Living in Columbia Heights: A Lively Multicultural Community in Central D.C.

Article updated September 2020.

Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., Columbia Heights is a distinctive residential neighborhood celebrated for its diversity, laid-back urban vibe, and strong sense of community. Columbia Heights residents are known for taking great pride in their neighborhood — and with its unique blend of deep historic roots and an edgy, socially conscious flair, it’s certainly not hard to see why!

Colorful rowhouses on 11th Street NW in Columbia Heights. Image courtesy of Mr.TinDC via Flickr.

The Location

Columbia Heights is located in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. and is flanked by several of the District’s most vibrant neighborhoods, including Adams Morgan, Petworth, and Shaw. The Howard University campus borders Columbia Heights to the east, and the U Street Corridor, a hub for art, music, and nightlife, to the south. Its central location makes Columbia Heights easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transit.

Map of Columbia Heights

Who Lives Here?

Historically, Columbia Heights has been a minority-majority area, home to significant African-American and Latino communities. Columbia Heights is among the most rapidly gentrifying communities in the country, and the neighborhood has undergone a dramatic revitalization over the past decade. New commercial developments and shopping centers have opened and modern apartment complexes have sprung up alongside traditional multifamily row houses. Together, these developments have paved the way for an influx of ethnically and socioeconomically diverse young professionals and families with young children to join the ranks of older lifetime residents in Columbia Heights.

Columbia Heights as seen from Castle Manor Apartments

Neighborhood History

Columbia Heights has a rich history that continues to shape its character. In the early 1800s, what is now Columbia Heights was farmland situated just outside the then-boundaries of Washington. The first building of Columbian College, known today as the George Washington University, was completed there in 1822; the college would later be relocated to its present location in Foggy Bottom, but the neighborhood was named in its honor by Senator John Sherman, who purchased and developed a large tract of land within its borders.

A century later, at the dawn of the 20th century, the federal government bought some of the land formerly owned by the university, creating Meridian Hill Park and building upscale apartment buildings and streetcar lines in Columbia Heights. These efforts succeeded in drawing government officials to take up residence in the neighborhood and Columbia Heights flourished as one of the most attractive and well-connected parts of the city.

In the wake of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination in 1968, rioters took to the streets in D.C., decimating much of Columbia Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods. As a result, many residents moved out, shops and businesses shut down, poverty and violence increased, and the area lost its appeal for several decades.

The late 1990s and early 2000s brought a wave of revitalization to Columbia Heights, kick-started by the opening of the Columbia Heights Metro station. Major retailers like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, and Giant changed the look and feel of the neighborhood. Housing developments offering lower rents than in other parts of the city drew new residents and the gentrification process took off, although today Columbia Heights continues to be one of D.C.’s most diverse areas both ethnically and economically.

Local Attractions

Meridian Hill Park is one of the most celebrated and beloved features of Columbia Heights. A U.S. National Historic Landmark, the park brings 12 well-manicured acres of green space to the District of Columbia. Often referred to as Malcolm X Park, it is home to several intricate sculptures of historical figures ranging from Joan of Arc, to Dante, to President James Buchanan. On Sunday afternoons, residents and visitors gather to enjoy or participate in a drum circle, a tradition over fifty years old that routinely draws large groups of experienced and amateur drummers and dancers of all backgrounds.

Columbia Heights’ best-known landmark, Meridian Hill Park. Image courtesy of Reed Wiedower via Flickr.

Shopping, Dining Options, and Nightlife

Columbia Heights boasts Washington, D.C.’s only Target, located in the largest shopping center in D.C. alongside other big box retailers like Marshalls, Best Buy, Modell’s, Staples, and Bed Bath & Beyond — all major draws for urban residents.

The most talked about eateries in the neighborhood are the authentic and unique dining options that have survived and thrived through Columbia Heights’ rapid growth and gentrification. Local favorites include Taqueria Distrito Federal, Sticky Fingers Bakery, and the Wonderland Ballroom.

The neighborhood also borders some of D.C.’s most popular areas for nightlife. Lower 14th Street, the U Street Corridor, and Adams Morgan, all within walking or biking distance of Columbia Heights, are home to many of the city’s bars, nightclubs, and concert venues.

Central Columbia Heights and the historic Tivoli Theatre. Image courtesy of ctj71081 via Flickr

Transportation

Columbia Heights is serviced by its own Washington Metro station and is situated on the Yellow and Green Lines. Several bus routes pass through the neighborhood as well. Cars are by no means a necessity for residents of Columbia Heights, as the neighborhood’s central location makes walking or biking to nearly anywhere in D.C. easy and convenient. Numerous bike-sharing stations help to make Columbia Heights a true cyclist’s paradise.

Schools

Washington residents are zoned into District of Columbia Public Schools, though a number of public charter school options are also available in Columbia Heights. The Cardozo Education Campus houses a combined middle and high school that serves many Columbia Heights students.

View of DC from the rooftop of Cardozo High School. Image courtesy of William Neuheisel via Flickr.

The school recently underwent a $130 million renovation, including new technology centers and athletic facilities, and reopened for the 2013 academic year.

The track and athletic field at the newly renovated Cardozo High School. Image courtesy of Mr.TinDC via Flickr.

Cost of Living

The city of Washington, D.C., ranks among the highest in the United States when it comes to cost of living. If you’re looking to reap the many benefits of living in D.C. but hope to cut some costs along the way, Columbia Heights may be an ideal neighborhood: in addition to being centrally located, highly walkable, and well-served by public transit, it offers a large variety of housing options, from cozy rental units and lovely townhomes for first-time buyers to glitzy Victorian mansions. This interesting residential mix provides an opportunity to find whatever suits your style and pocketbook.

How Safe is Columbia Heights?

Columbia Heights remains a transition neighborhood with among the highest crime rates in Washington, D.C. The vast majority of crimes reported in Columbia Heights were property crimes, and parts of the neighborhood continue to struggle from endemic poverty and gang violence. It is worth noting, however, the relative small size and high density of Washington’s population when comparing its crime rates with those of other major cities across the U.S.

Housing Options

Those looking to rent or buy property in Columbia Heights are in luck, as there are plenty of good options to choose from in the area. Older and more traditional multifamily row-houses line the major residential areas of the neighborhood and may be ideal for young families. Newer real estate developments in Columbia Heights are predominantly low- and high-rise apartment complexes that cater to young professionals and recent college graduates.

What You Can Rent in Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights rental properties offer something for everyone… and provide easy access to large retailers, urban green spaces, and D.C.’s business hubs. The average rent in Columbia Heights is $2,176, according to data from Yardi Matrix, whereas the DC average is $2,234.

Park Meridian Apartments

Located within walking distance of beautiful Meridian Hill Park, Park Meridian Apartments offers studios and one-bedroom apartments that cater to young professionals. A pet-friendly community with a rooftop deck and fantastic views of the city skyline, this Columbia Heights rental embraces the best of urban living and relaxation. Rentals start at $1,590.

Residents of Park Meridian enjoy some amazing views of the city from the building’s rooftop terrace.

Isabella Apartments

Boasting 39 brand new apartment rentals right at the heart of Columbia Heights on 14th Street is Isabella Apartments. Just steps away from the Columbia Heights Metro station and bus routes and within walking distance of local amenities, Isabella is perfectly situated for any D.C. commuter. Modern and sleek design characterize the Isabella Apartments, each of which is furnished with kitchen islands, energy efficient appliances, and Nest smart thermostats. Rentals start at $1,875.

Isabella Apartments blend a historical address with contemporary design.

What You Can Buy in Columbia Heights

Though a significantly smaller share of the D.C. housing market, buying a house in Columbia Heights is another option to consider. Available properties in the area range from the colorful, multifamily rowhouses that have characterized D.C. for centuries, to new or remodeled cosmopolitan townhouses, condos and single-family dwellings.

Make Columbia Heights your New Home

Now is an exciting time to live in Columbia Heights, one of Washington, D.C.’s most rapidly developing neighborhoods. Rich in history as well as in modern attractions, those looking to buy or rent property in Columbia Heights are sure to find comfortable and reasonably-priced housing options in this vibrant, diverse Washington, DC community.