Considering the move? Come bring your awesomeness to the Capital.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the most powerful city in the world?
It’s not just politics that makes DC the place to be, but the culture and community continue to attract more and more people each year, and here’s why.
Living in DC: Essential Highlights
- DC offers a rich cultural environment with a thriving arts scene, featuring gallery walks in Dupont Circle, interactive installations at ARTECHOUSE, and numerous theater productions and performance venues.
- The city boasts exceptional natural beauty with numerous parks and trails like Haines Park and Klingle Valley Trail, consistently ranking as one of America’s most beautiful cities.
- DC’s dining scene is notably diverse and high-quality, particularly known for its international cuisine, including what’s considered some of the best Ethiopian food outside of Ethiopia.
- The job market is robust, with numerous opportunities in both government and private sectors, competitive salaries in surrounding counties, and easy access to government job listings through usajobs.com.
- The city is highly livable without a car thanks to bike-friendly infrastructure, including the affordable Capital Bike Share program ($85/year) and bike-compatible public transportation.
- DC offers extensive cultural attractions, including well-funded museums like the International Spy Museum and Natural History Museum, plus numerous festivals celebrating music, food, and diverse communities.
- The city maintains a strong LGBTQ+ community, boasting the highest percentage of self-identified LGBTQ+ residents in the US and hosting major events like the annual pride parade.
- Family-friendly amenities abound, including highly-ranked schools, educational museums, and regular children’s programming through public libraries and community organizations.
1. DC is an Art and Culture Hub!
2. It’s Actually Beautiful
Looking for a place to sit and read a book, hidden trails to wander, and secret paradises to discover? We’ve got it all here. Really!
Want some of our favorites? Give yourself a day to walk around Haines park, or else just take a hop skip and a jump down Klingle Valley Trail during the fall (perfect for insta, just saying). Check out this list of parks in DC!
And just to brag…DC often gets rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the US.
3. GOOD Food From All Over the World
Look, the only place you are going to find better Ethiopian food than DC is in Ethiopia. Seriously.
Here is a list of all the best international eats in the city.
Also, check out this awesome festival in August called the Around the World Culture Food Festival. It draws in a lot of people, and no true foodie can miss it!
4. One Word: Jobs
The DC area is one of the fastest growing in the nation. Massive companies have headquarters there, and flocks of government contractors and subcontractors have set up camp here for good.
Even the surrounding counties outside of DC have some of the most competitive salaries for teachers, nurses, construction workers, etc.
If you’re trying to get in on the ground floor of a US government agency then check out usajobs.com (they legally have to post all job openings to the public!)
5. The CAPS
If you are a sports fan you get it. If you’re not, allow me to explain.
If you need help “getting into” a game then try making a small bet with a friend. The thought of losing money can make you care in a way that just observing might not.
For those of you who know how fun and exciting it is to have a good sports team representing you, take hear that the CAPS are the second best metropolitan hockey team in the US (after the NY Islanders…for now, anyway).
If you’re looking for more sports in the DC area check out a sports fans guide to the city.
6. Really Well-Funded, Actually-Cool Museums.
Want to get your James Bond on? Go to the International Spy Museum, get assigned a cover identity and mission, and see how well you could make it in the field while checking out mind-blowing gadgets real spies have used!
That’s just one museum to check out. There is the Newseum, which offers a chance to contemplate how media is produced and how it affects us all.
There is the Natural History Museum, renown home of the Hope Diamond.
If you are looking for more ideas, check out this list to see which ones spark your curiosity.
7. Music + Festivals galore!!!!!
8. DC is a Kid-Friendly City!
9. The LGBTQ+ Scene
DC is a cool, safe place to be gay. We have gay bars and clubs a-plenty. Actually, we have the highest rates of self-identified LGBTQ+ people in the US.
Our yearly pride parade is practically the event of the summer!
There are also queer spaces and queer events that can connect you with the full spectrum of the DC LGBTQA+ world.
10. No Car? Just Join the Bike Share!
Move to DC Bonus: The Epic Backdrop
Let’s be honest. It’s cool to take a run in the morning and pass the monuments that the rest of the world sees in movies.
You’ll get hit by a sense of awe from time to time as you look over the famous skyline and remember how important this city actually is. Come check it out!
Looking for an apartment in a neighborhood where it’s all happening in DC? Start your search here!
Connect With Us
Have questions or need assistance finding your perfect DC apartment? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today!
Living in DC: Most Common Questions
What kind of arts and culture experiences does DC offer?
DC has a vibrant cultural scene featuring regular gallery walks in Dupont Circle, cutting-edge installations at ARTECHOUSE, and numerous theater productions. The city hosts regular art events, studio tours, and performances throughout the year, making it a hub for both established and emerging artists.
What makes DC a naturally beautiful city?
DC is consistently ranked as one of America’s most beautiful cities, featuring numerous parks and scenic areas. Residents can enjoy peaceful reading spots at Haines Park, explore hidden trails along Klingle Valley Trail, and discover various green spaces throughout the city, particularly stunning during fall.
What makes DC’s food scene special?
DC is known for its exceptional international cuisine, particularly its Ethiopian restaurants, which are considered some of the best outside of Ethiopia. The city offers diverse dining options from around the world and hosts events like the Around the World Culture Food Festival in August.
What are the job opportunities like in DC?
DC has one of the fastest-growing job markets in the nation, with opportunities in both government and private sectors. The surrounding counties offer competitive salaries for various professions including teachers and nurses, while government positions are readily accessible through usajobs.com.
How easy is it to get around DC without a car?
DC is very accessible without a car, thanks to its bike-friendly infrastructure. The Capital Bike Share program offers affordable options with annual memberships at $85, daily passes for $8, or 30-minute trips for $2. The city’s public transportation system is also bike-compatible, making it easy to combine cycling with metro use.
What cultural attractions and museums are available in DC?
DC features numerous well-funded museums, including the interactive International Spy Museum and the Natural History Museum, home to the Hope Diamond. The city also hosts various festivals celebrating music, food, and diverse communities throughout the year.
How welcoming is DC to the LGBTQ+ community?
DC has the highest percentage of self-identified LGBTQ+ residents in the US. The city offers numerous LGBTQ+-friendly venues, hosts a major annual pride parade in summer, and provides various queer spaces and events throughout the year.
Is DC a good city for families?
DC is very family-friendly, offering highly-ranked public and private schools, educational museums, and extensive children’s programming through public libraries. The city provides numerous STEM activities, podcast-making classes for kids, and regular family-oriented community events.
