Living In Washington DC Pros And Cons

Of course, the high cost of living is not the only pertinent factor you’ll need to consider before moving to D.C., so we’ve done our best to gather as much relevant information as possible to help you in your decision. For example, finding an affordable apartment in Washington D.C. can be an exceptionally trying ordeal. Speaking of which, if you would like further assistance in this regard, you can get in contact with some of the local real estate agents in Washington D.C. and they will make their expertise accessible for you.

Pros of living in D.C.

The list of reasons why people like living in the city of Washington D.C. is different for everyone. We all have things that we can’t compromise on, whether it’s good air quality, a friendly community or a good selection of schools and colleges. Here, we’ll cover the ones that stood out the most in regards to Washington D.C. and then move to the cons.

Economic Stability

There are a lot of jobs available here, and considering the high cost of living, good employment opportunities are a big pro of living in Washington D.C. The nation’s capital is a hub of corporate offices, big or small. The demand for employees has grown fast and continues to grow making this a hot spot for families.

Transportation

Commuting from the suburbs or various other areas of the city is a difficult affair if you do it by car, but Washington D.C. has a very reliable and well organised metro and bus system. There are metro lines that extend into the suburbs, in both Virginia and Maryland. It’s easier for D.C. residents to get by without a car, because public transport is available in most of the city. There are also railways that go to Baltimore and Eastern Shore Maryland. Public transport provides viable options for commuters which does not tie one to their car at all times.

Dining and Shopping

Washington D.C. is a very walkable city with areas that provide for dining and shopping options in most boroughs. Similar in some ways to those touristy European cities where you walk down the streets between historical monuments, stop at cafes or bistros before you go to the Lincoln Memorial. These attractions are accessible for sightseeing as well as just taking a break from work and doing some casual shopping with friends. 

International & Multicultural

The cultural diversity and international presence in Washington D.C. creates a melting pot scene. Being the capital of the nation and providing great job opportunities, D.C. attracts more young employees every year. Millennials have a tendency to be more engaging within their communities creating human connections with those with whom they interact. With people from all walks of life, corporatists, government people and politicians, the mixture gives Washington D.C. an international culture.

Cons of living in D.C.

Not everything is glossy and shiny when moving in the nation’s capital as there is more than a fair share of cons of living in D.C. Development can be a two sided blade in some opinions especially if it is done in a forceful manner and not community oriented. Some cons of living in D.C. are budget oriented which is why all these cons and pros are debatable.

Gentrification

While the revitalization of an area that had previously been neglected has a good impact on the quality of life, it endangers the cultural identity of those areas. The process uproots entire communities as housing prices grow, and has a noticeable negative impact on small businesses. With much of their clientele being forced to relocate to other, more affordable areas, these small businesses are often forced to downsize or close altogether. The end result, however, is a positive one, as crime-rates have decreased drastically in Washington by more than 50% but one should find a better way to implement such a positive impact, whereby residents can benefit by the change rather than being forced to relocate.

Housing prices

Another notable con of living in D.C. is related to income and the cost of living. Washington D.C. has a cost of living higher than the nation’s average by approximately 150%. This is due primarily to high housing prices, as finding a suitable dwelling to call home can set you back an exorbitant sum. When seeking a rental apartment in Washington, you have to be ready to compromise. Figure out what your deal breakers are and then start looking. The income-to-rent-ratio can become high if you don’t compromise, but a 2:1 ratio is achievable, which should be satisfactory for most home buyers. As far as income goes, those earning $50,000 a year or less will struggle to get by in D.C. Fortunately, there’s no need to settle for low wages, as there are plenty of job options with higher salaries. The average house price in D.C. is over $600,000 and rent prices start around $1,800.

Cars

Car owners in D.C. will find the city quite inhospitable to their choice of transportation. Due to the bustling pace of everyday life in the District, walking, bicycling or even motorcycling are all very attractive alternatives to driving on D.C.’s congested roadways. With high cost of parking and the extremely congested thoroughfares, for many, driving simply is not worth the hassle. What’s more, car theft is also a glaring issue in Washington, with vehicles often being stolen in broad daylight; this is yet another reason to consider alternative means of transportation.

Conclusion

The city of Washington D.C. is a great place for people focused on their careers and for families, young or old. There are lots of people who appreciate the quality of life offered by the nation’s capital and the varied universities available with many options between Maryland, Virginia and the D.C. area. Additionally, many family oriented activities are free or highly accessible such as the District’s many parks, museums and monuments.  

 

Before moving to D.C. you should be open-minded and prepared to do a fair bit of research to ascertain whether or not the city is right for you. The inner workings of the city are complex and opaque, and it may take quite a while for you to become acclimated to the rhythm and pace of everyday life in the district. While the dating life is vibrant in the city it might be difficult to lock down a relationship as the attitude of “big fish in a little pond” is well known there.

 

The city of Washington D.C. is clean and green, with great air quality. People tend to be nicer and more relaxed than in other big cities, in spite of the crowded conditions in the city. Here you can relax in warm jumpers in the winter and take off excessive layers in the summer heat as D.C. has all four seasons with enough snow as well as sun to satisfy all likings.

Let us know what you think of the nation’s capital in the comments. Share and like this article if you have friends who might try to talk you out of moving to D.C.