Next Neighborhood - Capitol Hill

You don’t have to be a politico or a West Wing extra to live in Capitol Hill. Yes, the defining feature of the neighborhood is the eponymous Capitol Building, but once you look beyond the Hollywood reputation, Capitol Hill has a lot to offer.

One of the oldest housing communities in Washington, Capitol Hill, has developed from a small boarding house community for members of Congress to an area that spans several separate neighborhoods. Capitol Hill, the largest Victorian historic district in the country, possesses some live-in congressmen, senators and their staff ers, plus a view of the Capitol from almost anywhere in the 14-block area.

The majority of residents here have nothing to do with Congress or government. Architects, attorneys, artists and others whose fortunes are not tied to the election cycle choose “the Hill” because it’s dog-friendly, within walking distance of train and Metro stations and close to everything that makes city life attractive, as well as a funky-chic weekend produce and-flea market.

As part of the District, Capitol Hill offers the attractions of any city — nearby theaters, nightclubs, restaurants, world-class museums and professional sports, plus the Capitol, White House, Supreme Court and other fantastic buildings housing the national government.

Back in the early days, Capitol Hill was populated by a crosssection of congressmen and navy yard workers. Nowadays, it’s one of the best DC neighborhoods for families. In fact, aside from a few notable landmarks (you know, like the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Folger Shakespeare Library), Capitol Hill is predominantly residential, comprised of blocks of rowhomes, townhomes, and lovely Queen Annes.

If you’re smart about looking, Capitol Hill can be reasonably aff ordable and relatively quiet. But it still off ers access to the city thanks to close proximity to Capitol South and Eastern Market stations, plus the weekly joy of buying fresh food at Eastern Market.