Prepare Yourself for the Cost of Living
Living in a city as exciting as D.C. doesn’t come cheap. The cost of living in Washington D.C. is high, with the city ranking as the 8th most expensive city in the U.S. It is about 39% higher than the national average, with housing being the main factor. Now, if you are relocating from New York, San Francisco, or L.A., you may not feel the pain quite as much as those moving from smaller cities. Despite these high numbers, it’s still possible to live comfortably in D.C. You just need to research the city’s neighborhoods and surrounding areas to find the right fit.
Where to Live in Washington D.C.
One of the first decisions you will have to make is selecting a place to live. You should research the city’s different neighborhoods, as they all differ in cost and amenities. Here’s a quick look at some of the top D.C. neighborhoods.
Mt. Pleasant: Located in the northwest corner of the city, Mt. Pleasant is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in D.C. Renters will also find that they can usually get more space for their dollar in Mt. Pleasant compared to other neighborhoods. The area is safe and offers access to a number of restaurants, daytime activities, and exciting nightlife.
Capitol Hill: If you will be working for the government, this neighborhood is a convenient option. Offering a mix of luxury condos, 19th-century row houses, and affordable one-bedroom apartments, this neighborhood puts you just steps away from the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, and other historic attractions. The neighborhood also features a vibrant nightlife, Eastern Market, and loads of foodie favorites.
Georgetown: This is probably the most picturesque neighborhood in D.C., with views of the Potomac River, the Francis Scott Memorial Bridge, and charming historical architecture. The neighborhood features luxurious homes, colorful streets, a bustling nightlife, and a welcoming community. This is an ideal area for those who want the perfect blend of nature and big city life.
Shaw & U Street Corridor, LeDroit Park & Mt. Vernon: All of these neighborhoods are right next to each other and offer a similar vibe. These hip, trendy neighborhoods are perfect for young professionals and students looking for great nightlife and a charming community. The streets are covered with colorful murals and street art, along with bars, restaurants, and plenty of shopping.
Getting Around in Washington D.C.
Traffic in the D.C. area can be brutal, which is why most residents rely on public transportation instead of a car. Public transit is often the easiest way to get around, especially during rush hour. Known for being some of the world’s safest, cleanest, and most efficient transit systems, the Metrorail and Metrobus make it easy to travel around the city. Between these two systems, you will have access to hundreds of routes throughout the entire D.C. area. However, these systems only run until midnight so you will need a different option for late-night transportation. This is where you might rely on taxis or ride-sharing services. D.C. also has a free bus system called the D.C. Circulator, which runs on six specific routes through certain neighborhoods. In addition to public transportation, much of the city is walkable, while many people prefer to ride bikes.
Things to Do in Washington D.C.
If you are wondering how you might spend your free time in D.C., you will be happy to know that there are plenty of options for residents. From renowned museums and historical landmarks to world-class dining, there is something for everyone.
Museums: While your rent may be costly, you can enjoy free admission to some of the world’s best museums. You won’t want to miss the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, arguably one of the most famous museums in the world, or the iconic National Museum of African American History and Culture. Other must-see museums include the National Postal Museum, the National Children’s Museum, the International Spy Museum, President Lincoln’s Cottage, and the National Air and Space Museum.
Dining: Get ready to dig into one of the most acclaimed dining scenes in the country. Featuring multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, innovative bars and lounges, celebrity chefs, and loads of local eateries, the D.C. restaurant scene will not disappoint. You will also want to check out the Eastern Market, where you can pick up local meats, seafood, cheese, produce, pasta, bread, and baked goods.
Outdoor Activities: You will have no trouble finding plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Explore the beautiful Rock Creek Park, take a stroll along the C&O Canal Towpath in Georgetown, spend a day on Roosevelt Island, or paddleboard along the Potomac River. Located just 30 minutes from D.C. is also Great Falls Park, which consists of hiking trails, cascading rapids, and spectacular waterfalls. There are also lovely gardens, plenty of outdoor historical sites, and outdoor modern art.
Sports: Sports enthusiasts can catch an action-packed game cheering on their favorite team. Home to the Washington Nationals baseball team, the Washington Capitals hockey team, the Washington Wizards basketball team, and D.C. United soccer team, there are plenty of opportunities to get in on the action.
Ready to Move to Washington D.C.? Allied Van Lines Can Help
Washington D.C. is a truly incredible place to live, work, and play. Packed with history, culture, art, and food, D.C. has all the amenities you would expect from a big city along with a unique vibe you will only find in our nation’s capital. As you prepare to relocate, call Allied Van Lines to assist with your move. As a leader in the moving industry for more than 95 years, we have the knowledge and experience to help you move with confidence. Call Allied today for more information about our customizable moving services and let us help you with your exciting move to Washington D.C.