Overview
(edit)
Mention "Takoma" to many locals in D.C., and this will conjure up images of old, charming houses, tree-lines streets and the many quaint shops that give the neighborhood its reputation as a diverse, close-knit place. Takoma is a relatively safe neighborhood, but some crime does occur here. Though Takoma is not as sought after as places like Dupont Circle and Georgetown, it does have its own quiet charm that is worth considering. One drawback for people with children is that the public high schools in this area are not among the best in the city. Residents here enjoy how the area is sheltered from traffic, and the houses have generous yards. It is similar to suburban living, yet still within the borders of the District. For what is a fairly small neighborhood, Takoma has a number of listservs and organizations that may help transition a move to the area.
(Maximum characters: 65)
Pros:
Cons:
Recommend? 
Ask a question
Among several other neighborhoods in D.C., I considered buying in Takoma before I purchased my condo in Mt. P. I really liked the area and the green space here. It seemed like it would be a great place to raise a family. It was just too removed from the action for my liking. But overall, I can totally understand why people would want to live here.
Takoma is very residential, but many residents are described as liberal, which is reflected in the organic eateries and businesses focused on fair trade practices. Families living here enjoy yards and houses that are larger than in many other parts of D.C., but at a lower cost. Young professionals and recent grads come to Takoma for its laid-back, close-knit vibe, and group housing is available here for a fraction of some other neighborhoods in D.C. The Takoma DC Neighborhood Association has regular meetings where neighbors can meet and discuss issues related to the area.
The Takoma neighborhood is dotted with unique, locally owned restaurants and stores that add to the individuality of the neighborhood. According to locals, some of the best jerk chicken in D.C. can be found in Takoma at Spicy Delight. This carry out restaurant offersberbeque chicken dishes and even vegetarian platters. Along the same lines of local flavor, Takoma is also home to the Red Line Grill, which offers barbeque and ribs, and it also delivers to neighborhood residents. Savory is a hip, three-level coffee house in Takoma that offers a much needed break from the typical Starbucks run. Savory also offers moderately-priced food, with some vegetarian options. Looking for something quick? Grand China Carryout provides cheap, quick food ... and strangely enough it also sells cigars and cigarettes.
A healthy walk over to Takoma Park, Md. and you will find the ever-popular Mark's Kitchen, which is always packed and always quick. Locals rave about the breakfast here, and it's known for its diverse, large menu that has plenty for the vegetarians as well.
If you like being close to organic markets, farmers markets, thrift stores, and the like, then Takoma might be a good choice for you. It has a reputation has being the hippie-ish part of D.C., but there is a lot of diversity here. If you're younger, you might enjoy Takoma for its low cost living, and you don't really need a car to live here. Families will love Takoma for its green space and the availability of single family homes. People don't have to live on top on one another in Takoma, and yet it is still a short commute to either downtown D.C. (about 30 minutes on the Metro) or Silver Spring and other areas of Maryland. A commute to Northern Virginia or places beyond might be a little tricky, and this is when residents might consider having a car. Parking is reasonable around here, as many houses have their own driveways. The closer to the Metro stop you decide to live, the more populated the area will be. Overall, Takoma has an above average walkability scale and would be good for people on the move.
The big cheese as far as transportation is definitely the Takoma Metro stop, which is on the Red Line. The Red Line is arguably the most popular color for locals, because it leads to Chinatown, Union Station, Dupont Circle, the Zoo and much more. Downtown commuters find the Red Line convenient, since it has stops at Metro Center and Farragut North. Car sharing is available at this Metro stop.
Metrobus:
52, 53, 54
62
F1, F2
K1
12
13
14
16
18
24
25
3
Takoma is more densely populated than its similarly named counterpart located a few blocks away in Maryland, though it is still very residential. In D.C.'s Takoma, new construction has been built and is being built near the Takoma Metro station, which is on the red line. From here, Takoma Park, Md. is within walking distance, and that area has many quaint clothing stores and eateries. There are also apartment buildings along Maple Avenue and near New Hampshire Avenue, though these buildings are considerably older than those closer to the Metro station.
Group housing is also quite common in Takoma, and the high turnover of these types of situation means you can find housing arrangements for fairly cheap in this neighborhood. Group housing in Takoma is great for young professionals and people who just graduated from college or are on a budget. According to The Washington Post, group housing in Takoma can be found for about $550 per month.
This neigborhood is very residential, so it would be a good place to have pets. There is plenty of green space for dogs, and local pet store The Big Bad Woof will spoil your pooch.
Locals have the opportunity to shake their bodies at the MamaSita Cultural Center, located at 6906 4th St NW. This place offers yoga, but also bellydancing and Brazilian samba. MamaSita provides Takoma residents an alternative to typical exercise routines.
Takoma residents are also in close proximity to the rapidly growing Silver Spring downtown area, which has an independent movie theater and many restaurants, stores and options for nightlife.
Since Takoma is very residential and small, the recommendation is to head over to the Maryland side for its many independently owned shops. Go to the Maryland Takoma Park for restaurants and great thrift store shopping, and go to Silver Spring for nightlife. Since Takoma is so far removed from the center of D.C., this area feels more like Maryland than the District.
There is a quaint line of shops along Carroll Avenue and Laurel Street and this is the downtown area of Takoma Park, MD, which is within walking distance of its D.C. counterpart. There is a small commercial district along Blair Road on the DC side -- just west of the Metro station. There has been new residential construction along Blair Road, but the neighborhood is still more residential than it is commercial.
Banks located in the area include Bank of America, located at 5911 Blair Rd NW, Industrial Bank, on 4812 Georgia Ave NW, and M&T Bank on 6434 Georgia Ave NW. There is no gym in the neighborhood, unless you count Curves at 5521 Colorado Ave.
Takoma fills all the basic needs, starting with S&S Liquors, which is praised for its selection of microbrews, wines and premium liquors. Takoma also has its own salon, Sassy Nail Salon & Spa, which offers deals for large parties. Foodies will love living in Takoma, as there are nearby options other than Safeway or Giant. The Takoma Park Silver Spring Food Co-op offers everything from fresh plants to health and beauty items and fresh produce. Residents love the Co-op for its large selection of items, even if it is a tad bit pricier than Whole Foods. Clotheshounds will enjoy the Takoma area for its smattering of thrift stores and consignment shops, including Glad Rags on Caroll Ave, which offers items for both men and women. Polly Sue's is another favorite in the area, with two floors of mostly womens clothing -- everything from 1980s gear to early 1900s blouses can be found here.
Coolidge High School
This is a neighborhood high school that has experienced some problems, as highlighted in a Washington Post article.
6315 5th St NW
Grades 9-12
About 650 students
Paul Public Charter School
5800 8th St. NW
Grades 6-8
This school services students from all over in D.C. and has considerably good reviews from people associated with it.
Takoma Elementary School
7010 Piney Branch Rd NW
Grades pre-k to 8th
420 students
This school has received mixed reviews from those associated with it.
Takoma also has its own branch of the D.C. public library, which is located on 416 Cedar St. NW
Equal Housing Opportunity