Jump to any of the following sections to learn more about what to expect living in Washington D.C.
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- Washington, D.C. At-a-glance
- What it’s like to live in Washington, D.C.
- Economy and job outlook in Washington, D.C.
- Real estate in Washington, D.C.
- The top neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.
- How to get around in Washington, D.C.
- School and education snapshot
- Weather and climate in Washington, D.C.
- 10 can’t miss things to do in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. At-A-Glance
Have you ever thought about living in a place where history isn’t just in books but on every street corner? Then how about moving to Washington, D.C.? This is where big decisions are made, but it’s also a place where you can find folks from all walks of life.
Presidents, senators, lobbyists, lawyers and consultants — anyone and everyone looking to enter the political scene can be found here, but don’t despair if you are not politically minded. There are plenty of people living and working outside of politics in the DMV (what locals call the DC metro area consisting of DC, Maryland and Virginia).
Now, when you step outside, DC’s got a cool mix of old and new. You might find yourself standing next to a century-old monument one minute and grabbing a cup of coffee at a modern cafe the next. And speaking of food, get ready to try dishes from around the world without ever hopping on a plane! The city’s buzzing with diverse eateries.
Long story short, if you are considering moving to Washington, D.C., you are in for a great time. Oh, and when you’re here, you’ll learn pretty quickly, locals love calling it simply “the District”.
A Mix of Healthy Living, Fun and Sport
From afar, you may be tempted to think that living in Washington, D.C. is all about brushing shoulders with politicians and breathing in history around every corner. But, there’s definitely more to it than meets the eye.
First of all, it’s quite a healthy place to live in the U.S. The likely suspects? Good food and plenty of green space. But it’s not all sweat and no play. This hard-working city also knows how to have fun — entertainment, recreation, nightlife and parties are all areas where it ranks high.
Sports enthusiast in the house? Washington, D.C. is a good spot for baseball, basketball and soccer fans, as well as for tennis players, with one of the highest numbers of tennis courts per capita in the nation. So, whether you are courtside cheering on the Wizards or challenging a friend to a friendly tennis match, there’s plenty of sporting action around.
A Hub of Opportunity With a Transient Work Vibe
Washington, D.C. has a transient work population thanks to numerous government employees in the area. Military personnel come and go, and politicians move in and out of office, along with all of their staff. This is good news for anyone not working in the government and looking to settle down, as spring and summer flood the housing market with every size and shape of home you could want.
The job scene? You’ve got everything from big organizations to start-ups making a difference in the world. The largest employer around is the government, but many tech and communication businesses and even some hotel empires are based in the DMV. Danaher Corporation, Hilton Worldwide (Virginia), Discovery Communications (Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, etc. in Maryland) and National Geographic (DC) are just a few of the companies creating jobs outside of government agencies.
Talking numbers, the median household income of around $93,500 puts Washington, D.C. at 35 percent above the national average, whereas the per capita income of $63,793 means residents in the District earn nearly 70 percent more than what the average American makes.
Unemployment rate: 2.6 percent (as of August 2023)
Average weekly wages for all industries: $1,908 (Q1 2023)
Capital Living Comes at a Cost
Living in the heart of the nation does come with a price tag. But ask anyone around, and they’ll tell you the unique buzz of the city makes it worth it. The housing market in Washington, D.C. is not the best and not the worst either. In fact, among 25 of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S., it cozily sits right in the middle, rubbing shoulders with Baltimore and Chicago.
How so? Well, while buying a home here means pushing your financial freedom by 23 years, it does have the second-lowest mortgage rate after Boston — only 4.36 percent. At the same time, while having one of the lowest rates of first-time home-buyer assistance, it makes up for it by offering great access to lump sum home equity loans.
The housing prices here do tell a story too. The median home value in Washington, D.C. is a hefty $635,900 — skyrocketing at more than double the national average. On the other hand, you are looking at an average gross rent of $1,681, only 44 percent higher than what most folks pay across the U.S. These figures show why only 41.5 percent of people here hold the keys to their own abode, significantly below the 64.6 percent homeownership painting the broader American picture.
