Dupont Circle

 

Welcome to Dupont Circle

An elegant and artistic haven.

Dupont Circle was developed during the Gilded Age as a home for Washington’s elite and moneyed class. Stately mansions built around the elegant circle and along Massachusetts Avenue were showpieces for many of the nation’s wealthiest industrialists, earning the stretch the nickname “Millionaires Row.” It became Embassy Row after the stock market crash emptied the mansions and foreign governments moved in. The neighborhood next became a center of the city’s bohemian and alternative scene, and it still knows how to let its hair down today with a mix of popular galleries, restaurants, bars, and clubs. With its leafy streets, numerous green spaces, and stately row homes, Dupont Circle has earned its reputation as the city’s most beautiful neighborhood. Despite a high concentration of embassies and historic mansions, it bucks formality for a more artsy and intellectual sensibility.

What to Expect

Old-world charm with new-world vitality.

The picturesque streets of Dupont Circle exude European charm and display a treasure trove of architectural delights, including Victorian-era row houses, Beaux-Arts mansions, and Romanesque Revival townhomes that line its historic streets. The neighborhood’s tree-lined avenues create a serene, walkable urban oasis, while its vibrant mix of shops, cafés, and cultural institutions ensures a dynamic energy.

 

Dupont Circle serves as one of Washington, D.C.’s most walkable neighborhoods, with a Walk Score of 98, making it easy for residents to navigate their daily lives without a car. Bicyclists enjoy the area’s protected bike lanes along 15th Street NW and M Street NW, making cycling a safe and convenient option for commuting downtown or exploring the city. Public transit is also highly accessible, with the Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red Line) at its core, connecting residents to other parts of D.C. and beyond.

 

While Connecticut Avenue is lined with a mix of national retailers, specialty boutiques, and well-known eateries, P Street, 17th Street, and 18th Street offer a more intimate, local experience with independent restaurants, bars, and shops. The neighborhood’s cultural and intellectual presence is also reflected in landmarks like the Dupont Underground, a former trolley station transformed into an art space, and Embassy Row, where international cultures converge in a beautiful stretch of diplomatic mansions.

The Lifestyle

Effortless living with arts and entertainment at your doorstep.

Dupont Circle is an effortless blend of old-world elegance and contemporary urban living. Residents enjoy an abundance of everyday conveniences, from locally owned markets and bakeries to high-end grocers like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, all within walking distance. Whether grabbing a coffee at Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee or sipping wine at a cozy bistro, the area maintains a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

 

Art and culture thrive in this vibrant neighborhood. First Fridays, a monthly tradition, transforms the area into an open-air art district as galleries welcome visitors for evening exhibitions. Cultural hotspots such as the Phillips Collection, America’s first modern art museum, and the historic Anderson House, home of the Society of the Cincinnati, offer enriching experiences for history and art lovers. The neighborhood also hosts embassy events, literary readings, and film screenings, ensuring that there’s always something happening.

 

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Dupont Circle Park is a favorite meeting place. On weekends, locals gather here for chess matches, outdoor yoga sessions, and impromptu performances. During major sporting events like the World Cup, large crowds come together for public screenings, turning the area into a lively and festive hub.

Unexpected Appeal

European lifestyle in the nation’s capital.

Dupont Circle offers an urban European-inspired lifestyle, where the line between work, leisure, and community seamlessly blends. Sidewalk cafés, pedestrian-friendly streets, and mixed-use spaces create an atmosphere reminiscent of Paris or Barcelona. It’s one of the few places in D.C. where residential and commercial areas coexist harmoniously, making errands and outings an enjoyable part of daily life rather than a chore.

 

Many residents choose to go car-free, relying on the extensive public transit network, Capital Bikeshare stations, and even electric scooters to get around. With the Dupont Circle Metro Station just minutes away and multiple bus routes connecting the neighborhood to other parts of the city, car ownership feels like an unnecessary expense. The ease of transportation, combined with the area’s thriving café culture and vibrant nightlife, makes Dupont Circle an attractive place for young professionals, creatives, and international residents.

You'll Fall in Love With

Browsing the neighborhood’s bookstores and small shops after work.

Dupont Circle is home to independent bookstores, vintage boutiques, and specialty retailers, perfect for leisurely after-work browsing. Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café, a local institution since 1976, offers a literary escape with its cozy reading nooks and late-night dining options.

The Real Estate

The Dining Scene

Parks and Green Spaces

Cultural Landmarks and Institutions

Properties in Dupont Circle