20 Things to Know Before Moving to Washington, DC in 2024

The District of Columbia may be renowned for its fierce politics and rich history. However, there's so much more to living in Washington, DC.

The area is filled with vibrant culture and national attractions. Those are driving newcomers into its best neighborhoods.

The population is predicted to increase by 47% by 2045. That makes it a hot spot for newcomers looking for a robust job industry that stretches beyond politics.

If you’re thinking about relocating, here’s what to know before moving to Washington, DC.

Moving to Washington DC

1. It's Much More Than Just Politics

Washington D.C. is undeniably a political powerhouse, but beneath the surface lies a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and hidden gems. Here's what truly awaits you beyond the Capitol dome:

• Thriving Art Scene: D.C. boasts a flourishing art scene with over 80 museums and galleries. Immerse yourself in renowned institutions like the Smithsonian museums or discover contemporary works at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Explore street art along H Street or attend a performance at the Kennedy Center.
• Foodie Paradise: D.C. is a melting pot of cultures reflected in its diverse culinary scene. From Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling Ethiopian eateries in Adams Morgan, your taste buds will take a global adventure. Don't miss out on iconic D.C. staples like steamed crabs or indulge in trendy food halls like District Wharf.
• Neighborhood Charm: D.C. offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. Explore the historic brownstones of Georgetown, the trendy bars and restaurants of Dupont Circle, or the family-friendly atmosphere of Eastern Market.
• Weekend Getaways: D.C. is perfectly situated for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. Explore Civil War battlefields in Virginia or stunning scenery along the Chesapeake Bay. Charming towns like Annapolis and historic sites like Mount Vernon are all within easy reach.

This rich cultural tapestry, coupled with a booming job market that extends far beyond politics, is fueling D.C.'s growth. With a projected population increase of 47% by 2045, it's a city on the rise and an exciting place to call home.

2. Cost of Living in Washington, DC is High

Living in Washington, DC, is expensive! According to our cost of living database, it's 37% more expensive than the average city in the U.S., and residents there spend an average of $7,163 each month.

Rents in DC are notoriously expensive. However, they've seen a sharp decrease after the coronavirus pandemic. Median rents in Washington DC are high compared to the rest of the country, still, at $2,174 for a one-bedroom and $2,234 for a two-bedroom.

3. Sales Taxes Get Confusing

Washington, DC has a lower sales tax rate than many metro areas. For example, New York City’s sales tax rate is 8.875% when you combine all the surcharges and use tax.

DC’s current tax rate is 6%. It generally applies to sales taxes on personal property and other services.

Pretty simple, right? But it gets interesting. Here’s the rest of the story when it comes to DC sales tax:

• 10% tax rate for liquor sold for off-premise and on-premise consumption
• 18% tax rate for commercial parking lots
• 14.5% for hotels and transient accommodations

Keep an eye on your purchases and sales tax to align your shopping budget accordingly.

4. Who’s Moving to Washington, DC?

People in Baltimore, New York, and Boston are considering moving to Washington DC. Similarly, Washington, DC residents search for apartments in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and, Virginia Beach.

For more information, read our Renter Migration Report.

Learn about moving to a new state.

5. Washington, DC's Job Market Is Strong and Diverse

When it comes to working in DC, politics ranks high on the list. However, it isn’t the only game in town. The District is also home to many international organizations. Those include the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and trade unions, such as the American Federation of Labor Building.

Locals also work at non-profits like the National Parks Conservation Association, and global transplants work among the 176 foreign embassies. If you want to work near politics but not entirely in it, a lobbying group like the National Association of Broadcasters also calls DC home.

DC is also growing as a tech hub, with more and more tech companies setting up shop in the area.

6. Washington, DC is a Booming Metropolis

Washington, DC is more than a compact US District. It’s also a bustling urban center with tons of neighborhoods and suburbs experiencing steady growth.

During 2020, there were 709,951 people in DC. The annual growth rate hovered around 0.52% for several years.

You also have your choice of neighborhoods, each offering its own look and feel. They range from hip and trendy to low-key and quiet.

7. It’s True, DC Isn't a State

The District of Columbia is a District, not a state, which has various legal repercussions for locals. While they do have representation in the House of Representatives, they do not have a Senator. Additionally, Congress oversees DC through various committees. Don’t worry if it takes you a while to wrap your head around it. It’s confusing even for long-term locals.

8. Get to Know the DMV

If locals are talking about the DMV around town, they’re probably not talking about the Department of Motor Vehicles. Instead, it stands for "District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia."

The metro area is also surrounded by I-495. If you live within it, you’re “in the beltway.”

When you live in the DMV, you’re also close to Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore, and other areas. Of course, the idea of “close” is relative when you’re dealing with DC traffic.

9. DC Neighborhoods Have Something for Everyone

There’s something for everyone in DC, whether you want nightlife and pubs, peace and quiet, or arts and culture. Here are a handful of neighborhoods to choose from.

Adams Morgan

Adams Morgan offers an eclectic and energetic vibe where young professionals and families alike are welcome. It's laid-back enough to feel right at home. However, there's also a lively pub and restaurant scene with nearby green space.

Capitol Hill

Locals in DC may refer to "The Hill" to reference where Congress gathers, or a neighborhood full of colorful row houses. Both are correct.

Capitol Hill is home to the US Capitol Building. It's a densely populated urban neighborhood. It's relatively quiet on the Hill, although you're close to the best of what DC has to offer.

The community is ideal if you work in government and want a quick walk to work. But it does come with a higher price tag.

Georgetown

Georgetown and its namesake university is a paradise for students, young professionals, and shoppers. Stroll alongside 19th-century mansions while pub-hopping and boutique shopping.

The neighborhood comes at a high price tag. However, most residents think it's worth the trade-off.

Logan Circle

Logan Circle is home to bars, boutiques, and plenty of architecture to marvel over. Culture lovers take in a show at Studio Theater or Black Cat.

You're also less than a mile away from restaurants, Italian eateries, and public transportation. You can also enjoy a stroll in this walkable neighborhood.

Dupont Circle

Settle into Dupont Circle where post-Civil War-era buildings frame the neighborhood. The area is home to the namesake traffic circle that's also home to green space for lounging and an afternoon of chess. It's also the ideal place to hit the bars, restaurants, and a massive farmer's market founded in 1977.

Foggy Bottom

Foggy Bottom attracts students and staff for its proximity to George Washington University and Georgetown University. You're close to the National Mall and history haunts, not to mention stops for brunch and views of the Potomac River.

Edgewood

Edgewood is less expensive than many neighborhoods in the District of Columbia. But it’s also farther from all the action.

Families make themselves at home, as well as young professionals just launching their careers. You'll still find shops and restaurants without heading into the heart of DC.

Woodley Park

Woodley Park is situated between the Smithsonian National Zoo and Washington National Cathedral. It offers a more suburban vibe without being far from the action. You can hop down to the National Mall, bars, and pubs in surrounding neighborhoods with ease.

Learn more about some of the best neighborhoods in Washington, DC.

10. DC Traffic is Dense, but Public Transportation is Great

Washington, DC is a more driveable city than most, but that doesn’t mean traffic isn’t a tangle. Rush hour is intense, and although a car is ideal for weekend getaways or trips to the suburbs, public transportation is the best option to get around town.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority includes rail and bus transit around the District, Virginia, and Maryland. Fares start at $2.00, but you'll pay more for peak hours. Monthly unlimited passes are also available. Uber and Lyft are also popular choices for getting around DC.

11. Washington, DC Has Four Seasons and Mild Winters

Many people think of DC as a chilly northeastern city. However, it’s actually below the Mason-Dixon Line. You still get four seasons and some snow, but winters are relatively mild.

Summers are hot and humid. They feel even hotter when the tourism season swells.

12. Locals Embrace the History of Washington DC

As the nation's capital, locals take the history of DC seriously. It’s impossible not to when there are historic landmarks and iconic government buildings around every corner.

Depending on where you live, you could be within walking distance of The White House, Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Lincoln Memorial, or the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial.

National, Smithsonian, gardens, and private museums also abound in DC. Many are free and welcome visitors year-round. Take your out of town guests to:

• The National Museum of African American History and Culture
• The National Museum of the American Indian
• The National Air and Space Museum
• U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
• National Zoo
• National Arboretum

Historical homes are also plentiful around the District, like President Woodrow Wilson House.

Art lovers aren't forgotten in DC. You can fuel your creative inspiration at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Gallery of Art, and the National Portrait Gallery.

13. Indulge in Fabulous Food and Nightlife

Washington, DC has an impressive culinary scene and its own delicacies, like the half-smoke. This local sausage delicacy resembles an oversized hotdog that's spicy, smoked, and covered in herbs and chili sauce.

You’ll find cuisine from around the world and award-winning restaurants to choose from. St. Vincent Wine features a 4,000 square-foot outdoor space, charcuterie platters, and an expansive wine selection.

Catch the game at the two-level Rebel Taco with margaritas, sangrias, and bloody Marys. Locals take their brunch habit seriously. Rebel Tacos is the place to go for a "Hangover Burrito" and a 1.5-hour bottomless brunch on weekends.

For Malaysian food, try Makan for rice dishes with funny incidents like fried anchovies and palm sugar. Rooster & Owl is the perfect place if you can't make up your mind between Asian, Italian, and Middle Eastern flavors.

14. DC Has a Thriving Music and Performing Arts Scene

You don't have to go far to find live music and performance art around DC. Past performances at the 9:30 Club featured Bob Dylan and Radiohead.

Locals grab dinner and a show at The Hamilton Live. The Howard Theatre boasts a Sunday Gospel Brunch and artists including The Roots.

Catch a play, concert, or dance performance at The Kennedy Center. Over at the National Theater, locals come for Broadway-caliber performances and tours. For something more intimate and edgy, stop by Studio Theatre to connect with your theater community.

15. DC is a Sports Town

Despite all the politics and culture going around DC, it also has a booming sports scene. Stop by your favorite sports bar to see the Washington Nationals hit a home run, DC United score a goal, or the Washington Football Team make a touchdown.

The Washington Wizards and women’s Washington Mystics shoot hoops with the best. DC even has a competitive hockey team, aptly named the Washington Capitals.

16. Colleges are Scattered Around Town

DC takes its higher education seriously. Students worldwide come to study at George Washington, American, Howard, Georgetown, and the Catholic University of America. With the influx of students comes college sports fandom, particularly in Georgetown. Go Hoyas!

17. The Fight for Statehood is Real

According to the District of Columbia Government, “residents affirmed the desire to become a state, and 86% of voters supported the Washington, DC Admission Act.”

It can be a sticky subject for locals. Those license plates you see around DC, "No taxation without representation," are not ironic.

18. Tall Buildings Aren’t a Thing in DC

It's not your imagination. Buildings around Washington DC are dwarfed in comparison to New York City and Boston. Enacted in 1899, the Height Act limits buildings to 90 feet after the Cairo Hotel was built in 1894. There’s a long-standing rumor that the Act had something to do with the Capitol Dome's height, but locals know better.

In reality, the Cairo Hotel was shockingly tall compared to anything else being built back in those days. District residents worried about fire safety, aesthetics, and potential health issues from the sunshine it blocked. The Height Act passed and DC has had a more diminutive skyline ever since.

19. Battling Crowds During Cherry Blossom Season is Worth It

Cherry blossom season in Washington, DC is a sight to behold. The national festival commemorates the 3,000 cherry blossom trees Mayor Yukiko Ozaki of Tokyo gifted to DC in 1912.

The festival draws over 1.5 million people each year. It also features over 200 performances.

The crowds are intense, but DC is gorgeous when it’s awash in so much color and wonder. There are nearly 4,000 cherry blossom trees just on National Park Service land alone.

20. Government Shut-Downs Seriously Impact the Entire City

When Congress fails to pass funding legislation to finance the government, shut-downs occur. Of course, they’re disruptive across the US, but they have heightened consequences around DC.

A rippling effect occurs in every industry. Whether you work at a boutique or a restaurant, government shut-downs mean workers are at home and not spending money. It doesn’t take long before the local economy across the District starts to suffer.

It’s always wise to beef up your emergency fund anywhere you live. However, it’s especially important if you work in the government or an industry that serves the government. You’ll end up with more peace of mind as you enjoy life in DC.

Looking for an Apartment in Washington DC?

Ready to settle into a District known for its history, gorgeous architecture, museums, and culture?

Register for Apartment List to start looking for apartments, our try our guide to the best neighborhoods in DC if you want more details about the area!

What to Know Before Moving to Washington, DC

What salary do I need to live in DC?

According to our cost of living guide for DC, housing cost, such as rent or mortgage payments, shouldn’t exceed 30% of your monthly income before taxes. The rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC is $1,786, so a DC resident should make at least $5,953.33 monthly or $71,440 annually before taxes.

However, our research also shows that DC residents spend an average of $7,163 a month. So in order to keep up with your neighbors, you'll likely have to earn more than $86,000 a year, particularly if you want to save money as well.

Is DC a good place to move?

D.C. can be a fantastic place to move, and here's why:

• Thriving Culture: World-class museums, a diverse food scene, and vibrant neighborhoods offer endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment.
• Strong Job Market: The D.C. economy extends far beyond politics, with opportunities in tech, healthcare, education, and more.
• Walkable City: Many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly with excellent public transportation options, making it easy to ditch the car.
• Historical Significance: Immerse yourself in American history with iconic landmarks and museums at your fingertips.
• Proximity to Nature: Escape the city for scenic getaways along the Chesapeake Bay or explore historic battlefields nearby.

What are the downsides of moving to DC?

• High Cost of Living: D.C. is an expensive city, with housing, food, and transportation costs above the national average.
• Transient Population: Due to its job market, D.C. can have a transient population, making it challenging to build long-term social connections.
• Traffic Congestion: Traffic, especially during rush hour, can be a major headache.
• Summer Heat and Humidity: Be prepared for hot, humid summers.

Consider these factors:

• Budget: D.C. requires a good salary to live comfortably.
• Career: D.C. offers excellent opportunities in certain fields, but research the job market for your specific industry.
• Lifestyle: Do you enjoy a walkable, urban environment with access to culture and history?
• Priorities: Weigh the pros and cons based on what's most important to you in a city.
• Overall, D.C. is a vibrant, exciting city with a lot to offer. However, the high cost of living and potential for a transient social scene might not be for everyone. Carefully consider your priorities to see if D.C. aligns with your ideal place to live.