Top 5 Pros and Cons of Moving to Washington, DC

Washington, DC, may be known for its government influence and historical significance, but there’s so much more to the nation’s capital than what meets the eye. 

From the cherry blossoms painting the city pink in spring to the awe-inspiring museums, the city offers an amazing blend of culture and history.

So, it is no surprise that people from all over the world would want to move to the nation’s capital.

But before you make that final leap, consider the pros and cons of moving to Washington, DC. 

In this blog, we’ll shed some light on what it is actually like to live and work in the home of US politics. 

Before diving deeper, let’s explore some interesting facts about the city.

10 Interesting Facts About Washington DC

1. George Washington Never Lived In The White House

It turns out that the first President of the United States never lived in the White House.

This is because the construction of the White House wasn’t finished until a year after George Washington passed. 

2. The Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC Were a Gift From Japan

In 1912, around 3000 cherry trees arrived in Washington DC from Japan. Now, each spring, beautiful cherry blossoms lining the Tidal Basin bloom and attract both locals and tourists. 

The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this event and the relationship between the U.S. and Japan every year.

3. There Are Over 70 Museums In Washington DC

Whether you’re someone who is intrigued by history, arts, or both, you might be lucky here because there are plenty of museums in Washington, DC. 

In DC, the most visited museums include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery of Art, the National Air and Space Museum, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

You’ll also find intriguing museums with unique displays and classic collections, like the International Spy Museum and the National Postal Museum. 

4. DC Has The Largest Library In The World

The Library of Congress is known to be one of the largest libraries in the world. It has more than 170 million objects. 

Are you worried that English is not your native language? Don’t stress; around half of the books in the library are in other languages.

So, if you’re an avid book reader and history buff, there would definitely be something of interest for you here.

5. The Washington Monument Was The Tallest Building Between 1884-1889

When the Washington Monument was constructed, it became the tallest building in the world, but that title lasted only about five years until the Eiffel Tower was built. 

6. There Are Underground Tunnels Beneath The Capitol

Yes, you heard that right. There is a tunnel beneath the Capitol Building; however, you will need a staffer to escort you. 

7. The White House Wasn’t Always White

The official residence of the President of the United States wasn’t always white. 

Originally, The White House was built with grey sandstone and was first painted in 1978 to protect the porous stone from freezing. 

8. The Statue of Freedom Might Look Small But Is Over 19 Feet Tall

You might have noticed a brown statue of a woman with a helmet, an eagle head, and feathers on top of the US Capitol Building; while it may look small from afar, don’t be fooled. The Statue of Freedom’s height is over 19 feet tall and weighs around 15,000 pounds. 

9. Only One President Is Buried In DC

This presidential trivia is actually true- only one president is buried in Washington, DC, and he is Woodrow Wilson. 

They have buried his body in the Washington National Cathedral since his death in 1924.

10. Washington DC Has a Height Limit For Buildings

Unlike other cities, Washington, DC, has a height constraint for buildings.

There is an act known as the Heights of Buildings Act of 1910, which ensures that no structure overshadows the Capitol and other historical monuments. 

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Moving To Washington DC

There are several advantages and disadvantages of moving to Washington, DC.

The Nation’s Capital offers plenty of perks, including Its vibrant neighborhoods, music, food culture, picturesque locations, and diverse community that firmly blends the city in modernity, innovation, and creativity.

You name it, and there is something for everyone here. 

However, with the positives come the negatives, including the high cost of living, lack of work-life balance, and noise pollution. 

Let’s discuss in detail the pros and cons of moving to Washington, DC, so you can make an informed decision. 

 Advantages Of Moving To Washington DC

If you are planning to move to Washington, DC, you’ll have the opportunity to get the best education, experience the city’s rich history and culture, and live an affluent life.

Here are a few perks you can expect if you plan to relocate to Washington DC:

1. Educational Institutions Are Top-Notch

Students who are planning to relocate to Washington, DC, can have it all, as the nation’s capital has one of the top-notch educational institutions, including Howard University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University.

These institutions not only provide students from all over the world with an opportunity to learn under the guidance of highly skilled professors but also open avenues for them to pursue fulfilling professional careers.

Families who are planning to move to the city can also rely on prestigious public school districts, including Washington Latin PCS, E.L. Haynes PCS, and KIPP DC Public Schools. 

2. Strong Job Market

As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., offers numerous job opportunities in various fields, particularly in government, law, healthcare, finance, technology, education, policy-making, and public service.

In addition to federal jobs, the city is home to several NGOs, think tanks, and international organizations. 

The growing tech sector also has plenty of opportunities in IT and cybersecurity. 

Here is a list of a few top employers in Washington, DC.

• Georgetown University
• MedStar Health
• Deloitte
• American University
• The World Bank Group
• Howard University
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Marriott International
• PwC

3. World-Class Dining and Nightlife

Washington, DC, has a diverse and amazing food scene, offering options from traditional American cuisine to international dishes. From Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks, the city caters to all tastes and budgets. 

The thriving food scene is supported by a network of farmers’ markets, specialty food shops, and food festivals. Some of the city’s most famous restaurants include:

• Old Ebbit Grill
• Ben’s Chilli Bowl 
• Founding Farmers
• The Dabney
• Maydan
• Le Diplomate
• The Hamilton

Apart from that, neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, U Street, and Dupont Circle are known for their vibrant nightlife, offering everything from live music bars to fancy dinners. So whether you’re a foodie or a night owl, DC has something for everyone. 

4. Excellent Public Transportation

Subway System 

The transportation system in Washington, DC, is the 5th best in the US, with passengers claiming DC’s stretched-out metro system to be remarkably affordable, well-lit, and clean. 

If you live either in Arlington, VA, or DC, you can still walk to the nearest station using the city’s six metro lines. You can go through the pros and cons of moving to Virginia before making the decision to relocate. 

If you are in the center of the city, the nearest metro station is likely 5 minutes away. 

Bus Service

Besides the subway system, the city even offers free bus services to ensure free travel for everyone.

Bike-Friendly and Walkable

DC is a bike-friendly city; Capital Bikeshare is also available for short trips and leisurely rounds around the city. 

If you want to explore the city by walking, DC’s most walkable neighborhoods include U-Street, with a walk score of 99, and Dupont Circle, with a walk score of 98.

5. Rich History and Culture

Washington, D.C., has a rich history, culture, and population, and it is home to famous landmarks, including the White House, Lincoln Park, the National Mall, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian National Museum.

If you love the history and culture of the United States, you can visit the museums, art galleries, monuments, and memorials located throughout the city. 

Disadvantages of Moving To Washington DC

1. High Cost of Living

One essential thing that can make you reconsider your decision to live in Washington, DC, is the high cost of living. 

This factor can be difficult​​ to adjust, especially since the city has a cost-of-living index score of 151.9, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 51.9% higher than the U.S. average. 

According to Best Places, a minimum annual income of $123,480 for a family and $68,400 for a single person is recommended to live comfortably in Washington, D.C.

Talking about housing, a typical home costs $644,900, which is 90.7% more expensive than the national average of $338,100.

According to Rent Cafe, the average rent for an apartment in Washington is $2,485. However, the cost of rent varies depending on several factors, including location, size, and quality.

If you want to save money on rent, then try staying in affordable neighborhoods in the nation’s capital. DC is home to some hidden places where you can take advantage of city living without exceeding your budget. 

The cost of living for nearby cities like Baltimore and Richmond is much lower than that of DC, coming in at 92.6 and 95.2, respectively.

You can look at the table below, which consists of a few more neighborhoods with affordable rents. 

Please note that these approximate figures can vary depending on various factors, including size, location, and quality. 

However, it’s worth noting that salaries in Washington, DC, tend to be relatively higher in fields like government, finance, and technology.

So, the cost of living may be higher than in other cities, but the high earnings compensate for it.

2. No Work-Life Balance

In DC, there is a lot of competition in the workplace. Long working hours are normal, and people are always trying to be better than their counterparts.

There is a low chance that you can find any work-life balance in this city if you are determined to put in the work and earn good money.

This type of environment can quickly burn you out if you are not used to working late.

In turn, it would be challenging to maintain a social life here because people are working so much. 

3. Weather is Extreme

The weather in Washington, DC, can be unpredictable, with cold, snow flurry winters and hot and humid summers. 

Winter can sometimes be very harsh. The city experiences snow and below-freezing temperatures, which make it difficult for people to conduct their daily activities. 

Meanwhile, during summer, the temperatures can be too hot, with temperatures reaching over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thunderstorms can be common due to this combination of heat and humidity.

Not only that, but there are also high chances that you’ll witness bugs during those months in DC, especially mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and bed bugs.

You’d be surprised to know that they have been named the 7th most bed-bug-infested city in the country.

4. Traffic Can Be a Headache

Traffic congestion is a significant issue in Washington, DC, especially during peak hours. It is ranked in the top 8 cities with the worst traffic in the country. 

Washington, D.C.’s traffic can be challenging because the city’s infrastructure struggles to accommodate the large number of commuters who travel in and out of the city daily.

Parking can become a nightmare and could be really expensive, especially in popular neighborhoods and near major attractions. 

Give yourself enough time to get from point A to point B so you aren’t late as per your schedule.  

5. Wealth Inequality Is Evident

Despite the abundance of job opportunities in Washington, DC, the cost of living remains high.

A lot of wealthier residents live in the area, but there is still a high number of residents with lower incomes. 

In this region, individuals in the top 20 percent of income have  29 times more income than the bottom 20 percent. 

Wealth inequality is so prominent in DC that people living in the same block may come from completely different walks of life. 

Are You Planning To Move To Washington DC?

Are you planning to live in Washington, DC? Then get ready for world-class dining, fantastic nightlife, top-notch education, and a strong job market. 

But just as fancy as it sounds, let’s be real- moving can be a hassle. 

Before planning your move, you need to make up your mind about whether you want to go for DIY moving or hire a professional moving company. 

Choosing the right moving company is essential when you’re taking such a big step.

You need to take care of several things when you are relocating, whether it is making your moving checklist, packing your valuables safely, or moving specialty items like gym equipment, pianos, etc. 

Pro Tip: Consider hiring professional movers, as they are well-equipped and trained to handle all your belongings carefully. 

You can rest while professional movers pack, load, transport, and unload all your stuff without you having to lift a finger. 

If you feel you have plenty of belongings and your new home cannot accommodate all of them, you can temporarily store them in 24-hour climate-controlled storage units. 

You no longer have to deal with difficult tasks; delegate them to local movers who will manage your relocation process efficiently. 

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that Washington, DC, is a great place to live in and has several amazing things to do, but as with any other city, it has its own drawbacks that can discourage people from moving there. 

You should carefully weigh the pros and cons of moving to Washington, DC, before deciding to relocate.

Your decision should ultimately depend on what your long-term plans are, whether you can manage the cost of living in Washington, DC, and what would be beneficial for you and your family. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Washington, DC, a good place to live?

Washington, DC, is a great place to live. It has a professional sports team, plenty of job opportunities, the best public schools and colleges, a big outdoor scene, and plenty of safe neighborhoods. It is a great place for people at any stage of life to call home. 

2. Is Washington, DC, safe?

For the most part, yes, DC is safe. Like any big city, it has its own challenges, but staying in safe areas, being cautious when walking around the city, staying away from dangerous neighborhoods, and following some safety tips will help you stay safe. 

3. What salary do you need to live comfortably in Washington, DC?

According to MIT’s living wage calculator, a working individual should earn around $55,000 to live comfortably in Washington, DC.

Meanwhile, a family of two working individuals and two children should earn around $152,707

4. Which are the best neighborhoods in Washington, DC?

Young adults and singles often prefer neighborhoods like Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and Georgetown.

Families choose neighborhoods like Chevy Chase or the nearby suburbs of Arlington, Virginia, Alexandria, or McLean.