Washington, D.C. is home to some of the most iconic American monuments, including the Capitol Building, the White House and the Washington Monument. With more than 20 million visitors each year, there’s no doubt that the city has plenty to offer in terms of rich history and vibrant culture.
Pros and Cons of Living in Washington, D.C.
While Washington, D.C., is a great place to live, it’s not without a few quirks. If you’re considering a move to the D.C. area, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of living in the nation’s capital.
The Pros of Living in Washington, D.C.
- History, culture and entertainment: With some of the country’s greatest museums, major league sports games, live music venues and festivals, you’ll always find something to stay busy.
- Natural and architectural beauty: D.C. architecture ranges from the neoclassical Capitol dome to the modern design of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. On the residential side, colorful row homes sit along tree-lined streets. The city blooms pink in the spring and turns orange in the fall, and the local government manages hundreds of parks and gardens.
- No need for a car: There’s a great public transit system, with high-speed Metrorail, as well as buses, city bikes and scooters. It’s entirely possible for you to go carless in D.C.
- Job opportunities: The federal government is a huge employer in the area, and D.C. is often considered the place if you want to get your start in politics. Local universities and hospitals also rank among the city’s largest employers. There are plenty of nonprofits, news organizations and lobbyist roles as well.
- A diverse population: D.C. has historically been a hub for African American culture, a heritage that continues today. Niche gives the city an A grade for diversity, and the District attracts people from all walks of life. This means a varied food scene and a chance to experience different cultures without ever leaving the city.
The Cons of Living in Washington, D.C.
- High housing costs: Washington, D.C., housing has an average price per square foot of $523, compared with the national average of $222. It’s significantly higher than the nearby cities of Richmond, VA, at $258, or Baltimore, MD, at $170. However, it is still cheaper than places like New York City, which has a whopping $1,730 average price per square foot.
- Swampy summers: You’ll probably hear D.C. referred to as a “swamp,” and not in a political connotation. The average temperature in June through August is 77 degrees, often getting up to 90 degrees or more at the height of the day. Humidity averages around 67%, and to add to the unpleasantness, D.C. is known for its mosquitos.
- Tourists and traffic: D.C. draws in a large tourist crowd, making driving and parking difficult during special events. Even without the tourists, the sheer number of commuting workers leads to a jam-packed rush hour. An Urban Mobility Report from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute estimated that the average D.C. area commuter spent over 100 hours annually stuck in traffic.
- High crime: WalletHub’s 2023 ranking of safe US cities put D.C. at 173 out of 182. Crime rates are well above the national average and on the rise. From 2022 to 2023, crime rates rose by 26%, with an increase in both property crime and violent crime.
- Expensive childcare and average public schools: In 2023, the Annie E. Casey Foundation reported that the average annual cost at childcare centers in D.C. was $24,400. And the District of Columbia Public Schools gets an overall B score from Niche, compared with the A and A+ grades often found in Virginia and Maryland suburbs.
Spotlighting Some of D.C.’s Most Desirable Neighborhoods
There are more than 100 neighborhoods within D.C. proper, and many areas of the city distinguish themselves with a unique look and feel. If you’re just starting to get acquainted with what the District has to offer, here are a few of the most historic and desirable neighborhoods.
Capitol Hill: Power Center and Residential Enclave
Capitol Hill is seconds away from all the activities at the National Mall. Within walking distance of nightlife, dining and major employers, Capitol Hill is perhaps the best spot in the city for the true “work, live and play” experience. However, such a central location can come with tourists and difficulty parking.
What Capitol Hill residents say: “I love that there are restaurants for every cuisine you can think of. But one thing I don’t like is how transient the population is. People are moving in and out all the time because of their government jobs,” says Virginia Lindahl, who lives in the Capitol Hill area.
Georgetown: Chic Shopping and Upscale Elegance
Georgetown was the hot place to be back in the early 2000s, and today it is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city. It has arguably the most charming of D.C.’s row homes, proximity to the riverfront, and upscale shopping and dining. Georgetown’s higher home prices mean an older population, and the neighborhood’s prestige attracts visiting tourists.
What Georgetown residents say: “Georgetown is sleepier now than when my wife and I first moved in, so we often find ourselves going further into the city for evenings out. But I love the cobblestone streets, the tea shops, the antique stores and that distinguished feeling that the University brings,” says J. P. Bond, who has lived in Georgetown for 15 years.
Mount Pleasant: Where Modern Influence Meets Historic Charm
Mount Pleasant is popular with families and older working professionals, It has stunning architecture and a strong community at Bancroft Elementary. Rock Creek Park is right next door, and the retail scene is dominated by locally owned businesses. Plus, Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights are within walking distance. Still, Mount Pleasant is less popular with commuters because there is no central Metro stop.
What Mount Pleasant residents say: “I love how close we are to Rock Creek Park and the National Zoo. I can sit on my back porch and hear the lions roar,” says John Silsby, who has lived in the city for nearly 30 years.
Dupont Circle: Bustling Nightlife and International Flair
One of the most walkable neighborhoods in D.C., Dupont Circle is all at once artsy, sophisticated, lively and historic. It’s the site of some of the city’s best nightlife and marks the finish line for the annual Pride Parade. Residents have everything they need right at home, and a central Metro stop makes for convenient commutes. As Dupont becomes more and more popular, home prices are on the rise.
What Dupont Circle residents say: “Washington, D.C., always has free events going on, but one of my favorites is Embassy Day in Dupont. The embassies give out food or put on performances, and it’s a great chance to see different cultures,” says Katherine Hagen, a student at Georgetown Law.
Should I Live in D.C. or the Suburbs?
The suburbs of Virginia and Maryland offer higher-rated public schools, bigger homes and safer neighborhoods. That’s why D.C. residents often choose to move out of the city center to raise a family. However, if you work in D.C. or want proximity to the city nightlife, living further out might not be worth it. A commute from even just 10 miles out of the city can take up to an hour on the worst days, and the Metro stops running around midnight.
Breaking Down the Cost of Living in the Heart of the Nation
Payscale estimates that the cost of living in Washington, D.C. is 39% above the national average, driven almost exclusively by housing costs. U.S. Census data indicates that the median value of an owner-occupied home in D.C. is $705,000. For more day-to-day costs, the MIT Living Wage calculator estimates that one adult’s annual food bill will be around $5,340, and transportation will cost around $6,386 annually.
Tips for Saving Money in Washington, D.C.
While the cost of living in D.C. may seem high, it can be a worthwhile price to pay for living within walking distance of work, nightlife and entertainment. Fortunately, there are also a few ways to cut down on costs while living in the city.
- Go carless: Forgoing a car is probably the best way to cut out extra expenses, especially in a city that has public transportation and high walkability. Monthly Metro Passes help save on daily commutes, and many major employers either pay for commute fares or offer the SmartBenefits program, which allows tax-free rides.
- Stick to events that are free: There’s plenty to do in the city that doesn’t cost a dime. Smithsonian museums are an obvious choice, but did you know the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center has a free performance almost every day? There are also free scenic attractions like the Lincoln Memorial and the annual Cherry Blossom festival every spring. Comedy clubs, like Room 808, have free performances as well.
- Split the cost of child support with a nanny share: Although D.C. has free pre-kindergarten care for three- and four-year-olds, the cost of childcare before that age can be a huge expense. A nanny share, where one nanny watches the kids of several families, can be an affordable alternative.
Commuting and Transportation: Navigating the D.C. Metro Area
Take a Ride on the D.C. Metro
The Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority provides D.C. with a clean, reliable and continually expanding Metro system. In a study done by Hire A Helper, D.C. snagged the number one spot for public transportation systems, beating out New York City and Chicago. Unlike those other cities, the D.C. Metro does not run all night long, closing at midnight on work nights and 1 a.m. on weekends. D.C.’s late-night bars and clubs don’t usually get hopping until around midnight, so if you are someone who likes a late night out, don’t rely on the Metro to make it home.
A Carless Lifestyle
There are other options for getting around, too, like buses and Capital Bikeshare’s rentable bikes. And if you settle close to the heart of the city, the gridded streets make for a walkable lifestyle. So, it’s entirely possible to traverse the city without a car, and in fact, an estimated 35% of residents do not own one.
Easy Access to all of the East Coast
Washington, D.C. is home to an Amtrak train line that connects major East Coast cities like Richmond, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City. For a more affordable option to the train, several bus services head up to New York City, some for as cheap as $15.
Experiencing Washington, D.C.’s Culture, Food and Entertainment
The D.C. Food Scene: From Food Halls to Michelin Stars
Washington, D.C., has a vibrant food scene, although sometimes it can feel like the options are either quick take-out or a $40 entrée, with little in between. A diverse population means a variety of flavors from around the globe. And if your group is feeling indecisive, food halls like Union Market have something for everyone. If you’re on a budget, try the iconic D.C. half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl or take advantage of countless happy hour deals across the city. If you’ve got a larger budget, 25 restaurants in D.C. have been awarded Michelin Stars, but be sure to book in advance. D.C. residents love brunch, so there are plenty of spots to choose from. For nights on the town, Adams Morgan, U Street and Dupont Circle are some of the best spots for dive bars, dance clubs and trendy breweries.
Cultural Offerings: Museums, Concerts and Festivals
D.C.’s selection of museums is pretty unparalleled. Some of the most popular Smithsonian attractions include the National Gallery, the Air & Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History. The museums get pretty niche, too. The International Spy Museum follows the history of espionage, Planet World delves into language, and The Postal Museum allows you to take some stamps to start your own collection. In addition to museums, the Kennedy Center hosts world-renowned performances of theater and dance, and famous musicians play at venues like the 9:30 Club. For the more festive occasions, D.C. is always ready to dress up. Rainbows brighten the city for Pride in June, and striped flags line the streets in anticipation of Fourth of July fireworks.
Getting Outside: Rock Creek Park, Botanical Gardens and the Potomac River
Rock Creek Park is just one of D.C.’s many national parks, and it’s the biggest park in the city at 1,754 acres. It offers miles of trails that are ideal for running, hiking or horseback riding, and the National Zoo sits right next door. For more outdoor fun, the Botanic Gardens and National Arboretum are both free to enter, and the Potomac River has kayak rentals and riverside trails.
The Bottom Line: Is Washington, D.C. a Good Place to Live?
Washington, D.C., has a rising population, drawn in by the promise of a city filled with passionate individuals and history-rich streets. If you move to D.C., you can enjoy some of the country’s best in culture and history — often for free. However, no city comes without its drawbacks. Living in D.C. can be expensive, loud and downright swampy in the summer. Politics will probably be brought up at parties, and parking on the street will never get less annoying. If the pros outweigh the cons, connect with an experienced real estate agent in Washington, D.C., and start your search for a home in the nation’s capital.
Virginia native Catherine Lashley loves exploring other areas of the country through her work. “Writing about a neighborhood feels like getting to know a new friend,” she says. “I enjoy spending time with them to find out their story.” Catherine is an experienced and thoughtful content writer with a bachelor’s in English from the College of William & Mary. Her previous experience in search engine optimization forms the backbone of her journalistic storytelling at Homes.com.
