For parents, a major part of choosing a new home is finding out where the best area is to raise a family. While good schools are important, it’s more than just classrooms that contribute to a community. Can you find entertainment? Can you enjoy a bite to eat? How far do I have to go for a grocery run?

Here are some picks for D.C. neighborhoods where you’ll enjoy raising your family.

Glover Park

Photo courtesy of Cactus Cantina

Glover Park is known for how many families are in the area, and it makes sense why they might congregate here. Along with ample residential options, this area is close to two major grocery stores (Safeway and Giant), countless parks, and many family-friendly dining options. You often see adults and their children at Cactus Cantina or grabbing some dinner to go from Rocklands BBQ.  

Even better is its proximity to Georgetown. Buses travel right down Wisconsin Avenue into Georgetown throughout the day, making it easy for parents to have a romantic night out, see a movie, or just slip away for some shopping.

You can find homes in Glover Park with up to eight bedrooms if you need them, and homes for sale have a nice range of price from $189,000 to $1,050,000. 

Palisades

The Palisades neighborhood sits along the C&O Canal as it runs toward Georgetown. The area is slightly set apart from the rest of D.C. and home prices in the area are a bit higher than you might expect for such a reclusive space. But the Palisades aren’t lacking in anything a family might need. MacArthur Boulevard has pharmacies, a Safeway grocery store, and other services. Dining has improved; there are now steakhouses and seafood restaurants where families can enjoy a nice meal.

What attracts most people, however, is likely the Francis Scott Key Elementary School, which, according to UrbanTurf, has been attracting families to the area for decades. It’s one of the highest-rated elementary schools in the district.

Capitol Hill East

Capitol Hill East’s proximity to Downtown D.C. (it’s a short Metro ride away) offers a bit of city living while still being far enough away to find some quiet. This is a great area for families with a creative side, as many artisans set up at Eastern Market and sell their wares. It’s a great place to take the kids for a walk and let them use up some energy.

There is a Safeway and Harris Teeter near Potomac Avenue Metro Station, as well as smaller bodega-style marts in the area. You’ll never want for a new and interesting restaurant to try, or a good cup of coffee either. And we all know parents rely on coffee more than most. While many of the home offerings in the area are condos are rowhomes, this makes it possible to find a range of prices to suit a family’s needs.

Friendship Heights

Friendship Heights is a fun, exciting place for families to call home. There’s easy access to the metro, an AMC Theater, plenty of restaurants to choose from, and ample housing options. You’ll find a good number of single-family homes in Friendship Heights, which can often be something you have to sacrifice for space-saving rowhomes in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Burleith.

After a day of walking in one of the area’s many parks, parents can schedule a babysitter and take to the town. This area tends to be open on the later end, and it’s easy to find a romantic spot to eat outside. With so many perks comes a price, with many homes being listed about the $1 million mark.

Michigan Park

If you’re looking for a better price tag without sacrificing much space, consider Michigan Park. Homes in this area can be spacious. Current listings include up to four bedrooms without costing as much as comparable homes in areas like Friendship Heights.

The area feels both urban and suburban, with tree-lined streets and a close-knit community full of things to do. It’s on the smaller side with around 1,700 houses, most of which are two-story red brick duplexes and triplexes. You won’t much in the way of retail here but the trails, parks, and community activities will keep everyone occupied.