As home to the prestigious Georgetown University and a breathtaking waterfront, Georgetown is one of D.C.’s most sought out neighborhoods. This article will tell you all you need to know about this desirable Washington D.C. neighborhood.
Where is Georgetown in Washington, D.C.?
Located in northwest Washington, D.C., Georgetown borders the Potomac River on the south, Observatory Circle to the north, Rock Creek to the east and Georgetown University to the west.
The main commercial district includes a variety of shops and restaurants that run along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The ZIP code for Georgetown is 20007.
Source: Rent.
Georgetown overview
Georgetown is a historic district that served as a major port during colonial times. Today, it’s a favorite for tourists with great shopping, dining and entertainment venues. The Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal provide breathtaking scenery and recreation opportunities.
18th and 19th-century brick rowhouses live next to tree-lined cobblestone streets. The 104-acre main campus of Georgetown University is on the west side of the neighborhood. Nearby historic landmarks include the Old Stone House, Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, Dumbarton House and Oak Hill Cemetery.
- One-bedroom average rent: $2,855
- Two-bedroom average rent: $4,220
- Walk score: 90
- Bike score: 82
- Transit score: 73
Living in Georgetown
Georgetown is one of the most expensive places to live in Washington, D.C. Area residents love the walkable urban community for its great access to the city’s top dining and entertainment venues and scenic parks and recreation spaces.
Demographics
According to the Georgetown BID, the population in the Georgetown area in 2018 was approximately 43,000 people with a median household income of $102,000. The median home value was $1,169,700.
The student enrollment at Georgetown University is approximately 14,000. On-campus housing is hard to come by and many students live elsewhere in the city as rental prices are high in the immediate area.
Education
Georgetown is well-known for its private elementary and secondary schools. Georgetown Visitation Prep School, The Lab School, the International School and the British International School of Washington attract some of the city’s top students.
Public schools in the area are also high-ranking. They include Woodrow Wilson High School, Stoddert Elementary School, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, Hyde-Addison Elementary School, Key Elementary School and Hardy Middle School.
Safety
As it’s a pretty busy area, Georgetown is one of the safest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. Theft or property damage are the most likely crimes. The Metropolitan Police patrol the main corridors. Georgetown University has its own police force. As in any city, you should stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
Entertainment and recreation
Georgetown is one of the top entertainment districts in Washington, D.C. Georgetown Piano Bar and the nearby Kennedy Center offer top-notch live entertainment. The C&O Canal Towpath, the Capital Crescent Trail and Rock Creek Park offer some of the region’s best walking and bicycling trails.
The Potomac River is a prime spot for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and scenic cruises.
Transportation
The Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station is about a 15-minute walk to Georgetown. Metrobus and the DC Circulator provide bus service using the Georgetown/Union Station or the Rosslyn/Georgetown/Dupont Circle lines. Traffic along M Street, Wisconsin Avenue and the Key Bridge is often congested.
Street parking is hard to find and public parking rates are among the highest in the city.
History
Established in 1751, Georgetown was originally a part of Maryland. The town got its name in honor of King George II. It once served as a tobacco shipping center and became home to a textile mill, paper factory and flour mills. Congress incorporated Georgetown as part of Washington in 1871.
The Old Stone House at 3051 M St. is the oldest house in Washington. Built in 1765, today the National Park Service owns it and it’s open to the public. Most of Georgetown’s residential streets feature rowhouses and Georgian mansions built in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In 1967, the Georgetown Historic District joined the list of U.S. Register of Historic Places. Many of the area’s historic landmarks are well preserved and offer visitors insights into the region’s history.
10 things to do in Georgetown
Georgetown is a prime tourist destination in Washington, D.C., with many fun things to see and do.
- Enjoy a great meal at one of Georgetown’s diverse restaurants.
- Shop for some of the latest fashions at Georgetown’s stylish boutiques along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
- Stroll along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and learn about the nation’s historic lock systems that were once used for raising and lowering canal boats.
- Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and enjoy panoramic views of the D.C. and Virginia skylines.
- Take a narrated sightseeing tour and see popular Washington, D.C., attractions.
- Tour Old Stone House, Tudor House and Dumbarton House.
- Explore the 27-acre gardens at Dumbarton Oaks, a historic park that sits atop the highest hill in Georgetown.
- Bowl or play bocce at Pinstripes, an Italian restaurant with a sprawling bowling alley.
- Stroll along the Potomac waterfront, enjoy a picnic and take in the views from Georgetown Waterfront Park.
- Enjoy some live jazz at the infamous Blues Alley.
Finding an apartment in Georgetown
Georgetown is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Washington D.C. Apartments here rent quickly. The average rent in Georgetown is around $3,200 for a two-bedroom apartment. Whether you’re a student, recent grad, young family or retiree, this prime neighborhood has something for everyone. Check out these apartments and find your perfect home in Georgetown.
