If you're considering a move to Washington DC, you may want to read this article first.
I have a brother who has resided in Washington, D.C. for the last eight years, so I chatted with him to get an insider's view of the pros and cons of moving there-the good and bad stuff.
Washington DC is a gorgeous city that's home to over 700,000 people. It's most commonly known for being the nation's capital, but there are plenty of other reasons why it's such a great place to live.
There's a lot to appreciate about living in Washington DC, from free activities to fantastic employment possibilities and walking the city's very streets. But is this town correct for you?
I've put together a list of frequently asked questions in order to hopefully answer any remaining concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can assist you in any way. I'd be delighted to assist!
Based on my brother's personal experience, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind. However, not everyone will feel the same way about them.
Pros and Cons of Living in Washington, DC
#1. The history and culture of this place is unrivaled.
One of the things I love most about living in Washington DC is that it feels like walking through history.
You'll be living in one of the world's most culturally rich cities, and seeing the White House never gets old, contrary to popular belief.
Washington D.C. boasts an impressive 160 monuments and 70+ museums, making it a haven for history buffs and art enthusiasts. There's rarely a dull moment living in the nation's capital , with plenty of sights to see and activities to do.
Are you considering relocating to Washington, D.C.?
I contacted my brother, who has lived in Washington DC for 8 years, and together we compiled a list of both the good and bad aspects of living there - perfect for anyone deciding whether or not to move.
Washington DC, with 700,000 residents, is best recognized as the home of the United States capital and there's no arguing that it's a lovely place to call home.
There's a lot to enjoy in Washington, DC, from free activities to excellent job possibilities and walking the city's actual streets. But is it the best place for you?
The list below should answer some of your questions, but if not, please contact me and I'll be happy to help. Please note that these pros and cons are based on my brother's personal experience-everyone does not feel the same way. Now let's get started!
Washington DC's Positive and Negative Aspects
The advantages of living in Washington DC are manifold.
#1. No other place has a history and culture quite like this.
One of the reasons I love living in Washington DC is that it feels like you are constantly surrounded by history. You'll be living in an extremely cultured city, and no – seeing the White House never gets old.
As the saying goes, "When in Rome", and there is no shortage of things to do when in Washington D.C., home to 160 monuments and memorials or 70+ museums. If you're a lover of history or art, then you will find plenty to fill your time with while living here.
#2. Washington D.C is an excellent city for young adults in their 20's and 30's.
According to a recent study, Washington D.C. is the third best city in America for millennials. With an abundance of job openings and free events and activities, it's easy to see why this age group is moving en masse to our nation's capital.
With 23% of the population being millennials and that number increasing yearly, more businesses are taking note. In Washington D.C., it's easy to come across quaint cafes and stores tailored to things millennials take pleasure in.
#3. Public transportation is highly efficient.
The public transportation in Washington, DC, is often described as the best in the country, given that it serves an average of 800,000+ people each weekday and is home to one of the busiest metros in the United States, second only to New York City.
Washington DC residents love using public transportation because it is efficient and gets them to their destination quickly. In fact, Washington DC has the second-fastest commute time in the country. So yes, having efficient public transportation is a huge perk of living in Washington DC.
#4. Washington DC is a city that welcomes bicyclists.
If you want to get rid of your car and move to Washington, D.C., you're in luck because it's the country's third most bike-friendly city. I suggest renting a bike; they're entertaining and simple to operate, and it's not uncommon to see people riding them to work.
So, whether you're looking for something lighthearted and creative or need a gift to show your appreciation of someone's hard work, this is the perfect present! Whether it's a birthday, graduation, Christmas, or another special occasion: Take advantage of our frequent offers to ride with us on one during your next trip and see why they're so popular!
Are you considering a move to Washington DC?
My brother has been living in Washington DC for the past eight years, so I decided to ask him about the pros and cons of living there. This is my honest account of what he had to say.
Washington DC is home to 650,000 people and is most recognized as the capital of the United States. There's no doubting it's a beautiful city to call home. Washington DC offers a variety of free activities, as well as excellent employment prospects and walking along the very same streets that history was made.
Below, find a list of pros and cons to help you make your decision- all based on my brother's experience. Of course, not everyone shares the same views, but this should give you a general idea.
#6. Living in Washington, D.C., allows you to visit free museums on a daily basis.
A clear advantage to living in Washington DC is that most museums don't charge an entrance fee. This means you can explore some of the finest museums in the world any day of the week! The nation's capital boasts more than 70 impressive institutions, making it tough to decide which ones are worth your time. To make things easier for you, we've compiled a list of the 10 best museums in Washington DC so you can plan your visit accordingly.
#7. Stable job market
A large majority of the population in Washington D.C. is employed by government agencies, around 40%. If you have an interest in politics or working for your city/state, then D.C. has many job openings for you. The market continually changes and offers higher pay than most places; on average, households make $85,200 annually.
Reasons Why You Might Not Want to Move to Washington DC
#1. The ever-increasing cost of living.
This lovely city is frequently listed as one of the most expensive US cities to live in, so be prepared to spend more than usual if you plan on making Washington DC your home.
Because housing is so expensive, most people end up renting in Washington D.C., despite the fact that purchasing a home seems impossible.
The average cost of living in the District is quite reasonable, with a median household income of $85,200 and a per-capita gross domestic product (GDP) of $61,819. The monthly expenses for a one-bedroom apartment are about $2,100. If you're thinking about purchasing a home after moving to D.C., start your search at around $600.
#2. The humidity during summertime, paired with the cold winters can wreak havoc on your skin.
The District of Columbia's summers are brutally hot, with temperatures breaking 90°F on at least 12-14 days every year. The muggy weather is almost more unbearable than the heat itself!
So you'll need this while living in Washington DC during the hot and muggy summer months when allergies are rampant and bugs make it difficult to enjoy the outdoors.
If you're thinking of moving to Washington DC, consider the climate and allergies that come with hot summers.
#3. The inequality of income
When you live in Washington, DC, the extent of income disparity is obvious; thus, it is regarded as the second worst city in the United States when it comes to income inequality.
Nearly a fourth of the city's residents live in poverty, with 16.8% living below the poverty line. The remaining part of the population is starkly mixed between high-profile politicians and business people scraping by on two minimum wage jobs.
#4. Inadequate education in the public sector
Because only 68.5% of high school students in Washington DC graduate, if you're relocating there with the intention of starting a family, it's crucial that you either choose your residence based on which school district it falls into or be financially prepared to send your kids to private school.
In fact, public schools in Washington DC are in a poor state, as evidenced by the lowest graduation rate in the nation.
Parents often move out of Washington DC in order to place their children in better schools.
#5. It's a nightmare driving on the highway.
Washington DC always ranks in the top five of cities with the most horrible traffic in America.
In reality, people who live and work in Washington DC spend an average of 124 hours a year commuting.
The one piece of advise I frequently offer my friends who are considering moving to Washington, DC is to live within the city limits or reside in a neighborhood near to work since traffic will consume too much time otherwise.
Because traffic is a huge issue in Washington DC (and it's not just limited to weekdays), make sure to plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go.
I dread tourist season because of the influx in traffic and lack of parking availability.
#6. If you're thinking about moving to D.C., be prepared for the insects.
Surprisingly, Washington D.C. has been named the 7th most buggy city in America. This means that there are large populations of ticks, mosquitos, cockroaches, fleas, etc.
The sheer number of insects is a major drawback of living in Washington, DC since you can't spend too much time outside during the summer without being attacked by bug bites. In fact, I didn't realize that people in other states were allowed to leave their windows open! You won't be able to do it anymore if you move to Washington DC.
#7. It's easy to become a workaholic if you're not careful.
Washington, DC is home to a lot of ambitious individuals. You'll see a lot of people working late in Washington, DC — this is clearly a city of hardworking individuals who are prepared to put in the effort!
Chances are that when you move to Washington, DC, you will be lured into the trap of working excessively and becoming a workaholic. Working late into the night is common in Washington, DC, so personal relationships will be jeopardized.
Living in the nation's capital may be difficult since everyone is so busy. By joining group activities, such as book clubs or running groups, you'll have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. You'll quickly find that there's a vast diversity of folks to befriend in the city because you'll have access to different economic statuses, religions, education and ethnic backgrounds.
#8. The food options are not very good.
In my experience, the cuisine scene in Washington, DC falls short of other major cities in the United States, particularly when compared to other large metro areas.
Don't get me wrong, you can eat far more diverse meals in Washington DC than you could in New York City, but I've never been blown away by food the way I was when we lived there. I mean, why isn't Washington DC on the list of top food cities in the United States? Well, there's a reason for that.