Finding the most affordable places to live in Washington, D.C. is challenging even if you're a native. State-wide, Washington, D.C. has a median home value of $518,900. When you add in maintenance costs and property taxes, it can be difficult for many to buy and own a home. Because of that, we scoured the data to find the most affordable cities in Washington, D.C., looking at median home prices, cost of living, and other factors to find your best options.
Looking for the most affordable places in Washington, D.C. is a start, but you'll save even more money by working with a great agent. The top Washington, D.C. real estate agents know the local market and where to find pockets of more affordable homes. They can also help negotiate a better price when you do find your dream home.
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Ready to learn more about the most affordable places in Washington, D.C.? These are our top picks.
1. Foggy Bottom
Located in the Northwest quadrant, west of the White House and downtown, Foggy Bottom is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. It gained its name from the area’s close proximity to the Potomac River and the resulting early morning fog.
Home to George Washington University as well as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Foggy Bottom is a vibrant area with plenty of culture and history. Also within walking distance to the National Mall, Foggy Bottom residents get to enjoy some of the nation’s most impressive monuments right on their doorstep.
With a median home value of $347,900 and a median household income of $60,066, Foggy Bottom is one of the more affordable places to buy a home in Washington, D.C.
2. Eckington
Eckington is a neighborhood in Northeast Washington, D.C. and is located one mile north of the United States Capitol. Particularly popular with young professionals, Eckington is close to downtown and has great walkability.
You may even recognize some of Eckington’s colorful homes from the opening credit sequence of the Netflix series House of Cards. An eclectic mix of Victorian-influenced architecture and apartment buildings make Eckington a diverse neighborhood with plenty of real estate opportunities.
The median home value in Eckington is $676,800, which, although higher than the U.S. average, is not exorbitant considering the average household income of $108,621.
Finding a home to buy here is easier with a local agent! With Clever, you'll find a great Washington, D.C. realtor who can help with your home search.
3. Brookland
Sometimes referred to as “Little Rome” due to the many Catholic organizations and institutions clustered around The Catholic University of America, Brookland is a neighborhood located in Northeast Washington, D.C.
An excellent commuter option for residents who need to reach the city with ease, Brookland has two stops on the Metro Red Line, one located at Brookland-Catholic University of America and another on Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Avenue.
The median list price per square foot in Brookland is $499 — this is lower than the Washington average of $550 — making it one of the more affordable places to purchase real estate in Washington, D.C.
4. Glover Park
Glover Park is located just north of Georgetown and is known for being home to several foreign embassies as well as its charming 1920s rowhouses and architecture.
A favorite with young professionals and families, Glover Park has several highly rated public schools and a vibrant social scene centered around Wisconsin Avenue. It also has very few through roads, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.
With a median home value that has increased by 2.3% since 2018 to $412,500, Glover Park could be a fantastic option to consider when looking to buy a home in Washington, D.C.
» FIND: Top Real Estate Agents in Washington, D.C.
5. Deanwood
Deanwood is one of Northeast Washington, D.C.’s oldest neighborhoods. A mix of brick houses and tree-lined streets, Deanwood has been experiencing slow but steady revitalization for years. Recognized as an up-and-coming area with two metro stops, Deanwood is a wonderful option for commuters who are looking for affordable real estate in Washington, D.C.
The average home value in Deanwood is $312,400 and has gone up by 5.9% in the past year alone.
How to find affordable homes in Washington, D.C.
Whether you want to live in a bustling area or a tranquil part of town, there’s plenty to love in Washington, D.C. Working with a local real estate agent is the best way to find the most affordable places to live in Washington, D.C..
Ready to start house hunting? Clever is a free service that can match you with the best realtors in Washington, D.C.. And, when you buy with a Clever partner agent, you could get 0.5% of your purchase price back as a check after closing. On a $300,000 home, that's an extra $1,500 back in your pocket. That's real money!