by Rhonda Allen

Created on: December 02, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2009

The Washington DC metro area is divided into more than a handful of neighborhoods, each with it's own atmosphere and attitude that make it unique and important to the structure of the city. Visitors to DC, or those hoping to relocate to one of the District's neighborhoods, should check out each of the neighborhoods and discover the many differences that make each neighborhood special.

The Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington DC is an architectural masterpiece and a global melting pot. By day, Adams Morgan hosts an eclectic mix of international restaurants, stores, and cultural experiences. At night, this neighborhood becomes the center of the DC social scene. Home to more than 40 bars, Adams Morgan has become one of the premiere social destinations for the hip and happening young Washingtonian.

Brightwood, home of Fort Stevens and the Battleground National Cemetery, is a neighborhood grounded deep in our nation's history. This area has seen changes from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and the citizens of Brightwood are dedicated to maintaining their neighborhood's history.

Pierre L'Enfant designed the Capitol Hill neighborhood, which shines with 19th century architecture and elegance. From the Capitol grounds to Union Station, the Capitol Hill neighborhood offers a glimpse into both the history of Washington DC and it's present and future potential.

Downtown DC is the bustling urban neighborhood north of National Mall and between the Capitol and the White House. Downtown DC is home to the International Spy Museum, Ford Theatre, DC's small but busy Chinatown, and the Verizon Center.

Dupont Circle is home to the largest concentration of foreign embassies in Washington DC. This neighborhood is both historical in it's architecture and modern in it's diversity. Residents and businesses in the Dupont Circle neighborhood pride themselves on being unique, diverse, and culturally open-minded.

Georgetown, the neighborhood which was most definitely not named for George Washington, is a beautiful and historic area that was founded in 1751. Georgetown University, Tudor Place, and dozens of wonderful small cafes and restaurants are the bright spots in this neighborhood.

Foggy Bottom was named for the fog that rises from the Potomac River. This neighborhood, stretching all the way down to the Potomac shore, used to be a strong center of industry, but it's now mostly known for it's political landmarks like the Watergate Hotel and it's contributions to the culture of Washington DC. The Kennedy Center, located in this neighborhood, host world renowned artists from all branches of culture and those shows are seen by many of the Washington elite.

The smallest quadrant of the city is home to the Southwest/Waterfront neighborhood. This comparatively tiny area is home to the city's fish market and some of the area's best seafood.

The U Street and Logan Circle neighborhood is the center of Washington DC's African American culture. This neighborhood is hopping with music clubs, a legacy of the birthplace of Duke Ellington, and is also home to the African American Civil War Memorial and Howard University.

Woodley Park is a quiet residential neighborhood that sits to the west of the National Zoo. Home of the Washington National Cathedral and the Hillwood Museum, the Woodley Park neighborhood mixes cafes and boutiques with family homes and historic buildings.

Every neighborhood in Washington DC is a mixture of history and potential. Each is unique and interesting, but at the same time they share a common thread that binds the nation's most influential city into a cohesive whole. The neighborhoods of Washington DC are pieces that, together, form the greater picture of our Nation's Capitol.

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