, something is always happening here. Tourists tend to trump actual residents here. The close proximity to George Washington University and Foggy Bottom make this place run rampant with parents/families of college students. Combined with the already crowded streets of Georgetown, this place can be teeming with people if you don't time it right. And as a result, the housing is almost astronomical.

If you're willing to put forth the expenses, this is a great area to visit, and a greater place to stay if you want to be close to the city for a lavish weekend trip to the District. But if you're looking for something more modest, you might want to delve a little further into the northwest region of the city.

People live in West End because it is a happening place. Some embassies are there, and it is close to the heart of the DC social scene. Steps away to Dupont Circle and Georgetown, West End is pricey. But it isn’t as busy as Dupont Circle or Georgetown, largely because it is less famous with the tourists. High rise apartment and condo buildings are offset by parking garages, shops, and fine restaurants. If you want a night on the town then West End is a great place to be. Rent is however quite high, so unless you make six figures the chances are you’ll be priced out of the market.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to afford the rent, West End is a pretty cool hangout. You can go steps outside your door, and purchase whatever you need. For many, this is the essence of city life and quite convenient. People here do tend to have cars but they don’t use them much. Instead, they take the Metro to work and back. Due to the embassies, this neighborhood is really safe, because security is of necessity fairly tight. Unfortunately, it might be too busy to make a nice environment for children.

I have spent lots of time in this neighborhood due to work and really like it. The neighborhood in the northwest section of the city is home to 3,353 residents and is adjacent to Georgetown. West End is defined as the area between Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Rock Creek Parkway N.W. and 22nd Street N.W. Homes are mainly made up on apartments and condominiums although you will find a small number of single family and attached homes as well. In 2010 the average price for a home here was $653,804. Although the neighborhood is nice on it's own merits, many will find this a more affordable alternative to Georgetown while still allowing one to enjoy Georgetown activities.

Residents will find a number of good restaurants and shopping in the neighborhood including a Trader Joe's food store and a CVS. There is only one school in West End and that is Francis Stevens Educational Campus. There is also a Police Station and Fire Station in the neighborhood, which many would consider a benefit. Movie lovers will appreciate that there is a move theater in the neighborhood. West end also houses the Embassies of Qatar and Tanzania. Thee is a single church in the West End.

Parking can be horrible here although many buildings appear to have some underground parking. Crime data indicates that theft from vehicles occur although crimes against people also occur. As usual check the recent crime data to determine if West end is the neighborhood for you.