You are preparing your next stay in the Capital of the USA and want to know the most dangerous neighborhoods and areas to avoid in Washington DC.
Well here is the 2024 guide which allows you to discover the most dangerous neighborhoods, red light districts and other areas to avoid in Washington DC. It will also help you choose where to stay among the best areas of the city.
This is a summary of information on the security of Washington DC neighborhoods (local press, statistics and global rankings). This is a simple summary of the most recent web data and therefore does not involve any judgment or discrimination.
Washington DC dangerous in 2024?
YES like many other large American cities (Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia ou Atlanta). However, Washington is not among the 10 most dangerous cities in the United States according to the figures on worldpopulationreview or Statistics.
According to the latest update of Numbeo ranking, Washington DC is indeed a dangerous city in 2024. Indeed, it is at the top of the chart of the most criminal cities in North America with a fairly high crime index.
Here is how Washington DC is positioned compared to other Americans on the map of the Numbeo.com site:
And according to the world ranking, if we compare crime rates, in 2024 Washington is more dangerous than European capitals like Athens, Paris, Rome, Berlin ou London.
Washington DC dangerous for tourists?
NOT provided you remain careful and do not go into any neighborhood. It's true that crime in Washington is not directed against tourists except for petty crimes, thefts or scams. In fact, violent crimes are mainly linked to drugs and all the insecurity that they entail: Trafficking, networks, gang warfare, settling of scores.
To form your own opinion on crime in Washington DC, I invite you to consult the official website of the washington police.
Anyway, as in all big cities, tourists should be careful and avoid the reputedly dangerous areas of Washington to choose their accommodation or to walk there at night.
Washington DC neighborhoods map
The District of Columbia has 8 wards with 37 Neighborhood Advisory Commissions (ANC). See full list at Wikipedia.
To identify the neighborhoods to avoid in Washington but also the best ones to stay in, here is a Google map to enlarge to locate them: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MfXEifM6aZuQUw8KA
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Washington DC
According to statistics and rankings according to crime levels, in 2024 the most dangerous neighborhoods in Washington are:
- Deanwood (Ward 7)
- Brentwood (Ward 5)
- Anacostia (Ward 8)
- Columbia Heights (Ward 1)
- U Street Corridor (Ward 1)
- Le Droit Park (Ward 1)
- Shaw in Wards 1 and 2
- South West Bellevue district (Ward 8)
- Stadium Armory area (metro station in southeast Washington, DC)
sources: Areavibes.com, Crimegrade.com, neighborhood scout
Click on the links to have the Google Maps location of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Washington
Other neighborhoods to avoid in Washington DC
Without being really dangerous, here are other neighborhoods to avoid in Washington DC, especially at night:
- The red light districts of Washington Murder Bay, around Saint Catherine Street and in the 14th Street
- Petworth (Ward 4)
- washington highlands (Ward 8)
Best neighborhoods to live in Washington DC
It's complicated to choose the best or most beautiful neighborhood in Washington DC. In fact, apart from the areas we have just mentioned, the federal capital includes many friendly and pleasant neighborhoods to live in. They are all different and have their own identities and characteristics.
However, I will list below the safest and most popular neighborhoods in Washington DC:
- La Jolla
- Point Loma Peninsula
- Pacific beach
- North Park
- Normal Heights
- South Park
- Mission Hills
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- Downtown Washington
- Georgetown
- Capitol Hill
- Logan circle
These neighborhoods have lower per capita crime rates compared to others. But that doesn't mean they're safe. Indeed, they are simply less dangerous than the others.
Best Washington DC Neighborhoods for Tourists
Although all of these neighborhoods are good places to stay, not all of them are very convenient for tourists who want to visit Washington DC.
I therefore share with you the 2 districts most appreciated by tourists:
- downtown washington dc
- Capitol Hill
Downtown Washington DC: Best neighborhood for tourists
Downtown Washington DC is the best area for a first tourist trip. Indeed, it is by staying in this area that you will enjoy the city's emblematic attractions (White House Visitor Center, Smithsonian American Art Museum and Galerie Renwick, the National Geographic Museum, the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Women in the Arts).
Downtown is also home to the best restaurants, upscale bars and grand hotels that cater to wealthy Americans, businessmen, politicians and celebrities.
Here is a hotel that I recommend for its location in downtown Washington DC but also very close to the lively areas of Logan Circle and U Street.
In addition, it is 800 meters from the Metro Center and Mount Vernon Square underground stations: Hotel Morrison Clark Inn
Capitol Hill mythical district of Washington DC
For tourists who want to stay close to the United States Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and many other Capitol Hill attractions, this upscale neighborhood is a must for an upscale stay.
The hotel I recommend below is a 20-minute walk from the US Capitol Visitor Center and very close to the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Gallery of Art and the National Mall: CitizenM Washington DC Capitol
How to visit Washington DC?
Here is a convenient, fast and interesting way to visit the greatest monuments of Washington DC: Guided tour of Washington DC