Washington, D.C. isn't always suits and briefcases. This city boasts unlimited leisure activities, from running and biking to volleyball and softball leagues. With world-renowned institutions, such as the Smithsonian, and world-class events, like the annual Cherry Blossom Parade, living in D.C. means there is never a dull moment. Located just a day trip from ski slopes or sandy beaches, there are plenty of ways to take a study break.
Check out our Housing Guide with information about transportation, DC neighborhoods, individual apartment buildings, and more to help incoming students decide where to live while in law school. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of neighborhoods in the areas surrounding our law school.
JD Office of Admissions polled current students and recent alums for housing tips and the subsequent information is provided below. Plus, we've done a deeper dive into five of the most popular neighborhoods for incoming students.
(click the top five neighborhoods below for a map and more information):
(listed starting with most cited)
(listed starting with most cited)
(listed starting with most cited)
(listed starting with most cited)
(The following information has been compiled from the responses provided by the current students/recent alums):
Closest Metro Stop: Van Ness-UDC (Red Line)
Average Commute Time To Campus: Less than 20 minutes
Reasons to Live Here: Cost of rent, convenience, safety, entertainment/social scene, parking, pet-friendliness
Walk Score: 86
Transit Score: 64
Bike Score: 51
Suggested Neighborhood Apartment Buildings:
Must-Visit Spot(s)
Closest Metro Stop: Tenleytown-AU (Red Line)
Average Commute Time To Campus: Less than 15 minutes
Reasons to Live Here: Cost of rent, convenience, safety, entertainment/social scene
Walk Score: 89
Transit Score: 68
Bike Score: 73
Suggested Neighborhood Apartment Buildings:
Must-Visit Spot(s):
Closest Metro Stop: Cleveland Park (Red Line), Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red)
Average Commute Time To Campus: Less than 30 minutes
Reasons to Live Here: Cost of rent, convenience, safety, entertainment/social scene, parking
Walk Score: 82 (Cleveland Park), 74 (Woodley Park)
Transit Score: 63 (Cleveland Park), 67 (Woodley Park)
Bike Score: 85 (Cleveland Park), 72 (Woodley Park)
Suggested Neighborhood Apartment Buildings:
Must-Visit Spot(s):
Closest Metro Stop: Columbia Heights (Green & Yellow Lines)
Average Commute Time To Campus: 15-30 minutes
Reasons to Live Here: Cost of rent, convenience, entertainment/social scene, pet-friendliness, parking, food & culture
Walk Score: 94
Transit Score: 82
Bike Score: 90
Suggested Neighborhood Apartment Buildings:
Must-Visit Spot(s):
Closest Metro Stop: Bethesda (Red Line), Medical Center Station (Red), Friendship Heights (Red)
Average Commute Time To Campus: 10-30 minutes
Reasons to Live Here: Convenience, entertainment/social scene, pet-friendliness, parking, safety, accessibility offerings
Walk Score: 45
Transit Score: 46
Bike Score: 56
Suggested Neighborhood Apartment Buildings:
Must-Visit Spot(s):
