The Watergate

There’s much more to The Watergate than the infamous political scandal. For starters, the building contains 600 luxury condo units that give residents stunning views of the Potomac River, D.C., and Virginia. The location also puts you in the center of everything from crowd-pleasing performances at The Kennedy Center and the intellectual bustle of The George Washington University to evening strolls around the Lincoln Memorial and the commercial rush of Georgetown. Whether you’re a city professional or living out the golden years of your life, this iconic mid-century building is something of a village in itself, with on-site services and businesses in an open-air shopping atmosphere, including a post office, bank, library, medical services, and restaurants like Campono (for Italian) and Zeitoun (for Mediterranean). Plus, there are multiple garden spaces, fountains, an outdoor pool, and connecting walkways to make you feel like you’re living in castle-like grandeur. And whether you prefer nights out on the town or inside your light-filled, spacious home, you should make a point to head over to The Watergate Hotel’s rooftop bar for a cocktail that complements the neighborhood’s jaw-dropping views.  Updated by Brian Enright