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Columbia Heights Community Guide A lovely, diverse neighborhood with it's own metro station. Easy for walking and biking!

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Updated 4/3/2023

History and Flavor

Initially the home of Columbian University, which is now known as George Washington University, Columbia Heights has it all.

Located in Northwest DC and bordered by Florida Avenue, Quincy Street, 16th Street, and Georgia Avenue, the neighborhood has weathered scores of changes over the decades but is now one of DC’s most desirable and fun neighborhoods.

Whether your taste runs to utilitarian and convenience—think big-box retailers and mainstream entertainment—or the eclectic and sophisticated—ethnic restaurants, dive bars, or excellent coffee shops and bakeries—Columbia Heights has whatever you are looking for.

With its own Metro station, your commute is easy! And with high walkability and bike-ability, you can easily take advantage of all of the amenities of this centrally located neighborhood.

Entertainment

Music & Parks

  • The Wonderland Ballroom– Legendary venue with shows and events ranging from comedy to trivia nights to music.
  • GALA Hispanic Theater– Center produces a wide range of theatrical arts that aim to engage the Latino community.
  • Mexican Cultural Institute– Cultural institute committed to enriching the relationship between Mexico and the United States by sharing Mexico’s vibrant cultural past and present with the local community.
  • Meridian Hill Park– Meridian Hill Park is a structured urban park located in the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Columbia Heights; it also abuts the nearby neighborhood of Adams Morgan. The park was designed and built between 1912 and 1940.
  • Columbia Heights Dog Park– An off-leash dog park.
  • 11th and Monroe St Park– Originally used by streetcars, the site has a playground, seating & tables to play chess & checkers.
  • Girard Street Park– Petite urban park featuring a playground & splash fountain, a basketball court & game tables.

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • 14th Street Farmer’s Market– A quintessential urban farmers market. Located in the heart of the hip U Street Neighborhood, the 14&U FM transforms a boring sidewalk into a lively marketplace Saturdays during the market season.
  • DC USA– DC USA is an 890,000-square-foot retail development in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. A Washington City Paper poll named DC USA the “Best Designed Retail Space” of 2009. 
  • Odd Provisions– A fantastic corner market with items you can’t find anywhere else and a top-notch grab-and-go menu.
  • Lululemon– High-end yoga-focused chain featuring stylish athletic wear & accessories.
  • Meridian Pint– Fans of food and beer will love this great stop. Their extensive happy hour menu is sure to please.
  • Thip Khao– Owner and chef Seng Luangrath bring Lothian cuisine to your plate/bowl when you visit this newer eatery.
  • El Chucho– Creative takes on taqueria fare & margaritas on tap make this tri-level venue a popular stop.

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

Columbia Heights Metro Station– Train

Columbia Rd NW & 16th St NW– Bus stop

U St NW & 13th St NW– Bus stop

Columbia Rd NW & 13th St NW– Bus stop

Median Home Value

$644,000 as of 2023

Renters: 66%

Owners: 34%

Demographics

Population 35,680

Median household income –  $101,000

Median age: 37

Families with children – 14%

High school diploma or equivalent – 14%

College Degree: 73%

35% White

34% African American

22% Hispanic

5% Asian

4% Other

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