12 Best Neighborhoods in Washington, DC, in 2018

Check out Niche.com's list of the 12 best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.

Like any large metropolitan area, Washington, D.C., has a lot of neighborhoods throughout the city. It can be hard to keep up with all these neighborhoods, especially when areas are constantly rising and falling in popularity. Niche.com analyzed all the neighborhoods in D.C. to find the best places to live. Niche is a website that ranks, reviews, and provides statistics on the best schools and places to live. They recently released a list of the 2018 best neighborhoods to live in the Washington, D.C., area, based on several key factors. These factors include the quality of local schools, crime rates, housing trends, and employment statistics. Each factor is weighed appropriately. For example, the percentage of residents who have received a bachelor's degree or higher takes up 12.5 percent of a neighborhood's total score while typical commute time takes up 5 percent.

12. West End

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Courtesy of Airbnb[/caption] The West End neighborhood is in Northwest Washington, D.C. This area is nicknamed West End because it was the west end of Pierre L-Enfant's original plan for the Washington, D.C., border. West End is known for being a lively area with restaurants and bars. It receives an A+ for nightlife and an A- for public schools, but only a C for both housing and crime and safety.

11. Dupont Circle

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Courtesy of Reishman Group[/caption] This neighborhood is named after the traffic circle of the same name. According to one Niche.com user who currently lives in Dupont Circle, "Dupont Circle is literally the life of D.C., it is where many social and cultural events are held and where people with different backgrounds meet. The restaurants and stores around the area are not only reasonably priced but also offer quality materials. Another best aspect about this neighborhood is that it is Metro friendly, so commuting is vary [sic] easy." Dupont Circle earns an A+ for nightlife and B+ for diversity while only getting a C+ for housing and crime and safety.

10. Cathedral Heights

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Courtesy of Culture Trip[/caption] Cathedral Heights is a small, residential area in Northwest that's directly south of Tenleytown. This neighborhood is known for being a little quieter, so if you want to get away from the hustle-and-bustle, check this area out! The lowest score Cathedral Heights receives is a B- for housing.

9. McLean Gardens

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Courtesy of M Squared Real Estate[/caption] Another Northwest neighborhood is getting top ranks! McLean Gardens is between Cathedral Heights and Cleveland Park, on the edge of Glover Archbold Park. Many diplomats and political officials live in this upscale neighborhood. It receives an A+ in good for families and an A- in public schools, housing, and nightlife.

8. Georgetown

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Courtesy of Georgetown DC[/caption] Located in Southwest Washington, D.C., Georgetown is famous for Georgetown University and its beautiful waterfront. Georgetown receives low ranks for housing and crime and safety with both getting a C+.

7. Van Ness

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Courtesy of Eater DC[/caption] Van Ness, also referred to as Forest Hills, is located in Northwest and is home to the University of the District of Columbia. The Van Ness neighborhood is very historic, being the former site of Fort Kearny during the Civil War. It ranks high with an A+ in good for families and nightlife.

6. Foggy Bottom

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Courtesy of Airbnb[/caption] Foggy Bottom is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., and is conveniently located right near the downtown area. The area is very youthful, as George Washington University is located in the neighborhood. Unsurprisingly, Foggy Bottom gets an A+ for nightlife. It ranks lower for housing and crime and safety with a C and B, respectively.

5. Penn Quarter

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Courtesy of Pinterest[/caption] Penn Quarter is situated in the east end of downtown Washington, D.C., and houses many cool things to do such as Ford's Theatre, the U.S. Navy Memorial, and the National Building Museum. Penn Quarter earns an A+ in nightlife, an A in good for families, and an A- in diversity.

4. Burleith/Hillandale

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Courtesy of Districtre[/caption] This chic neighborhood, often called "the Village in the City," is directly north of Georgetown. Hillandale is a gated community to the west of Burleith that has housed famous senators and a former NFL commissioner, but many consider the two areas the same. Burleith/Hillandale gets an A+ for both good for families and nightlife. Its lowest score is a B- for housing.

3. Downtown

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Courtesy of City Center DC[/caption] Naturally, the Downtown neighborhood is very lively and exciting! Downtown Washington, D.C. is located just north of the White House and has everything -- from bars and restaurants to museums and coffee shops. It gets an A+ in nightlife, a B+ in public schools, and a C- in crime & safety.

2. Cleveland Park

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Courtesy of DC Condo Boutique[/caption] Cleveland Park is another cute, residential Northwest neighborhood. It is just to the west of Rock Creek Park above the National Zoo. It comes in strong with an A+ for good for families and nightlife and A- for public schools.

1. Foxhall Village

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Courtesy of The Kathleen Eder Group[/caption] Foxhall Village is situated to the west of Georgetown and Burleith/Hillandale, right next to the Potomac River. Foxhall Village is known as a great neighborhood to set your roots and raise a family in Washington, D.C. The area was used for farmland during the 1800s but is now a hidden oasis from metropolitan life. As the first place winner, it gets an A+ in good for families and nightlife and an A in diversity. Check out the whole list for yourself! What do you think? Agree with the list? Have a different favorite neighborhood? Tell us in the comments below!