Safest Neighborhoods in Washington DC (2026)
Go Back To Previous PageWashington, DC, functions as the political heart of the US and a major economic hub. The city and nearby areas are home to embassy staff, politicians, and many residents. One of the
biggest challenges of living in DC is finding a safe, affordable neighborhood. It should also have a convenient commute. Read on to discover the twelve safest neighborhoods in Washington DC.
1. Barnaby Woods: the Safest Neighborhood in Washington, DC
People know Barnaby as the safest neighborhood in Washington, DC. Its violent crime rates are 95% lower than the national average. This community is in the northwest part of DC.
It is between Rock Creek Park and Chevy Chase, Maryland. This area has great schools, churches, playgrounds, parks, and other family-friendly amenities. It’s a great place to live for families and is also one of the richest areas in Washington, DC.
Barnaby Woods is somewhat more secluded and often overlooked compared to other DC neighborhoods. However, if safety is your priority, it’s a good choice. The chance of experiencing a crime there is 1 in 105.
2. Hawthorne: the second safest neighborhood in Washington, DC
People recognize Hawthorne as the second-safest neighborhood in Washington, D.C. The area has a few hundred single-family homes. It is located in the Northwest area and has almost no crime. With a population of 3,106 residents, the area records a violent crime rate of 19 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Additionally, the property crime rate stands at only 162 per 100,000 individuals, ensuring safety for vehicles and residences.
Historically affluent, Hawthorne is home to numerous professionals, including physicians, attorneys, and academics. In 2032, the neighborhood reported zero murders and minimal overall criminal activity.
3. Glover Park
People recognize Glover Park as one of the safest neighborhoods in Washington, DC. Glover Park is located in the northwest part of the city. It is about half a mile north of Georgetown. This community is family-friendly and has many parks and green spaces.
The neighborhood is also near the United States Naval Observatory. It has important places like Glover Archbold Park, Whitehaven Parkway, and the Stoddert Recreation Center.
This community boasts a very low crime rate, with overall crime being 77% lower than the citywide average. The rate of violent crime is 81% lower than the national average. In Glover Park, the chance of being a crime victim is 1 in 104.
4. Woodland Normanstone
Woodland Normanstone is one of the safest neighborhoods in Washington DC. It has a population of 4,953 people and a violent crime rate of 23 per 100,000 residents.
Located near the city center, it offers easy access to numerous parks and green spaces. The area has a suburban atmosphere, and many homes serve as residences for embassies. The median home price here is $1,039,367, and the average rent is $2,043.
5. Palisades
Another safe neighborhood in DC is Palisades. It has a population of 6,912 people. The violent crime rate is 192 incidents for every 100,000 people. The area’s crime rate is 26% below the national average, and residents have a 1 in 65 chance of becoming a crime victim.
Safety comes at a price, though, and Palisades has a median home price of $1.2 million, which is 315% above the national average.
6. Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan is a vibrant neighborhood in northwest DC, home to 13,304 residents. Just a short 1.5-mile trip from the White House, this place is full of history. It has many embassies and beautiful old buildings. Residents and visitors alike appreciate that it’s one of the safer areas in Washington DC.
The neighborhood has a violent crime rate of 430 and a property crime rate of 4,186 per 100,000 people. Despite this, it is full of energy. The lively nightlife features many bars and restaurants.
7. Foxhall Village
Foxhall’s population is 5,363, with a crime rate of 1,756 per 100,000 people, which is 61% lower than the DC average. Residents face a 1 in 57 chance of becoming crime victims. Situated just west of Georgetown University, Foxhall offers a quiet suburban atmosphere.
The median home price in Foxhall Village stands at $944,350, over four times the national average.
8. Foggy Bottom
This is one of the oldest and safest neighborhoods in DC. It is in the northwest and has a population of 11,398. Crime rates, including both violent and property crimes, are well below 1,000 per 100,000 residents, underscoring its safety.
Its close proximity to the White House and downtown makes it ideal for commuters. This area has both historic and modern homes for sale or rent. The average price to buy a home is $626,577. Locally, the average rent is $1,846.
9. Chevy Chase
This is a wealthy neighborhood located in northwest DC, with a population of 18,506. The area’s crime rate stands at 2,050 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it 54% safer than other DC neighborhoods.
Residents face a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a crime victim. Locally, the median home price in Chevy Chase is $1,152,995, which is nearly 400% above the national average. The neighborhood is also highly attractive to celebrities living in Washington DC.
10. Mount Pleasant
It has a population of 13,294 and is located in the northwestern part of Washington, D.C. The neighborhood’s crime rate is 2,267 incidents per 100,000 residents, a 50% decrease from the citywide average.
Mostly a wooded suburb near the National Zoo, Mount Pleasant offers a small-town vibe within the city. The median home price here is $622,804, while the average rent is $1,940.
11. Logan Circle
Logan Circle is a secure neighborhood in northwest Washington, DC, with a population of 26,528. The area’s crime rate is 4,391 per 100,000 residents, below the city average. It has excellent public transportation, making it easy to get around the city.
It is also famous for its calm and peaceful atmosphere. The neighborhood primarily features rowhouses, with a median home price of $538,670.
12. Brookland
Brookland has a population of 7,500 and is located in the Northeastern section of DC. This area is well known for its many Catholic institutions. These include schools, religious communities, and institutes near the Catholic University of America.
The violent crime rate of Brookland is 1,130 per 100,000, and the property crime rate is 6,021 per 100,000 people. Locally, the median home price is $647,575.
Factors That Enhance Neighborhood Safety
The feeling of safety often comes from more than just low crime levels. Secure neighborhoods usually have these features:
- Well-lit streets and sidewalks
- Active neighborhood watch programs
- Community events
- Low traffic
- Easy walking paths. They also provide access to good schools and parks.
Tips for Choosing the Right Safe Neighborhood
- Research historical and current crime data using official data sources.
- Visit potential neighborhoods at different times of day to assess lighting, noise, and safety features.
- Talk to residents and ask about their experiences and perceptions of safety.
- Consider proximity to work and schools to reduce commuting time and increase local engagement.
Safest Neighborhoods in DC Bottom Line
While Washington, DC has some rough areas, many neighborhoods are safe places to live. Finding the ideal balance of safety, affordability, and quality of life in DC is often challenging. Still, some areas on this list feature reasonably priced homes and rentals.
Assessing the safest neighborhoods in Washington DC and nearby suburbs by examining data, community atmosphere, and personal experiences can help you identify the perfect place to feel secure and at home. To make moving into these neighborhoods easier, enlisting experienced DC movers can be a great help.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
