Best Places to Retire in Washington DC

The nation’s capital city, Washington D.C., has more to offer than political arenas and iconic landmarks. For hundreds of years, residents have called the world-famous city home. And the network of waterways offers a unique travel option: water transportation. In addition to historical sites and a sprinkling of exquisite 18 and 19^th century architecture, the town hums with cultural activities, bountiful boutiques, and delicious eateries. To help you make an informed decision about where to live, we have compiled a list of the top cities for retirees in Washington DC

1. Bloomingdale

Percentage of population over 65: 5%

Number of physicians per capita: 166

Violent crimes per capita: 9.5%

Nonviolent crimes per capita: 13.8%

The small residential community of Bloomingdale is a hidden gem that’s two miles from the heart of DC and its celebrated memorials and monuments. If Victorian rowhomes sound appealing, check out this community. When your taste buds crave a new treat, you will most likely find a can’t-beat restaurant around the corner. Meet some friends there or make new ones and indulge in comfort food and great conversation.

2. Washington

Percentage of population over 65: 12.2
Number of physicians per capita: 410
Violent crimes per capita: 9.84%
Nonviolent crimes per capita: 41.35%

Washingtonians will tell you that each residential section has a distinct atmosphere. One of Washington’s annual crowd-pleasers is the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Since Mother Nature determines the time for the blossoms to unveil their beauty, the festival may or may not happen concurrently. Keeping active is something that many retirees aspire to do, especially if they can join others. The Department of Parks and Recreation Senior Services Division can help you get started on the right foot, as it has several recreation centers and aquatic facilities scattered across the city.

3. Adams Morgan

Percentage of population over 65: 8.6%
Number of physicians per capita: 71
Violent crimes per capita:
Nonviolent crimes per capita: 63.3%

Adams Morgan occupies a small slice – less than five square miles – of the DC pie but what it has, it offers in full force. If you want to cozy up in your favorite chair but lack something intriguing to read, head to Idle Time Books and pick up a slightly used book. Before heading home, drop in at the Tryst coffeehouse and order a steaming-hot drink to go.

4. Shaw

Percentage of population over 65: 7.4%
Number of physicians per capita: 64
Violent crimes per capita:
Nonviolent crimes per capita: 56.2%

Shaw is a compact suburb north of Washington DC and is often referred to by residents as a walker’s paradise. Once known as Black Broadway, Shaw’s roots in jazz, rock, and the blues run deep. Outside the historic Howard Theater is a statue of the legendary musician, Duke Wellington, who delighted patrons each time he played here. If you are a fan of independent movie productions, you can catch a screening at the Atlantic Plumbing Cinema. At the southern edge of Shaw lies the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, which hosts events year-round.

5. Chevy Chase

Percentage of population over 65: 18.9%
Number of physicians per capita: 506
Violent crimes per capita: 9.84%
Nonviolent crimes per capita: 41.35%

If you close your eyes in Chevy Chase, you may be whisked back to the early 1900s; you’d no doubt see a mental image of an electric streetcar passing down Connecticut Avenue. While much has changed since that era, the charm of residential and commercial life still exists. The community is encompassed by majestic, mature trees and often rises to the top of the best place to live lists. Whenever the mood strikes and you desire a retreat to an oasis in the city, you will have three parks in your vicinity to choose from: Rock Creek Park, Lafayette Square, and Livingston. If retiring in Chevy Chase is on your bucket list, you will discover that no two days ever need to be the same.

Kathy Pierce

Kathy Pierce is a freelance writer and editor based in Houston who has amassed an extensive portfolio. Her articles have been published in Woman’s Day, Forbes, Huffington Post, Yahoo Finance, Guideposts, and many other national Christian magazines. Further, she has written content for the University of Notre Dame and edited a Wall Street Journal bestseller. Kathy is also a contract writer for Deloitte. When she’s not writing or editing, she enjoys spending time with her biological family and her church family.