The land that would become Columbia Heights started as 19th-century farmland outside the small but growing nation's capital. Now, it stands as one of D.C.'s most densely populated neighborhoods and is locally known as the go-to retail hub in Northwest D.C., hosting the DC USA Mall and a corridor of dining establishments and stores along 14th Street. “[It’s a] pretty centrally located area with lots of stuff to do; you don’t need a car,” says Kimberly Diggs, an associate broker with Douglas Elliman Real Estate, “It’s close to U Street nightlife and restaurants on 14th Street.” Residents are a few blocks away from the Smithsonian Zoo to the west, a Rock Creek Park trailhead to the north, or the nightlife along the U Street Corridor to the south. They are also connected to Downtown via a metro station or a straight shot down 16th Street.
Locals can head to major retailers close to home at the D.C. USA Mall
The D.C. USA Mall is a large, mixed-use retail center along 14th Street in Columbia Heights. It's built on the site of an old Romanesque Revival streetcar garage, which was used when public trolleys dominated city streets from the 1860s to the early 1960s. Diggs says, “They have a Target, which is a big deal in a major metropolitan area; those amenities are not common in D.C.” Familiar retailers like Marshall's, Target and Old Navy anchor this mall. There's also a Lidl and Giant nearby for groceries. A couple blocks north of the mall are unique restaurants like Thip Khao, serving traditional Laotian cuisine, with curry noodles and fried catfish for entrees and laab, chopped meat with vegetables and aromatic spices. There's also Tequila & Mezcal, a Mexican diner with birria tacos and tart taramindo margaritas. A block south of Columbia Heights is the famous U Street Corridor, a nightlife destination for the whole city. U Street was once the heart of D.C.'s jazz scene, and that spirit is kept alive through the vibrant nightclubs on either side; in venues like Lyve @ U, Pure Lounge and Cloak and Dagger, locals can get drinks and dance to live music. Residents can also pick up fresh produce and other handcrafted goods at the FreshFarm Columbia Heights Farmer's Market, open year-round on Sunday mornings at Civic Plaza, a small park on 14th Street.
Columbia Heights is filled with high-rise condos and Victorian rowhouses
Home values range from $250,000 to $1.6 million, varying by square footage and age. Diggs says that “There are rentals and some condos, there’s lots of folks who start their [homeowning] process here because of the condo inventory. There’s also rowhouses and multi-unit properties for people seeking investment opportunities.” High-rise condos run from $250,000 for a studio or one-bedroom to $1.3 million for luxury three-bedroom units with over 1,000 square feet. Victorian rowhouses stretch from $600,000 to well above $1.5 million and usually start with three bedrooms or more. Since this is one of the city's most densely populated neighborhoods, detached single-family homes are harder to come by on the market.
Residents can stroll through Piney Branch Park to the north or Meridian Hill Park to the south
Columbia Heights hosts Meridian Hill Park to the southwest, locally called Malcolm X Park, and stands as one of the most ambitious examples of a 20th-century Neoclassical-style Park, with fountains and Italian gardens to create the feeling of walking through the Renaissance era. Locals congregate here on Sundays for drum circles, a tradition that's been going on for over 40 years. The modest Powell Recreation Center features a children's playground, a soccer field and tennis courts. The Smithsonian Zoo is a mile west of Columbia Heights and is regionally renowned for its in-depth exhibits. Visitors can see orangutans climbing overhead on the O-Line, a system of cables hanging over the zoo that the primates can use to climb between their enclosures. Residents can access D.C.'s premier green space, Rock Creek Park, through a trail in Piney Branch Park, a couple blocks north of the neighborhood border. Rock Creek Park stretches from Northwest D.C. deep into Montgomery County, Maryland, and is a popular destination for hikers and bikers in the region.
Tubman Elementary School offers education as well as farm-fresh food
Columbia Heights students will attend D.C. public schools such as Tubman Elementary School and Cardozo Education Campus, which both have B-minus overall ratings on Niche, while Columbia Heights Education Campus teaches grades 6-12; and has a B-plus overall rating. Tubman Elementary has a unique bilingual curriculum, after-school yoga, and its own farmer's market on Wednesdays, partnering with several regional farms to provide fresh produce and preserves for neighborhood families.
Columbia Heights metro station connects residents to Downtown in minutes
Residents can take the Green Line bound Columbia Heights metro station to the government employers of Downtown D.C. within 20 minutes or drive south along 16th Street to get there in 2 miles. Metrobuses run down main streets like 16th Street, 14th Street and 11th Street for more public transit options.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
11th and Monroe Street Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Columbia Heights Dog Park
Dog Park
Trails
Girard Street Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Powell Recreation Center
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Meridian Hill Park
Picnic Area
Trails
14th and Girard Street Park
Basketball
Trails
Transit
Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl
14 min drive
Subway
Columbia Heights
Bus
Florida Ave NW & 11th St NW
Bus
14th St NW & Clifton St NW
Bus
14th St NW & Irving St NW
Bus
11th St NW & Park Rd NW
Bus
11th St NW & Harvard St NW
Bus
14th St NW & Newton St NW
Bus
14th St NW & Harvard St NW
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.666 Reviews
4.0Niche User
6/10/2015Niche Review
You get all the seasons here, from summer to winter to fall and sometimes in between.
4.0Niche User
7/21/2014Niche Review
Train and bus station for inner and interstate travel is close by and there is an airline, it is just far away.
3.0Current Resident
4/23/2020Niche Review
Columbia Heights is a good neighborhood to see historical landmarks , it has many stores in walking distance. As well as okay schools, where students can get a good education. Columbia Heights is a very diverse neighborhood, and includes people from all over.
4.0Niche User
9/20/2014Niche Review
A lot of variety in places to eat and also in places to shop are nearby.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Columbia Heights
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Columbia Heights, Washington sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Columbia Heights, Washington over the last 12 months is $692,395, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
** OPEN HOUSE 05/03 & 05/04 ** 1-3PM RSVP SOON!! **Gourmet Kitchen w/ Island & Gas range. Large Bedroom w/ Excellent Closets space & view. Brand New Wood Floors/Huge Bath w/ W/D. Building has a Fantastic Roof Deck w/ Stunning City Views, Courtyard w/ BBQ grills & Waterfall, Front desk & Party room. Close to Adams Morgan, U Street & Col Heights Metro. **1 ASSIGNED GARAGE PARKING SPACE**!!
Located on a quiet street by Meridian Hill Park, welcome to 1331 Fairmont St NW, Unit A - a unique and spacious 3 bed, 3 bath condo with parking that is filled with charm and striking features. Upon entering, a dramatic 2-story open ceiling living space sets the tone with painted brick accents and abundant sunlight. The large living and dining space seamlessly flow together, complete with two
Fantastic 1-bedroom condo unit - fully upgraded in quiet, friendly building-Columbia Heights/Petworth - just 4 mins to metro lines - WalkScore - 94!! BikeScore 85 & TransitScore 80!! Open kitchen w/ granite breakfast bar, recent stainless steel appliances, gas range & full-size real laundry washer & dryer! Hardwood floors, good sized closets + elegantly styled bath too. Extra storage for bikes
Welcome to Unit 408 at 1457 Park Road Northwest, a modern sanctuary in the heart of Columbia Heights. This smartly designed condo offers a seamless blend of style and functionality. The unit features a large bedroom with walk-in close and spacious living room. The building amenities a bike room, and modern laundry facilities. The unbeatable location is across the street from the DC USA mall and
Fantastic opportunity to own a Gem with roof top view of the capitol. Close to major transit, very bikeable and a walkers paradise. Bring your imagination and special touches to this amazing property. Currently under construction on all four levels. Cellar floor level can be used as an owner’s residence, rental or in law suite. Lay out is already framed, thoughtfully designed and spacious
Welcome to your new home! This stunning 1,400-square-foot condo is your large urban oasis that puts you right in the heart of DC. Steps away from 14th St, you are less than a mile from amazing restaurants and bars like Le Diplomat, Bresca, Jane Jane, Crown and Crow, and more!Step inside to discover an open-concept living area that seamlessly connects to a contemporary kitchen, ideal for hosting
Welcome to 3601 14th Street NW, Washington, DC - a stunning, modern 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit in an award-winning building constructed in 2023. Designed with contemporary elegance, this unit features sleek hardwood floors throughout, a full peninsula kitchen with granite countertops, white cabinetry, and stylish black hardware. The expansive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the living space with
You'll love the meticulous attention to detail and numerous upgrades in this DC home. Clearly no detail is left unturned in this turnkey home with its abundance of amenities!A breath taking gourmet kitchen that comes well-appointed with attractive stainless-steel appliances including wine fridge, gorgeous backsplash, luxurious quartz countertops, high-end cabinets and a beautiful kitchen
Discover modern living in this stunning 1-bedroom condo located in the heart of Columbia Heights. Enjoy an open floor plan that maximizes space and natural light, featuring sleek finishes and contemporary design. The kitchen boasts modern appliances and ample counter space, perfect for cooking and entertaining. Relax in the spacious bedroom that offers a peaceful retreat after a long day. With
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ashk Adamiyatt,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
25,403
Median Age
35
Population Density
62 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$91,376
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$126,732
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.1%
College Graduates
65%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
36.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
81.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
13''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
98/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
93/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
85/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
