2024 Best Places to Live in the Washington, D.C. Area

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Arlington Virginia is simply the best of the best in the entire Washington DC area, and well beyond the DC area in my opinion. First and perhaps foremost, the city was designed with the metro stops in mind. Getting anywhere on public transportation is incredibly easy. In these clusters around each and every metro stop, you will find wonderful places to eat, housing, excellent places of employment and great shopping. There are parks galore and everyone seems to be enjoying where they live. The vibe is one of a vibrant city where there is lots to do. There is a reason that Arlington is considered the most desirable place to live in the area. Arlington, along with Alexandria, are the only two areas around Washington DC that feel like real cities; so much more than just bedroom communities that you find on the other side of the river. All this plus incredible history and only five minutes to all the attractions in Washington DC.... Read 2 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 2,992

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Former Resident: After living in midtown Manhattan for ten years, we lived in the Belvedere Condominium for five years on Oak Street. If you are making $175K + this is a decent place to live, but not a lot to do at night, but you can Uber to Georgetown or Old Town. There are only a few good restaurants within walking distance but being near the Metro, Safeway, and Target is great. There was a mugging on Oak and I saw a car vandalized - both of which happen in NYC, so rather surprised that the safety rating is so high. The Belvedere is not anything like a Manhattan doorman building (staff is arrogant & rude) but it covered all the amenities we needed: David’s small store/dry cleaners in the building, parking, pool/gym. If you want to get home quickly after work/near DCA this is your location. Getting a job here is extremely difficult for professional women over 45, so it was time for us to go when I hit my expiration date. Neighbors are nice, but expect artificially inflated egos for no reason at all.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 13,692

• Suburb in Maryland

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  48 reviews

Current Resident: I like how there's a whole bunch of stores and necessities around to go to. You have grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, etc. You don't have to go so far just to get something. I do wish to see more fast foods like burger King because we don't have that around here.... Read 48 reviews

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• Population 49,763

• Suburb in Virginia

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  24 reviews

Current Resident: Stone Ridge is a community that manages to provide a phenomenal quality of living to those who can afford it. The local stores and services meet the needs of the community, and there is plenty of walkable space for families to have leisure time. There does tend to be development projects depending on where you go, but for overall, Stone Ridge is a good community.... Read 24 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 16,049

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

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  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Former Resident: Clarendon and Courthouse have a lot of great restaurants and bars. Extremely easy to get into the city but also has enough things to do if you don't want to go into DC.... Read 2 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 9,740

• Suburb in Maryland

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  82 reviews

Current Resident: North Potomac is the complete package. Within a 5 minute drive, you can be at a James Beard Award-nominated restaurant, on a hike, at a wine bar, at a library, at a delicious bakery, shopping in a locally owned boutique, at a fabulous park… the list goes on and on. Beautiful, lush, green setting; lovely neighborhoods; and an excellent community feel. North Potomac has it all!... Read 82 reviews

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• Population 24,692

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: Probably the best area within the Rosslyn to Ballston city corridor if you are a professional in your 30s (you might feel "old" at Courthouse). You will see some seniors as well, and more kids in this area - a nice mix. Extremily safe, and yes, there are what appears to be maybe 2-3 homeless people on any given day near each meteo, but I don't recall seeing anyone sleeping on the streets, and I've seen far more inroxicated 20 somethings in Clarendon on a Saturday night than I have any other population. It's a fun spirited area, and VA Square is just down the road, but Ballston has like 3 or 4 Starbucks so I'm good. The Ballston Quarter also turned out nice, but I've only gone to the theatre and Macy's, have not yet visited all the attractions.... Read 9 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 14,067

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Fantastic schools and a complete lack of crime from my experience. There are also a number of bike trails and parks in the area with people constantly out and about.... Read 2 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 2,009

• Suburb in Maryland

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: South Kensington is one of the coziest towns in all of Maryland. It's a walk away from dozens of unique thrift stores, antique shops, and warm locals. It offers a myriad of family friendly activities and it's easy to become interconnected with the tight knit community. There is also convenient access to transit to Silver Spring and Washington D.C.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 8,371

• Neighborhood in Washington, D.C.

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  Rating 4.58 out of 5  19 reviews

Visitor: Love Mount Pleasant! It's got everything - awesome cafes, some of the best restaurants in DC, cool hangouts, and lots of amazing trees and plants. Whether I'm chilling with friends or exploring solo, there's always something cool to discover.... Read 19 reviews

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• grade A minus

• Population 11,213

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

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  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: I have owned a single family home in the Bluemont Neighborhood since 2015. I live with my husband and daughter (born in 2017). We love the neighborhood. We have great trails a block away in every direction. Ballston is a 15 minute walk away to great dining, coffee shops, gyms and metro. We love the walkability to amenities, including beautiful parks and playgrounds. Pre pandemic I commuted to work in DC every day via walking to and from the metro. Days it was too cold or wet I jumped on the bus that took me directly there. I love the variety of people that live in our neighborhood, but I really love how it seems it's turned over to a lot of young families that are all in the same stage of life. It is expensive to live in Arlington, but I like that you get a lot of the amenities with out the pretentiousness here. My only frustration is the local government, if you don't lean far left, you will be left out.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 7,492

• City in Virginia

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  291 reviews

Current Resident: It's a great place to live- a friendly and diverse neighborhood where people treat each other with mutual respect. I love it because it's a mix of suburban and rural. You get both city life and the country! It's vibrant that is filled with people of all ages. I'd like to see better nightlife. The amount of safe trails, parks, and roads in Arlington are a great way to keep active. Additionally, the public services seem to be well run, in the past few years I have generally not noticed any major infrastructure or public work issues. Overall a great place to live!... Read 291 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 235,845

• Town in Maryland

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  142 reviews

Current Resident: Bethesda is an amazing community. It’s safe, full of life, and home to amazing schools. You can get wherever you want to go within the town in a short drive or even a bike ride. The night life is not that great, but Bethesda is located right next to Washington DC with amazing night life.... Read 142 reviews

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• Population 66,316

• Suburb in Maryland

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  Rating 4.23 out of 5  87 reviews

Current Resident: Potomac is a fantastic place to live! Not only is everything in Potomac within a convenient twenty minute car ride to each other and major highways, but it is also an exceptionally beautiful area. I am constantly blown away by the architecture, infrastructure, and natural beauty I encounter on a daily basis in Potomac. Its only weakness is its inhabitants. By this, I do not mean that the people of Potomac are at all unkind, aggressive or unpleasant in any way. However, they do seem a bit too self-absorbed in public. I have had the experience numerous times of saying hello to my neighbors while walking down the street, and being completely ignored. This small adjustment alone would improve life in Potomac, and would complement its unique convenience and aesthetic beauty nicely.... Read 87 reviews

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• Population 46,499

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

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• Population 1,504

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

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• Population 4,490

• Suburb in Virginia

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  Rating 4.45 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: Great area to raise a family. There are playgrounds and swimming pools for kids and the neighbors are very friendly and helpful.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 14,582

• Suburb in Maryland

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  Rating 4.03 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in this city for over a decade now and love it! It is only 10 minutes away from Bethesda and is not nearly as costly. Additionally, it has an elementary and middle school, and it only 10 minutes away from a high school. It is very safe and clean -- a great location for families with kids. I love it here!... Read 30 reviews

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• Population 9,789

• Suburb in Virginia

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  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

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• Population 10,514

• Town in Maryland

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  297 reviews

Current Resident: Nestled amidst stunning scenery, Rockville is a charming city bursting with diverse dining and socializing spots. It is friendly, dog-welcoming atmosphere invites all to explore its vibrant community. Despite a pricey housing market, safety and family-friendliness make it an ideal destination. Nature lovers will delight in the abundance of trails and sights. Come discover why Rockville is a must-visit gem.... Read 297 reviews

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• Population 67,142

• Suburb in Virginia

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  79 reviews

Current Resident: I like the diversity of people based on race and religion. There's and abundance of food and stores nearby and numerous sports teams.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 33,358

• Suburb in Virginia

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  Rating 4.41 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: As a Brambleton, VA resident, for 18 years, I feel that this is one of the better places to live in Northern Virginia. What I like is the proximity to Washington D.C, modern homes, fantastic schools, and cultural activities around. The area is bustling with restaurants, wineries, community centers, and libraries. You will meet people from many backgrounds here and you will make a home for yourself here. Surrounded by nature but giving you the city feel as you work, relax, and mingle!... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 22,796

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: An amazing place with a lot of transportation! The night life is great and there is no crime. It is right across the bridge from Georgetown and a wonderful place to live. The whole place its being made into greatness.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 2,937

• Suburb in Virginia

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  23 reviews

Current Resident: Franklin Farm is an absolute gem, and the perfect neighborhood to raise a family! Our neighbors are kind and we all look out for each other. Neighbors take wonderful care of their homes and there is very rarely any turnover in homes. Once you make it in, you’ll never want to leave! The miles and miles of private, paved trails, along with more than a dozen “tot lots” means you can keep even the busiest toddlers and young children occupied. We love walking over to the Franklin Farm shopping center on the weekends to get a coffee, pick up groceries at Giant, or get an incredible burger at “D*** Good Burgers.” The two beautiful neighborhood pools are a highlight during the summer, and they’re smartly situated within the neighborhood so that either pool is walkable from each home. Franklin Farm is a treasure and I feel very blessed to be able to call this place home!... Read 23 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 18,903

• Neighborhood in Washington, D.C.

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  Rating 3.68 out of 5  19 reviews

Niche User: Very fun area with plenty to do, see, and eat. Always new places popping up which makes visiting the same area a fun new experience.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 4,453