Moving to Washington, D.C.

Quick insights

• D.C. is an exciting city to live in, with much to offer in terms of historic sites, educational museums and proximity to American politics.
• The average cost of living in Washington, D.C., is 39% higher than the national average, with housing standing out as a high-cost category.ec-payscale-dc-2024
• Homebuyers moving to Washington, D.C., should be aware of heavy traffic affecting commute times, D.C.’s many educational institutions and historic districts.

Thinking about buying your first home in America’s bustling capitol city? In this article, we’ll discuss things to know before moving to Washington, D.C., including an overview of the city’s cultural attractions, popular neighborhoods to research, tips for homebuyers and what it’s like to live there.

Living in Washington, D.C.

So, what’s it like to live in D.C.? As the seat of American politics with many sites of historical significance, it’s a major tourist destination and landing place for the diverse population who calls it home. There’s much to see and do year-round, with a wide range of culinary and cultural offerings to enrich the experience.

Washington, D.C., is situated between Maryland and Virginia, with the Potomac River running along its southwest border. The area has relatively low elevation, resulting in higher humidity and occasional flooding in certain zones. D.C. experiences four distinct seasons, with damp summers, mild springs, colorful falls and brisk winters with sporadic snowfall.

Things to see and do in Washington, D.C.

As a major destination, the city has endless activities and events to take part in for both tourists and those living in Washington, D.C.

• The National Mall: For tourists and newcomers, it’s hard to pass up a visit to the iconic Mall. The Mall is a 146-acre grassy area in central D.C. beset by Smithsonian Institution Museums and iconic structures, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, White House and the domed U.S. Capitol Building.
• Museums: D.C. is known for its impressive museums covering a wide range of topics and disciplines. The museums specialize in art, history, science and more. A few highlights include:
  • The National Museum of African American History and Culture (one of the newest additions, opened in 2016)
  • The National Museum of Natural History
  • The National Portrait Gallery
  • The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
• Sports: D.C. has several major sports teams, including the Washington Wizards (NBA), the Washington Capitals (NHL), D.C. United (MLS) and the Washington Commanders (NFL). The Citi Open, held at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center each July and August, sees world-class tennis players compete for its distinguished trophy.
• Annual events: The National Cherry Blossom Festival is held in the spring, drawing over a million visitors to admire the city’s pink blossoms. In the summer, Memorial Day celebrations, the Capital Pride Parade and Fourth of July at the Mall dominate the calendar. In the wintertime, the National Park Service installs the National Christmas Tree, with performances taking place around it every night until it’s removed.

Transportation options in Washington, D.C.

D.C. is known to be easy to traverse, even without a car. This is due to its robust public transit system and significant infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians.

• Public transportation: The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provides extensive connectivity for city commuters. The WMATA includes buses, trains and paratransit vehicles for those with disabilities.
• D.C. for drivers: Despite significant traffic, it’s common for residents to own cars in D.C. and rely on them as a major method of transportation. The city is encircled by I-495, with a high number of converging highways throughout the metropolitan area.
• D.C. for bikers: D.C. is a very bikeable city, with many miles of protected bike lanes running throughout the area. The city’s Capital Bikeshare program has stations positioned throughout, making it easy to rent and ride.
• Catching a flight: The nearest airport to D.C. is the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is located on the west side of the Potomac River in Virginia. DCA is a roughly 20-minute drive or 35-minute train ride to Capitol Hill.

The average cost of living in Washington, D.C.

The cost of living in D.C. is relatively high compared to the rest of the country, exceeding the national average by 39% overall, with housing costs 148% above the national average.ec-payscale-dc-2024 The higher cost of living may mean extra emphasis on salary negotiations for those considering a move to the area. To offset these costs, D.C. offers residents a robust job market, with many high-paying jobs in sectors such as government, law, international affairs and consulting.

Things to know before moving to Washington, D.C.

No matter where you decide to buy your first home, the decision-making process will have many factors. In D.C. specifically, buyers may want to consider these aspects as they search for their home:

• Traffic and commute times: Like other major cities, traffic in the D.C. area can be very congested at certain times of day. Considering your home’s proximity to commuting routes, your workplace and other attractions can help you land in the right spot. The city is encircled by I-495 (known as “the Beltway”) with major inner-city arteries including route 29, route 1 and Constitution Ave.
• Flood zones: Parts of D.C., especially around the Potomac River, may be prone to flooding. Reviewing flood zone maps before you buy a home can help you avoid (or prepare to prevent) flooding at your new property.
• Historic districts: Many areas of D.C. have historic properties protected by strict regulations intended to preserve their charm. Homebuyers who select a historic property may be restricted in terms of renovations and alterations.
• Educational opportunities: If you plan to raise children in D.C., it’s important to research the school district surrounding potential homes. Those pursuing higher education may also want to research the many accredited universities in the city.
• Major hospitals: Centrally located hospitals include George Washington University Hospital (located in Foggy Bottom), MedStar Washington Hospital Center at Lafayette Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and BridgePoint Hospital in Capitol Hill.

Popular neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.

Whether you’re considering a move or visit, some of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., to familiarize yourself with may include:

• Georgetown: Located in northwest D.C. along the Potomac River, this historic neighborhood is known for its Federal-style homes, cobblestone streets, upscale shopping and the high-ranking Georgetown University. Both foodies and outdoors enthusiasts thrive in this area, with world-class restaurants and Georgetown Waterfront Park available for excursions.
• Adams Morgan: Notably walkable, this eclectic neighborhood may be ideal for singles, couples and small families who prefer to get around without a car. Adams Morgan has a large array of shops, restaurants and nightlife all within a short distance. It also boasts good access to the city’s public transit system.
• Capitol Hill: This well-connected area of the city is plied with Victorian-style homes and rowhouses ideal for singles, couples and families. Capitol Hill’s central location can make it a great place to live for those working in politics or at one of the nearby museums. The neighborhood is walkable and friendly to cyclists, with access to I-695 for drivers and the Congress Heights-Union Station train stop for trips beyond the Hill.
• Columbia Heights: This diverse, family-friendly neighborhood on D.C.’s north side has a mix of new and old properties and multiple parks to enjoy on days out. The large, European-style Meridian Hill Park provides a central gathering place for residents, with multiple levels to explore and fountains. This neighborhood is also friendly to cyclists, with multiple Capital Bikeshare stations in the vicinity.
• Old Town (Alexandria): Once a part of D.C. proper, this neighborhood in the nearby Alexandria (Virginia) is a common landing place for those who work in D.C. or visit it often. With brick-paved sidewalks and colonial-style homes, this historic neighborhood near the water has many restaurants, coffee shops and lush parks.
• Ballston (Arlington): This neighborhood in Virginia has a mix of single-family homes, townhomes and condos with access to the D.C. area. Ballston has a lively dining scene and hosts the annual Taste of Arlington event to showcase local restaurants. It’s also known for a high concentration of scientific research institutes, government agencies and organizations in various sectors, which may make it an attractive home-base for relevant professionals.

Housing resources in Washington, D.C.

Several programs may be available to help hopeful homebuyers make their dreams a reality in the District of Columbia. Here are some examples:

The D.C. Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)

This program offers support for qualified homebuyers within the district in the form of interest-free loans and closing cost assistance. HPAP provides up to $202,000 in gap financing assistance, with the potential for an additional $4,000 for closing costs. For borrowers with incomes below 80% of the median family income, payments are deferred until the property is sold, refinanced to retrieve equity or no longer the borrower’s primary residence.

Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP)

Eligible District government employees may be offered a 0% interest loan with a matching funds grant for a down payment and closing costs on their first home. There’s no income cap for EAHP applicants, nor is there a certain cash contribution requirement. Like HPAP loans, payments are deferred for EAHP loans until the property is sold, refinanced or no longer the borrower’s primary residence.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans

The Federal Housing Administration offers loans with low downpayments and low closing costs for qualifying first-time homebuyers. The credit requirements are also relatively easy, helping to make these loans accessible to a wider range of people. Down payments with an FHA loan can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price.

Housing counseling services

With the assistance of community-based organizations, D.C. provides an array of educational opportunities for homebuyers and renters. Topics include credit counseling, managing the home purchase process and homeowner training.

Pros and cons of moving to Washington, D.C.

As a quick recap, let’s review the highlights and potential considerations of moving to Washington, D.C.:

Pros of moving to Washington, D.C.

• Unparalleled cultural, historical and educational resources
• Strong job market, particularly in government and related sectors
• Very good public transportation, walkability and friendliness for bikers

Cons of moving to Washington, D.C.

• Heavily attended by tourists
• High cost of living, especially in terms of housing
• Significant traffic congestion for those who prefer to drive

In conclusion

Moving to Washington, D.C., comes with certain perks and considerations due to its unique historical and political environment. Prospective homebuyers may want to prepare for a competitive housing market by following up on resources in the area (as detailed in this article) and potentially seeking preapproval for a home loan. Working with a home lending expert in D.C. or another trained real estate professional can help you navigate the process smoothly and buy a home you love.