At A Glance: NoMa/H Street

Just a few miles from downtown D.C., the neighborhoods of NoMa and the H Street Corridor bring color to the nation's capital. Neighborhood values and artistic expression define the ethos in NoMa, and several blocks of local bars, restaurants and coffee shops have found their calling on H Street. Life-sized murals and a historic food hall at Union Market bring a distinctive flair to the area.

NoMa is located just north of Massachusetts Avenue, from which it takes its name. It encompasses the area south of Rhode Island Avenue and east of Shaw. The neighborhood name did not emerge until the late 1990s, and the area remained largely deserted until the early 2000s, when the construction of a new Metro station would pave the way for future development.

Best known for the headquarters of National Public Radio and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, NoMa has seen significant economic growth over the last few years. More young professionals are moving to the nation’s capital, and residents are looking to NoMa as a more affordable alternative to neighborhoods in Northwest quadrant like Columbia Heights and Shaw. Several Class-A office and multifamily developments have been built in the NoMa area along with an influx of new shops and, finally, restaurants.

A few blocks from NoMa sits H Street Corridor. One of D.C.'s first main commercial districts, H Street lost many of its original buildings during the 1968 riots. The neighborhood faced decline up until the turn of the century, when the D.C. Office of Planning initiated a plan to revitalize the neighborhood. H Street has since seen rapid development in the form of commercial and residential real estate, and continued growth is on the horizon. 

NoMa By The Numbers:

Population: 44,000

Median Age: 33

Average Household Income: $93K

94% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher 

224% growth in median housing value between 2000 and 2015

H Street By The Numbers:

Population: 49,000

Median Age: 35

Average Household Income: $109K

Source: NoMa BID and the Washington D.C. Economic Partnership