Overview
(edit)
West End is conveniently nestled between Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom and Georgetown, so the location is ideal. The West End is much more laid back than the neighborhoods surrounding it, which is a good thing for people who want to live near, but not in the center of, all the action. It's a great place for young couples without kids, especially if you often have visitors who want to explore the best of DC. Since housing here is very expensive, and there are not many parks or playgrounds in this area, it may not be ideal for a family with more than one child.
As far as food goes, there are many restaurants in West End, and a large number of them are attached to a hotel. You can find chains and independent restaurants here, and there are several good sandwich and deli-type places.
During the school year, this area is swimming with students from The George Washington University, which is located in Foggy Bottom. The neighborhood has a mixture of office buildings and condominiums with some townhomes interspersed. Although featuring many hotel chains (including the swanky Ritz Carlton), its residential amenities are being improved. These conveniences come at a price though as it is expensive to live in this neigborhood. Yet, its accessibility to everything makes it worthwhile.
(Maximum characters: 65)
Pros:
Cons:
Recommend? 
Be the first to post!
You can easily walk to Georgetown and Dupont Circle (which are two of the most popular neighborhoods in DC). Yet, the options are growing right outside your front door as new restaurants are flooding the scene every year. M Street is particularly popular including West End Bistro by Eric Ripert. Meiwah, preferred by local politicians including Bill Clinton, is an excellent choice for Chinese. Vidalia featuring Southern Cuisine and nightly wine tastings is also worth a visit.
Be the first to post!
It is a quick walk to Foggy Bottom (orange and blue line) as well as Dupont Circle (red line). The 30s bus line runs nearby as well. Most conveniently, the DC Circulator (blue bus) loops by between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Taxis are easy to find especially near to the hotels.
Be the first to post!
Be the first to post!
Be the first to post!
Be the first to post!
Trader Joe's is one of the best additions to the neighborhood. Tucked by the side of Pennsylvania Avenue, it is one of the few options for groceries but its prices are drawing customers from all over the city. Unfortunately, there are not many supermarkets in most areas of DC so you may find yourself eating out a lot.
Sports Club LA at the Ritz Carlton is undoubtedly a luxury but it is worth the pampering. The initiation fees at this gym are high but the facilities are excellent. Washington Sports Club (including K St.) has several locations nearby, too.
Be the first to post!
Equal Housing Opportunity