For retirees who still like the energy of a real city, parts of D.C. can feel surprisingly safe and livable. The focus here is on neighborhoods where crime trends lower, hospital systems and specialists are close, and daily life revolves around walkable streets, parks, and museums instead of long drives.
This guide highlights the safest places to retire in the District of Columbia so you can see how each area stacks up on crime, weather, and healthcare access before you pick your home base.
Our Top Picks for Retirees
• Cleveland Park for the District's most peaceful retirement, offering the lowest crime rates and direct access to the scenic trails of Rock Creek Park.
• Georgetown for a secure and historic lifestyle where waterfront views meet specialized geriatric care and high-end boutique shopping.
• Foggy Bottom for a safe and intellectually vibrant retirement, providing lifelong learning opportunities at GW University and elite medical facilities.
• Capitol Hill for a protected neighborhood experience near iconic landmarks, featuring walkable local markets and comprehensive memory care services.
• Dupont Circle for a secure and culturally rich urban retreat known for its walkable arts scene and world-class cardiology and orthopedic care.
What Are the Safest Places to Retire in Washington, D.C.?
Georgetown
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.4 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 16.7 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with some summer heat risk due to urban density
Georgetown’s historic charm, scenic river views, and lively streets make it a favorite among retirees seeking a vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle.
The area also faces some extreme weather, particularly heat during peak summer months, where urban areas can trap warmth, intensifying temperatures compared to surrounding suburbs.
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital provides accessible healthcare with specialized services for seniors, including geriatric care and telehealth options for added convenience. Retirees here enjoy access to boutiques, fine dining, and waterfront parks, making it easy to stay engaged and active.
Dupont Circle
- Violent Crime Rate: 3.1 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 20.2 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with heatwaves during summer
Dupont Circle offers a lively atmosphere and is known for its rich arts scene, cafes, and museums, all easily accessible within this highly walkable area.
Extreme heat is a concern during warmer months, especially as urban heat effects can make temperatures in the city higher than nearby rural areas.
Residents have nearby access to
Sibley Memorial Hospital, part of Johns Hopkins Medicine, providing advanced healthcare services, including specialized care in cardiology, orthopedics, and geriatric medicine.
Capitol Hill
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.7 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 17.8 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with some vulnerability to heat and winter snowstorms
Capitol Hill’s historic charm and proximity to iconic landmarks make it a unique retirement option. This area, while susceptible to occasional extreme heat and winter storms, features numerous parks and green spaces, helping mitigate urban warming effects.
The neighborhood is close to
George Washington University Hospital, which offers specialized senior healthcare, including comprehensive wellness programs, outpatient rehab, and memory care services. Retirees here also enjoy easy access to local markets, historical sites, and the vibrant Eastern Market.
Foggy Bottom
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.5 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 18.3 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with extreme heat common in summer
Foggy Bottom is ideal for retirees who enjoy an intellectually stimulating environment. The area is home to
George Washington University, offering public lectures, art exhibitions, and lifelong learning programs.
Summers can bring increased temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, but the neighborhood’s parks and tree-lined streets help moderate these conditions, offering a safer environment during extreme weather days.
GW Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services nearby, including geriatric care and chronic disease management, making it convenient for retirees seeking high-quality healthcare.
Cleveland Park
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.2 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 15.9 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Low, with mild seasonal climate
Cleveland Park combines residential peace with easy access to amenities. This quiet neighborhood offers plenty of green spaces, including Rock Creek Park, which provides miles of trails and outdoor activities. The area is near
MedStar Washington Hospital Center, providing advanced healthcare services such as cardiology, oncology, and geriatric specialties, ensuring that retirees have quality healthcare nearby.
What Are the Best Healthcare Facilities in DC for Seniors?
Washington, D.C., offers world-class healthcare facilities for seniors:
- Georgetown: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital provides specialized geriatric care and telehealth services.
- Dupont Circle: Sibley Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive care, including cardiology and orthopedic services.
- Capitol Hill: George Washington University Hospital provides outpatient rehab and memory care programs.
- Foggy Bottom: GW Hospital offers chronic disease management and geriatric specialties.
- Cleveland Park: MedStar Washington Hospital Center provides cardiology, oncology, and advanced senior care.
Is Washington, D.C. Senior-Friendly and Accessible?
Washington, D.C., actively enhances senior-friendly living through the
Age-Friendly DC Initiative, which focuses on creating accessible, walkable spaces and safe, affordable transit for older adults.
Recognizing that many seniors don’t own cars, DC prioritizes walkable sidewalks, affordable transportation, and safer intersections. The city also supports aging in place through housing near transit and increased amenities like sidewalk seating, public restrooms, and well-lit streets.
And DC’s proximity to leading universities and institutions like
George Washington University and
American University offers opportunities for lifelong learning, making it ideal for intellectually curious retirees.
What Neighborhood Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
Cleveland Park boasts one of the lowest crime rates in DC, with a violent crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000 people. With its quiet, scenic environment and proximity to Rock Creek Park, Cleveland Park offers a perfect blend of safety and accessibility to healthcare and cultural sites, making it a desirable choice for retirees.
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