Moving to DC

Kesher Israel and the Welcoming Committee would like to welcome you to DC! There are a few neighborhoods to consider when planning your move (or visit) and below is the information you’ll need to start your search. Above is a map to show you Kesher’s location, and roughly outlined areas of the most common neighborhoods within our community. Kesher Israel is the star on the map, located at the corner of 28th and N Street, NW, in Georgetown (2801 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007).

Georgetown
Kesher is located in the east side of Georgetown, and there are a range of housing options that span from a few minutes near shul to 30 min+, closer to Georgetown University,  depending on location. There are a variety of things to do in Georgetown (walk along the stores on M st, the Georgetown Waterfront, walk on Key Bride to visit Rosevelt Island, etc.). Though there is not immediate train station within Georgetown, there are number of Metro buses that pass through. There is one main grocery store within Georgetown that houses many kosher options, Safeway (1855 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007), with other close options that are outside Georgetown (Wholefoods, Trader Joes). Some buildings to consider within Georgetown: 2501 Q St Apartments, Highbridge Apartments and Rock Creek Gardens Apartments. We also recommend looking at apartments.com or Zillow.com to find options in Georgetown.

Foggy Bottom
This is a large area, and close to Kesher, with parts ranging from an 10 – 15+ minute walk. Many congregants live in Foggy Bottom, as it is near the metro train (orange, blue and silver line). Within Foggy Bottom there are a couple of grocery stores in the area that also have a number of kosher options, Trader Joe's (1101 25th St NW, Washington, DC 20037) and Wholefoods (2201 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037). This area contains George Washington University, so there are
plenty of options for apartment living (some with companies running the building, and others with individual landlords). A few options that are popular with Kesherites: Claridge House Cooperative, Columbia Plaza, The 925 Apartments, Winston House Apartments, Potomac Plaza, Residences on the Avenue, The Elise, and Atlas Condominiums. We also recommend looking at apartments.com or Zillow.com to find additional options (condos and apartments).

Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle is a great option to be close to transportation (both metro and busess), shopping, and more. Walking from here to Kesher can be 15+ minutes. Within Dupont there is one close grocery store with some kosher items, Safeway (1701 Corcoran St NW, Washington, DC 20009), though some have mentioned that if you were to call ahead of time and ask for kosher meat to be brought, they may be able to have a little delivered to this location for a future grocery trip. Some popular housing options: The Flats at Dupont Circle, Hamilton House Apartments, The Apolline (condos), Westpark Apartments, The Drake Apartments, Gables Dupont Circle, and Bristol House Apartments. We also recommend looking at apartments.com or Zillow.com to find additional options (condos and apartments).

West End
This is smaller area housed between all three locations, so its small but a great area overall! Walking from here to Kesher can range from 8 – 15 minutes. Within West End there is one close ‘store’ (its more a bodega type, but good for last minute shabbat runs or buying groceries from there!), with some kosher options (no meat): Streets Market. Some housing choices: Westbrooke Apartments, WestEnd25 Apartments, West End Residences, Legacy West End, 2400 M St Apartments, The Savoy, and Apartments at Westlight. We also recommend looking at apartments.com or Zillow.com to find additional options (condos and apartments).

There are other places outside of the listed areas, however they are not as common for members, but options to consider. 

• Adams Morgan – this is approximately a 25+ minute walk to Kesher, with limited grocery store options (Streets) and a kosher restaurant (Oh Mama Grill), but generally cheaper rent.
• Logan Circle – this is approximately a 35+ minute walk to Kesher, with limited grocery store options, but generally cheaper rent.
• Rosslyn, VA – this is approximately a 45+ minute walk to Kesher, with generally cheaper apartments that may have larger spaces, BUT it is not within the eruv (it does have its own).

*Of note: Of the listed buildings, these are a few options, and we encourage you to not only do your own search to find others, but look at the ones listed to find the right fit for you because each building and location vary by price, size and amenities. Putting their name in Google should help you find all the information you need! Also rent/availability rises in the summer (peak = March/April – September), outside of this time you may find less expensive options, but also less options generally. Before you begin your housing search, take some time to think about your housing requirements (e.g. roommate living, and if so what level of Kashrut with a roommate, pricing, space, location from work/metro line, pets, etc.). We recommend beginning your housing search (or preliminary search) at least two months before moving to DC. In general, a mixture of internet searches, phone calls, and in-person apartment viewings is the best way to find a place.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you at Kesher soon!