Capitol Hill, DC Neighborhood Guide

Capitol Hill, DC Neighborhood Guide

Capitol Hill spans parts of Northeast and Southeast DC around the U.S. Capitol. The neighborhood includes 19th and early 20th century rowhouses, mixed use corridors, public markets, parks, and several Metro stations. Residents complete daily errands on foot along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 8th Street SE, and near Eastern Market.

Fast Facts

• Location: NE and SE DC east of the U.S. Capitol

• Main Corridors: Pennsylvania Avenue SE for civic and retail sites, 8th Street SE for dining and services, 7th Street SE and C Street SE around Eastern Market

• Parks: Lincoln Park between East Capitol Street and Massachusetts Avenue NE, Stanton Park near Massachusetts Avenue NE and 6th Street NE

• Housing Types: Brick and stone rowhouses from the 1800s and early 1900s, condo conversions, newer mixed use and mid rise residences near transit and commercial nodes

• Landmarks: U.S. Capitol, Eastern Market, Barracks Row on 8th Street SE, Union Station to the northwest edge

• Transit: Metrorail at Eastern Market and Capitol South on Blue Orange Silver Lines, Union Station on the Red Line, Potomac Avenue and Stadium Armory to the east, frequent Metrobus routes, Capital Bikeshare docks

Overview and History

Capitol Hill developed in the 19th century with a grid of rowhouses close to federal buildings and markets. Eastern Market opened in 1873 and continues to operate with daily vendors and weekend outdoor stalls. The commercial strip on 8th Street SE known as Barracks Row serves restaurants and services near the historic Marine Barracks. Parks such as Lincoln Park and Stanton Park provide open space within the street grid.

Lifestyle and Amenities

Markets and Dining
Eastern Market houses produce, meat, and specialty vendors with additional outdoor markets on weekends. 8th Street SE offers restaurants and cafes, while Pennsylvania Avenue SE includes bakeries, coffee shops, and services.

Everyday Errands
Grocery, pharmacy, hardware, and fitness options are located near Eastern Market, along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, and around Union Station. Many blocks place daily needs within a short walk or bike ride.

Parks and Recreation
Lincoln Park and Stanton Park provide lawns, trees, and walking paths. Additional pocket parks and playgrounds are set within the residential grid. Community centers and libraries nearby post program schedules.

Arts and Community
Regular events and markets occur at Eastern Market and on adjacent plazas. Cultural venues in nearby corridors publish calendars that change by season.

Housing and Real Estate Snapshot

Capitol Hill features a broad mix of home types.

• Rowhouses
  Brick and stone facades with bay fronts, stoops or porches, and rear patios or yards. Many include basements or lower level spaces that may be configured for storage or accessory use subject to District regulations.

• Condominiums and Co ops
  Conversions of historic buildings and newer infill create elevator and walk up options. Common features can include bike rooms and shared outdoor areas where offered.

• Mixed Use and Mid Rise
  Residential levels above ground floor retail appear on 8th Street SE, around Pennsylvania Avenue SE, and near transit hubs such as Eastern Market and Union Station.

If you are deciding between a renovated rowhouse near a park and a low maintenance condo close to transit, Roger can help you compare features, fees, and upkeep and match options to budget and timing.

Ask Roger: What fits my goal in Capitol Hill
Share price range and move timeline to receive a tailored list of active and coming soon homes. Email Roger

Transportation and Accessibility

• Metrorail
  Eastern Market and Capitol South serve the Blue Orange Silver Lines. Union Station on the Red Line sits along the northwest edge. Potomac Avenue and Stadium Armory provide additional Blue Orange Silver access to the east. Walking times vary by address.

• Bus
  Metrobus routes operate along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 8th Street SE, and East Capitol Street with links to downtown and cross town connections.

• Biking
  Capital Bikeshare docks sit near Metro stations and along major corridors. Nearby bike lanes and neighborhood streets connect to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and the National Mall area.

• Driving and Parking
  Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Massachusetts Avenue NE, East Capitol Street, and 8th Street SE provide primary routes. Residential permit parking applies on side streets where posted. Metered spaces line commercial blocks.

Community Landmarks

• Eastern Market on 7th Street SE and C Street SE

• Lincoln Park between East Capitol Street and Massachusetts Avenue NE

• Barracks Row on 8th Street SE

• Union Station along Massachusetts Avenue NE at Columbus Circle

FAQs

1. Where is Capitol Hill in DC
   Capitol Hill is in both NE and SE DC on the east side of the U.S. Capitol. It includes residential blocks of rowhouses and mixed use streets such as Pennsylvania Avenue SE and 8th Street SE. The area extends toward Union Station and the Anacostia River.
   
   
2. What types of homes are common in Capitol Hill
   Housing includes 19th and early 20th century rowhouses, condo and co op conversions, and newer mixed use or mid rise buildings near transit. Many rowhouses have stoops or porches and rear yards, with lower level spaces subject to District rules.
   
   
3. How do residents commute from Capitol Hill
   Many use Eastern Market and Capitol South on the Blue Orange Silver Lines and Union Station on the Red Line. Metrobus runs along major corridors. Capital Bikeshare and bike lanes connect to the National Mall and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.
   
   
4. What parks are nearby
   Lincoln Park and Stanton Park offer lawns and walking paths within the grid. Additional small parks and playgrounds are scattered through the neighborhood. Regional destinations such as the National Mall and the Anacostia riverfront are reachable by bike or transit.
   
   
5. Where can I handle daily errands
   Grocery, pharmacies, hardware, fitness, and services cluster near Eastern Market, along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, and near Union Station. Many errands can be completed within a short walk or a brief ride on Metrobus or Bikeshare.

Roger Taylor
m: 202.679.1750
[email protected]