Archived: What’s it like to live in Washington, DC?

Miriam Weiner- U.s. News

To the rest of the country, Washington, D.C., is the nation’s capital – and that’s it. It’s where lawmakers sit high and mighty, and it’s the scapegoat for every unpopular political decision. But those who live in the District are quick to point out that there’s more to their city than government.

Your experience as a resident of the Washington, D.C., metro area will vary depending on the neighborhood you choose to live in, but there are some consistencies. In general, Washington, D.C., and its surrounding communities are clean, and there are plenty of public parks.

The Washington, D.C., metro area has the perks of a large city. It’s serviced by an extensive public transit system, is home to plenty of restaurants and entertainment venues and a variety of museums and other cultural sites. Meanwhile, each neighborhood in the District and its surrounding towns has its own atmosphere. Residents gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks and converse at coffee shops, creating an ambiance similar to that of a much smaller community.

Rankings

U.S. News analyzed 100 cities in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each city, as well as the value of living there and people’s desire to live there. Washington ranks as #8 with an overall score of 7.1 out of 10.

Washington, DC Quick Stats     What’s the cost of living in Washington, DC?

Living in the D.C. area is expensive. The average cost of buying a home in D.C. is significantly higher than the national average, and prices are expected to continue climbing. Renters can expect to write monthly checks that are roughly $400 higher than the national average. Your cost of living also depends on where in the metro area you choose to live. Residents of Maryland communities like Bethesda and Silver Spring can expect to pay more in state taxes than their D.C. and Virginia neighbors. However, Virginians who own cars will need to pay a vehicle personal property tax each year.

Buying or Selling a Home in Washington, DC

Finding the right real estate agent or realtor is key when it comes to buying or selling a home in Washington.

Washington, D.C.’s diverse neighborhoods feature an array of home types, from historic row homes on Capitol Hill to luxury condos in Penn Quarter. But a 20 percent year-over-year increase in the population is putting a strain on housing inventory in the Nation’s Capital. Housing options in nearby Maryland and Virginia have helped relieve some of the pressure. However, you’ll still want to enlist the help of a skilled real estate agent to help you ensure you find the perfect home while sticking to your budget.

What’s the weather like in Washington, DC?

The Washington, D.C., area experiences all four seasons. Summer takes some getting used to because temperatures hover in the 80s and 90s with high levels of humidity. It can even top 100 degrees at times in D.C. Winter brings some snow that can result in a public transit shut-down and road closures. Fall and spring are pleasant, and the blooming of the cherry blossom trees in the spring brings many tourists to the area to see the white and pink flowers along the Tidal Basin.

What’s the best way to get around Washington, DC?

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates an extensive public transit system with trains and buses servicing the District and the suburbs in Maryland and Virginia. In addition to WMATA’s services, Maryland and Virginia communities bordering the District offer their own bus routes.

Many people who live in Maryland and Virginia suburbs choose to drive, which often results in heavy traffic – especially during the morning and evening rush hours. The D.C. metro area has also earned a reputation for being a miserable place to drive due to road congestion and a high rate of accidents.

Biking is also a popular mode of transportation in the D.C. area. The Capital Bikeshare program allows people to rent bikes from one of more than 350 pickup and drop-off stations in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. 

Commuting in Washington, DC Who lives in Washington, DC?

The D.C. metro area’s population is fairly young, thanks in large part to the city’s numerous universities and ample job opportunities. Residents over the age of 60 comprise only around 12 percent of the total population. About 42 percent of households are occupied by families with 17 percent of those households including children under the age of 18. Neighborhoods in the Northwest quadrant of the District are particularly attractive to families – as are nearby cities like McLean, Virginia, and Bethesda, Maryland – because of their safe environments and good schools.

The D.C. population is diverse, with the area’s strong job market attracting people from around the world. Cultural variation can be seen throughout the city, from the colorful Chinatown archway to the Ethiopian and Latin American restaurants lining Adams Morgan’s streets.

The majority of the Washington, D.C., population is registered Democrat. Communities just outside the District in Maryland and Virginia also tend to side with the Democratic Party.

What is there to do in Washington, DC?

D.C. metro area residents don’t want for things to do. The city is home to numerous cultural attractions, including several Smithsonian museums, theaters and year-round markets. The city also encompasses a blossoming restaurant scene that will please any foodie, and plenty of nightlife venues, from the trendy bars along the U Street Corridor to concerts at the Verizon Center.

District residents are also big sports fans, coming together to cheer on the Washington Redskins (football), the Wizards (basketball), the Capitals (hockey) and the Nationals (baseball).

Outside the immediate metro area, residents can take advantage of hiking, camping and boating opportunities in Shenandoah National Park, Great Falls State Park and other outdoor spaces. Both southern Maryland and northern Virginia also feature numerous wineries and orchards.