Federal Center SW Metro - Neighborhood OK?

Question

Hello,

Thank you to the person who posted about the December Metro Station closures. I was going to stay at a hotel right next to Metro Center (Washington Marriott) for the convenience, but now that the station will be closed, I am considering other options.

I was hoping to be near a station with a direct route to Morgan Boulevard for the Commanders Stadium. After decoding the station closures memo, it seems that the best option is to get on the Metro at Federal Center SW (I would rather not deal with shuttles and transfers, I just want to get on and go direct).

How is the neighborhood over there? I noticed there is a Residence Inn National Mall. What is that part of town called? My Maps app isn't really labeling it clearly like the other areas.

Hope this all makes sense! In a nutshell - just want the scoop on that part of town near that Metro stop - Federal Center SW - nice, safe, easy access to food, close to tourist sites, etc?

Thank you!

Edited: 1 year ago

Answer

The area around Federal Center SW Metro is in the southwest quadrant of Washington, DC, often referred to simply as the Southwest Waterfront or Southwest DC. This part of the city is a mix of federal office buildings, museums, and some residential areas. It's generally safe, especially during the daytime, but like many urban areas, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings at night.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the neighborhood:

Safety: The area is largely safe, particularly around the Metro and hotel zones. It is not a nightlife district, so the streets may be quieter in the evening.
Food options: There are a few nearby restaurants and cafés, particularly within walking distance near the Waterfront and along Maine Avenue SW. Most dining options are casual; for a wider selection, a short ride or walk toward the National Mall area is easy.
Tourist access: Very convenient. The National Mall, museums like the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum, and the Tidal Basin are all within about 10–20 minutes walking distance.
Transit: Federal Center SW Metro is on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, which provides easy, mostly direct access to downtown destinations. This makes it a solid choice if your goal is to reach Morgan Boulevard for the Commanders Stadium without shuttles or transfers.
Hotels: The Residence Inn National Mall and other nearby accommodations are generally reliable, offering modern amenities and easy access to both transit and key tourist sites.

Additional tips:

If you plan to explore nightlife or more vibrant dining, you may want to take short Metro trips or rides to Penn Quarter, Georgetown, or Capitol Hill, which are busier in the evenings.
Walking in the area during the day is very straightforward, with clear pedestrian paths and nearby attractions.
For groceries, coffee, or small essentials, there are a few convenience stores and cafés nearby, but options are limited compared to downtown proper.

In summary, Federal Center SW is a practical choice for convenience, safety, and direct Metro access to stadiums or downtown. It’s quieter than central DC neighborhoods, but walking to key tourist areas is easy, and dining or shopping options are accessible with a short walk or Metro ride.