West End, Washington, DC

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.