Foggy Bottom is one of Washington, D.C.’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods, named for the misty blend of Potomac River fog and early industrial smoke that once blanketed the area. Its roots trace back to 18th-century German settlers, later evolving into a working-class hub and, eventually, a center for federal agencies, culture, and higher education. Anchored by George Washington University and home to iconic sites like the Kennedy Center and the IMF, Foggy Bottom blends historic charm with institutional significance. Today, it’s a unique fusion of old brick rowhouses, modern buildings, and a steady rhythm of academic life, civic energy, and cultural depth, all within walking distance of the National Mall and downtown D.C.