7.8 out of 10

West End

Ranked 22nd best neighborhood in Washington
38.9051223555003 -77.0509967292771
Great for
  • Eating Out
  • Shopping Options
  • Internet Access
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Safe & Sound
Not great for
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Cost of Living
  • Parking
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"West End, Westin, Wowza"

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.
Pros
  • plenty to do
Cons
  • crowded with tourists
  • fairly pricey
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"prestigious neighborhood"

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.
Pros
  • plenty to do
  • close to Georgetown without the expense
Cons
  • noise
  • Parking
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Close to Georgetown without the cost"

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.
Pros
  • close to Georgetown without the expense
  • plenty to do
Cons
  • Parking
  • noise
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"A Jewel In the Crown"

The West End neighborhood is one of the true gems of the District. Located in Northwest, the neighborhood is bounded by K Street, Rock Creek Park, and New Hampshire Avenue. It is home to the Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt and Fairmont hotels, several luxury condominiums, and some of the finest restaurants in the city. In addition, the embassies of Qatar and Spain make their homes there. The West End has the distinction of being one of the earliest beneficiaries of community redevelopment in the District, begun in 1972. It has gone from being an area in decline to being one of the most desireable addresses in the Nation's Capital. George Washington University and the George Washington Medical Center are on the edge of the neighborhood. The area is close to Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, and downtown. Residents have easy access to the city's cultural and arts centers, being minutes from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Residents enjoy high-end luxury living without having to sacrifice close proximity to the commerical and business opportunities in the city. If one can afford the luxury rents, then West End should be near the top of anyone's list.
Pros
  • plenty to do
Cons
  • noise
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish

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