Washington DC’s Georgetown Neighborhood

Georgetown is one of the most prominent neighborhoods in DC and combines beautiful historic architecture on cobblestone streets with a bustling commercial sector just a few blocks away.   The neighborhood is home to a renowned University (Georgetown), has amazing row houses and even mansions that have been restored, and is also a great place to go shopping, dining, or explore the bar scene.  It is safe to say that Georgetown has it all, including perhaps the most expensive housing in the entire District of Columbia. 

History of Georgetown

Georgetown was originally established as a port town in Maryland’s jurisdiction back in 1751.  The neighborhood’s access to the Potomac River made it a popular trading area for all types of commodities.  It wasn’t until 40 years later in 1791 that Congress created the District of Columbia and included Georgetown in their outline of the city.  Georgetown University was founded around the same time in 1789 and the area began to develop.  In the early to mid-1900s Georgetown became more a popular place that government officials called home but it wasn’t until John F. Kennedy moved there in the 1950s that the area became known as a high-class, affluent, and stylish area.  You can even go on self guided tours of where the Kennedy’s spent their time in Georgetown and relive their day to day interaction with the city.  These days Georgetown is one of the most developed and high end areas in all of Washington, DC and is a great place to live, work, eat, or play. 

Georgetown’s Vibe

Georgetown is a great mix of historic architecture and streets while also providing one of the best areas for shopping, dining, and going out on the town.  The row houses and mansions in Georgetown have some of the stateliest and beautiful homes you will see in the District.  Although the houses can get pricey, they are located just a few blocks away from the best area in all of DC for your shopping needs.  The residential part of Georgetown is quaint and so serene for being just steps away from a busy commercial sector.  People that live in Georgetown range from students, interns, professionals, families, to wealthier owners. 

Shopping in Georgetown

Georgetown’s shopping district draws people from across the area and has a variety of options.  There are smaller boutique stores, upscale chain options, large retailers, and plenty of restaurants and food choices.  M Street is the main shopping corridor in Georgetown and almost any weekend you will experience plenty of foot and automobile traffic.  Some of the popular destinations include Urban Outfitters, the Apple Store, Café Bonaparte, and of course Georgetown Cupcake.  If you make your way a few blocks down closer to the waterfront, the neighborhood is lined with bars including Sequoia and Tony and Joe’s.  Many people go down to the water and enjoy relaxing on the benches overlooking the river or spreading out and resting at Georgetown Waterfront Park. 

Recreation options in Georgetown

Georgetown is home to numerous parks, a variety of gyms, and plenty of historic landmarks to explore outside.  Some of the parks include Montrose Park, Georgetown Waterfront Park, and Glover-Archibold Park.  These parks are great for recreation, taking a dog for a walk, people watching, or simply relaxing on a beach towel.  Some of the gyms in the area are Washington Sports Club, LA Boxing, Waterstreet Gym, Balance Gym and more.  If you are looking for more outdoor activities then check out the C and O Canal right off of M Street, which dates back to the 1870s and gives historic boat rides with history lessons from the park rangers.  There are also plenty of historic buildings and museums to walk to in Georgetown such as the Old Stone House, Tudor Place, or the Dumbarton House.  The great thing about Georgetown is all of these places are within several blocks of each other and you do not have to go far to find what you are looking for. 

Where do people live in Georgetown?

Georgetown’s real estate includes mainly Federal style row houses; however there are also condos, co-ops, apartments, and even a few single family houses.  Since the houses were all built over a hundred years ago the row houses tend to be smaller than most modern architecture but you can’t beat the location or charm of the neighborhood.  Some of the recent condo developments include the Sheridan, a former garage turned into 34 high end condo units, Wormley Row, a converted schoolhouse, and two brand new projects by Eastbanc.  Prices for housing in Georgetown are the highest in all of Washington, DC but residents love the proximity to shopping, amenities, the waterfront, and, most importantly, living in one of DC’s most historic neighborhoods. 

Transportation options in Georgetown

Georgetown is a very pdestrian friendly neighborhood.  Driving through this neighborhood can be tough since it is right next to a large commercial district on M Street and traffic can get packed.  If you prefer to take public transportation there are several Circulator and bus routes including the D1, D2, D3, 31, 33, and G2 bus lines that come through Georgetown.  Unfortunately, there is no Metro stop but Georgetown is located just a couple minutes drive away from I-66, Route 50, and the GW Parkway.  Although there is a lot of traffic that comes through Georgetown (mainly on M street), there is a surprising availability of parking that can be found either in the residential neighborhood or closer to the Georgetown Waterfront, which has metered spots as well as several public garages.    Biking is also popular and there is even a Capital Bikeshare program in Georgetown.  Walking is the most recommended form of transportation but if you do have to drive there are major thoroughfares just minutes away that can take you to Virginia or Maryland.

Georgetown’s Boundaries

Georgetown’s boundaries have actually been laid out by federal law and according to the Old Georgetown Act, the neighborhood is “bounded on the east by Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway from the Potomac River to the north boundary of Dumbarton Oaks Park, on the north by the north boundary of Dumbarton Oaks Park, Whitehaven Street and Whitehaven Parkway to Thirty-fifth Street, south along the middle of Thirty-fifth Street to Reservoir Road, west along the middle of Reservoir Road to Archbold Parkway, on the west by Archbold Parkway from Reservoir Road to the Potomac River, on the south by the Potomac River to the Rock Creek Parkway.”

Entertainment and Restaurant options in Georgetown

Georgetown has numerous dining options for all budgets and tastes.  Some of the notable restaurants include Filomena for classy Italian food, Pizza Paradiso, which has a wide selection of beer and wine, Citronelle for an upscale dining experience and many, many more.  Georgetown Cupcake is a great place for a quick dessert and has single handedly paved the way for a cupcake industry in DC and neighboring affluent areas.  Georgetown has numerous upscale coffee shops as well, including La Madeline Bakery Cafe, Kafe Leopold, and a Baked and Wired. 

Nightlife in Georgetown

Georgetown has a thriving night life that caters to everybody.  Some of the popular bars include Third Edition, Rhino Bar, Sequoia, Blues Alley, and more.  No matter what type of nightlife experience you are looking for, Georgetown has it available.  The weekends are usually packed with people exploring the fashionable and upscale neighborhood’s bars, restaurants and scenery.  

Conclusion about DC’s Georgetown Neighborhood

Georgetown has already established itself as one of the most historic, attractive, convenient, and also expensive neighborhoods in all of DC.  Since John F. Kennedy first moved there in the 1950s the neighborhood has been tops among the most popular areas to live in Washington, DC.  Its access to the myriad of shopping options on M street and Wisconsin Ave, the plentiful dining choices, the waterfront, and the historic row houses and mansions put Georgetown in a class of its own.