Columbia Heights is one of DC’s most unique neighborhoods. Young professionals, long-term residents, students and families all call this area home. Due to the diversity offered to those who live in Columbia Heights, there is a plethora of entertainment and retail in the area, which combines major retailers, specialty shops and hipster hangouts.  Due to the vast number of housing and business options in Columbia Heights the area offers the comfort of a suburb with the selection of an urban environment.

Just above U ST and to the East of Howard University

Columbia Heights is right in the action of the Northwest quadrant and is bordered by Mt. Pleasant, Petworth, Adams Morgan and U St. It’s more official boundaries are Florida Avenue to the South, Sherman Avenue to the East, Spring Road to the North and 16th Street to the West.

Travel your Way

The great thing about living in Columbia Heights is that it’s easy to get everywhere including all of DC’s downtown neighborhoods. For those who like to walk it’s very easy to get to Dupont, Logan Circle and U St. by foot. Additionally, the Columbia Heights metro makes it super easy to get anywhere; it’s only a 14-minute ride to the National Mall! Busses make it even easier to get around and the circulator runs both East and West along 14th and 16th streets.

Driving is getting tougher in the neighborhood, but those who can’t live without a vehicle are pleased with how close Columbia Height is to I-66, Rock Creek Parkway and the GW Parkway.

History

Columbia Heights has a very interesting past, as it was originally a horse track located right outside the District boundaries.  This changed in 1881 when the land was purchased by the government and dubbed ‘Columbia Heights’ after Columbian College. With the addition of Meridian Hill Park the area became one of the most desirable in the district, but like many DC neighborhoods it was destroyed in the riots of the 1960s.

Now people truly consider Columbia Heights to be a 90s baby—it was not until the addition of the metro station in 1999 that the area truly began to come alive and pick up steam.  Over the past decade Columbia Heights has reinvented itself offering beautiful, residential options, and a revitalized commercial strip that brings in people from all over the city.

Condos and Row Homes are the Hottest Listings Here

The unique history and diversity of Columbia Heights is directly reflected in its housing options, which include new condo buildings, multi-colored row homes, public housing complexes and older boarding homes.

As the lifestyle in the area has picked up pace in the past few years, so have the prices in housing. Rent in Columbia Heights is comparable to nearby neighborhoods of LeDroit Park, Shaw and Logan Circle. However, some deals still can be found in the form of single-family homes. Those looking to move to the area should do so as soon as possible as prices will only continue to rise.

Everyone Likes Shopping in Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights can be thought of as the Yin to Georgetown’s Yang. You won’t find high end retailers bordering the streets of Columbia Heights, but you will find all of the stores to fulfill the practical shoppers dreams including Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, DSW and Marshalls, just to name a few.

In addition to big name chains there are also several specialty shops in the area including a juice store—Studio Vape, a great furniture boutique—GoodWood, and many high quality consignment shops. Whether you’re searching for dollar store goods and office supplies or baby clothes and patio furniture, you’ll find what you need in the commercial sector of Columbia Heights.

It’s Easy to Have Fun and Eat Well in Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights is a great place to eat out, as many of the restaurants here are very reasonably priced and also delicious. The area offers some of the best Latino food in the area with loads of different choices including Mi Cuba Café, Los Hermanos and El Rinconcito.  In addition to tacos and cubanos there is also a lot of great places to grab Asian food in the area including Vietnamese and Thai, one of the best choices is Beau Thai which has award winning food and a unique, craft cocktail list.

While Columbia Heights is a great place to get a casual bite to eat it’s an even better place to grab a drink. The neighborhood offers a mixture of well-loved favorites and newer places with cozy atmospheres. Neighborhood favorites include the Wonderland Ballroom, which is a hipster’s paradise; Room 11, a wine bar featuring small plates; and Meridian Pint, the new kid on the block offering all-American brews in a European inspired venue.  For those who don’t want to drink and still have a good time, Bloombars, a nonprofit art bar, offers hip-hop dance parties and late night film fests.

A Breath of Fresh Air

One of the best parts about living in Columbia Heights is the easy access residents have to Meridian Hill Park, one of the largest in the city. The park, which is also commonly referred to as Malcolm X Park, sits on twelve acres of land and attracts a variety of visitors that range from drum-circle enthusiasts and yogis to dog walkers and runners. During Columbia Heights Day, an annual neighborhood celebration, the area near the park is used as a spot for many events that range from Oktoberfest gatherings to pie eating contests.