Blog Posts

🍂 Seasons of Giving: How to Give Back in Columbia Heights This Thanksgiving

As the holiday season approaches, the focus naturally shifts toward gratitude, family, and community. At Park Triangle , we love celebrating our eclectic neighborhood, but we also recognize the importance of supporting our neighbors who may be facing difficult times. If you are looking for meaningful ways to donate your time, resources, or energy around Thanksgiving, there are several wonderful local organizations operating right in our backyard. Consider connecting with these local groups to make an impact this November: Martha’s Table (2375 Elvans Rd SE & Local Hubs): A historic pillar of the D.C. community, Martha's Table works year-round to support strong children, strong families, and strong communities. You can volunteer to help sort food donations, prepare healthy meals, or support their pop-up grocery markets that ensure local families have everything they need for a joyful holiday meal. Thrive DC (1525 Newton St NW): Located right here in Columbia Heights inside the St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church, Thrive DC works to prevent and end homelessness. They host critical holiday food drives, coordinate hot meal services, and accept donations of warm winter clothing, blankets, and non-perishable food supplies throughout November. Bread for the City (1525 7th St NW): Just a short trip down the Green Line, Bread for the City hosts its annual Holiday Helpings program. This initiative provides low-income D.C. residents with a turkey or holiday ham along with a grocery distribution so they can cook a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home with their loved ones. You can donate directly or volunteer at their food pantry hubs. District Cleanups: Keep an eye out for neighborhood-specific park cleanups and mutual aid street sweeps that frequently pop up over holiday weekends. It’s a wonderful, direct way to beautify our shared community spaces alongside fellow residents.

How to Rent an Apartment in DC Before You Move

You can lease a DC-area apartment without visiting in person. Start with video tours, then talk with the leasing team about current availability, and apply online once you've found the right fit. It's how many people moving for a new Capitol Hill job secure an apartment before their first day. Step 1: Narrow your neighborhoods Start with your commute. House office buildings are near Capitol South station, and Senate office buildings are near Union Station. Our Capitol Hill neighborhood guide compares neighborhoods in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, North Bethesda and Fairfax County. Then think about how you want to live, both outside your apartment and inside it. Do you want to walk to restaurants, coffee shops and nightlife after work, or come home to a quieter neighborhood with parks and trails nearby? How close do you want to be to a grocery store, a gym or Dulles Airport for trips home? Inside your apartment, consider how much space you need, whether you want room for a home office or overnight guests, and which features matter most to you, like an in-home washer and dryer, a fitness center or a pet-friendly community. Making a short list of your must-haves now makes it easier to compare apartments quickly once you start touring by video. Step 2: Watch video tours Video tours let you see layouts, finishes and natural light from anywhere: Watch video tours of some of our Washington, DC apartments Watch video tours of some of our Arlington, VA apartments Watch video tours of some of our Alexandria, VA apartments Watch video tours of some of our North Bethesda, MD apartments Watch video tours of some of our affordable housing communities Each video's title includes the community's name. These videos are examples of apartment styles across our portfolio. The specific apartments shown may not be available when you're searching, and you'll find more video tours on each property's website. Step 3: Know what to look for While you watch, pay attention to the details that matter most for your day-to-day life: Layout. Select studios have a separate sleeping area, which keeps your bed out of your living space. Work-from-home space. Select apartments, including some studios, have sunrooms. They're great for a desk, a reading chair, plants or an occasional guest. Building age and size. Our portfolio includes brand-new buildings and established communities, which often have larger floor plans and renovated apartments and shared spaces. Step 4: Ask the leasing team the right questions What's available for my move-in date? What lease terms do you offer? Our market-rate communities offer flexible lease terms that vary by property. Affordable communities offer 12-month leases. Are there any current specials? Select properties may be running them. What's the pet policy? All of our market-rate communities are pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Pet policies at our affordable communities vary by property. What do I need to apply? Step 5: Apply and plan your move-in Once you've chosen an apartment, apply online (as of right now online applications may not be submitted for our affordable housing communities, so please reach out to the Leasing Office) and confirm your move-in date. Book movers early, especially around the holidays and early January. At any of our properties, you can pay rent, and now other bills, on a flexible schedule through the Flex platform , which can help while you wait for your first paycheck. Frequently asked questions Is it ok to rent an apartment sight unseen? Renting directly through a professionally managed community, with video tours and a leasing team you can talk to, makes it far more reliable than responding to an online listing from an unknown individual. Will the apartment in the videos in this blog be the one I get? Not necessarily. The videos are examples, and specific apartments may already be leased. Ask the leasing team which apartments are available for your dates and look for apartment specific video tours on the websites you view. If one isn’t available, ask the property team if you can do a live video tour. How far ahead should I start? If you're starting on the Hill in January, start looking now.

DC vs. Virginia vs. Maryland: Where Should Hill Staff Live?

There's no single best place to live when you work on Capitol Hill. DC gives you the shortest commute and the most walkable nightlife. Northern Virginia offers direct Metro rides from Arlington and Alexandria, often with more space. North Bethesda, Maryland, is a quieter option with a direct Red Line ride to Union Station. Quick comparison Washington, DC Northern Virginia North Bethesda, MD Typical commute Walk to about 25 minutes About 20–30 minutes from Arlington and Alexandria; longer from Fairfax County About 30 minutes to Union Station Best for Short commutes, nightlife, walkability Direct Orange, Silver and Blue Line rides, more space, affordable options Senate staff, a calmer home base Our neighborhoods H Street, Navy Yard, Mt Vernon Triangle, Gallery Place, Columbia Heights Ballston, Courthouse, Carlyle, Braddock, plus affordable communities in Arlington, Falls Church, Tysons, Herndon, Fairfax and Alexandria Grosvenor-Strathmore Living in DC If you want to walk to work and be close to happy hours, receptions and late-night food, DC is hard to beat. From H Street and Navy Yard, many people walk to their office. Apartments in DC's busiest neighborhoods can be smaller, so look for smart layouts, like a studio with a separate sleeping area. Living in Northern Virginia Arlington's Ballston and Courthouse neighborhoods have direct Orange and Silver Line trains to Capitol South. Alexandria's Carlyle and Braddock neighborhoods are about 25 to 30 minutes away. Our established Virginia communities often have larger floor plans and renovated apartments, and select apartments include sunrooms. If you're on an entry-level salary, our affordable (LIHTC) communities in Northern Virginia are also worth a look. Living in Maryland North Bethesda offers a greener, quieter setting near the Music Center at Strathmore. The Red Line runs directly to Union Station, close to the Senate office buildings. It's a good option if you'd like more calm at home. What practical differences should I know about? Car registration. New DC residents have 60 days to register a vehicle with DC DMV . DC DMV also offers reciprocity permits for some people who keep their home-state registration, including members of Congress. Virginia and Maryland set their own rules, so check with their motor vehicle agencies. Taxes. DC, Virginia and Maryland each have their own income tax rules. Where you live can affect what you owe, so check with each jurisdiction's tax office or a tax professional. Parking. If you're bringing a car, ask each community about parking options and costs. Pets. All of our market-rate communities are pet-friendly with no breed restrictions, in DC, Virginia and Maryland. Pet policies at our affordable communities vary by property. Frequently asked questions Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or DC? It depends on the neighborhood and apartment. Compare specific apartments, and remember that our affordable communities in Northern Virginia offer income-restricted options. Make sure to also check for/ask about specials as you might see additional savings that way. Can I live in Virginia and still have a short commute to the Capitol? Yes. Ballston and Courthouse have direct trains to Capitol South in about 20 to 25 minutes. Do you offer flexible leases in all three areas? Our market-rate communities offer flexible lease terms that vary by property. Affordable communities offer 12-month leases. Are there specials? Select properties may be running specials. Check each community's website. Compare apartments Watch video tours of our apartments in DC , Arlington , Alexandria , North Bethesda and our affordable communities . Each video's title includes the community's name. These are examples, and the specific apartments shown may not be available when you're searching. More video tours are on each property's website. Visit our community search page to compare all of our communities in a list or map view.

Moving to DC for a Capitol Hill Job: Apartment Checklist

If you're starting a job on Capitol Hill when the new Congress convenes on January 3, 2027, start your apartment search now. Narrow your neighborhoods first, tour by video, and have your documents ready, so you can apply quickly when the right apartment opens up. November: Pick your neighborhoods Find out where your office will be. House office buildings are closest to Capitol South station. Senate office buildings are closest to Union Station. That one detail can decide which Metro line you want to live on. Set a budget. Entry-level Hill salaries can be modest, so look at both market-rate and affordable options. You may qualify for an affordable (LIHTC) community. Shortlist two or three neighborhoods. Our Capitol Hill neighborhood guide compares commutes in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, North Bethesda and Fairfax County. Late November–early December: Tour from wherever you are Watch video tours. Start with our playlists for DC , Arlington , Alexandria , North Bethesda and our affordable communities . Each video's title includes the community's name. These are examples, and the specific apartments shown may not be available when you're searching. More video tours are on each property's website. Ask the leasing team questions. Ask about current availability, lease terms, move-in dates and any specials. Think about how you'll work from home. Late nights and recess weeks may mean working from your apartment. Select apartments, including some studios, have sunrooms that make a great home office. Select studios also have a separate sleeping area. December: Apply and lock in your move-in date Gather your documents. Have a photo ID, proof of income (such as an offer letter or recent pay stubs) and rental history ready. Ask the leasing team exactly what they need you to provide. Choose a lease term. If your job is tied to a two-year term, flexibility matters. Our market-rate communities offer flexible lease terms that vary by property. Affordable communities offer 12-month leases. Plan for your first paycheck. At any of our properties, you can pay rent, and now other bills, on a flexible schedule through the Flex platform . Schedule your move. Moving trucks and elevator reservations book up fast around the holidays and early January. Check Metro advisories. Planned construction can change train frequency on some lines, so check before your first commute. Late December–January: Move in and settle Bring your pet. All of our market-rate communities are pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Pet policies at our affordable communities vary by property. Get a SmarTrip card or add one to your phone for Metro and bus fares. Update your car registration if you need to. New DC residents have 60 days to register a vehicle with DC DMV . Virginia and Maryland set their own deadlines, so check with their motor vehicle agencies. Do a test commute before your first day. Frequently asked questions When should I start looking for an apartment if I start on the Hill in January? Start in now (November). Many people lease in December for a late-December or early-January move-in. Can I rent an apartment without seeing it in person? Yes. Video tours, live video tours and online applications make it possible to lease before you arrive. Our post on renting before you arrive walks through it. Are there move-in specials? Select properties may be running specials. Check each community's website. Start your search Visit our community search page to browse all of our communities in a list or map view.

Best DC Neighborhoods for a Short Commute to Capitol Hill

The shortest commutes to Capitol Hill from a DC apartment start in H Street and Navy Yard, where many residents walk to work. Gallery Place/Chinatown and Mt Vernon Triangle are a few Metro stops from Union Station, and Columbia Heights is about 20 to 25 minutes away with one transfer. Which Metro stations serve Capitol Hill? Capitol South (Orange, Silver and Blue Lines) and Federal Center SW are closest to the House office buildings. Union Station (Red Line) is closest to the Senate office buildings. Many staffers also walk or bike, especially from neighborhoods within about a mile and a half. Commute comparison Neighborhood Our community Closest Metro Getting to the Hill H Street Corridor 360 H Street Union Station (Red) About 10 minutes on foot to Union Station; roughly 15–20 minutes on foot to Senate offices Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront Meridian on First Navy Yard–Ballpark (Green) Roughly 15–20 minutes on foot to House offices Gallery Place/Chinatown Meridian at Gallery Place Gallery Place (Red, Green, Yellow) Two Red Line stops to Union Station; about 20–25 minutes on foot Mt Vernon Triangle Meridian at Mt Vernon Triangle Mt Vernon Square (Green, Yellow) About a mile to Union Station on foot, or a short ride with a transfer Columbia Heights Park Triangle Columbia Heights (Green, Yellow) About 20–25 minutes with one transfer H Street Corridor: 360 H Street H Street NE is one of the most social neighborhoods near the Hill, with restaurants, bars, live music and a mix of local shops. From 360 H Street, it's about a 10-minute walk to Union Station and a short walk beyond that to the Senate office buildings. Union Station also connects you to Amtrak and MARC trains for trips home. Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront: Meridian on First Navy Yard is built around the Anacostia riverfront, with a waterfront park, Nationals Park, and a long list of restaurants and breweries. Meridian on First is an easy walk to Navy Yard–Ballpark station. Most House staff can walk to work in about 15 to 20 minutes, which makes Navy Yard a favorite for people who'd rather skip Metro on late nights. Gallery Place/Chinatown: Meridian at Gallery Place Gallery Place puts you in the middle of downtown, near Capital One Arena, theaters, Smithsonian museums and plenty of restaurants. Meridian at Gallery Place is within walking distance of one of Metro's busiest hubs. Union Station is two stops away on the Red Line, and three lines meet at the station, so getting around the region is simple. Mt Vernon Triangle: Meridian at Mt Vernon Triangle Mt Vernon Triangle is a newer neighborhood with coffee shops, restaurants and quick access to downtown. Meridian at Mt Vernon Triangle is within walking distance of Mt Vernon Square station. On nice days, the walk to Union Station is about a mile. Columbia Heights: Park Triangle Columbia Heights is diverse and energetic, with big-name shopping, local restaurants and Meridian Hill Park nearby. Park Triangle is right by Columbia Heights station. Take the Green Line to L'Enfant Plaza and transfer to the Orange, Silver or Blue Line for Capitol South, or ride to Gallery Place and take the Red Line to Union Station for the Senate side. Frequently asked questions Can I walk to work on Capitol Hill? From H Street and Navy Yard, many people do. From Gallery Place and Mt Vernon Triangle, the walk is about a mile or a bit more. Which DC neighborhood is best for Senate staff? H Street and Gallery Place are both convenient to Union Station, which is closest to the Senate office buildings. Which DC neighborhood is best for House staff? Navy Yard is a short walk from the House office buildings. Are your DC apartments pet-friendly? Yes. All of our DC communities in this post are pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Do you offer flexible lease terms? Yes. Lease terms vary by property, so check each community's website for current options. Select properties may also be running specials. See the apartments Watch video tours of some of our Washington, DC apartments . Each video's title includes the community's name. These are examples, and the specific apartments shown may not be available when you're searching. You'll find more video tours on each property's website. Visit our community search page for availability, floor plans and contact information for each community. Before you move, check WMATA's service advisories. Planned construction can change train frequency on some lines.

🍹 The 14th & 11th Street Stroll: A Walking Progressive Happy Hour

When you live at Park Triangle , a great night out doesn’t require a rideshare app or a Metro trip. The surrounding streets are packed with exceptional bars, lounges, and hidden gems. Gather a few friends and try this curated, entirely walkable progressive happy hour route that highlights the very best open venues in our community. Stop 1 (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM) – El Chucho - Cocina Superior (3313 11th St NW): Start your afternoon on 11th Street. Their legendary happy hour runs from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (except for Mondays when it runs all night) and features $5 House Margaritas , $3 Tecate Tallboys, and delicious $3 elote to kick off the night with a burst of flavor. Stop 2 (5:15 PM - 6:15 PM) – The Midlands Beer Garden (3333 Georgia Ave NW): Cut across to Georgia Avenue to enjoy one of the neighborhood's best indoor/outdoor spots. Grab a picnic table under the string lights and enjoy a rotating tap list of craft beers, ciders, and local drafts in a highly relaxed environment. Stop 3 (6:30 PM - 7:30 PM) – The Artemis (3605 14th St NW): Head back towards upper 14th Street to dive into a higher-energy venue. The Artemis offers a fantastic late-afternoon setup featuring $5 rail drinks , discounted appetizers, and wall-to-wall screens. Happy Hour specials run until 7:00pm during the week. Final Stop – Hook Hall (3718 Georgia Ave NW): Keep the night going at this multi-faceted neighborhood hub. Whether you sit indoors near the main bar or lounge outside in their massive courtyard space, it's the perfect place to grab a final cocktail and talk late into the night. Remember to check seasonal operating hours directly with each venue before heading out!