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Safest Neighborhoods to live in Washington

Top 7 Safest Neighborhoods to live in Washington, DC with the Best quality of life – 2024

Studies
United States
District of Columbia
Washington, DC
  • Last updated on:
  • Picture of Ann Nacario Ann Nacario

Washington, DC is home to renowned locations like the White House, the Supreme Court and Capitol Hill. If you are looking for a walkable, family friendly, strong community and cultural area, Washington, DC is your next move. Washington, DC is made up of four different sectors with easy access to public transportation and green spaces! 

Are you looking for a neighborhood to move to in Washington, DC where you can feel comfortable and secure? This is why MovingWaldo has created the Top 7 Safest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC with the Best Quality of Life as of 2024!

Methodology

Our safety ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) crime cards for the period of January 1, 2023, to August 2, 2023, at 12:00 a.m. 

For accuracy, we calculated the average number of different crimes per 1000 people from two main categories: Violent Crime and Property Crime. Violent Crimes encompass homicide, sexual abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon (ADW), and robbery. These crimes can be further categorized by the weapon used: guns, non-guns, or either. Property Crimes include burglary, motor vehicle theft, theft from a vehicle, general theft, and arson.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Safest Neighborhoods to live in Washington, DC

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1. Foxhall Crescent

  • Safest neighborhood
  • Population: 24,311 (2021)
  • Crime rate: 0.21 crimes per 1000 people

Foxhall Crescent is our top pick for the best neighborhood in Washington, DC; it is widely recognized for its tranquil atmosphere. Locals praise the area’s safety and well-maintained streets.

The neighborhood is close to parks, including Glover-Archbold Park and Battery Kemble Park, which provide plenty of outdoor activities. 

For safety, it has a total of 0.21 crimes per 1,000 people.

Point2Homes (2021) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Foxhall Crescent, Washington, DC

2. Hawthorne (Barnaby Woods)

  • Tranquil neighborhood

  • Population: 9,815 (2020)
  • Crime rate: 0.31 crimes per 1000 people

The Washington hawthorn tree, which has showy white flowers in the spring and bright red fruit in the fall, is where the name Hawthorne came from. 

Locals appreciate the close-in tranquil neighborhood of Hawthorne in Northwest DC, which offers residents a natural setting as well as the convenience of proximity to downtown DC and Rock Creek Park.

For safety, it has a total of 0.31 crimes per 1,000 people, making it a safe place to live. 

City Data (2020) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Hawthorne (Barnaby Woods), Washington, DC

3. Spring Valley

  • Proximity to big city landmarks

  • Population: 15,087 (2020)
  • Crime rate: 0.53 crimes per 1000 people

Spring Valley has quiet streets and rolling hills that give the neighborhood a suburban feel, even though it’s conveniently close to the big-city landmarks that D.C. offers.

Locals often praise the neighborhood for being a great community, and people are very engaged. Overall, Spring Valley’s serene setting and access to amenities make it one of the best neighborhoods in the Washington, DC, area for young professionals and families seeking a premium living experience.

For safety, it has a total of 0.53 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

City Data (2020) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Spring Valley, Washington, DC

4. Palisades

  • Most walkable neighborhood

  • Population: 13,477 (2021)
  • Crime rate: 1.26 crimes per 1000 people

Palisades boasts a diverse range of restaurants and businesses and is consistently rated as one of DC’s most walkable neighborhoods. 

Locals appreciate the neighborhood’s closeness to parks such as Palisades Park, which provide green space and opportunities for recreation.

For safety, it has a total of 1.26 crimes per 1,000 people, making it a safe place to live.

Point2Homes (2021) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Palisades, Washington, DC

5. Chevy Chase

  • Leafy residential

  • Population: 2,873 (2021)
  • Crime rate: 3.48 crimes per 1000 people

Chevy Chase is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Washington, DC, due to its upscale and family-friendly ambiance. It offers an ideal blend of suburbs and city.

Locals appreciate the area’s proximity to parks like Rock Creek Park, and this neighborhood has leafy residential neighborhoods.

Overall, Chevy Chase’s attractive setting makes it an ideal residential area for individuals and families seeking a premium living experience in Washington, D.C.

For safety, it has a total of 3.48 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

City Data (2021) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Chevy Chase, Washington, DC

6. Congress Heights

  • Community-oriented neighborhood

  • Population: 40,716 (2021)
  • Crime rate: 5.84 crimes per 1000 people

Congress Heights is considered one of the safest neighborhoods to live in Washington, DC, due to its community-oriented ambiance. Locals praise the area for its improved safety and community activities that foster positive interactions within the neighborhood.

Congress Heights provide access to parks like Oxon Run Park and Congress Heights Recreation, which offer outdoor activities. It is a place for exciting sports events, live music, and arts and culture centers.

For safety, it has a total of 5.84 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the safest neighborhoods to live in Washington, DC.

Point2Homes (2021) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Congress Heights, Washington, DC

7. Bellevue

  • Near the Maryland border

  • Population: 40,716 (2021)
  • Crime rate: 7.44 crimes per 1000 people

Bellevue is a residential area in Southwest Washington, D.C., located east of Bolling Air Force Base. Locals praise this neighborhood for its abundant green spaces, cost-effective housing choices, and upscale shopping and dining amenities.

The location provides easy access to the Maryland border, and within the neighborhood, you’ll find a serene suburban atmosphere featuring spacious yards and semi-detached homes.

For safety, it has a total of 7.44 crimes per 1,000 people, making it a safe place to live. 

Point2Homes (2021) & DC Crime Cards (2023)

Bellevue, Washington, DC

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Conclusion

Anyone looking for a clean and welcoming environment should consider Washington, DC as your next move. It embodies a blend of historic and modern living with its iconic landmarks and spacious homes. 

If you’re considering a move to Washington, DC, our list of the Top 7 Safest Neighborhoods with the Best Quality of Life in 2024 can guide you towards a secure choice.

Are you planning to move soon? Learn about the best Washington, DC movers!

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.

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