DC is no stranger to interesting neighborhood names (NoMa, anyone?), but Foggy Bottom might just be the strangest.

Named for the fog rising from the Potomac River that borders the neighborhood, Foggy Bottom is rich in history and culture, with lots of amenities and interesting neighbors to boot.

The Good

Young and hip with a strong community feel, Foggy Bottom is home to a lot of young professionals and university grads who love the neighborhood for its campus-like atmosphere.

Known primarily for being home to George Washington University, or GWU, the school anchors the neighborhood and characterizes most of the residents and culture of the area.

There’s something to be said for being right on the water. Foggy Bottom, despite its name, is picturesque and green, with its natural scenery focused around the water. Rock Creek Park Trail is a beautiful and connective walkway that shouldn’t be missed for everyone from casual strollers to power hikers.

There’s a thriving arts culture in Foggy Bottom, driven in part by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring art exhibits, multiple stages, and world-class talent, the Center is a centerpiece of the neighborhood open to the public year round.

As a longstanding and highly populated neighborhood, Foggy Bottom has great shopping and eateries, although stores are a little spread out.

There’s always something going on here, and you’ll often see dignitaries and famous visitors in the area. Because of this, and the high security that comes with famous faces, the area is also one of DC’s safest.

Local transportation is top-notch. You can get to almost anywhere in DC from Foggy Bottom with a short trip or two, or even a quick walk. Commuters, new grads, and students will find this a great place to live, work, and learn.

The Bad

The worst there is to be said about Foggy Bottom is probably its car traffic. The neighborhood streets absorb a lot of traffic from Dupont Circle and acts as a throughway for commuters, so getting around by car is difficult.

If its traffic is bad, parking in Foggy Bottom can be impossible. Its few roadside spots are perpetually occupied, and high-density housing like condos don’t always come with parking spots. We’d recommend going carless as much as possible if you’re planning on living here, or ensure you get a parking spot with your property.

Many people think about Foggy Bottom only as a students’ area, but that’s not totally the case. Still, new grads and young people primarily populate the area despite high prices, and so residents should be prepared for the noise that comes with this population.

Because of its highly transient and affluent population, it’s also always busy here. Restaurants have lineups, service can be slow, and Starbucks is always just a touch too crowded.

The Real Estate

With such high rental prices for living in Foggy Bottom, opting to buy makes a lot of sense in this area.

Many young people and students buy in the area for the duration of their time at GWU and beyond since the area has amazing access to most of DC’s employment centers through transit. This includes an incredibly easy walk right to The State Department.

Foggy Bottom’s famous row houses are easily the real estate highlight of the area. Many of these houses have been preserved with historic designations, which means the character and charm of the neighborhood will be preserved.

There are a number of higher-density housing options in the area as well, offering smaller accommodations for cheaper prices than houses and even in comparison to surrounding neighborhoods like Georgetown.

Ultimately, with such easy access to higher education and employment, Foggy Bottom is a great place to invest for passive income or live for convenience and access.

Want to hear why we love Foggy Bottom or learn more about investing in the area? Talk to us! Give us a call at 202.270.1081 or email us at anslie@thestokesgroup.com.