Columbia Heights, DC Neighborhood Guide

Columbia Heights, DC Neighborhood Guide

Columbia Heights sits in Northwest DC around 14th Street NW, 16th Street NW, and the Columbia Heights Metro station on the Green and Yellow Lines. The neighborhood combines early twentieth century rowhouses with mixed use corridors, daily services, and frequent transit to downtown and across the District.

Fast Facts

• Location: Northwest DC between Mount Pleasant and Adams Morgan to the west and Petworth and Park View to the north and east

• Main Corridors: 14th Street NW for retail and services, 11th Street NW for restaurants, 16th Street NW for north south travel

• Transit: Columbia Heights station on the Green and Yellow Lines, Metrobus routes on 14th Street NW and 16th Street NW, Capital Bikeshare docks along major intersections

• Parks: Meridian Hill Park near 16th Street NW from W Street NW to Euclid Street NW, smaller pocket parks and plazas including the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza at 14th Street NW and Park Road NW

• Housing Types: Brick rowhouses on side streets, condo conversions, newer mid rise and mixed use buildings near the station area

• Notable Destinations: DC USA retail at 14th Street NW and Irving Street NW, neighborhood restaurants on 11th Street NW
  
  

Overview and History

Columbia Heights grew during the streetcar era with a walkable grid and commercial nodes along 14th Street NW and 11th Street NW. Many rowhouses date from the early 1900s and share consistent brick and stone details. In the 2000s the area around the Metro station added mixed use buildings and the DC USA complex, which brought larger format retail and a central plaza used for markets and events.

Lifestyle and Amenities

Dining and Coffee
11th Street NW features a steady cluster of restaurants, cafes, and casual spots. 14th Street NW and Park Road NW add additional choices and seasonal pop ups.

Everyday Errands
DC USA anchors grocery, pharmacy, and home goods. Additional stores, fitness studios, and services line 14th Street NW and adjacent blocks, keeping most errands within a short walk.

Parks and Recreation
Meridian Hill Park provides lawns, terraces, and a historic cascade. Smaller parks and plazas are located throughout the neighborhood, including the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza at 14th Street NW and Park Road NW.

Arts and Community
Murals and community events appear along 14th Street NW, 11th Street NW, and the civic plaza. Local venues post rotating calendars for markets and performances.

Housing and Real Estate Snapshot

Columbia Heights offers a mix of home types that reflect its streetcar era plan and later infill.

• Rowhouses
  Brick and stone facades with bay fronts and front stoops. Some include English basements or lower level accessory spaces subject to District regulations.

• Condominiums
  Conversions of historic buildings and newer mid rise options near the Metro station provide elevator access in select properties, bike storage, and shared rooftop areas where offered.

• Mixed Use Buildings
  Residences above ground floor retail line parts of 14th Street NW, Park Road NW, and Irving Street NW.

If you are deciding between a renovated rowhouse on a side street and a condo near the station area, Roger can help you compare features, fees, and maintenance needs and align options with budget and timing.

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

Transportation and Accessibility

• Metrorail
  Columbia Heights station on the Green and Yellow Lines provides direct service to U Street, Gallery Place, and the Wharf area via L’Enfant Plaza. Walking times vary by address.

• Bus
  Metrobus routes run along 14th Street NW, 16th Street NW, and surrounding avenues with frequent service to downtown and cross town connections.

• Biking
  Capital Bikeshare docks sit along 14th Street NW, 16th Street NW, and at the Metro station. Nearby bike lanes connect to the citywide network.

• Driving and Parking
  16th Street NW and 14th Street NW are primary north south routes. Residential permit parking applies on side streets where posted. Metered spaces line commercial blocks.
  
  

Community Landmarks

• Columbia Heights Civic Plaza at 14th Street NW and Park Road NW

• DC USA retail at 14th Street NW and Irving Street NW

• Meridian Hill Park near 16th Street NW between W Street NW and Euclid Street NW
  
  

FAQs

1. Where is Columbia Heights in DC
   Columbia Heights is in Northwest DC centered on 14th Street NW and 16th Street NW. It sits north of U Street and south of Petworth with Mount Pleasant and Adams Morgan to the west.
   
   
2. What types of homes are common in Columbia Heights
   Expect brick rowhouses on side streets and a mix of condos and apartments near the Metro station and along 14th Street NW, Park Road NW, and Irving Street NW.
   
   
3. How do residents commute from Columbia Heights
   Many use the Green and Yellow Lines at Columbia Heights station, Metrobus on 14th Street NW and 16th Street NW, and Capital Bikeshare for short trips.
   
   
4. What parks are nearby
   Meridian Hill Park is the largest nearby green space. Smaller pocket parks and the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza provide additional outdoor areas.
   
   
5. Where can I run daily errands
   DC USA contains grocery, pharmacy, and home goods. Additional services and restaurants are concentrated along 14th Street NW and 11th Street NW.

Roger Taylor
m: 202.679.1750
[email protected]