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Dupont Circle Community Guide Real Estate One of the most popular neighborhoods in Washington DC filled with charm, entertainment and an excellent sense of community.

Updated 3/30/2023

History and Flavor

Dupont Circle Washington DC is the name of an area that encompasses the traffic circle at the center of it all and a park, the surrounding neighborhood, and a historic district. It’s one of the most popular residential areas in Washington DC. 

A great deal of the neighborhood is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Located in what is known as the “Old City” of Washington DC, Dupont Circle was once home to a brickyard and slaughterhouse. The architecture consists of century-old row houses and stately mansions. 

The park within the traffic circle is maintained by the National Park Service. It’s home to the Central Fountain, which has been there since 1964. This fountain is an excellent destination for exercisers, with plenty of benches to take a breather and stone chess tables for those wanting to exercise their minds.  Others flock here to read, listen to music or meet their friends. 

Dozens of bars, restaurants, cafes, museums, and shopping opportunities are waiting to be discovered on Connecticut Ave.  The famous 17th Street stretch is known for its vibrant gay-owned businesses. 

If you love politics and architecture, take a stroll down Embassy Row and then head to one of the many restaurants inspired by cultures abroad. On Sundays, head to the ultra-popular Dupont Circle Farmers Market. 

Entertainment

Music & Parks

  • JoJo Restaurant Bar– Elegant venue offering an American menu & live jazz, blues, funk, soul & R&B nightly.
  • Eighteenth Street Lounge– Converted townhouse serves up cocktails amid antique sofas & candlelight or on the outdoor patio.
  • Public Bar Live– Multilevel bar/lounge/club with dancing, sports on the TVs, American food & a roof deck.
  • Hillyer Art Space Art exhibitions, art classes, poetry readings, curators’ talks, and more.
  • Stead Park– A 1.5-acre municipal park, home of the Stead Recreation Center. Here you’ll find a lighted basketball court, an athletic field with a 60-foot baseball diamond, and a playground.
  • Embassy Row– A walk among a remarkable stretch of homes here in Dupont Circle can be a highlight of time spent in the area. If you’d like a peek inside these stately homes, check out the annual Embassies’ Open House each year in May. The 28 European Union Embassies share their cultural heritage and national traditions with the Washington DC community.
  • S Street Park– This compact, fenced-in dog run is made from artificial turf & features benches for human visitors.

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • Dupont Little Flea Market– A marketplace for vintage and antique housewares, furniture, artwork, jewelry, and more. A rotating roster of an ever-changing selection of high-quality goods at great prices.
  • Secondi Inc– Light-filled consignment shop stocking designer fashions for women plus jewelry, shoes & handbags.
  • Proper Topper Inc– Small boutique offering stylish headwear & women’s fashions, plus accessories, gifts & home decor.
  • Second Story Books- One of the world’s largest used and rare bookstores, so it’s not much of a secret. But what you may not know is that they offer a variety of services for book lovers and collectors beyond just a great place to browse and find a title you love.
  • Del Sur Cafe– Comfy eatery whipping up South American dishes in an airy space that has a bar & a patio.
  • Happy Gyro– American-Mediterranean restaurant serving a fixed-price parade of dishes in an understated setting.
  • Residents Cafe & Bar– Hip spot featuring a global menu with brunch classics, burgers & meat plates, plus wine & cocktails.
  • Bangkok Thai Dining– Dimly lit basement venue serving classic Thai cuisine, including a vegetarian menu & lunch specials.

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

Dupont Circle– Bus stop

Connecticut Ave & Dupont Circle- Bus stop

Georgetown Wisconsin Ave GUTS– Bus stop

AMTRAK 1301 Bataan Rd NW– Train

Median Home Value

$800,000 as of 2023

Renters: 64%

Owners: 36%

Demographics

Population 23,528

Median household income –  $114,343

Median age: 33

Families with children – 6%

High school diploma or equivalent – 3%

College Degree: 95%

72% White

10% Hispanic

8% Asian

7% African American

3% Other

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