Washington, DC, is the capital of the United States, so it is not surprising to see some of the richest Neighborhoods in DC. Because of its political, historical, and cultural significance, DC has become a popular residence of rich and famous people.
Now, you might wonder, “What are the richest neighborhoods in Washington, DC?” Thankfully, that’s exactly what you will find in this post.
Just a reminder, though, that data are subject to change, and various factors affect the affluence of a neighborhood. However, our list is accurate at the time of its writing.
With that in mind, let’s look at DC’s top 9 richest neighborhoods.
9. Woodley Park
Year founded: 1905
Population: 7,023 (as of 2020)
Land area: 0.60 sq miles (1.5 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock
People who love to live close to nature but still close to city life would find Woodley Park an attractive neighborhood. Rock Creek Park and National Zoo are some of the highlights of Woodley Park.
The houses in this neighborhood look magnificent. There are row houses, luxury apartments, and high-rise condominiums as well. There are elegant apartments as well that was designed by architect Harry Wardman.
Did you know?
Woodley Park was named after Woodley House, a mansion built in the early 1800s but was eventually demolished in the 1950s. Aside from that, Woodley Park was known because of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in the area.
8. Kalorama
Year founded: late 19th century
Population: 30,461 (as of 2020)
Land area: 0.67 sq miles (1.74 sq km)
Image source: Arts Homebase
If you want to be neighbors to some of the country’s most famous politicians, diplomats, thought leaders, and businesspeople, then Kalorama is for you. However, the place can be pricey, but it is all worth it as you consider all its amenities and features.
Walking around the neighborhood, you’ll quickly love its leafy streets, elegant and sophisticated houses, historic architecture, and forested parks.
Did you know?
Kalorama came from the Greek words “Kalos” and “horama.” It means “beautiful view.” This is true as Kalorama gives you a spectacular view of the city. Because of its proximity to the capital, many prominent politicians choose to live here. These include former presidents Barack Obama and Woodrow Wilson.
7. Foxhall
Year founded: early 1900s
Population: 24,311 (as of 2020)
Land area: 0.51 sq miles (1.33 sq km)
Image source: Arts Homebase
Foxhall is known for its elegant and stately homes, scenic streets, and serene setting. This makes the neighborhood a highly sought-after residence among the middle working class of Washington, DC.
Foxhall gives you easy access to parks such as Battery Kemble Park in the northwest quadrant of DC. You should easily find historic sites in the area, which include the Foxhall Village Neighborhood Association, founded in 1927.
Did you know?
Foxhall got its name from Henry Foxall. He was an English-born Georgetown mayor and Methodist preacher who supplied the United States with cannons and cannonballs during the Quasi-War, War of 1812 and the First Barbary War.
6. Wesley Heights
Year founded: 1920s to 1950s
Population: 3,308 (as of 2020)
Land area: 0.73 sq miles (1.90 sq km)
Image source: Sotheby
Wesley Heights offers its residents a lovely, peaceful, and quaint neighborhood. The place is filled with upscale houses, streets lined with trees, and surrounded by spacious lawns.
There are various shops, bars, and restaurants in the neighborhood. Leisure activity centers are also available, ideal for picnics, playing, and hiking. Some parks make the area more attractive to young families, professionals, and retirees.
Did you know?
Wesley Heights is the home of Battery Kemble Park. Before it turned into a park, it was a defensive site of the Union Army during the Civil War. The artillery battery unit found in the place gave the park its name. You’ll still find some of the well-preserved parapets and gun positions in the park.
5. Georgetown
Year founded: 1751
Population: 10,447 (as of 2020)
Land area: 1.03 sq miles (2.67 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock
Georgetown is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in DC because of its location, historical significance, and modernization. From cobblestone sidewalks to luxurious contemporary homes, Georgetown gives you a glimpse of Washington’s past and present.
When it comes to homes, you’ll find plenty of housing options. You’ll find single-family homes, row houses, luxury apartments, and high-rise condominiums. Some of Georgetown’s historic homes feature beautiful architectural designs from Victorian to modern.
Did you know?
Georgetown was founded in 1751 as a tobacco port. It eventually became a commercial and industrial center of Washington, DC. The neighborhood’s African-American community played a significant part in the Civil Rights Movement.
4. Kent
Year founded: 1900s
Population: 4,324 (as of 2010)
Land area: 1.32 sq miles (3.42 sq km)
Image source: The Rockwell Group
If you are looking for a neighborhood with beautiful houses built around grassy green lawns, wide roads, and streets lined with tall and shady oak trees, you should know more about Kent.
Kent is among the DC neighborhoods that still offer spacious lots for single-family homes within the District of Columbia. Kent is far enough from downtown Washington to make the place more secluded and peaceful, but it is near enough to places such as shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation centers.
Did you know?
Kent was named after the historic Kent Place, built in the early 19th century. It’s a mansion that was located on MacArthur Boulevard. Today, Kent Place is the current home of the Denver Seminary.
3. Berkley
Year founded: gradually developed starting in the early 20th century
Population: 1,737 (as of 2010)
Land area: 0.73 sq miles (1.89 sq km)
Image source: Capital Park Team
With scenic and tree-lined streets, Berkley is popular for its beautiful houses, townhouses, and apartments. Sometimes, the area is called Foxhall Crescent because of the prominent housing development project.
Some of the most popular features of Berkley is the Mt. Vernon Campus of George Washington University. Because of the strategic location of Berkley, its residents can enjoy quick access to popular attractions such as National Zoo and Rock Creek Park. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, public parks, and playgrounds.
Did you know?
Berkley is surrounded by parkland on its three sides. These parklands include Wesley Heights Park, MacArthur Boulevard, and Battery Kemble Park. On the fourth side, Berkley is adjacent to Foxhall and The Palisades.
2. Spring Valley
Year founded: early 20th century
Population: 2,974 (as of 2010)
Land area: 1.014 sq miles (2.63 sq km)
Image source: Long and Foster
Spring Valley could easily be considered the most affluent neighborhood in the area with its elegant, massive homes set on a spacious green lot. Many of the houses were built in the 1920s and 1930s. Thus, you’ll find homes with Tudor, Colonial Revival, and Georgian architectural designs.
Because of the peaceful and beautiful setting of Spring Valley, many prominent politicians, diplomats, and business people chose this place to call their home. Aside from the outstanding houses, you’ll find prestigious schools around the neighborhood. A notable school would be the Sidwell Friends School, which has been the school of many of the children of the past US presidents.
Did you know?
The historic Spring Valley Shopping Center is not your typical shopping mall. It was designed by A.C. Miller in 1939 and features a Colonial Revival architectural design. On August 7, 2003, the Spring Valley Shopping Center was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
1. Massachusetts Avenue Heights
Year founded: early 20th century
Population: 1,370 (as of 2020)
Land area: 0.48 sq miles (1.23 sq km)
Image source: Neighborhoods
Massachusetts Avenue Heights is the richest neighborhood in Washington DC. This neighborhood was originally founded for the elites of Washington, DC, and has remained where rich people come and live.
Although small in land area, Massachusetts Avenue Heights is dotted with big and luxurious homes with architectural designs that include Colonial, Todor, and Mediterranean Revival. Expansive gardens and lawns surround most houses.
There are just so many things the neighborhood could offer. For example, since Massachusetts Avenue Heights is located atop a hill, residents are blessed with beautiful city views.
Did you know?
The most notable landmark of Massachusetts Avenue Heights is the Neo-Gothic-designed Washington National Cathedral. The Episcopal Church is considered the 3rd tallest building in DC and the second largest in the United States.
