Anacostia
Anacostia is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in the District. Last year, the neighborhood had some of the lowest rents with a median $910/month cost for a one-bedroom, while the city-wide median was $2,110/month. Despite this, the cost of living in the neighborhood has grown tremendously with a 21 percent jump in median home price in the year 2014.
Despite this, there are quite a few highlights to the area, such as the Anacostia Arts Center, the Frederick Douglass National Historic site, the world's largest chair, and the fact that it has had famous residents like the late Mayor Marion Barry.
In the next few years, look out for the redevelopment of the Anacostia Playhouse, a new Busboys & Poets, and the redevelopment of the MLK Gateway. One day, the neighborhood will also be home to Washington, D.C.'s first elevated park.
Congress Heights
In Congress Heights, there is one major development planned, the Washington Wizards practice facility. It will be located near the site of the vacant former asylum, St. Elizabeth’s East.
Residents are uncertain as to what to expect once the $65 million project is complete, but late last year the tight-knit, outspoken community did propose a “displacement-free zone” in order to prevent gentrification.
Similarly to Anacostia, rents in Congress Heights are less than the median monthly price for a rental in the city as a whole. According to RadPad, the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom in the neighborhood is roughly $1,115. Unfortunately, the neighborhood is also one of the most income-impacted areas in the city.