Southwest DC: Commuting & Getting Around

Public Transportation

What’s the closest Metro station?
L’Enfant Plaza station is about 0.4 miles away, offering access to five Metro lines for fast citywide connections.

What other major stations are nearby?
Federal Center SW (Blue, Orange, Silver Lines) is also 0.8 miles east from Annex Apartments.

How easy and reliable is the Metro?
Very easy. Direct rail access serves downtown DC, Arlington, Tysons, and beyond with minimal transfers. This is one of DC’s most transit-rich areas, popular with federal employees and downtown workers.

Are buses available nearby?
Yes. Multiple Metrobus routes serve the area, supplementing rail service for short trips and cross-town travel.

Walking

How walkable is the area around Annex Apartments?
Sidewalks are wide and well maintained, with flat terrain and clear routes to Federal Center SW Metro, L’Enfant Plaza, and The Wharf.

What can I reach on foot?
Federal Center SW Metro, L’Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian museums, the National Mall and its memorials, Waterfront Park, The Wharf’s restaurants and music venues, plus a wide range of downtown offices and federal buildings.

Can I walk for regular errands and groceries?
There are several small convenience stores within walking distance, but grocery stores like Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Safeway, and Harris Teeter are 1-2 miles away.

Is it safe to walk here at night?
Generally yes. The area is well lit, with steady foot traffic from federal offices and The Wharf, especially on main streets.

Biking

Are there bike lanes nearby?
Yes. Southwest DC connects to protected bike lanes leading toward downtown, the National Mall, and the waterfront.

What trails are close?
Easy access to routes linking the National Mall and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail via nearby connections.

Is Capital Bikeshare available?
Yes. Multiple Capital Bikeshare stations are within a short walk, including e-bike options.

Can I bike to work downtown?
Yes. Downtown, Capitol Hill, and Navy Yard are all easy bike rides from this location. Many residents combine biking with Metro or ride straight into central employment hubs across the city using bike lanes and lower-stress streets, particularly during non-peak traffic periods.

Driving & Parking

Is driving convenient from this location?
Yes. Quick access to I-395, Maine Avenue SW, and 14th Street bridges makes regional driving straightforward.

What's car traffic like?
Rush hours in SW Washington D.C. can be busy, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons, but off-peak driving is manageable.

Is parking available?
Annex provides parking: please contact our leasing office for details. On-street parking is permitted with restrictions and enforcement.

Is this a car-optional neighborhood?
Yes. Many residents live here comfortably without a car due to transit and walkability.