Closest Cities and States to Washington, D.C.

Immediate Neighbors of the U.S. Capital

Washington, D.C. is a federal district bordered by two states and several independent cities.

Closest Cities (Independent Municipalities)

• Arlington, Virginia – Directly across the Potomac River (west). Home to Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery. Distance to White House: ~3 miles.
• Alexandria, Virginia – South along the Potomac. Historic Old Town, waterfront. Distance to White House: ~7 miles.
• Falls Church, Virginia – Small independent city west of D.C. Distance: ~6 miles.
• Fairfax, Virginia – County seat, further west. Distance: ~15 miles.

Note: Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax are independent cities in Virginia (not part of any county).

Closest States

• Maryland – Borders D.C. to the north, east, and southeast. The District was carved from Maryland in 1790.
• Virginia – Borders D.C. to the west and southwest (across the Potomac). Virginia's cession was returned in 1847 (retrocession).

Other Nearby Jurisdictions

• Montgomery County, MD – North (Bethesda, Silver Spring).
• Prince George's County, MD – East/Northeast.
• Fairfax County, VA – West/Southwest (surrounds Fairfax City).
• Loudoun County, VA – Farther west (Dulles Airport).

Key Distances from White House

• Maryland border (Western Ave): ~1.5 miles north.
• Virginia border (Key Bridge): ~1 mile west.
• Baltimore: 38 miles NE.
• Richmond: 106 miles S.