Moving to Washington, D.C.
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Jump to any of the following sections to learn more about what to expect living in Washington D.C.
Navigation Jump Links
- 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.
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Pick Your Spot in Washington, D.C.
Dreaming about your perfect home is one of the many pleasures when you move. Do you want a single-family home, an apartment, a townhouse or a condo? But what about where that home is located? You can have all of the amenities in the world, but if it isn’t in the right spot, that dream home can turn into a nightmare.
When moving to Washington, D.C., millennials prefer neighborhoods like Columbia Heights for (barely) cheaper rents, while the NoMa/H Street Corridor is quickly on the rise with shops and restaurants drawing in new buyers and renters. Not sure which neighborhood is right for you? Here are five different flavors for you to try:
U Street/Shaw. Why? For culture and music. Whether it’s underground jazz concerts or alternative rock shows, this area truly showcases the cultural and musical essence of Washington, D.C.
H Street/NoMa. This is the go-to neighborhood if you are looking for a trending and commuter-friendly spot. A thriving artistic and creative community plus the proximity to Union Station makes this a top choice.
Navy Yard. Looking for a quiet residential area with good access to sports? This is the place to be for young professionals and couples in search of baseball (aka the Washington Nationals) and green space. We are talking about the premier waterfront destination which is the massive Yards Park.
Georgetown. How about history and upscale living? As one of the oldest neighborhoods in the District, Georgetown delivers on historical charm and a range of dining experiences.
Petworth. Are you more community-oriented and focusing on family-friendly spots? Petworth is known for being a respite from tourist-heavy areas while still being rich in local events and markets.
Rush Hour Hurdles and Transit Triumphs
The Beltway has long been a term that makes the average DC resident shutter, as well as everyone commuting into the city from Maryland and Virginia. The highway that rings around DC, I-495, can be a beast to tackle on the best of days during rush hour, but one accident can bring all traffic to a standstill.
Getting to know the side roads of DC and multiple routes home is your best strategy to beat the traffic, which is the second worst in the country after New York. If you can drive outside of rush hour, you may be okay. A reverse commute (heading south when everyone is headed north) can also be a lifesaver.
Washington, D.C. also has one of the most accessible and convenient public transit in the country. Its decent metro train and bus system can get you from point A to point B without ever starting your car. Plus, it is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities on the East Coast, and also very bikeable — that certainly helps too. No car? No problem!
Pro tip: Homes near metro stations are prime real estate and are worth their weight in gold if you don’t have to pay to ride the metro AND park your car at the metro lot.
Where Diplomas Meet Diplomacy
D.C.’s a smarty-pants kind of place with lots of schools and colleges and the hub of US politics is also a place where folks really value a good education. In fact, did you know it’s one of the most educated cities in the U.S.? Official data shows that over 92 percent of the adults here are high school graduates and 61 percent have a bachelor’s degree or even more schooling under their belt. That’s pretty impressive!
Now, talking about where all this learning is happening, know that the District and the entire metropolitan area have a mix of great public and private high schools that are great steppingstones to even bigger academic adventures, including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA which ranks fifth nationwide.
Speaking of academia, Washington, D.C. is home to some pretty well-known universities. George Washington University and Georgetown University are right here, and they both sport a bunch of coworking spaces nearby. This definitely makes it easier for students and folks working on campus to get things done.
From the High 80s Down To Freezing Point
Washington, D.C. is a four-season city, no matter how far below the Mason-Dixon line it is located. Fall and spring are short but spectacular. Summers are balmy given the swamp DC was built on, but offices do crank up the A/C.
Winters are generally mild, but thanks to climate changes, more snow has been hitting the city and blizzards have been known to close government offices for a few days while city employees dig out.
Average temperatures are misleading, especially when the humidity isn’t factored in. Expect thunderstorms to blow through regularly, and use extra care when dressing, as layers are often needed.
Summer average (June – Aug): 87℉ high, 70℉ low
Winter average (Dec – Feb): 47℉ high, 32℉ low
10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
Living in Washington, D.C. means that you get to enjoy all the visitors’ favorite spots all year round. From history-laden spots to fun in the sun, what would you say is the best pick?
- The National Mall. It’s like the beating heart of American history. You’ve got the towering Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the grand U.S. Capitol all in one place. It’s a walk through the nation’s past, with each step.
- Smithsonian Museums. Among all, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s got everything from moon rocks to old-school aircraft, and guess what? Walking in is absolutely free!
- Cherry Blossom Festival. Come spring, and DC turns into a wonderland with cherry blossoms painting the town pink. The Tidal Basin is the place to be, with those pretty blooms reflecting in the water.
- Nationals Park. Whether you are into baseball or not, catching a Nationals game is a ride. The crowd’s energy is infectious, and you get to munch on some classic ballpark snacks.
- Rock Creek Park. This is where DC folks go to breathe. It’s green, it’s serene and whether you want to jog, bike or just laze around, this place has got you covered.
- The National Zoo. It’s not every day you get to see a giant panda without shelling out a dime. Yep, free entry, and it’s a fun, furry day out for the whole family.
- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Looking for a dash of culture? Snag a ticket to a show at the Kennedy Center. The place buzzes with artsy vibes and the performances are top-notch.
- Georgetown. Ah, Georgetown, with its cute cobblestone streets and swanky boutiques. It’s old, it’s chic and dining by the waterfront is like the cherry on top.
- Kayaking on the Potomac River. For a slice of adventure, hit the Potomac with a kayak. It’s fun, it’s freeing and you get a cool new view of the District.
- Eastern Market. This is the Washington, D.C. community at its finest. It’s a market, yes, but with live music, fresh flowers and all sorts of unique finds. It’s also a bit of a party, especially on weekends.