DC Neighborhood One Of The 12 'Coolest' In The World: Report

WASHINGTON, DC -- D.C. has plenty of cool neighborhoods, but only one of them is among the 12 coolest in the world, according to a new report.

Forbes has released a list of a dozen neighborhoods worldwide that are truly the places to be, and the up-and-coming neighborhood of the Navy Yard made the list.

"We all know that the best way to really know a city isn’t to go to the central square or major museums, or even the most tourist-trodden neighborhoods," wrote Forbes contributor Ann Abel, who compiled the list. "What’s more interesting is discovering the up-and-coming neighborhoods where local creatives are settling in and setting up shop."

Abel said these neighborhoods are "especially important" in cities where tourism has overrun many of the traditionally hip neighborhoods. The list was based on conversations with travel experts.

The report points out that the Navy Yard area is slated to develop 3 million square feet for residential, office, retail, dining, and pedestrian space by 2030. And the fact that this waterfront neighborhood has historic roots with U.S. Navy facilities that have been there since the 18th century really ups the "cool" value.

The neighborhood also features the Nationals' baseball park and hosts numerous festivals, with a hot restaurant scene to boot.

The Navy Yard joins other cool neighborhoods on the list, including Amsterdam's Noord, Athens' Keramikos, Seoul's Seongsu-dong, and Barcelona's Sants. The only other American neighborhood to make the list is Pilsen in Chicago.

Navy Yard is part of the larger Capitol Riverfront area, which has seen an explosion of growth in recent years.

"Capitol Riverfront is a 500-acre neighborhood situated between I-395 and the Anacostia River smartly designed to give businesses, residents, retail, and guests an exciting environment to explore, connect, and thrive," states the Capitol Riverfront BID on their website. "New restaurants, retail, hotels, residences, and office spaces are opening every month in Capitol Riverfront, DC's fastest growing neighborhood. There is always something new to discover in DC’s largest and most dynamic waterfront neighborhood."

Image via Capitol Riverfront BID