If you work in NoMa, living there might seem like the obvious choice. But after comparing rental rates, neighborhood amenities, and commute options, many D.C. professionals find that H Street offers something NoMa doesn't: genuine neighborhood character, competitive rents, and a lifestyle that extends far beyond the workday, all while keeping the office just minutes away.

This post breaks down the real cost and lifestyle tradeoffs between the two neighborhoods, drawing on current rental market data and commute research.

How Far Is H Street from NoMa?

The biggest misconception about living on H Street is that the commute to NoMa is somehow inconvenient. In practice, the two neighborhoods are remarkably close.

Depending on your exact address, NoMa sits roughly 1 to 1.5 miles from H Street. That translates to:

• Biking: under 10 minutes via dedicated routes

• Walking: approximately 20-25 minutes

• Bus: several WMATA lines connect the corridor directly

• Metro: Union Station (Red Line) is accessible from both neighborhoods

• Rideshare: typically a $6-$9 trip during off-peak hours

For residents at Link Apartments® H Street, the commute is particularly straightforward. The community sits close to public transit, Capital Bikeshare stations, and major routes into NoMa's office corridor.

Comparing Rent Prices: H Street vs. NoMa

Rent is where the comparison becomes most tangible.

According to Zillow and Apartment List data (Q1 2025), median one-bedroom rents in NoMa average around $2,400-$2,700/month, reflecting the significant new construction and commercial investment the neighborhood has attracted over the past decade. H Street one-bedrooms, by contrast, typically range from $1,900-$2,300/month for comparable finishes, a difference of $200-$400/month, or up to $4,800 annually.

That gap matters even more when you factor in what you get for it. At Link Apartments® H Street, residents have access to:

• Stainless steel appliances and granite countertops

• Floor-to-ceiling windows

• Rooftop saltwater pool and sundeck

• Coworking lounge and courtyard

• Resident coffee bar

• 24/7 cardio, strength, and yoga facilities

• Concierge services

• Cycle storage and repair workstation

• Gated parking and EV charging stations

Luxury finishes at a lower price point, with a sub-15-minute commute to NoMa, that's the core value proposition.

Neighborhood Character: What NoMa Can't Offer

NoMa has transformed dramatically over the last decade. The arrival of office towers, Amazon's HQ2 campus nearby, and substantial retail investment have made it a credible live-work neighborhood. But it remains, at its core, an office district.

H Street is something different.

One of D.C.'s most historically significant and culturally vibrant corridors, H Street has a Walk Score of 96 and was named one of the city's top neighborhoods for nightlife and dining by the Washington City Paper. The street offers:

• A dense concentration of independent restaurants and bars (Toki Underground, The Pug, Maketto, and dozens more)

• Live music venues including the legendary Atlas Performing Arts Center

• Local coffee shops and weekend farmers markets

• Community events, block parties, and arts programming throughout the year

• Walkable retail without the chain-heavy sameness of newer mixed-use developments

For professionals who spend their workdays in an office district, coming home to H Street creates a genuine separation between work and life, something that living directly in NoMa often doesn't provide.

Transportation Flexibility Reduces Long-Term Costs

One underappreciated advantage of H Street is commuting flexibility. Because the neighborhood sits close to multiple transit options, residents aren't locked into one mode or one cost structure.

• Cyclists benefit from dedicated lanes and Capital Bikeshare stations; Link Apartments® H Street provides cycle storage and a repair station on-site

• Transit riders can access multiple WMATA bus lines and Union Station's Red Line within a short walk

• Drivers have access to gated on-site parking and EV charging

• Walkers can make the 1.5-mile trip in about 25 minutes on pleasant days

Having multiple viable options means residents can choose based on weather, time, or budget, rather than defaulting to a car or expensive rideshare every day.

The Long-Term Value

When evaluating where to live, the commute is only one variable. The fuller question is: where do your rent dollars go furthest?

For professionals working in NoMa, H Street offers:

The $400-$500/month in savings, combined with a richer neighborhood experience, is why many professionals who work in NoMa choose to live on H Street.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H Street close enough to commute to NoMa daily?

Yes. H Street and NoMa are approximately 1 to 1.5 miles apart. Most residents commute by bike (under 10 minutes), bus, Metro via Union Station, or on foot (about 25 minutes). Rideshare trips typically run under $10.

Is living on H Street cheaper than living in NoMa?

Based on current market data, H Street one-bedroom apartments average roughly $200-$400/month less than comparable units in NoMa, a meaningful difference that adds up to several thousand dollars per year.

Why choose Link Apartments H Street if I work in NoMa?

Link Apartments® H Street combines convenient NoMa access with luxury amenities, modern finishes, coworking spaces, wellness facilities, and a rooftop pool, typically at a lower monthly cost than comparable NoMa properties, and in a neighborhood with substantially more dining, entertainment, and cultural options.

Schedule a tour at Link Apartments® H Street today and see why more renters are choosing H Street.

The post Is It More Economical to Live on H Street and Commute to NoMa? appeared first on Link Apartments® H Street Blog.

One of the biggest advantages of living on the H Street Corridor is how easy it is to get around Washington, D.C. Whether you're commuting downtown for work, heading to Capitol Hill, catching a train at Union Station, or exploring another neighborhood on the weekend, H Street offers a variety of transportation options to fit your lifestyle.

If you're considering moving to the neighborhood, or already call it home, you may be wondering:

How do I commute to and from H Street, and what's the best transportation option for my needs?

The answer depends on where you're going, how often you travel, and your personal preferences. Fortunately, residents of Link Apartments® H Street have access to nearly every transportation option the city has to offer.

Let's explore the best ways to navigate Washington, D.C. from H Street.

Metrobus: Convenient and Reliable Daily Transportation

Metrobus is one of the most popular ways to travel throughout Washington, D.C., and H Street residents enjoy excellent access to multiple routes.

Several Metrobus lines run directly through the corridor, connecting residents to:

• Downtown D.C.

• Capitol Hill

• Navy Yard

• Union Station

• Georgetown

• Other Metro stations throughout the city

For commuters who prefer public transportation but don't necessarily need rail service, Metrobus offers an affordable and convenient solution.

Residents of Link Apartments® H Street can easily walk to nearby bus stops and enjoy a stress-free commute before returning home to amenities like the resident coffee bar, coworking lounge, or rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline.

Union Station: Your Gateway to the Region

Located less than a mile from much of the H Street Corridor, Union Station is one of the neighborhood's greatest transportation assets.

Union Station provides access to:

• Amtrak service throughout the Northeast Corridor

• MARC commuter rail

• Virginia Railway Express (VRE)

• Metrorail's Red Line

• Intercity bus services

For professionals who travel frequently or commuters heading to Maryland and Virginia, proximity to Union Station is a major advantage.

Living at Link Apartments® H Street means you're close enough to take advantage of regional transportation without sacrificing the walkable neighborhood lifestyle that makes H Street so appealing.

Capital Bikeshare: Perfect for Active Commuters

Washington, D.C. consistently ranks among the country's most bike-friendly cities, and H Street residents are perfectly positioned to take advantage of it.

Capital Bikeshare stations are located throughout the neighborhood, making it easy to rent a bike for:

• Daily commuting

• Running errands

• Weekend exploration

• Trips to nearby neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, NoMa, and Navy Yard

For residents of Link Apartments® H Street, biking is even more convenient thanks to the community's cycle storage and repair workstation, allowing cyclists to securely store and maintain their bikes at home.

Many residents find that biking offers one of the fastest and most enjoyable ways to navigate the city.

Envoy Car Share: When You Need a Vehicle Without Owning One

Not every trip can be completed by transit, bike, or walking. That's where car-sharing services like Envoy come in.

Envoy provides on-demand access to vehicles when residents need them for:

• Grocery shopping

• Weekend trips

• Visiting friends and family

• Exploring destinations outside the city

This flexibility allows many residents to enjoy a car-light lifestyle while still having access to transportation when needed.

For residents who do own vehicles, Link Apartments® H Street offers the added convenience of on-site gated parking and electric vehicle charging stations, making ownership easier in an urban environment.

Walking: One of H Street's Biggest Advantages

One of the reasons so many people choose to live in the H Street Corridor is its walkability.

Many daily destinations are just steps away, including:

• Restaurants and coffee shops

• Grocery stores

• Fitness studios

• Entertainment venues

• Local shops and services

The neighborhood's walkability is a major reason why H Street continues to attract professionals, students, and long-term residents alike.

Which Transportation Option Is Right for You?

The best commuting option depends on your lifestyle:

Choose Metrobus if:

• You need affordable daily transportation.

• Your commute doesn't require rail service.

Choose Capital Bikeshare if:

• You enjoy active transportation.

• You want flexibility and speed for short trips.

Choose Envoy if:

• You occasionally need a vehicle.

• You prefer not to own a car full-time.

Many H Street residents use a combination of all four options depending on the day.

Live Connected at Link Apartments H Street

Transportation convenience is one of the many reasons residents love calling Link Apartments® H Street home. From quick access to Metrobus, Union Station, and Capital Bikeshare to community amenities that support modern urban living, everything is designed to help residents stay connected.

After your commute, you can unwind at the rooftop saltwater pool, enjoy skyline views from the rooftop terrace, recharge in the 24/7 fitness center, or relax in your apartment featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and inspiring views of Washington, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H Street a good neighborhood for commuters?

Yes. H Street offers access to Metrobus, Union Station, Capital Bikeshare, and car sharing services.

Can I commute to downtown D.C. from H Street without a car?

Absolutely. Many residents rely entirely on public transportation, biking, and walking.

How close is Union Station to H Street?

Union Station is easily accessible via the Metrobus, biking, or a short walk from many parts of the neighborhood.

What transportation options are available near Link Apartments® H Street?

Residents enjoy access to Metrobus, Union Station, Capital Bikeshare, Envoy, walkable streets, and on-site parking with EV charging.

Schedule a tour at Link Apartments® H Street and discover how easy it is to live car-light in D.C.

The post H Street Corridor Washington, D.C. Transportation and Commuting Guide: Whats the Best Way to Get Around? appeared first on Link Apartments® H Street Blog.