Chaia Tacos – Georgetown

The Place: Chaia Tacos

Where: Grace Street and Wisconsin Avenue NW

Why Live Near Here: You may be vegetarian or vegan, or you might not be, because the tacos here are delicious regardless of which kind of diet you subscribe to. To live near here means that in addition to being super close to the waterfront and all that it has to offer that you can have a healthy-ish non meat-based meal that is both affordable and delicious (and a welcome changeup from the normal salad game) at the drop of a hat.

Dacha Beer Garden

The Place: Dacha Beer Garden

Where: 7th and O Streets NW

Why Live Near Here: Dacha started off as a small corner beer garden with some picnic tables and porta-potties and has since morphed into a bustling beer garden, cafe, and loft event space over the years. There’s something incredible about being able to stop off at a casual and fun outdoor watering hole on your way home from work and not needing to go out of the way, so for those of you who like drinking al fresco throughout the year, living near Dacha is for you.

The Wharf

The Place: The Wharf

Where: Maine Avenue between 7th and 12th Streets SW

Why Live Near Here: It would be hard to find someone who DOESN’T want to live near some nice, calm waters, if we’re being honest (and especially on a day like today). Those who want to live near DC’s SW Waterfront want to live in an area with a storied past and can take in the views whenever they want & can (hopefully) avoid the crowds, but also need to be ready to share it with lots and lots of visitors who come in on nice days to get their dose of fun in the sun.

Washington Harbour

The Place: The Washington Harbour

Where: 30th and K Streets NW

Why Live Near Here: Who doesn’t want to live near a complex where one can dine at some top notch restaurants, drink at some fun outdoor bars, watch rowers skillfully scull past, or (from November to March) go ice skating with a penguin*?

*Ok ok they’re not real penguins but they’re skate aids in the shape of penguins. Still pretty damn cute…

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Place: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Where: 400 Michigan Avenue NE

Why Live Near Here: You don’t necessarily care that this is one of the 10 largest churches in the world, but want to live near this towering beauty that holds an incredible number of art pieces, mosaics, and sculptures that you can take in for free any day of the week.

National Zoo

The Place: The National Zoo

Where: 3001 Connecticut Avenue

Why Live Near Here: You’re likely an animal lover who instead of focusing on the fact that the Zoo houses animals in captivity focuses on and appreciates the Zoo’s efforts and commitments in conservation, eduction, and research. According to their website, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute cares for about 1,800 animals representing 300 species. SCBI scientists study and breed more than 20 species at their headquarters, including those that were once extinct in the wild, like black-footed ferrets and scimitar-horned oryx. Its major research initiatives are organized into six science centers: Conservation Ecology, Conservation and Sustainability, Conservation Genomics, Migratory Birds, and Species Survival. Other initiatives include the Global Tiger Initiative, Virginia Working Landscapes, and the Global Health Program. Their work doesn’t stop at the gates of SCBI. Approximately 250 SCBI scientists and students collaborate with colleagues in more than 25 countries.

Dupont Farmers Market

The Place: Dupont Circle Farmers Market

Where: 20th Street and Massachusetts Avenue NW

Why Live Near Here: You are a human being who eats food and maybe you have a tiny little garden plot or grow some herbs in your window, but you can’t and don’t raise all of the sustenance your body needs. Not only do you not grow and raise your own food because of time and space limitations, but also because that shit is hard! So, living within a quick walk to this all-year farmers market would definitely be a treat especially for those of you who cook and appreciate fresh local goods.

According to The Washington Post, there are a total of 204 farmers markets in the DC Metro area, and this one wasn’t chosen because it is the best, but because it is the one I’m most familiar with, enjoy, and have frequented the longest (fear not, others will be featured in the future!)

Rosedale Conservancy

The Place: Rosedale Conservancy

Where: Cleveland Park: Newark and 35th Streets NW

Why Live Here: There are the obvious reasons, such as the fact that you have a dog who much prefers an open green area to a small DC dog park, or that perhaps you just want some of that natural splendor for yourself. But maybe you want to live around there because you are a person who enjoys visiting places that are referred to in novels and you remember how No Way to Treat a First Lady, the novel by Christopher Buckley which is said to satirize the Monica Lewinsky scandal featured The Rosedale Conservancy.

Glenwood Cemetery

The Place: Glenwood Cemetery

Where: Eckington, surrounded by N. Capital Street NW, LincolnRoad NE & Franklin Street NE

Why Live Here: Because you’re a taphophile, enjoy graving, or maybe are just creepy AF. But really, living near a cemetery doesn’t have to leave one feeling creeped out and instead may give one an opportunity to routinely enjoy some peace, quiet, and reflective time.