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Washington District of Columbia is one of the most attractive cities in the United States and is rated as one of the best places to live in the country.
Surrounded by beautiful green scenery and numerous parks, D.C. is rich in U.S. history with tons of breathtaking museums, monuments, and architecture.
Well-known for its excellent quality of life, amazing hiking and biking trails, and extremely high walkability rate (98/100), the capital of the U.S. is one of the safest cities in the country and the world.
Washington DC boasts of one of the highest-paying job markets in the country alongside a strong local economy powered by the government and private sectors, making it one of the most coveted cities in the country.
If you're considering moving to Washington DC, this guide contains all the most important information you need about the U.S. capital to make the right decision.
Let's get started! Here's a breakdown of what we're going to cover in this Washington DC guide:
A quick look at the population and other demographics of Washington DC.
About 689,545 people reside in Washington DC and its density is 11,294.76/sq mi. It stands 20th in the list of populous places in the US.
Washington DC has a humid subtropical climate. Winters are cool with light snow and summers are hot and humid. The winter temperatures average around 38 ???. It snows annually about 15.5 inches.
Summers are hot and humid and the temperature in July touches 79.8 ???. Heat indices regularly approach 100 ??? at the height of summer. The combination of heat and humidity in the summer brings very frequent thunderstorms, some of which occasionally produce tornadoes in the area.
The average commuting time in Washington DC is the highest in the US – 43 minutes. This is much higher than the US national average of 27 minutes. About a third of the DC residents spend 45minutes or more commuting to the office every day. The average commute time in Washington DC has been increasing over the years.
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Washington DC ranks third in the country to find a job. You’ve got plenty of opportunities in all sectors — public, private, and non-profit. Regardless of who is in the White House, the job market in Washington DC remains strong.
As job opportunities are abundant, you take home a fat check than most of the neighboring areas. Be it the service sector, government jobs, or IT, the paycheck is higher in Washington DC.
Washington DC is not just about politics and historic monuments but the city also has amazing and spectacular parks. About 20% of the city is dedicated to green spaces and here’s a list of the best parks in Washington DC.
Washington DC has got no shortage of outdoor recreation, especially in summer. From hiking, biking, and running to celebrations and festivals, Washington DC has got something for everyone. We’ve compiled a list of the activities to catch up on the outside.
Washington DC is an incredible city with a very versatile taste palette. From avocado toast to Chesapeake blue crabs via Thai pumpkin curry and hangover-blasting old-school burgers, the city draws from a myriad of cuisines to fill your belly with waist-expanding goodness.
Here’s a list of the mouth watering cuisines to relish at Washington DC
Unlike many other big cities in the US, Washington DC has a robust public transport system and you don’t need to drive within the city. Washington DC has the second-highest percentage of public transit commuters. While commuting within the city or suburbs, you can pick from the metro rail, streetcar, commuter rail, public buses, and cabs.
Being the capital city and home to unlimited historic monuments and political offices, Washington DC has got a great scope in tourism and it is one of the most visited cities in the country. As tourism flourishes in DC, it is bringing in huge revenues to the city coffers and also add up more job opportunities.
Washington DC gets all four seasons. The weather is mild in comparison to many parts of the US. In winter, occasional snowstorms occur and temperatures often fluctuate above freezing. Spring is beautiful when the flowers blossom. The summers are hot and humid.
Hidden amongst the office buildings and row homes, some gorgeous places feel, well, quite magical. We’ve got 10 places in Washington DC to imagine you are in a fairy tale.
Washington DC has a thriving nightlife scene to cater to all of the tourists, university students, and government employees who need to let off some steam. The night scene is not just limited to booze and dining but there’s much more. Washington DC has got night museums, night performances, theaters, music shows, and bowling venues alive throughout the night till the sun rises.
The pros and cons of living in the state isn't exactly the same for everyone. What seem to be pros for some will be cons for others.
Here are the key pros and cons of moving to Washington DC.
If you're considering moving to Washington DC, living in the best places in the state should be among your top priority.
So, we've compiled relevant data about the ten best places to live in Washington DC to help you get started.
| Place | Population | Median Home Value | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise Valley | 14,215 | $1,505,300 | 1.4% |
| Gilbert | 237,484 | $310,400 | 4.4% |
| Scottsdale | 246,026 | $455,900 | 3.7% |
| Oro Valley | 43,815 | $297,500 | 5.7% |
| Sahuarita | 28,949 | $200,700 | 3.7% |
| Chandler | 248,631 | $285,000 | 4.1% |
| Marana | 43,606 | $242,300 | 4.3% |
| Thatcher | 5,030 | $149,400 | 3.1% |
| Peoria | 164,572 | $248,700 | 5.5% |
| Prescott | 42,068 | $328,000 | 7.1% |
The cost of living in Washington DC is fairly competitive compared to other states across the country.
Otherwise known for its low cost of living which is now rising gradually as many more people flock to the state.
If you're considering moving to Washington DC, here's the average cost of living in the state using a national average of 100:
Overall, the cost of living in Washington DC is rated 102%, while the U.S. average is 100. This means the cost of living in Washington DC is slightly higher than the U.S. average. Housing is considered the biggest factor in the cost of living index, below is key data about Washington DC's rental and real estate market.
Tip: When you've got a home to move in Washington DC, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
Renting a home can be a great option if you're moving to Washington DC. In fact, about 30.4% of people living in Washington DC are renters. Similar to several other states across the country, all types of homes are available for rent in Washington DC. However, only about 2.5 apartments and houses are open for rent in Washington DC.
Here's a simple breakdown of the state's real estate market:
Yes, Washington DC is a good state to live in. The state has a warm climate and the economy is highly growing. As a result, the job opportunities are extremely high here, especially in cities like Tucson and Phoenix. Despite the economy thriving, the cost of living is low and you can easily get good accommodation at a low rent. The quality of education is high here and some of the best universities in the US are situated in Washington DC.
Washington DC is one of the best places to move in. The advantages of living in Washington DC are:
No, Washington DC is not expensive at all. The cost of living in Washington DC is extremely low in comparison with many other states. Despite the economy growing and companies paying good salaries, you will get homes at affordable rent and can even buy one without burning your wallet. Even other expenses in the state are highly affordable.
As per the FBI, Washington DC is relatively a safe state and the violent crime rate is below the national average. Most of the violent crimes that occur in Washington DC tend to be centered close to the Mexico border.
The police claim to have brought gang wars and street fights under control and most neighborhoods in big cities are safer than what they had been a decade ago.
Yes, Washington DC promises a healthy life as it has the cleanest air in the US. The days are always sunny here and you will be always both mentally and physically healthier. Due to the natural sunlight, there will be no shortage of Vitamin D and you will have a strong immune system, better dental health, and low blood pressure.
While living in Washington DC, the chances of depression are also extremely low.
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Start My Quote NowIf you're moving to Washington DC, buying a home in the state is a great idea. However, to help you make the right decision, we collected the most important data about Washington DC's real estate market to help you get started:
This housing market information gives you a crystal-clear picture of the state real estate market if you're moving to Washington DC.
We've compiled key information about the job market in Washington DC including the biggest employers, top industries, top career options, and the average amount you're most likely to earn if you're moving to Washington DC.
Here's a simple summary of Washington DC's job market:
These are the largest industries in the state of Washington DC:
If you're considering changing your career after moving to Washington DC, we've compiled a list of the leading industries in the state to help you make an informed decision. Here they are:
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These companies are rated as the biggest employers in Washington DC and they cut across various sectors of the state economy. If you're moving to Washington DC, knowing who the biggest employers are can help you put the right foot forward. Here they are:
While getting a job in Washington DC is fairly easy, what's the average amount you're mostly likely to earn in the state? Let's find out.
A person in Washington DC typically earns around 106,000 USD per year, which helps to lead a decent living. Salaries range from 26,700 USD (lowest average) to 471,000 USD (highest average, the actual maximum salary is higher).
Depending on where you are right now, moving to Washington District of Columbia could mean paying less or more in taxes. We've compiled the major tax information in Washington DC to help you compare apples to apples.
Washington DC is a world-famous city known for many great things. If you're moving to the District of Columbia, you should be aware of what the city is mostly known for. Here's a list of what Washington District of Columbia is well-known for:
The seat of the US federal government, United States Capitol on Capitol Hill is at the eastern end of the National Mall on a plateau 88 feet above the level of the Potomac River. The original building built in 1800 was destroyed in a fire in 1814 and was fully restored within 5 years. A perfect example of neoclassical style, it covers well over 1.5 million square feet, has over 600 rooms, and has miles of corridors.
The official residence of the US President at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW is a neoclassical-style building. The construction took place between 1792 and 1800 using Aquia Creek sandstone painted white.
At the western end of the National Mall, the grand Lincoln Memorial towers over the Reflecting Pool. The Greek Doric temple-styled monument was opened to the public in 1922 and has always been a major tourist attraction.
An obelisk in Washington DC honoring George Washington, the first president, the Washington Monument is 554 meters in height and weighs an estimated 91,000 tons. Located almost due east of the Reflecting Pool, it is the tallest monument column in the world.
National Mall refers to the entire area between the Lincoln Memorial on the west and east to the United States Capitol grounds, with the Washington Monument dividing the area slightly west of its midpoint. The National Mall has art galleries, cultural institutions, and various memorials, sculptures, and statues. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is adjacent to the National Mall and is a 2-acre site dominated by a black granite wall with the names of soldiers who laid their lives in the Vietnam War engraved on it.
The National Air and Space Museum is the second most visited museum in the US and exhibits aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, rockets, and other flight-related artifacts. The museum has an IMAX theater for out-of-this-world escapes.
It displays about 141,000 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures, decorative arts, and new media tracing the development of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum is a neoclassical building and it is one of the largest and the most visited in the US.
The world’s most popular natural history museum is situated at the National Mall and contains over 145 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts.
The National Zoological Park or the National Zoo is one of the oldest in the US and has two campuses. The zoo is home to about 2,700 animals of 390 different species and one-fifth of them are endangered or threatened. The zoo campuses also have 180 species of trees, 850 species of woody shrubs and herbaceous plants, 40 species of grasses, and 36 different species of bamboo.
Devoted to the scientific, cultural, social, technological, and political development of the United States, the National Museum of American History has more than three million historical objects — including the famed Star-Spangled Banner — and documents that explore the evolution of the American identity.
The neoclassical Jefferson Memorial at the West Potomac Park is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the US and stands 4th on the ‘List of America’s Favorite Architecture'. Tidal Basin is a man-made reservoir adjacent to the Jefferson Memorial, covering an area of 107 acres.
The 639-acre military cemetery across the Potomac River, at Arlington County, was established during the Civil War and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery has graves of more than 260,000 service members who lost lives in different wars.
The museum at National Mall focusing on African-American history is an architectural marvel. The museum has a subtle profile in the landscape – more than half is below ground – with five stories above. The entire building is wrapped in an ornamental bronze lattice referring to African American craftsmanship.
Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Washington DC, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
If you're moving to Washington DC and have school age kids or interested in schooling, we've compiled the best schools in the city for you. The following are the best schools in Washington District of Columbia including elementary, middle, high, colleges and universities:
Mann Elementary School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, PK-5 | 400 students
Lafayette Elementary School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, PK-5 | 816 students
KIPP DC - Promise Academy PCS
KIPP DC, Charter, K-4 | 520 students
Murch Elementary School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, PK-5 | 573 students
Ross Elementary School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, PK-5 | 174 students
Deal Middle School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, 6-8 | 1475 students
DC Prep - Edgewood Middle Campus
D.C. Preparatory Academy Pcs, Charter, 4-8 | 332 students
Hardy Middle School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, 6-8 | 392 students
BASIS DC
Basis Dc Pcs, Charter, 5-12 | 598 students
Whittier Education Campus
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, PK-8 | 325 students
School Without Walls High School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, 9-12 | 592 students
Benjamin Banneker High School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, 9-12 | 482 students
Duke Ellington School of the Arts
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, 9-12 | 566 students
Public High School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, Public, 9-12 | 1829 students
Washington Latin PCS - Upper School
Washington Latin Pcs, Charter, 9-12 | 331 students
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Howard University
The catholic university of America
Gallaudet University
University of the District of Columbia
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