A Washington DC Local Expert's Guide to Top Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in the DC Metro

I'm Steve, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, DC. As a resident of the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) metro area for nearly two decades, I can tell you with confidence that affordable neighborhoods are out there - you just have to look a bit harder than you might elsewhere.

Because of the presence of the federal government, Washington DC is home to high salaries and a high cost of living. But especially given everything going on in the world right now, it can sometimes feel difficult to see the forest for the trees. But Washington DC is also one of the best areas of the country - filled with terrific neighborhood amenities, great schools, rich history, an unbeatable nightlife, and more - all within the confines of our nation's capital.

This guide represents my personal experiences over the years, balancing first-hand the trade-off between quality of life while living within a budget. With that in mind, here are the top neighborhoods in Washington, DC for getting the most bang for your buck.

1. Historic College Park

Located just north of the DC boundary in Prince George’s County, Historic College Park blends collegiate charm with suburban comfort. Home to the University of Maryland, this neighborhood is shaped by its academic atmosphere, leafy streets, and a mix of long-term residents and students. It’s quiet, bike-friendly, and dotted with mid-century homes and small apartment buildings.

The main points of interest include the University of Maryland campus, which brings in cultural events, sports, and employment opportunities, and the College Park Aviation Museum, celebrating the area’s aviation history. The neighborhood tends to attract faculty, retirees, and graduate students.

Most buildings are single-family homes with modest yards, though several garden apartment complexes offer affordable rental options. This mix helps keep the area accessible while maintaining a residential feel.

2. National Arboretum

Nestled between the Anacostia River and major thoroughfares like Bladensburg Road, the neighborhood near the US National Arboretum feels like a hidden gem in every sense of the term. It’s surprisingly quiet and green for a neighborhood so close to central DC - something that is a lot harder to find than most out-of-towners realize.

The neighborhood is largely residential, with detached homes, mid-century garden apartments, and a few newer developments. It's less dense than surrounding neighborhoods, making it ideal for those who want space and quiet without leaving the city. While there are no schools within the neighborhood itself, nearby options include Langdon Elementary and several charter schools.

3. Benning

Benning is a close-knit neighborhood located along the eastern side of the Anacostia River. It has a more suburban layout than many DC neighborhoods, with wide streets, green yards, and modest brick homes - mostly single-family or duplexes. This gives it a slower pace, ideal for families or seniors looking for a calm but connected area.

The Benning Road Metro Station offers a convenient lifeline to the rest of the city. You may not feel like you live squarely within the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital, but rest assured you're never more than a quick Metro ride away. Residents can reach Downtown DC in about 20 minutes and the Capitol in just under 15 minutes.

Local schools include Houston Elementary and Kelly Miller Middle, with mixed performance on academic metrics but improving programs. Overall, Benning is known for its affordability, access to transit, and proximity to green space - including nearby Fort Dupont Park. All these things combine to make it a quietly appealing option for those priced out of more central neighborhoods.

4. Mahaning Heights

Mahaning Heights is a lesser-known residential neighborhood located right in the northeastern part of Washington, DC. Though small in size, it’s known for being prized by locals for its relative quiet, low traffic, and affordability compared to better-known areas nearby.

One of its biggest assets is its proximity to Fort Mahan Park, a wooded historical site offering walking trails and a peaceful escape within the city. The neighborhood is adjacent to the Benning Road and Minnesota Avenue Metro stations, which makes commuting into downtown DC a breeze. Even on heavily congested mornings (and anyone who has lived in the area for any appreciable length of time will tell you these are common), it will still only take you between 20 and 25 minutes to get there.

Mahaning Heights tends to attract working-class families, city employees, and retirees who value peace and space. It has minimal through-traffic and limited commercial infrastructure, which gives it a more insular, residential character.

5. Fort Dupont

Named for its sprawling namesake park, Fort Dupont is a scenic and deeply rooted community in Southeast DC. The park itself holds the distinction of being one of the largest in the city. It beautifully offers wooded trails, athletic fields, picnic areas, and the beloved Fort Dupont Summer Concert Series.

Homes in Fort Dupont are predominantly single-family brick houses from the mid-20th century, often well-maintained and with generous yards. You’ll also find townhouses and smaller apartment buildings scattered throughout.

The area is serviced by Benning Road and Capitol Heights Metro stations, placing it about 25 minutes from downtown Washington DC by train. Due to the wildly unpredictable local traffic, especially since much of the federal workforce is now contending with "return to office" mandates five days a week, it will take much longer to get there by car. But above all else, the tight-knit feel and proximity to nature make Fort Dupont a haven for those who want space and affordability.

6. Marshall Heights

As is true with so many other neighborhoods in this part of the country, Marshall Heights has been going through something of a transition over the last decade. It was once known for high vacancy rates and struggling infrastructure. Flash forward to today, and it's attracting new investment and residents drawn by its affordability and access to reliable public transportation. Located in Southeast DC, this hilly area features winding residential streets, wide lawns, and a mix of renovated rowhouses and small apartment buildings.

The housing stock varies widely, with some blocks seeing new construction and others still showing signs of disrepair. Nonetheless, the area’s character is unmistakable: strong community roots, a sense of pride among long-time residents, and a growing base of younger families and singles looking for space and opportunity.

It's also worth noting that the aforementioned Fort Dupont Park is within walking distance, offering access to nature and recreation.

7. Penn Branch

Located near the Maryland border, Penn Branch is a calm, leafy neighborhood defined by its suburban feel and mid-century architecture. Unlike more dense urban areas, Penn Branch is full of detached single-family homes - many of them split-level or ranch-style. This makes it a favorite among families and retirees seeking a quieter life within city limits.

The neighborhood is located along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, one of DC’s major corridors, providing a direct route to Capitol Hill in about 15 minutes by car. Being able to get anywhere in Washington DC in roughly 15 minutes by car is worth the interest in and of itself.

Overall, one might say that the neighborhood feels tucked away, almost suburban, but is just minutes from the vibrancy of downtown. The local shopping plaza and restaurants cater primarily to residents, preserving a community-first tone.

8. Hawthorne

Hawthorne is yet another green and secluded slice of Northwest DC. Bounded by Rock Creek Park and Pinehurst Parkway, Hawthorne is almost entirely residential, with just a handful of local businesses. The streets here are winding and quiet, and the neighborhood lacks sidewalks in many areas, reinforcing its almost rural character.

Homes in Hawthorne tend to be large, detached single-family dwellings on generous lots, many of which date back to the 1950s. It’s an ideal location for those who want privacy, nature, and a strong sense of seclusion while technically remaining within the DC line.

Downtown Washington DC is a 25 to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic, though you can expect that to be on the higher end of the scale. Public transit is limited, especially since there isn't a Metro station within walking distance. The neighborhood is heavily car-dependent. Keep this in mind if you're attempting to move into the area for the purposes of a commute.

9. Fort McNair

Last but not least we arrive at Fort McNair - one of the most unique and secure neighborhoods you're likely to find in or around Washington, DC.

Fort McNair is not your average residential area. Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers near The Wharf and Southwest Waterfront, this neighborhood is anchored by Joint Base Myer - meaning that residential access is limited and mostly reserved for military personnel, contractors, and federal employees. Believe it or not, this is not uncommon for this part of the country.

The presence of the National Defense University and various government facilities creates a highly regulated, security-focused environment. Despite this, Fort McNair enjoys a fantastic location - it's just a short walk from the Waterfront Metro Station which will take you to downtown DC, the National Mall, and Capitol Hill. It's one of the most waterfront-rich areas in the District, with stunning views, running trails, and proximity to The Wharf’s dining and entertainment. You haven't lived until you've seen a concert at The Anthem, which is a relatively new venue in The Wharf.

All told, it’s a unique place to live for those with access, blending history, military tradition, and top-tier convenience.