NoMa Community Guide A fast growing, vibrant neighborhood that's home to Union Station.

Updated 3/15/2023
History and Flavor
NoMa, short for ‘North of Massachusetts Avenue,’ is a fast-growing neighborhood located on the Northern side of Washington D.C. Primarily an industrial hub, the region is now famous for its Union Market. NoMa is also home to Union Station, D.C., a busy shopping and tourism center. NoMa has become one of the most dynamic and liveliest of neighborhoods in the D.C. area.
NoMa is known for its modern, sleek architecture and is home to many large office buildings, including those occupied by NPR and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is also home to the REI flagship store and the popular Union Market, a food hall featuring various local vendors and artisans.
This is a vibrant and lively D.C. neighborhood that is growing at an exponential rate. It is home to public attractions such as the Angelika theatre, National Postal Museum, the Metropolitan Branch trail, etc.
In addition to its commercial offerings, Noma has become a popular residential neighborhood, with many new apartment buildings and condos attracting young professionals and families. The area is well-connected to public transportation, with several metro stations and bus lines serving the neighborhood.
Overall, NoMa is a vibrant and rapidly developing neighborhood with a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors and residents.
Entertainment
Music & Parks
- 9:30 Club– A nightclub and concert venue in Washington, D.C. In 2018 the 9:30 Club was named one of the ten best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone, and in 2019 the club was named “Venue of the Decade” by VenuesNow.
- DC9 Nightclub– Tri-level hipster hangout with a snug basement bar, music stage with dance parties & rooftop deck.
- The Pocket– Livestreams, private events, you name it, they do it at this intimate high tech, live music venue.
- Black Cat– Multilevel spot serves as a bar & cafe with vegan options & an indie/rock/alternative live-music venue.
- Karma DC Live Music Venue– A truly unique venue. An old warehouse feel with a vast stage and hookah lounge. The ambiance is casual, and the music is always great. This is a cool spot for a night out!
- The Howard Theatre– The Howard Theatre is a historic theater located at 620 T Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. Opened in 1910, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
- Alethia Park– The park features a large lawn, playground, dog park, gardens, a meadow, plaza areas, and a connection to the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
- Swampoodle Park– A great urban park as unique as its name. Every inch of space is planned to maximize community enjoyment, from the 5,000-square-foot dog park to the children’s Walhalla Play structure, neighborhood seating, and landscaping. The park is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
Shopping/Restaurants
Popular Shopping and Eats
- CityCenterDC– A mixed-use development consisting of two condominium buildings, two rental apartment buildings, two office buildings, a luxury hotel, and a public park in downtown Washington, DC. It encompasses 2,000,000 square feet and covers more than five city blocks.
- REI Co-op– Retail chain carrying gear, apparel & footwear for a wide range of outdoor & fitness activities.
- UNIQLO Union Station– Clothing retailer producing a collection of casualwear & accessories for men, women & children.
- The Body Shop– Chain with house-brand bath & body products in various scents, plus fragrances & more.
- Union Market – A vibrant venue nestled around 40 food vendors. This Union Market has it all, from edgy, small restaurants to grocery stores that sell fresh, organic foods.
- Union Station– A famous spot used widely as a hub of transportation in the area and hosts several stores and restaurants.
- Carving Room– The food is delicious, the service is excellent, and the drinks are cold! Be sure to try the hibiscus margaritas.
- Streets Market– Groceries and a hot dinner in one stop. Streets Market has a wide variety of international, organic, and traditional items–and a full bar and restaurant to top it off. The sushi is excellent.
Schools
Best Public High Schools
- Luke C. Moore High School 288 students, 18:1 student-teacher ratio
- Washington Metropolitan High School 136 students, 6:1 student-teacher ratio
Best Public Elementary Schools
- Ludlow Taylor Elementary School 439 students, 11:1 student-teacher ratio
- J.O. Wilson Elementary School 477 students, 11:1 student-teacher ratio
Public Transportation
Buses/Trains
NoMa-Gallaudet U– Train
1275 First Street NE– Train
NoMa Metro– Train
N Capitol St NE & H St NE– Bus stop
Washington Union Station– Transit station
Median Home Value
$752,000 as of 2023
Renters: 38%
Owners: 62%
Demographics
Population 17,954
Median household income – $158,000
Median age: 39
Families with children – 14%
High school diploma or equivalent – 8%
College Degree: 88%
61% White
25% African American
6% Hispanic
5% Asian
3% Other
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