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 major American cities ( Los Angeles , Houston , Chicago , Philadelphia , or Atlanta ). However, Washington is not among the 10 most dangerous cities in the United States according to figures from Worldpopulationreview or Statista.
According to the latest Numbeo ranking update , Washington DC is indeed a dangerous city in 2024. In fact, it is at the top of the list of the most crime-ridden 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 or London.
Washington DC dangerous for tourists?
NO, provided you remain cautious and don't go into just any neighborhood. It's true that crime in Washington isn't directed against tourists, except for petty offenses, theft, or scams. In fact, violent crimes are mostly linked to drugs and all the insecurity they bring: trafficking, networks, gang warfare, and settling of scores.
To form your own opinion about 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 comprises 8 wards with 37 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs). See the complete list on Wikipedia.
To identify neighborhoods to avoid in Washington, D.C., as well as the best places to stay, here's a Google map you can zoom in on 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 , Neighborhoodscout
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.
Furthermore, it is 800 meters from the Metro Center and Mount Vernon Square subway 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's a convenient, quick, and interesting way to visit Washington DC's greatest monuments: Washington DC Guided Tour