AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Washington, DC — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Washington neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$2,400/mo
Median Rent
689,545
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Federal Government
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Washington? What Renters Need to Know

The median rent in DC is around $2,400 per month. Premium neighborhoods like Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Capitol Hill average $2,800-$3,500+.

Quick Facts

Population 689,545
Median Rent $2,400/mo
Top Employer Federal Government
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$2,400 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Washington median rent is $900 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Washington is Federal Government, making the Georgetown area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Washington

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Georgetown

Score: 94/100
Safety A
Walk Score 93
Avg Rent $3,500
Schools 8/10
#2

Capitol Hill

Score: 88/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 94
Avg Rent $2,800
Schools 7/10
#3

Logan Circle

Score: 87/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 96
Avg Rent $2,700
Schools 6/10

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#4

Columbia Heights

Score: 76/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 95
Avg Rent $2,000
Schools 5/10
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#5

Dupont Circle

Score: 92/100
Safety A
Walk Score 97
Avg Rent $3,100
Schools 7/10
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#6

Anacostia

Score: 62/100
Safety C
Walk Score 64
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 3/10
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#7

Navy Yard

Score: 85/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 88
Avg Rent $2,600
Schools 6/10
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#8

Petworth

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 85
Avg Rent $2,100
Schools 5/10
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See All 8 Washington Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Washington Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Washington renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Washington.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Washington properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Washington

What is the average rent in Washington DC?

The median rent in DC is around $2,400 per month. Premium neighborhoods like Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Capitol Hill average $2,800-$3,500+. More affordable options exist in Petworth, Columbia Heights, and Anacostia, where rents can fall below $1,800.

Do I need a car to live in Washington DC?

Most DC residents do not need a car. The Metro system is one of the cleanest and most reliable in the US, serving the city and suburbs in Maryland and Virginia. Many neighborhoods score 90+ for walkability, and Capital Bikeshare stations are ubiquitous. Parking is expensive and street parking is competitive.

What industries drive DC's job market?

The federal government is by far DC's largest employer, but the private sector has grown substantially. Major industries include tech (Amazon HQ2 is nearby in Arlington), consulting, law, healthcare, and associations/nonprofits. The government-adjacent economy tends to be recession-resistant, making DC one of the most stable job markets in the country.

Is DC a family-friendly city?

DC has excellent family amenities — world-class Smithsonian museums (all free), abundant parks, and the National Mall. However, DC Public Schools are mixed in quality, leading many families to opt for private schools or move to suburban Maryland and Virginia for better public school options. Neighborhoods like Georgetown and Cleveland Park have stronger school options.

How does DC compare to living in Northern Virginia or Maryland suburbs?

DC proper offers urban convenience and walkability at a premium price. Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria) and suburban Maryland (Bethesda, Silver Spring) offer more space, better public schools, and lower crime at somewhat lower costs, while remaining accessible to DC via Metro. Families often migrate to suburbs once children approach school age.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.