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I'm currently looking for an apartment in DC and I'm curious how the SW Waterfront is? There appears to be some beautiful properties and they are much less expensive than DuPont Circle and Georgetown, which are my favorite areas of DC.
I live in SW Waterfront. It meets my needs and is fine, but I'd say it definitely is no Dupont or Georgetown. There is a Safeway and a CVS, but there aren't many bars/sit-down restaurants/coffee shops/etc. It isn't really a hang-out neighborhood and nightlife is pretty limited. I moved here from NYC, and was used to having a ton of going-out options within a few blocks walking distance, so I've found the neighborhood to be a bit boring.
In terms of safety, it is okay. I've been fine, but I have received some reports of armed robberies from my building management. There is some public housing in the area although I've never really had any problems caused by it, it is something that might make some people feel uncomfortable.
In terms of convenience, it is metro-accessible with easy access to downtown and to the mall.
Personally I chose to live in SW Waterfront because it was more affordable than Dupont. I've been fine living here, but if money were no object I'd definitely pick Dupont.
Another SW resident here. I agree with the pp. If you are looking for excitement and nightlife, I wouldn't move to SW. But if you want an affordable, safer neighborhood in the city with easy access to downtown, the Hill, museums, trails etc. SW is an excellent option.
Thanks. What neighborhoods in DC would you recommend for more excitement other than Georgetown and DuPont?
U Street is popular. Columbia Heights is a bit cheaper than Dupont/Georgetown and has a decent # of bars/restaurants and is also walking distance to U Street.
Having lived in Columbia Heights the majority of my life, and then moving to Southwest, it's certainly different, just in terms of nightlife, and I'm okay with that. I think the appeal to me is that you can have your fun in the city, and then go home to a quiet location. While I would love to have a house right off the strip in Adams Morgan, a) that would be a killing and b) I'm sure its a pain the ass on Friday and Saturday nights and probably not worth the trouble.
For the price, you can't get a better neighborhood. It's quiet and there are few shops or restaurants, but you're 1-3 miles away from practically everything in DC, and getting on the freeway to VA and MD is a breeze. I feel very safe there and love being right by the water. The area is set for a massive redevelopment, but you can still get apartments at a great low price before the coming boom. SW is the best kept secret and best deal in all of DC.
Navy Yard more pricey, but safer and will have way more retail options by the end of this year.
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