Ever Dream of a Home by the Water?
We can do you one better—how about a floating home in the heart of Washington, DC? Discover the wide variety of
boats for sale Washington DC has to offer right here at
The Wharf DC, home to one of the largest and oldest liveaboard communities on the East Coast. For over a century, residents have lived aboard powerboats, sailboats, houseboats, and barges—and for nearly 50 years, The Wharf has supported a thriving, year-round floating community. Come check out what makes a
floating home one of the best kept secrets in the city of
Washington, DC!
Live the Waterfront Dream on a Boat
Looking for floating homes for sale? You’ve come to the most exclusive and exciting DMV real estate options around. At Floating Homes DC, we feature a diverse range of listings: charming one- or two-bedroom houseboats perfect for tiny house DC living, spacious two- to four-bedroom barges, luxurious yachts, and classic sailboats. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat, a stylish pied-à-terre, or a family-sized home on the water, we have it.
Floating houses offer an unbeatable combination of comfort, community, and access to nature. Think luxury living with the gentle rock of the Potomac below your feet. Our homes are outfitted with full kitchens, generous living space, decks for entertaining, and panoramic windows to soak in the views. Most offer rooftop patios or dual-level interiors, giving you the feel of a luxury home in DC—with the added charm of living on the water.
Boats for Sale*
Discover the Wharf DC
Welcome to The Wharf, where DC meets its water! The Wharf DC is a one-mile stretch of waterfront paradise! Enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants all within walking distance of your floating home. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, international cuisine, or a cozy café, The Wharf has something to satisfy every palate. Plus, you can catch live music at Pearl Street or The Anthem or go see a live performance at Arena Stage. Sports fan? Enjoy East Potomac Golf Links just across the Channel. We’ve also got three major sport stadiums all with walking distance, including Nationals Park, home to The National baseball team; Audi Field, home of DC United; and Capital One Arena, home to multiple teams including the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals.
Living at The Wharf in DC is really something special. Whether you’re kayaking at dawn, spotting catfish jump, watching ducks and cormorants dive for their breakfast, or catching a glimpse of a blue heron gliding across the marina, you’ll feel you’ve entered a marine oasis. And there’s nothing quite like sipping a glass of wine while watching the sun dip behind the Washington Monument from your private roof deck.
Located steps away from everything downtown Washington, DC has to offer, The Wharf Marina and Capital Yacht Club are ideal locations for telework, weekend getaways, or a full-time floating lifestyle. In addition to its vibrant social life, The Wharf offers residents an ideal location for convenience and access. Grocery stores, pharmacies, fitness centers, and green spaces are all just a short walk or bike ride away. Love fresh seafood? Pick it up at the Municipal Fish Market at the Wharf. The Southwest Waterfront is serviced by two Metro stations (L’Enfant Plaza and Waterfront), Capital Bikeshare, the free SW Shuttle Bus, and DC’s Water Taxi, giving you flexible, car-free access to all corners of the District and beyond.
Into the social scene? Join the Port of Washington Yacht Club and the Capital Yacht Club, and you'll enjoy exclusive club dining, year-round music and social events, and raft ups with fellow boaters. Or, just enjoy one of the many free events at The Wharf—dinghy over to watch Sunset Cinema, Grooves in the Grove, Rock the Dock, or Country Line Dancing. Catch the annual Holiday Boat Parade or the Running of the Chihuahuas. From rooftop bars with dazzling views and upscale restaurants, live music, theaters, and seasonal events, The Wharf is the epicenter of entertainment, style, and fun in Washington, DC.
EXPLORE MARINA LIFE
Premier Amenities at The Wharf
Living at The Wharf DC Marina doesn’t mean giving up the advantages of traditional homes. Here residents enjoy:
- Newly built floating docks
- 24/7 concierge
- Gated community with restricted access docks
- Access to two premier yacht clubs
- Fiber internet and cable availability
- Laundry, trash, and recycling facilities
- Shower facilities
- Boater’s lounge and outdoor events barge with grills (free to rent)
- Secure mail and package delivery mail room
- Secure bike room
- Marina Dock Shop (with gas and diesel fuel, ice and other boating essentials)
- Weekly waste pumps outs (included with liveaboard rights)
- Marina wi-fi
And with the marina community right at your doorstep, you'll never feel isolated. Regular social events, potlucks, happy hours, and holiday parties make it easy to get involved and get to know your neighbors.
Why We Live Here
“What makes living at the Wharf Marina great? So many things come to mind—location, water views, entertainment—but most important, the unique neighborhood and people that come with it! A secret I’m happy to be a part of!”
—Charlotte, resident
We had always dreamed of living near the water and never realized living “on” the water would be so much more rewarding – an immediate blood pressure drop and a feeling like a real escape. This is one of the most close-knit communities we’ve ever lived in and we love it!
—Elizabeth and Ryan Risley, residents
“Living here is like being on vacation every day! The sunsets are amazing, each one a little different, and the community—that’s why I love it here. Plus, I'm close to great sailing!”
—Fannie, resident
Million Dollar Views Without the Million Dollar Price Tag
Wondering if floating houses are affordable? The answer is yes. Many floating homes for sale cost less than comparable DC condos for sale or new homes DC offers near the water. Whether you’re comparing by square footage, amenities, or views, floating homes represent incredible value.
Ownership costs include:
- Boat purchase: $70K–$350K plus Liveaboard rights: typically $160K (often included in price of boat) = total average: $230K–$510K
- Annual dock fee: ~$15,000 (currently @ $31/foot and billed monthly/quarterly/etc.)
- Slip fee: ~$325/month
- Utilities: Electric, internet/cable (as needed)
- Boat insurance: varies
- Coast Guard registration: $133 first year, $26 annually
- DC registration: $60 first year, $45 annually
There are currently approximately 100 Liveaboard Rights granted at The Wharf; transient residents pay higher per foot prices and do not receive the full amenities/rights granted liveaboards. There are no sales taxes, no property taxes, and no mortgage insurance. Financing may be available through specialty lenders or as personal property loans. Keep in mind, though, that long-term and short-term rentals are prohibited. This ensures that our community remains residential, peaceful, and secure.
We Do It for the Community
What truly sets The Wharf apart is the people who live here. We are united by a shared love for the water and a deep commitment to giving back to our Southwest DC neighborhood. Our liveaboard community leads initiatives like river clean-ups, neighborhood aid drives, and home tours.
Our liveaboard residents actively contribute to the health of the local waterways. We work closely with Port of Washington Yacht Club, Anacostia Riverkeeper, Potomac Riverkeeper, DC Harbor Patrol, and other environmental nonprofits to ensure we’re giving back. Our homes often use green technology, efficient energy systems, and eco-friendly materials.
Regular community gatherings include:
- Weekly Captain’s Coffee
- Weekly Happy Hour on the Events Barge (in season)
- Environmental and safety trainings
- Frequent seasonal events like the Cherry Blossom Dinghy Parade, July 4th Flotilla, Parade of Lights, Wild Rover, and Annual Chili Cook-Off just to name a few.
It’s a place where your neighbors know your name, where potlucks turn into dance parties, and where boating knowledge is passed down like family tradition.
