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.
You can live in Alexandria and reach Capitol Hill in about 25 to 30 minutes by Metro. From Eisenhower Avenue or Braddock Road station, take the Yellow Line across the Potomac to L'Enfant Plaza and transfer for Capitol South. From Braddock Road, you can also ride the Blue Line straight to Capitol South with no transfer.
Why Alexandria?
Alexandria gives you historic charm, a walkable waterfront and Old Town's restaurants and shops, all within a reasonable commute of the Capitol. Many of our Alexandria communities are newer buildings right next to Metro.
Commute comparison
Neighborhood
Our communities
Closest Metro
Getting to Capitol South
Braddock
Meridian at Braddock Station
Braddock Road (Blue, Yellow)
About 25 minutes via Yellow plus one transfer, or a direct Blue Line ride
Carlyle/Eisenhower
Meridian 2250 at Eisenhower Station, Carlyle Place, Parc Meridian at Eisenhower Station, Meridian at Eisenhower Station
Eisenhower Avenue (Yellow)
About 30 minutes with one transfer
Route 1 corridor (affordable)
Creekside Village Apartments
Local bus to Metro
Bus plus Metro; time varies
Carlyle/Eisenhower: four communities near one Metro stop
Carlyle is a polished, walkable neighborhood just south of Old Town, with restaurants, a movie theater and a quick walk to King Street. Meridian 2250 at Eisenhower Station , Carlyle Place , Parc Meridian at Eisenhower Station and Meridian at Eisenhower Station are all easily walkable to Eisenhower Avenue station. With four communities close together, you'll have more choices of floor plan, building style and price.
Braddock: Meridian at Braddock Station
The Braddock Road neighborhood sits on the north edge of Old Town, close to King Street's shops and restaurants and the Mount Vernon Trail. Meridian at Braddock Station is easily walkable to Braddock Road station. Because the station serves both the Blue and Yellow Lines, you can choose a one-seat ride on the Blue Line or a quicker trip on the Yellow Line with a transfer.
Route 1: Creekside Village Apartments (affordable)
Creekside Village Apartments is an affordable (LIHTC) community off Route 1, on local bus routes. Depending on availability, apartments are offered at 60% and 70% of Area Median Income. Income requirements are on the property's website, or you can contact the property directly. The community is pet-friendly with no breed restrictions and offers 12-month leases.
What's the apartment mix like?
Our Alexandria portfolio includes newer buildings and more established communities, which often have larger floor plans along with renovated apartments and shared spaces. Select apartments, including some studios, have sunrooms, a great spot for a desk, plants or a reading chair. Select studios also have a separate sleeping area.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the commute from Alexandria to Capitol Hill? From Eisenhower Avenue or Braddock Road station, expect about 25 to 30 minutes to Capitol South.
Is there a direct train from Alexandria to the Capitol? Yes. Blue Line trains from Braddock Road run directly to Capitol South. The Yellow Line with a transfer at L'Enfant Plaza is often faster.
Are your Alexandria apartments pet-friendly? Yes. All of the communities in this post are pet-friendly with no breed restrictions.
Do you offer flexible lease terms? Our market-rate communities offer flexible lease terms that vary by property. Creekside Village offers 12-month leases.
Can I pay rent on a flexible schedule? Yes, through the Flex platform , which now covers other bills too.
Are there specials right now? Select properties may be running specials. Check each community's website.
See the apartments
Watch video tours of some of our Alexandria, VA apartments , or watch video tours of some of our affordable housing 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 communities in a list or map view.
If you're starting a job on Capitol Hill, the best neighborhoods are the ones with an easy Metro ride or walk to the Capitol. In DC, that means H Street, Navy Yard, Mt Vernon Triangle, Gallery Place/Chinatown and Columbia Heights. In Virginia, Ballston, Courthouse and East Falls Church sit on the Orange and Silver Lines with direct trains to Capitol South, while Alexandria's Carlyle and Braddock neighborhoods are one quick transfer away. In Maryland, North Bethesda's Grosvenor-Strathmore area is on the Red Line, a direct ride to Union Station.
This guide walks through each neighborhood's commute, its vibe and the apartments we offer there.
Do I want to be near the House side or the Senate side?
It helps to know where your office will be before you choose a neighborhood. House office buildings sit on the south side of the Capitol, closest to the Capitol South and Federal Center SW Metro stations. Senate office buildings sit on the north side, a short walk from Union Station. Picking a home on the right Metro line can save you a transfer every day.
Washington, DC neighborhoods
H Street Corridor (360 H Street). H Street NE is known for its restaurants, bars and music venues, and it's one of the closest neighborhoods to the Hill. 360 H Street is about a 10-minute walk to Union Station and roughly 15 to 20 minutes on foot to the Senate office buildings. Many residents can skip Metro entirely.
Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront (Meridian on First). Navy Yard has a waterfront park, Nationals Park and a busy dining scene. Meridian on First is an easy walk to the Navy Yard–Ballpark Metro station, and the House office buildings are about a 15- to 20-minute walk north.
Mt Vernon Triangle ( Meridian at Mt Vernon Triangle ). This newer neighborhood is full of restaurants and coffee shops, a short walk from the convention center and downtown. Mt Vernon Square station is on the Green and Yellow Lines, and Union Station is about a mile away.
Gallery Place/Chinatown ( Meridian at Gallery Place ). This is the heart of downtown, with the Capital One Arena, theaters, museums and nightlife nearby. Gallery Place is a hub for the Red, Green and Yellow Lines, and Union Station is just two stops away on the Red Line.
Columbia Heights ( Park Triangle ). Columbia Heights is lively and diverse, with big-box shopping, local restaurants and easy access to Meridian Hill Park. Park Triangle is right by Columbia Heights station on the Green and Yellow Lines, a ride of roughly 20 to 25 minutes to the Capitol with one transfer.
Arlington, VA neighborhoods
Ballston ( Meridian at Ballston Commons , Madison at Ballston Station , Ballston Park ). Ballston combines a walkable downtown with restaurants, a food hall, fitness studios and the Ballston Quarter shops. All three communities are walkable to the Ballston or Virginia Square Metro stations. Orange and Silver Line trains run directly to Capitol South in about 25 minutes, with no transfer.
Courthouse ( Meridian at Courthouse Commons ). Courthouse is a quieter, residential corner of the Orange Line corridor, close to the restaurants of Clarendon and the trails along the Potomac. Courthouse station has direct Orange and Silver Line trains to Capitol South in about 20 minutes.
Alexandria, VA neighborhoods
Carlyle/Eisenhower ( Meridian 2250 at Eisenhower Station , Carlyle Place , Parc Meridian at Eisenhower Station , Meridian at Eisenhower Station ). Carlyle is a polished, walkable neighborhood near Old Town, with restaurants, a movie theater and the Alexandria waterfront nearby. All four communities are an easy walk to Eisenhower Avenue station on the Yellow Line. Take the Yellow Line to L'Enfant Plaza and transfer for a total trip of about 30 minutes to Capitol South.
Braddock ( Meridian at Braddock Station ). The Braddock Road area sits on the edge of Old Town, close to King Street's shops and restaurants. Braddock Road station is on both the Blue and Yellow Lines, so you can ride the Blue Line straight to Capitol South or take the Yellow Line and transfer at L'Enfant Plaza.
North Bethesda, MD
Grosvenor-Strathmore (Meridian at Grosvenor Station). This neighborhood sits beside the Music Center at Strathmore and Bethesda's shopping and dining. Meridian at Grosvenor Station is easily walkable to Grosvenor-Strathmore station. Red Line trains run directly to Union Station in about 30 minutes, which is especially convenient for Senate staff.
Affordable apartment options in Northern Virginia
If you're starting on an entry-level salary, you may qualify for one of our affordable (LIHTC) communities. Depending on the property and current availability, these communities offer apartments at 50%, 60% and 70% of Area Median Income. Income requirements are listed on each property's website, or you can contact the property directly.
East Falls Apartments in Falls Church, close to East Falls Church Metro on the Orange and Silver Lines. Pet-friendly with no breed restrictions.
Quebec Apartments in Arlington, with a bus stop right outside that connects to the Pentagon, Pentagon City and Ballston Metro stations. No pets.
Indigo at McLean Station in Tysons, a brand-new community 0.3 miles from McLean Metro on the Silver Line. Pet-friendly with no breed restrictions.
Residences at Government Center in Fairfax, on local bus routes. Pet-friendly with no breed restrictions, limited to one pet.
Ovation at Arrowbrook in Herndon, not far from Innovation Center Metro on the Silver Line. Pet-friendly with no breed restrictions.
Creekside Village Apartments in Alexandria, off Route 1 and on local bus routes. Pet-friendly with no breed restrictions.
Affordable communities offer 12-month leases.
What kinds of apartments are available?
Our portfolio mixes brand-new buildings with more established communities. The established buildings often have larger floor plans, along with renovated apartments and shared spaces.
Select apartments, including some studios, have sunrooms. A sunroom works well as a home office for late session nights, a reading nook, a spot for plants or a place for a guest to crash. Select studios also have a separate sleeping area, so your bed isn't in the middle of your living room when friends come over.
Are your apartments pet-friendly?
Yes. All of our market-rate communities in this guide are pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Pet policies at our affordable communities vary by property, as noted above.
Can I get a short-term lease?
Our market-rate communities offer flexible lease terms, which vary by property. That flexibility can help if your job is tied to a two-year term. Check each property's website for current options. Our affordable communities offer 12-month leases.
Can I pay rent on a flexible schedule?
Yes. At any of our properties, you can pay rent, and now other bills, on a flexible schedule through the Flex platform . That can help in your first months while you wait for that first paycheck.
Can I virtually tour apartments before I move?
Yes. Watch video tours of apartments across our portfolio:
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 Washington, DC 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 name of the community. 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. Appointments for Live Video Tours may also be scheduled.
Frequently asked questions
What's the closest neighborhood to Capitol Hill? H Street and Navy Yard are both within walking distance of Congressional office buildings. H Street is closer to the Senate side, and Navy Yard is closer to the House side.
Where can I live in Virginia with no Metro transfer to the Capitol? Ballston, Courthouse and East Falls Church are on the Orange and Silver Lines, which run directly to Capitol South. In Alexandria, Braddock Road station is on the Blue Line, which also runs to Capitol South.
Is Maryland a good option for Hill staff? Yes, especially for Senate staff. North Bethesda is on the Red Line, a direct ride to Union Station.
Are there move-in specials right now? Select properties may be running specials. Check individual property websites for current offers.
Find your next apartment
Visit our community search page to browse every property in a list or map view, see current availability and find more video tours.
At Meridian at Eisenhower Station, we love celebrating the fantastic independent businesses that give our neighborhood its rich flavor profile. When it comes to world-class dining that feels like a cozy neighborhood secret, nothing beats our featured Local Love spotlight: Ichiban Izakaya .
Located just steps down Eisenhower Avenue, this incredible Japanese pub (izakaya) is the perfect antidote to a busy work week. Step through the doors and leave the corporate bustle behind. The interior boasts a beautifully quiet, and highly ambient atmosphere that immediately helps you unwind. Whether you sit at the sushi bar or grab a cozy dining table, the environment feels intimate yet incredibly welcoming.
Plus, because all apartments at Meridian at Eisenhower Station are now newly renovated , you can finish an amazing evening of premium dining and stroll back to a beautifully updated home featuring stainless steel appliances, wood-style flooring, and contemporary lighting.
What makes Ichiban Izakaya an absolute neighborhood must-visit?
The Authentic Izakaya Menu : Forget standard takeout sushi. An izakaya is designed around small plates, savory comfort food, and socializing. Indulge in hot, steaming bowls of rich ramen, crispy gyoza, savory yakitori skewers, and masterfully sliced fresh sashimi.
Premium Sake & Drink Pairings : Sip your way through an impressive, curated menu of premium Japanese sake, cold draft beers, and specialty drinks that pair perfectly with their savory dishes.
A True Community Anchor : The customer service here is legendary. The owner frequently steps out to personally greet regulars and neighbors, making you feel like a valued part of the local community from your very first visit.
It is the ultimate spot for a relaxed date night, a casual happy hour with coworkers, or a late-night bite to wind down your Friday evening completely on foot.
Whether you are heading into a corporate office in downtown Washington D.C., commuting to local federal centers, or jetting off for a weekend getaway, transit convenience is the absolute foundation of luxury urban living. At Meridian at Eisenhower Station, your daily commute is transformed from a stressful chore into a seamless breeze. Thanks to an unparalleled multimodal transport network surrounding our newly renovated homes, you can conquer your travel plans by foot, train, car, or bike.
🚇 The Metro is Across the Street : Say goodbye to traffic delays. The Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station (Yellow Line) is situated directly across the street from our community lobby! Step outside and catch a direct train to Amazon's HQ2, the Pentagon, or downtown D.C. in just minutes.
🚗 Ultimate Access for Drivers : If your commute requires a car, you will love our controlled-access underground parking garage . Even better? The I-495 Capital Beltway ramp is located right around the corner, letting you hop onto major regional highways instantly.
🚶 Walk to Top Neighborhood Hubs : Skip vehicles altogether. Our property boasts an enviable walkability index, placing major employers right in your backyard. You can easily walk to work at the National Science Foundation (NSF) , the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) , or regional HUD offices in less than 10 minutes.
🚲 Biking & Scootering Networks : For cyclists, we provide dedicated bike storage space on-site. Don’t own a bike? No problem. A convenient Capital Bikeshare Station: Eisenhower Ave & Mill Race Ln sits right on our block, letting you rent an electric or traditional pedal bike instantly via your smartphone app. Smooth scooter paths link you directly to the rest of the Carlyle district!
Living a healthy, active lifestyle shouldn't feel like a chore. At Meridian at Eisenhower Station, we have designed our community to make fitness completely seamless. Whether you prefer high-intensity group workouts, peaceful outdoor runs, or a classic solo lifting session, everything you need to break a sweat is right at your fingertips.
Plus, because all apartments at Meridian at Eisenhower Station are now newly renovated , you can finish a killer workout and head back to a beautifully updated home.
Here is your ultimate guide to fitness opportunities on and around the property:
🏋️ 1. On-Site Fitness Center
Skip the monthly gym membership fees and the rainy morning commutes. Our on-site fitness center is set with the equipment you’ll need. You will find cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and a dedicated free-weight area perfect for targeting any fitness goal on your own schedule.
🍊 2. Orangetheory Fitness—Right Downstairs!
If you thrive on the energy of group fitness and heart-rate-zone tracking, you are in luck. A premier Orangetheory Fitness Studio is located directly in the ground-floor retail space of our building ! You can walk out of your apartment door, take the elevator down, and instantly jump into a world-class HIIT class without leaving Meridian at Eisenhower Station.
🧘 3. Dynamic Local Workout Studios Nearby
The Eisenhower and Carlyle corridors are a true hub for boutique wellness, giving you elite group fitness variety right down the street. Here are a couple of examples:
YogaSix South Alexandria (Mandeville Lane) : Located just a few blocks away, this beautiful, modern studio offers an empowering, full-sensory yoga experience. Whether you want a deeply relaxing, hot deep-stretch class to recover from a long week or a high-energy sculpt flow class paired with hand weights, they have a diverse weekly schedule designed for all experience levels.
F45 Training (Old Town Alexandria) : Located a quick jog away, this high-energy studio specializes in fast-paced, 45-minute functional group fitness classes alternating between cardio and strength days.
🏃 4. Outdoor Running Trails & Scenic Parks
Prefer to take your cardio outdoors into the fresh air? Step directly onto local running paths. You can easily map out a scenic route along Holmes Run Trail or the Eisenhower Avenue paved pathways . For a change of pace, jog over to the peaceful paths at the African American Heritage Park or cross the street to use the agility obstacles at the Eisenhower East Dog Parks as a playful workout backdrop with your pup!
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