Welcome to NoMa
One of DC’s most popular, vibrant, cultural epicenters
Just blocks north of the United States Capitol, NoMa was once home to rustic, industrial lots, which have since been transformed into a brand-new glimmering community. Walking distance from several ethnic eateries, indie shops, craft breweries, and artisan markets, NoMa boasts near-perfect walk, bike, and mobility scores. With thousands of homes and high-rise buildings under construction and more to come, it is one of Washington, D.C.'s fastest-growing and hottest neighborhoods.
Named for its location North of Massachusetts Avenue, NoMa has seen several changes since British settlers arrived over 400 years ago. After an industrial era that lasted for most of the 20th century, plans for revitalization were made in the late ‘80s. The construction of Union Station kicked off a chain reaction and led to a bit of a neighborhood rebirth. Today, a modern era of culture, vibrancy, and eclectic lifestyles have delivered new life to NoMa’s bustling future.
What to Love
- Vibrant nightlife and social scene
- Nearly perfect walk, bike, and mobility scores
- Recent new construction of condominium communities, locally owned businesses, and trendy eateries
- Just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, White House, and countless other iconic memorials
Local Lifestyle
Life in NoMa is upbeat, fun, and convenient. The continued growth of an already bustling neighborhood includes over 14 million square feet of office space, nearly half a million square feet of retail space, and 7,500 residential units, numbers which all continue to grow each day. A central location makes commuting throughout D.C. simple, especially thanks to nearby Union Station. While NoMa hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, such as movie nights in the park and pumpkin carving, the neighborhood is arguably best-known for its several bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, making up one of the city’s best after-hours playgrounds.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
A warm, inviting, and modern take on a traditional seafood shack is found at King Street Oyster Bar. Located in the heart of NoMa, a plentiful menu features freshly shucked oysters from the east coast. In addition to the oysters and local craft brews, guests are a fan of King Street’s crabcakes, lobster rolls, tuna tacos, and generous happy hour specials.
Craft pizzas are the specialty of Menomale, a bright Italian bistro. A traditional margherita pizza is the star of the show, while homemade pasta, bruschetta, and antipasti creations make for great side dishes. Dessert from their plentiful selection of authentic confections makes for the perfect end to any Italian feast.
Exotic, colorful delights await at Laos in Town. Southeastern Asian treats are served in an elevated space and out on their spacious patio. The airy, elegant dining room is highlighted by traditional decorative accents and an inviting white marble bar. Fragrant curries, wok noodles, and pad Thai are just a few of the highlights at this Michelin Guide honoree, also receiving critical acclaim from Eater and Washingtonian, among many others.
Union Market is home to dozens of eateries and shops, such as Salt & Sundry. This home and lifestyle boutique has been a local favorite for a decade now. Cozy throws, elevated bath accessories, bright glassware, and a variety of unique trinkets for any occasion have made Salt & Sundry the perfect place to find gifts and decor for friends, loved ones, or yourself.
Things To Do
Past meets present at Cotton and Reed. Cotton and Reed has been distilling fine, old-fashioned rums for years, and their products can be found at restaurants and bars across the region. Located in a revamped warehouse space, visitors are invited to tour their distillery, buy a bottle to take home, or try a craft cocktail. In the warmer months of the year, CiNoMatic is enjoyed by all. Each Wednesday, movies in Alethia Tanner Park begin at dusk, with patrons encouraged to bring a blanket and chair. When the weather cools down, locals descend upon Alethia Tanner Park once more for PumpkinPalooza, for live music, a scavenger hunt, food, a family-friendly spooky movie, and a vast pumpkin patch. Throughout the year, one of NoMa’s greatest urban green spaces to enjoy time outdoors is Swampoodle Park. This pup-friendly playground consists of 5,000 square feet of space for four-legged friends to sprint, exercise, and make friends with other furry neighbors.
Schools
NoMa is home to several top-rated educational opportunities for children. One new, unique option is:
- Mundo Verde, prekindergarten-5th grade; Washington, D.C.’s first green charter school features a Spanish immersion program, state test scores higher than the regional average, and a project-based interactive curriculum
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