NoMa, short for “North of Massachusetts Avenue”, is a D.C. neighborhood that is growing rapidly in popularity. The area of NoMa is considered to be from Union Station to the South, stretching up to Q and R Streets NE. NoMa is home to Union Market, a restored food hall that is now a year-round indoor market. Wander through Union Market and you can browse the goods of over 40 local artisans. Additionally, Gallaudet University is located and NoMa, as well as several businesses ranging from corporations to locally owned specialty shops. This D.C. neighborhood is drawing people of all ages and interests in with its unique personality and constant growth.

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Our Favorite Brunch Spot

Le Grenier is a French Bistro located on H Street near NoMa. The restaurant has a quaint and romantic feel to it, while still feeling like the small family run business that it is. The brunch special at Le Grenier is one of our favorites in the area. On Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Le Grenier offers either one appetizer and one entrée, or one entrée and one dessert with your choice of Champagne or a Mimosa for just $19.95. With menu items ranging from Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict to Custard Crispy Toast, you can’t beat this brunch hot spot.

Our Favorite Happy Hour Spot

A fun happy hour spot in the NoMa area is Biergarten Haus, located on H Street NE. Biergarten Haus is a Bavarian Bar where you can enjoy delicious German beer and pub food. Their happy hour occurs Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Friday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Specials include two different German Beer drafts for discounted prices: $6 or $10 depending on the size you choose. Additionally, rail liquor and glasses of wine are just $6, and there is half off of certain foods. While their happy Hour menu does occasionally change, it is always a great deal!

Best Place To Work Up A Sweat

Reformation Fitness is a trendy studio in the NoMa neighborhood that specializes in small group fitness classes. They pride themselves on being a “full service, one-stop boutique fitness center” due to the fact that they have the best selection and widest variety of classes all in one place. Reformer and Mat Pilates, H.I.I.T. training, Spinning, TRX, and Yoga are all class options at Reformation Fitness. The studio offers a great new client special – for the studio classes: first 2 classes for $19, and afterward, 6 classes for $90; for the Pilates Reformer classes: first 2 classes for $29, and afterward, 6 classes for $150. There are several pricing and class pack options to choose from after utilizing the new client specials.

Best Way To Get Around

NoMa is known for being the hub of transportation. The means of transportation in this area are endless: Union Station, two Red Line Metro stations, 13 bus lines, and the Capital Bikeshare are a few of the neighborhoods most popular transportation options. Walking ends up being a major way NoMa residents get around as well –many, if not all, of the streets are walkable, and all of the essential places you may need to get are close by. Because there are so many convenient options in NoMa, the best way to get around ends up being a personal preference for those living here.

Neighborhood Lifestyle

NoMa is a unique and busy neighborhood that has come a long way since its origin. Before the NoMa name came about, it was a dismal area consisting of the Greyhound Station and not much else. The neighborhood turned itself around in the 1990s and it hasn’t stopped or slowed down since. The neighborhood has an urban feel because of its office high rises, while still maintaining uniqueness with diverse shopping, housing, bars, and restaurants. As the neighborhood continues to expand, the lifestyle will certainly evolve with it.

What You Won’t Find

Luxury mid-rise apartment buildings are the name of the game in NoMa and houses are hard to come by. While those looking to move here will have plenty of apartments to choose from, those looking for a real house will not have such luck. There is a small selection of rowhouses, as well as condos within rowhouses, but the selection of regular homes is lacking. With so much growth occurring, this is one of the neighborhoods bigger needs.

Living In NoMa

For anyone considering living in NoMa, living in an apartment is going to be your easiest option. Rentals tend to be the most popular housing options in this neighborhood, and most of which are apartments. While rowhouses, condominiums, and single-family homes are available, this is not the norm in NoMa. 2M Street is one of NoMa’s most luxurious, pet-friendly apartment complexes. 2M offers studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments with some of the finest amenities in the area. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and spacious rooms and closets are just a few of the apartment amenities. The community itself will blow you away with it’s swimming pool, fitness center, convenient location and much more. If you are looking into living in NoMa, 2M should be the first place you check out.