The neighborhoods surrounding Howard University are some of the most historic, and most in-demand, in Washington. Classic brick row houses, tree-lined streets and quick access to downtown make the area popular with students, faculty, medical professionals and young families.
The neighborhoods
Pleasant Plains
West of the campus along Georgia Avenue, Pleasant Plains is a residential neighborhood of row houses and small apartment buildings. It's close to Howard University Hospital and the Banneker Recreation Center, and an easy walk to Columbia Heights shopping.
LeDroit Park
Just south and east of campus, LeDroit Park is a designated historic district known for its Victorian-era homes and its deep ties to Howard and to Black history in Washington. Many famous Washingtonians have called it home.
Shaw & U Street
A few blocks further south, Shaw and the U Street corridor bring restaurants, coffee shops, live music venues like the Howard Theatre, and nightlife. Living nearby means all of that is a short walk away, without living right on top of it.
Getting around
- Metro: the Shaw–Howard U and Columbia Heights stations (Green and Yellow lines) are both close, with direct trains to downtown, the Navy Yard and beyond.
- Bus: frequent Metrobus service runs along Georgia Avenue.
- Bike: Capital Bikeshare docks are throughout the area, and the city's growing bike-lane network makes downtown a quick ride.
What to look for in a rental here
Most of the housing is in older row houses, many of them divided into two or more units. They have character, but you should ask the right questions:
- Heating and cooling: is there central air, or window units?
- Laundry: in-unit washer/dryer is a big quality-of-life upgrade in older buildings.
- Utilities: which ones are included? Some leases include water.
- Outdoor space: decks, patios and small yards are common, and valuable.
- Licensing: rental units in DC generally need a Basic Business License, so a professionally managed unit should have one.
Now leasing near Howard: our three-bedroom corner row house on Girard Street NW has an open floor plan, a rear deck, in-unit laundry, central air and custom built-in shelving. See the photos, video tour and details, or explore our renovated two-bedroom on 13th Street NW near U Street.
Know your rights as a DC renter
DC has some of the strongest tenant protections in the country. That includes protection from discrimination based on source of income, which means housing providers must accept housing vouchers and other rental assistance. If you have questions about your rights, the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate is a good free resource.
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