Southwest

Overview

Southwest DC makes up the smallest quadrant of DC. It is comprised of the smaller enclaves of Federal Center, Waterfront, East and West Potomac Park, and Bellevue. Southwest includes Washington's marina and waterfront, tidal basin, and several monuments and museums.

Federal Center is the area between the National Mall and Interstate 395. This area is comprised of several Smithsonian Museums, US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Executive Branch offices including the Department of Energy and Department of Transportation, and the House office buildings.

The Waterfront is the area located between Interstate 395 and the Potomac. This is one of two residential areas in Southwest. Although only comprising a few blocks, it draws many residents and tourists alike down to the waterfront and Washington Marina for boat tours, restaurants and scenic walks along the river.

East and West Potomac Park is comprised of two national parks. One is the area surrounding the tidal basin and Jefferson and FDR Memorials and the other includes the Lincoln Memorial and WWII Memorial.

Bellevue is the second of the two residential areas in Southwest. It is also the only one that although is geographically in Southwest, is located a significant distance away across the Anacostia River. More similar to the adjacent neighborhoods in Southeast DC, Bellevue is home to many residents that work at either Bolling Air Force Base located inside DC and just to the North, or Andrews Air Force Base located a few miles to the Southeast in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

Housing

The only residential areas of Southwest are Waterfront and Bellevue. Waterfront is comprised of many condos and refurbished row houses. Rental units in this area are limited. Bellevue offers a few more rental options, although it is significantly further from Downtown, DC. It is similar to its adjacent neighborhoods in Southeast, DC, such as Congress Heights. Most residents living in this area either work for the Department of Defense at one of the nearby military bases (Bolling or Andrews), in Southeast, DC, or in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

Below are several featured buildings in this neighborhood for consideration. Be sure to check with each apartments' property management company for more information, availability, and current prices. And don't be afraid to contact them! Most renters need to give 30-60 days moving notice. If you know you're moving in the next few months, have them keep track of apartments coming available for you.

Roommates In Southwest

Know that you want to live in Southwest then check out some of the rental and roommate postings below. Want to create a posting? Click here!

Points of Interest

• National Mall
• Smithsonian Institution
• Tidal Basin Cherry Blossom Festival
• The Awakening at Haynes Point
• Washington Marina

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Historical Information

Want to learn more about the history of Southwest and its enclaves? Check out the articles on:
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Transportation

Southwest, DC is connected by the metro hub of L'Enfant Plaza that connects the Yellow and Green Lines with the Blue and Orange Lines and Southwest Waterfront Metro Station on the Green Line.

Be sure to check out all the transportation and parking options in Foggy Bottom/West End.