The DC Housing Strategy: Balancing Career & Lifestyle Near Top Washington DC Area Employers

I'm Steve, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, D.C. As a longtime resident of the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia), I can tell you that the job and housing markets in the area are like no place else in the country - seriously. Most regions rise and fall with the national economy, but the DMV operates on its own kind of rhythm, thanks in large part to Uncle Sam.

Typically, the federal government would be considered the ultimate "stable" employer because large federal agencies don't just vanish overnight. That's not necessarily the case anymore, however, and what was once a foregone conclusion has been subject to arguably more uncertainty than anywhere else.

Then, in terms of the housing market, the DMV is a classic case of supply not keeping up with demand. Everyone wants to live near the power centers - places like Capitol Hill, downtown D.C., or even Northern Virginia’s tech corridors. But zoning rules, historic preservation, and slow development makes new inventory difficult to manage. That keeps prices high, even when interest rates go up.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Washington DC

All this is to say that you don't want to just look for a job, OR look for a place to live in the area. You really need to prioritize both for the best possible results. This guide represents my personal experiences over the years, balancing first-hand managing housing and lifestyle with job considerations. With that in mind, here are the top employers in Washington, D.C., and the local neighborhoods that you'll want to check out that they're surrounded by.

1. The United States Federal Government

Despite a fair amount of uncertainty going on in the region right now due to the political climate, the United States Federal Government is still the top employer in Washington. Whether you’re working on Capitol Hill, at a federal agency, or in one of the dozens of satellite offices around D.C. and Maryland, you’re part of the engine that keeps the region running. Working for the federal government often means long hours, high responsibility, and - if we can be perfectly frank for a moment - a need for a place to decompress at the end of the day.

Takoma

One great neighborhood to consider is Takoma, which straddles the D.C./Maryland line. It offers a residential, laid-back atmosphere with charming bungalows, leafy streets, and a growing number of restaurants and small businesses. Plus, the Takoma Metro station puts you on the Red Line, giving you easy access to downtown D.C. and many federal buildings. Even if you don't expressly work in Washington D.C. proper, it's still a great location to make sure you always have something to do on the weekends.

Brookland

Brookland is another solid option for those working for one of the top employers in the area, especially for those working near the Capitol or the NoMa. Known as “Little Rome” because of its many churches and religious institutions, Brookland has transformed in recent years. Now it offers a mix of older homes, newer apartments, and walkable access to restaurants, art spaces, and the Metro’s Red Line.

Buzzard Point

If you're based in Southwest or near the Wharf (which itself has a terrific live music venue called the Anthem that you need to check out the next time your favorite band is in town), Buzzard Point might be worth a look. It’s a fast-growing waterfront area near the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. Still developing, Buzzard Point features sleek new apartments, great views, and proximity to both Navy Yard and L’Enfant Plaza - two hot spots for federal offices.

2. MedStar Health

Another one of the major employers throughout the region is MedStar Health. In fact, it's one of the biggest non-government employers in this part of the country. This is a common theme that you'll see when discussing top employers in this area in particular. Because people are so willing to commute all across the DMV for work, an employer that is primarily located in Maryland could easily be one of the top employers for people working in D.C. who have no interest in being a part of the federal government. It's another one of the qualities that really makes this area so unique.

Petworth

If you’re working near MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Petworth is an excellent neighborhood to consider. It’s close enough to the hospital for a quick commute but has a strong neighborhood identity of its own. Expect front porches, local farmers markets, and a mix of row houses and newer apartment buildings. Georgia Avenue keeps things lively with shops, restaurants, and bus lines.

Glover Park

Those stationed at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital might find Glover Park especially convenient. It’s a residential enclave with a slightly quieter, more suburban feel than nearby Georgetown but still offers great access to Wisconsin Avenue, green spaces like Glover-Archbold Park, and a short commute to the hospital.

Silver Spring

If your MedStar work takes you into Maryland, like at MedStar Montgomery or Good Samaritan, then Silver Spring is absolutely worth exploring. This is a major suburban hub with plenty of apartment options, restaurants, and nightlife, but it also offers easy access to several MedStar locations via car, bus, or Metro. It’s a good fit for those who want urban energy without being downtown.

3. Under Armour

This inclusion on the list is a bit of a technicality since it is based in Baltimore’s Port Covington area, but Under Armour is still a major private-sector employer in the area that has helped establish the entire DMV as a center of innovation and design (and quality athletic wear).

Seriously - ignore what Google Maps tells you. Given the way people commute across the region, Under Armour absolutely makes sense within the context of this list.

Locust Point

In terms of finding a place to live, start with Locust Point. It’s right next door to Under Armour’s campus and feels like a tight-knit, walkable village on the edge of the city. With waterfront parks, industrial-chic lofts, and corner bars that feel like second homes, it’s incredibly convenient and community-focused. To put it another way, it's ideal if you like a modest commute and a neighborly vibe.

Riverside

A little farther north, Riverside offers a similar residential feel but with a bit more buzz. There’s a great park, a central commercial strip on Fort Avenue, and a growing number of terrific restaurants and breweries. It’s still only minutes from the Under Armour campus, and the housing stock includes row homes and modern condos.

4. Johns Hopkins Health System

When it comes to major employers in the Washington area - or anywhere in the country, for that matter - it’s hard to top Johns Hopkins. Yes, it's true that the main locations for both the health system and the university are located in Baltimore. But getting to downtown D.C. is just a quick trip down I-95 (or I-295), to the point where it's not uncommon to find someone who commutes that far on a regular basis.

But between the university and its expansive health system, they collectively employ tens of thousands of people - making it one of the area’s largest private employers. If you're looking to live close to work and still have a great lifestyle, a few neighborhoods really stand out.

Charles Village

Charles Village is a natural fit for those looking for a place to live near a top employer for a wide range of different reasons. For starters, it's very much an academic neighborhood filled with row homes and smaller apartment buildings. The vibe is friendly and energetic, with easy access to both the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus and the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore medical facility.

You can also walk, bike, or hop on the shuttle, and still make it to work in under 15 minutes. Rent-wise, one-bedrooms average around $1,300 and two-bedrooms come in at around $1,600. If you’re open to a studio or a shared row house, you’ll likely find options starting closer to $1,000.

Mount Vernon

Another strong option is Mount Vernon. It’s a little more elegant and historic - think museums, beautiful architecture, and lots of arts and culture. Any time this part of the area is depicted in films or television shows, it's usually Mount Vernon that they're showing off because of its unique look and feel.

This is a favorite area for professionals who want something a bit more refined while still being just a 10-minute drive or a short transit ride from the medical campus. And again, because of the highway system in the area, you're very easily connected to not only Washington, D.C. but also Northern Virginia as well.

Fells Point

Last but not least, we arrive at Fells Point. If you want to be by the water, surrounded by cobblestone streets, trendy restaurants, and lively nightlife, this one’s for you.

It’s only about 10 to 15 minutes away from the Johns Hopkins campuses, but it feels like its own world. Truly, there are many blocks that still resemble what you'd see in a history book on the topic of architecture in the early days of the country. Perfect if you like a bit more buzz and character where you live.

If you’re deciding between these three, it really comes down to lifestyle. Charles Village offers the most convenience and affordability. Mount Vernon is more cultured and historic. And Fells Point is the place to be if you love waterfront views and a vibrant social scene.

5. University of Maryland Medical System

Finally, no list of the top employers in the Washington area would be complete without mentioning the University of Maryland Medical System - otherwise known as UMMS for short. With nearly 30,000 employees and over 4,000 physicians spread across hospitals, clinics, and care centers throughout the state, UMMS is a massive force in Washington and Maryland’s healthcare landscape. If you’re working at or near the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, or at one of the nearby campuses, there are several neighborhoods that strike the right balance between location, livability, and lifestyle.

Ridgely's Delight

One of the best places to start your search is Ridgely’s Delight. It’s a charming pocket neighborhood tucked just west of the Inner Harbor and directly adjacent to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you want to walk to work in under 10 minutes, this is one of your best bets. The neighborhood feels cozy and community-oriented, with brick row houses, quiet streets, and a down-to-earth vibe that still puts you close to downtown. You’ll find a mix of longtime residents and med students or hospital employees, which makes for a friendly, walkable atmosphere.

Otterbein

Just a few blocks east, Otterbein offers a more upscale, residential feel with tree-lined streets and tidy red-brick homes. It’s ideal if you want to live somewhere quiet but still be just a short walk or bike ride away from UMMS facilities. Otterbein has a polished, tucked-away quality that feels worlds apart from the bustle of downtown, even though it’s right next door.

Pigtown/Washington Village

If you’re looking for more space or a stronger residential vibe, but at the same time you still want to stay close, Pigtown (also more formally known as Washington Village but almost never referred to that way) could be a great fit.

It’s a few minutes southwest of the medical campus and offers a mix of affordable row houses and updated townhomes. This area has been seeing steady revitalization, with new coffee shops, breweries, and green spaces popping up alongside longtime community fixtures. It’s a bit grittier than Otterbein or Ridgely’s Delight, but it also gives you more value for your rent.

At the end of the day, living in the DMV has a lot going for it - historic charm, career opportunities, vibrant neighborhoods, and a mix of city energy and green space you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re lucky enough to work for one of the region’s top employers, it makes sense to find a home that makes your life easier and more enjoyable.

Whether you're looking for walkable streets, a quick commute to and from the office, a thriving social scene, or just a quiet place to recharge after a long day, the good news is you’ve got options. And not just one or two - as you can see from the list above, there are many neighborhoods across the area that offer a great balance of convenience, affordability, and quality of life. So take the time to find the right fit. Your job might bring you here, but the right neighborhood can definitely make you want to stay.

Feel free to reach out to us today to find out more about some of the top employers in and around the storied Washington, D.C. area, and where you should think about living once you arrive for your first day on the job.