Moving to the Capital: 10 Key Insights for Relocating to Washington D.C

Much more than a political city and governmental buildings, Washington, DC is home to rich cultural diversity and touristy attractions. Thinking of moving to Washington, DC? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of people make similar decisions to relocate to the nation's capital, either for work or the lure of living here.

As you finalize all the nitty-gritty needed for your relocation, there are a few things you should know to make your stay in DC enjoyable. Here's a list of 10 important details you need to know as you come over.

1. The Cost of Living

As a mover, it's important to note that the cost of living in Washington, DC, is pretty high—52% higher than the national average. The main culprits causing the demand for high expenses in Washington are the housing market and heavy taxation fees—more on that later.  Housing costs are constantly on the rise as many people troop into the capital. The median sale price for good housing is about $615,000, and the average rent cost in DC is $2,422. 

As a young adult or growing family moving to a neighborhood like North Bethesda in DC, you might need assistance in transporting your properties across the city. Preferably, it's best and safer to use moving companies in Maryland or anyone nearby for proper handling of your things.

2. History is All Around

Beyond the national significance surrounding DC, there are tons of historic events, buildings, and monuments to uncover during your stay.  Being a municipality named after the first President, George Washington, it's easy to mistake most of the history in DC to be about public figures. The city's history has roots in the labor movement, women's suffrage movement, and played important roles in civil rights history.

Heading over to the DC Public Library and DC History Center will be a great avenue for you to discover more about the rich culture and diversity in the city. 

3. Understand The Tax Laws

You might want to forget the taxing system of your previous state before relocating to Washington, DC. Consider the tax before coming over because it's one of the big money grabbers, increasing the average cost of living in Washington, DC.

The tax rates differ based on what you buy or use. For instance:

• Sales tax is 10% for all alcohols

• Sales tax for most goods is 6%

• There's a 10.25% tax for gas and at restaurants

• Property tax is $0.85 for every $100 assessed value

• Hotel tax is at 14.95%. No estate tax

• Car parking in a garage has a tax rate of 19%

• Income tax ranges from 4% to 10.75%, depending on your annual earnings

• Zero % on utilities, medications, and groceries

4. Traffic is Real

Living in Washington as a car owner can become a real problem, from having limited areas for parking when going out to the serious traffic on the road.

While the traffic here is less hectic than in New York City, DC can have its fair share of craziness. As the population in Washington continues to rise, more drivers swarm into the city, causing the rising number of cars on the road.

However, there's a way to beat the brutal traffic: learning the rush hour times, hitting the road early, and utilizing public transport.

5. Public Transport is King

As a new resident of this area, you will find out life in Washington, DC is pretty different from a lot of places.

Moving over to DC means you have the opportunity to ditch your car for a better means of movement. The public transport systems in the city are next-level and unmatched.

You can get to almost every neighborhood with as low as $1 using the Circular bus or the Metrorail system, which has 91 different stations across the city.

6. The Dress Code

There is actually no rule for dressing in Washington, DC. However, you will notice most locals wearing professional outfits, even on the metro. Unintentionally, the government's influence and the concentration of white-collar jobs around the city cause a formal and conservative dress pattern among the locals.  Unless your job requires a casual and summer style of dressing, you will find your fashion style blending with the city. 

One side thing to note: if you are in DC in search of employment, it'll be better to dress in a formal outfit for an interview.

7. Embrace The Arts and Culture

Washington, DC is home to the world's largest museum complex, The Smithsonian Institution. If you are an art lover, the knowledge of the museum will appeal perfectly to your interests.

Whether you're a history buff or not, you might want to take some time to go to the many culture-rich museums and learn some history.

A couple of museums and performing art theaters to add to your bucket list of visit sites can include:

• Smithsonian American Art Museum

• National Museum of African American History and Culture 

• National Portrait Gallery

• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

• National Museum of Women in the Arts

• Philips Collection

• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

8. Enjoy Vast Delicacies

Being a hub for tourists, DC is most notable for its variety of fine cuisines. No matter where you are from, there will be a restaurant offering you delicacies you are familiar with. From Ethiopian to Thai, Italian, and Salvadorian dishes, the nation's capital has it all.

If you have the stomach for it, moving to the Washington, DC area gives you the chance to try multiple dishes from across the globe.

You might want to add a few of these restaurants to your bucket list;

• Ben's Chili Bowl: known for classic soul foods, hotdogs, and chili in U Street Corridor 

• Donut Run: an all-vegan donut shop with a variety of flavors in Tacoma

• All-Purpose Riverfront: the perfect pizza spot

• Albi: home to Mediterranean cuisines from Turkey and Lebanon

• Columbia Room: get the best-crafted cocktails at this bar

9. Admire The Cherry Blossoms

Plan on relocating to Washington, DC, in the spring? Then, you are in the best of luck to catch a scenic sight.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place annually to celebrate the Yoshino trees in the city. When these trees peak, the beauty of the Cherry Blossoms brings in over a million visitors trying to catch a glimpse of the bloom.

If you plan on staying in Downtown Washington, you only need to find your way to the Tidal Basin to witness the sight for yourself. 

10. Walkable Neighborhoods Are The Best

It's true the public transit systems in DC are one of the best in the country and pretty affordable. However, there are times you might just want to take a stroll.

Living in a neighborhood with basic amenities within a few blocks gives the best chance to enjoy a walk through the town while enjoying the view.

If you haven't already picked a neighborhood to move into, consider one with a local coffee shop, hardware and grocery store, and gym, all within a short stroll. 

Some of the best walkable neighborhoods to live in DC include:

• U Street

• Dupont Circle

• Foggy Bottom

• Logan Circle

• Downtown Washington

11. Crime Rate

The safety concerns about the nation's capital depends on several factors: who are you asking? Which neighborhoods are you referring to? What are the most common crimes?

Over the course of 2023, the city had a 27% increase in its crime rate—not-so-good stats. When compiling your list of things to know before moving to DC, you should know the crime rate is approximately 40.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. Compared this with the national average at 23 per 1,000.

However, asking most residents in the city, many might refer to the area as pretty safe. Based on surveys and crime rate, some of the top safe neighborhoods in DC include:

• Foggy Bottom

• Georgetown

• Petworth East

• Spring Valley

Summary

Relocating is never easy, but you can always assure yourself a bit of comfort knowing you're moving to an exciting new place. Instead of chaotically jumping from different allures in the capital, moving to Washington, DC with a plan is always the best way to enjoy the city.

Start by viewing one site at a time, then slowly move on to learning about the history and engaging in the annual festivals. This way, you'll fall in love with the capital city even more. 

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