Best Places to Live Near Georgetown University

Georgetown University is a top destination for students and professors alike. Founded in 1789, the institution is almost as old as the nation. The school has seen graduates go on to become senators, governors, and even Supreme Court justices. 

From professors and aspiring educators to folks who keep the administration running, the school hires an army of staff. As such, many people wonder what nearby areas are the best places to call home. 

Below, we will highlight the best neighborhoods near Georgetown University. 

Best places to live near Georgetown University

• Georgetown
• Kalorama
• Dupont Circle
• Foggy Bottom
• West End
• Radnor - Fort Myer Heights / Rosslyn

Georgetown

If you want to be close to the school, you'll want to start in the neighborhood Georgetown University is named after.

Established in 1751, Georgetown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in D.C., even older than the university itself. Here, you'll find cobblestone streets, elegant row houses, and a rich architectural heritage. 

M Street and Wisconsin Avenue are the central commercial districts where you'll find a vibrant mix of boutiques such as MAJOR, a skatewear shop, art galleries like the Georgetown University Art Galleries, and storied specialty shops like The Lantern Bookshop.

Georgetown Cupcake on M Street is a popular place to grab pastries, and just down the road is Georgetown Gourmet, where locals will grab coffee and relax by the river at the Francis Scott Key Memorial. 

The neighborhood's commercial hub also features popular shopping centers like the indoor shopping mall at Georgetown Park and The Georgetown Shops on the north side of Wisconsin Avenue. 

Georgetown has plenty to offer, but the one thing it lacks is a Metrorail station. Getting to and from the University can be a bother for folks who don't have a car. Luckily, the G2 bus has several stops on and near Wisconsin Avenue and can take you to the Metrorail station at Dupont Circle. 

Kalorama 

Northwest of Georgetown University is Kalorama, a neighborhood renowned for its residential character and historic charm. 

Developed in the late 19th century, Kalorama offers homebuyers large mansions, elegant townhouses, and upscale apartment buildings that line its leafy streets. Many of these homes feature ornate facades, spacious interiors, and meticulously landscaped gardens, reflecting the neighborhood's affluent ambiance. 

While there aren't any large shopping centers in Kalorama, there are small boutiques like Urban Dwell and Tryst, a coffee joint popular with folks in the Kalorama Triangle. Most people head south to The Shops at Dupont Circle for most things retail.

Luckily, folks living in Kalorama don't have to head south to grab a bite, as there are plenty of restaurants like Thaiphoon and the Keren Cafe & Restaurant, an Eritrean restaurant. 

While Kalorama is not directly served by the D.C. Metrorail Line, its proximity to the Dupont Circle Metro station on the Red Line provides residents easy access to other parts of the city. 

Getting to Georgetown University is easy from here, as folks can take a 42 Line Bus to a D2 Bus that goes right over to the University. Drivers can use Massachusetts Avenue or K Street to head towards Georgetown. 

Dupont Circle 

Originally developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dupont Circle boasts a mix of elegant row houses and stately mansions. Dupont Circle has many iconic landmarks, such as the Dupont Circle Fountain and the Heurich House Museum.

Separated from Georgetown by Rock Creek to the west, this neighborhood is a perfect spot for folks who need to be closer to Downtown D.C. but within reach of Georgetown University. There are a lot of row houses and mansions near the Dupont Circle Fountain, but the landscape switches to high-rise condos as you head farther south towards K Street and the Farragut North and West Metrorail stations.  

There are plenty of interesting stores in Dupont Circle, from clothing shops like the men's outfitter Tom James Company to specialty bookstores such as Second Story Books. The neighborhood's bustling commercial district, centered around Connecticut Avenue and P Street, is home to popular shopping destinations like The Dupont Circle Building and Dupont Circle South, where residents can indulge in retail therapy or explore storied restaurants like the Tabard Inn Restaurant. 

For those seeking public transportation, the Dupont Circle Metro station provides easy access to Georgetown University and other parts of the city. Beyond driving, folks can use the G2 or D6 bus route between each neighborhood. 

Foggy Bottom 

If you're looking for beautiful condos with a view near Georgetown University, check out Foggy Bottom. 

What was once primarily a working-class neighborhood with an industrial waterfront along the Potomac River is now one of the best places in Washington, D.C., to buy a condo. Over the years, Foggy Bottom has evolved into a vibrant mixed-use area, blending historic charm with modern amenities. Foggy Bottom is now home to George Washington University Hospital and George Washington University. 

There is a mix of real estate here, ranging from storied townhouses and brownstones near K Street to modern condominiums and apartment buildings near the Potomac River waterfront. Many brownstones and townhomes feature historic architecture, such as brick facades, bay windows, and rooftop terraces. By contrast, folks can get condos at The Watergate Condominiums with luxury amenities and beautiful views of the Potomac. 

A slew of eateries and quick-service restaurants near the University and hospital keep the students, medical personnel, and locals fed. Folks looking for a quick salad can find a sweetgreen near the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metrorail station. If you're looking for a cozy sit-down restaurant, check out Founding Farmers DC, a farm-to-table collective restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue. 

Commuters will love the easy access to the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station and the Farragut North and West stations. Connected to the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro offers seamless connectivity to Virginia and downtown D.C. Getting to Georgetown University is a breeze, as folks need only travel on K street heading west to reach the University. 

West End

Beyond Georgetown, the West End might be the best place to live if you want to be within earshot of Georgetown University. 

Nestled between Foggy Bottom and Downtown D.C., the West End neighborhood is a bustling urban district known for its upscale shopping and dining. Folks will travel up from Foggy Bottom and Georgetown to the West End to go to the Shops at The Columbia, where there's a Trader Joe's and other retail outlets. 

The West End boasts elegant condominiums and luxury apartments like the Westbridge and The Gibson Condominiums. If you're looking for single-family homes, you'll want to refocus your search South of K Street to Foggy Bottom or Georgetown. 

One of the notable landmarks in the West End is the Washington Circle, a historic traffic circle that serves as a focal point for the neighborhood. Surrounding the Circle is a variety of dining establishments, such as Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier, offering modern takes on French cuisine. 

The West End benefits from its proximity to several Metro stations, including Foggy Bottom-GWU, Dupont Circle, and Farragut West, offering easy access to the rest of the city. Getting to Georgetown is a breeze; locals can travel along K Street and cross Rock Creek to reach the neighborhood. 

Radnor-Fort Myer Heights / Rosslyn

You'll want to check out Radnor-Fort Myer Heights, Virginia, if you're looking for a place to live where you can access all of D.C.

This neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, offers residential, commercial, and recreational amenities across the Potomac River from D.C. This area was an industrial town in the early 20th century. Today, Radnor-Fort Myer Heights is a thriving community known for its iconic views of Downtown Rosslyn's skyline.

Many high-rises in Rosslyn are split between corporate offices and condos with modern amenities. For instance, Rosslyn is home to companies like Nestlé and NEC Corporation, a biometrics company. Folks from Radnor-Fort Myers Heights will head to Rosslyn to shop at the Colonial Village Shopping Center or grab dinner from high-end restaurants like Sfoglina Rosslyn. 

Radnor-Fort Myer Heights offers a variety of housing options. There are sleek condominiums and apartments in modern high-rise buildings close to the water, whereas buyers will find townhouses nestled along tree-lined streets closer to Fort Myer.

Part of what makes Radnor-Fort Myer Heights appealing is the proximity to the Rosslyn Metro Station. This transportation hub offers connections to the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, providing residents convenient access to destinations across the D.C. metropolitan area. Drivers can use the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge to reach Georgetown quickly. 

Interested in buying a home near Georgetown? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.