Thinking of moving stateside in 2019? Or perhaps you’re already a regular resident across the pond? Either way, if you’re looking for a change of scenery then with its easy walkability, a burgeoning jobs market and an excellent food scene, Washington DC might just be the place for you.
Despite its bad reputation when it comes to the US politics, this vibrant city has a lot to offer besides that – and, if you’re partial to a spot of glamour and luxury, then it certainly won’t let you down.
As of July of last year, the American capital was home to an estimated population of 693,972 people, with more people choosing to settle in the city now than ever before. During the workweek, though, commuters from the Maryland and Virginia suburbs raise the city’s population to more than one million people. Moving to any place, especially a big city can be a hassle, luckily there are a lot of DC movers that offer full moving service so hiring help is always something to consider before making a move. If you like a big city feel, then in Washington DC, you’ve got it – and the shops, restaurants and amenities to go with it, too.
According to Nerdwallet, Washington DC is the sixth most expensive city in the country. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,111.00, while the average home price stands at $786,416. Still, with the average salary sitting comfortably at $61,835, this is a place where much of the population can afford to live well.
There are a total of 21 neighbourhoods to choose from in DC, many of them affluent places to settle that are already home to some of the richest people in the country. In glamorous Barnaby Woods, the median income is $130,959 a year. Here, houses go for over 4.77 times the national median and household incomes are 3.26 times the national median, so if you choose to purchase nearby then you can rest assured that you’ll be in good company.
Au-Tenleytown, Palisades and Berkley are also worth visiting if you’re scouting for luxury property, though at the other end of the scale, the likes of Brentwood and Deanwood are best avoided.
If you get bored with all DC has to offer, there are plenty of other places to explore that are relatively close to the city – and they’re all easily accessible, too. Fredericksburg — the site of a famous Civil War battle — is well worth taking a day out for, while Gettysburg and Mount Vernon also won’t disappoint. Baltimore is also only an hour away, so you’ll never run out of places to visit or things to keep you entertained.
Washington DC boasts one of the highest taxi-to-person ratios in the country, with more than 6,000 taxis available at any given time. So, if you don’t drive or have your own private chauffeur, then there is always someone on hand to get you to where you’re going with the greatest of ease.
1. The temperate climate
Just like the UK, Washington DC is blessed with four distinct seasons, and here, you get the best of all four. Although it snows in winter, it never gets excessively cold like some of the other states – and it also enjoys pleasant summers, without the blisteringly unbearable heat of some of the more southerly states.
2. The beautiful parks and gardens
If you’re looking to get back in touch with nature, DC is a great place to be. Between the National Mall, the Tidal Basin and the National Arboretum, green spaces abound — so despite the hustle and bustle that city life brings, there is always somewhere to pause for a moment of calm.
3. A burgeoning jobs market
Have you ever thought of working for the Federal Government? Then this is the city for you. The US government employs more than 140,000 people locally – and the salaries are enviable, too. Home to a variety of major businesses across all sectors, it certainly won’t be your only choice – so, if you’re looking to boost your paycheck even higher, then possibilities abound
4. The enviable food scene
If you’re a born foodie, then you’ll be spoilt for choice when living in Washington DC. A hub for international cuisine and fine dining served up by celebrity chefs, a Michelin star is never more than a stone’s throw away. Plus, there are several food sampling tours you can take, if you can’t choose just one place to dine on your next evening out.
5. It’s a sports fan’s dream
From the Capitals to the Wizards, the Redskins to the Nationals, there is no shortage of live sport to keep fans entertained. In fact, there is a professional sport being played in every season at most times of the day, so get yourself some season tickets – with VIP box access, of course – and your weekends will be sorted for the foreseeable future. If you’re an active type, then there are also more than 60 miles of bicycle and pedestrian tracks available for the avid biker or hiker.
Washington DC is an interesting and motivating place to live and offers all the perks of a luxury lifestyle. Diverse, awash with culture and full of life, it’s the perfect place to make your life-changing move.
