Shaw is the hippest entertaining and dining district in the Washington, D.C. area. This northwestern community of the country capital is home to parks and large events, fine dining establishments recognized around the world, and craft cocktail destinations that bring in crowds from all across D.C. Living in this bustling neighborhood is a lot of fun, as you're near all the recreation, gourmet restaurants, shopping, and boutiques you could ask for, as well as easy access to all of the attractions found in greater Washington, D.C. But with all of these in-demand destinations in an uptown area comes lots of Shaw traffic and logistical challenges. After all, you may only be three miles from the Lincoln Memorial, but expect that drive to take over half an hour on an average morning — and hours on a major holiday or a big political event.
This guide gives the insider knowledge and local commuting insights you need to enjoy everything about daily living in Shaw, with short commute times and a mastery of all the local transportation options.
Know these typical traffic patterns in Shaw
When you're traveling across Shaw, it's essential to know the peak and off-peak hours and how traffic builds up over time. Here are some tips to strategically plan your longest commutes:
- Avoid Highway 50 east of 395 during peak morning and evening — always expect delays, especially around North Capital Street.
- Southbound 9th Street is always backed up during the peak hours.
- K Street typically offers fast traffic and is an excellent east-west street for getting to local destinations.
- Choose 66 or Arlington Memorial Bridge over 395 to get where you're going in the afternoons.
- Mornings are generally clearer than early evenings, so late risers can enjoy a more forgiving commute than those with a tight evening itinerary.
Be aware of these hotspots
Despite its popularity as a chic, trendy neighborhood for dining, shopping, and entertainment, Shaw has a smoothly running grid system that makes it easy for new residents, tourists, and long-term property owners to navigate the area by car. With the grid system, you can plan your route and familiarize yourself with the city. Shaw's Rhode Island Avenue runs at a diagonal, creating a simple alternative route to cut out the commute headaches if you're headed out of the area for work or weekend travel.
Expect the biggest delays along U Street and around the Howard Theater during the evening.
Avoid these seasonal and event-based Shaw traffic peaks
Living near the heart of the country offers a lot of positives. Whether you have a government job, work at an office headquartered in D.C., or simply love living near history, you get all the perks of a bustling area full of museums, parks, and parades. However, all that hoopla comes with occasional headaches. Federal holidays, presidential inaugurations, and big events will cause severe backups and closed roads.
The best way forward is to know your alternate routes. When you know certain roads are going to be closed, drive around them. If you think there will be delays along your go-to train route, you may have to wake up early. Over time, understanding where to go and what days you should drive or take a train ride will become instinctual.
The best way forward is to know your alternate routes. When you know certain roads are going to be closed, drive around them. If you think there will be delays along your go-to train route, you may have to wake up early. Over time, understanding where to go and what days you should drive or take a train ride will become instinctual.
Shaw offers these public transportation options
If you're new to the East Coast, there's yet another perk of living in Shaw: you're now near one of the country's most comprehensive public transportation systems. Across most of the Midwest and western states, there are few train systems or 24/7 bus systems that give you a wide array of options.
Overview of Shaw's public transit options
Your main public transit hub is just on the north side of Rhode Island Ave: the Shaw-Howard U metro station, where you can jump on the yellow and green rails to virtually anywhere in Washington, D.C. Shaw-Howard U also connects commuters to the Metrobus shuttle, which offers a fast rotation across multiple stops ranging from the Howard University & Hospital north of Florida Ave to the Shaw Library to the southern Mt. Vernon Square Station.
How to make public transit part of your Shaw commute
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) makes incorporating buses and trains into your daily travel options simple. You can:
- Check the Shaw-Howard U's page for delays and schedules.
- Sign up for station alerts to always know when your route will be affected.
- Reup to Metrorail fare online so you don't have to miss a bus or carry cash.
Spend a few minutes on their site to download the bus and rail station maps so you always have them on your phone.
Tips for traveling around Shaw with ease
No matter where you are in Shaw, there's a way to get home. The neighborhood is compact with excellent walkability, and there are plenty of attractions and coffee shops along the way. You can take a bus, get on the metro for longer trips, or even rent a bike through the community-wide bike rent programs by Capital Bikeshare. If you're feeling adventurous, take a new mode of transportation every time you go out on the town so you can pick your favorite ways to travel during the day, as the sun sets, or during disruptive holidays.
Optimal practices for commuting and travel
When you're living in a bustling urban area, beating the traffic can be a challenge. But having some tips and tricks under your belt can make your commute manageable. Consider:
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Start building a list of your favorite parking lots. Know where the free lots are, the most convenient parking spots near your repeat destinations, and what parking lots get far too crowded to visit twice.
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Try out the metro. If you're moving in from a car country, taking the train can feel like a hassle. But it actually offers faster arrival times than going by car, and you can spend that time catching up on reading, work, or your favorite apps.
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Be ready for your go-to routes and parking spots to change in winter. Snow plows may need to pile up snow where you park your car or ride your bike. That's why it's so important to prepare alternative plans!
Navigate the Shaw real estate market like a pro with Frank Snodgrass
Shaw is a wonderful place to live, with fun dining destinations around every corner, lots of parks with beautiful scenery and live events, and quick access to everything you want for work and play. For even more Shaw traffic insights and help navigating the neighborhood, contact Frank Snodgrass to help you find your new home in the area. He can help customize your home search to find a great property with the right amenities in the best location for your work and lifestyle. Reach out today to schedule a conversation!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
