Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights has seen some fairly significant demographic changes over the last few years. Those who used to live in what was a predominantly lower to middle-class African-American neighborhood now share it with a melting-pot of new arrivals from young urban professionals to hipsters to those pursuing "La Vie Bohème". All agree on the potential of this up-and-coming neighborhood immediately adjacent to the city's trendiest districts.

Most people who have moved to Columbia Heights recently did so for its proximity to adjacent neighborhoods better known for their social scenes. However there are still plenty of venues to keep local patrons busy. Many of the established bars, which tend to be a few blocks out from the Columbia Heights Metro station, maintain a very low-key atmosphere, so don’t expect anything too elaborate. The development of the new DC USA shopping center immediately across the street from the Columbia Heights metro station has paved the way for newer and more up-scale restaurants and bars to take root, while also bringing along all the commercial local favorites like Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries (16th & Irvin St.).

-Red Derby (14th & Spring Rd.): One of the main hipster destinations in the area. This back-to-basics bar only serves its wide variety of beers in bottles or cans, and welcomes patrons to bring their own music to plug in to the sound system. You’ll be hard pressed to find another $2 beer anywhere else in the city, even during happy hours.

-Wonderland Ballroom (11th & Kenyon Rd.): Known for its live-music scene particularly on the weekends, Wonderland is tucked-away amongst Columbia Heights' residential streets. While it may be a bit hard to find, those looking for a cool scene and a chance to rock out to some indie jams will find the trek worthwhile.

-El Rinconcito II: (13th & Park Rd.): Bottom line; if you’re looking for Salvadorian/Mexican fare in Columbia Heights, this it the place for you.

-RedRocks Firebrick Pizza (1036 Park Rd.): Here residents can get gourmet pizza to take away or sit and enjoy the bistro-esque ambiance.

Those who don’t mind a bit of a jaunt can easily walk to the U Street Corridor or Adams Morgan, both infamous for their nightlife. A quick cab or public transpo ride will drop you in Dupont Circle, Chinatown, or the Southwest Waterfront just to name a few.

Columbia Heights’ location and recent infrastructure improvements are precisely why so many young professionals choose to rent or buy houses in the area. Residents are able to get a row house or downstairs apartment comparable to other areas in the District for significantly less money. If you can scrounge up enough roommates, expect to pay $2,100-$2,300 for a three bedroom group house. The Columbia Heights crowd is also very Craigslist-savvy making it easier to find vacant rooms for around $700. Those looking to save even more money while maintaining city-wide access may consider a place close to the Georgia Ave/Petworth metro station in the northeast corner of Columbia Heights, one stop farther up the Green/Yellow line from Columbia Heights station.

Driving:
Unfortunately for those wishing to drive in and out of the area, Columbia Heights is a little “land-locked” since there aren’t any main arteries to the city’s outer limits. Most opt to head north on 16th Street bound for the beltway as the quickest exit route.
It’s rare to find a residence with a private garage and there are not many parking facilities in the area. Most are relegated to street parking, where it is usually not difficult to find a space.

Metro:
The neighborhood boasts two adjacent metro stops on the Green/Yellow line providing easy access to downtown.

-Columbia Heights station (14th & Irving St; Green/Yellow line): Situated in central Columbia Heights and adjacent to the DC USA mall.
-Georgia Ave/Petworth (New Hampshire & Georgia avenues; Green/Yellow line): This station is located in northeast Columbia Heights, one stop up from Columbia Heights station.

Four stops south of Columbia Heights station is Gallery Place/Chinatown, directly beneath the Verizon Center and a transfer point to the Red line. Two stops farther is L’Enfant Plaza with access to the Orange and Blue lines.

Bus:
There are two sets of buses that run north/south through Columbia Heights with easy access to the heart of downtown; the S1, S2 and S4 buses on 16th Street, and the 52, 53 and 54 buses on 14th Street. If you’re coming straight from the metro, be sure to pick up a transfer ticket for a 35-cent bus fare.

Be sure to check out the very helpful Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's website for maps, schedules and a trip planner.

It’s no exaggeration that Columbia Heights is one of the fastest-developing neighborhoods in the District - particularly with the great success of the new DC USA shopping mall – so this is a really good time to settle in to the neighborhood before it becomes too expensive. As usual with residential areas of the District, housing with closer proximity to metro stations is more desirable so expect to pay a bit more accordingly. Many investors are buying property in the area to renovate and rent out so you can easily find some good deals on very nice houses.

With property values on the rise in this area, don’t be the victim of rent-increase loopholes. Landlords in DC cannot raise rent more than 10% as long as they have an intact lease with the tenants. Be sure the lease you sign specifies that your rental agreement continues after the housing term expires or you may find yourself signing a new lease for much higher rent. More information can be found with the DC Department of Regulatory and Consumer Affairs.

As with many developing neighborhoods, there are parts of Columbia Heights that are less safe than others. If you can afford to, definitely visit the area in which you are considering to live at night to get a feel for the police presence and overall atmosphere.

As is the case in most neighborhoods with close-proximity housing, it is easy to develop a pest problem. When visiting a prospective house for the first time, don’t be embarrassed to ask the landlord about such issues and be sure to check out cupboards and dark corners for evidence of mice or cockroaches.

Columbia Heights is a largely urban area so your pets won’t be able to stretch their legs as easily as in the more suburban parts of town. However, during the day many frequent Meridian Hill Park south of Euclid Street between 16th & 17th streets where humans and canines alike come to make friends, though some may feel unsafe visiting the park after dark. Those looking for that little something extra can walk the roughly 11 blocks west to the Walter Pierce Park in Adams Morgan, home of the Adams Morgan Dog Park.

The new DC USA mall cattycorner to the Columbia Heights metro has truly redefined the local living experience. It houses the only Target in the District, as well as Washington Sports Club, Best Buy, Staples, Marshalls, and Bed, Bath & Beyond just to name a few. Aside from being one of the biggest and hottest shopping destinations in the city, it has also created a local atmosphere that spurs attractive business development in the immediate area. This has certainly become the neighborhood's new hub.
While there may not be a tremendous amount to do in Columbia Heights, many choose to live in this area because of its very close proximity to neighborhoods known for their social scenes like Adams Morgan, U Street, and Dupont Circle, which are all just a quick metro or cab ride away.

As is the case with most residential neighborhoods in Washington, areas closest to metro stations tend to be the safest. This particularly applies to Columbia Heights where the adjacent DC USA mall adds more foot traffic and with it, an even greater police presence. The area delineated by 17th Street to the west, 13th Street to the east, Monroe Street to the north and Harvard Street to the south is considered to be the safest part of the neighborhood and the most desirable to live. Those who are particularly safety-conscious will want to avoid the area between Euclid and W Streets and anything east of 13th Street.

As one of the biggest shopping hubs in the District, the new DC USA mall in Columbia Heights provides local residents with an opportunity to purchase all that they might need.

Groceries: The Giant on Park Street between 13th and 14th is the main source for food shopping in the area.

Pharmacies: CVS on block south of the Columbia Heights metro on 14th Street.

Banks: Bank of America three blocks east of Columbia Heights metro on Mt. Pleasant Street; Wachovia, Citibank and PNC one block north of metro station on 14th Street.

The local public schools are:

-Bancroft Elementary School (1755 Newton Street)
-Lincoln Middle School (3101 16th Street)
-Woodrow Wilson Senior High School (3950 Chesapeake Street)

Columbia Heights is largely populated by young professionals and couples. However, families in the area can learn more about the local public schools and new initiatives by DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and the schools’ Chancellor Michelle Rhee by accessing the DC Public Schools' website.

Columbia Heights is getting safer, but it is still nowhere near as safe as neighborhoods to the west of Rock Creek Park. Homicide is not often a crime that occurs here, but there are car thefts, car break-ins and robberies. If you're considering a specific address, the D.C. Web site has a great tool that allows you to plug in a location and see the breakdown of crime that occurred there in the past month or year.