Relocating to Washington DC? Here’s What You Need To Know

Posted on Posted in Uncategorized

The nation’s capital, Washington D.C. is a symbol of American democracy around the world. Expected to grow significantly in the coming years, this diverse metropolis attracts people from across the globe. It features a growing economy and access to excellent schools. While the District of Columbia may seem like it is all business by day, residents also enjoy exciting art, food, and cultural scenes by night.

DC-Virginia-Relocation-Guide

Relocating to a major city is challenging. That’s why local DC and Woodbridge movers have partnered with us to put together this useful relocation guide. Using the following information will make the transition easier

A Vibrant Economy

Hosting the headquarters for numerous government agencies and 15 Fortune 500 companies, the District is a global financial center. In addition to positions in government, residents work in the defense, hospitality, medical and education industries. While the unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average, the city boasts a young, educated workforce. The metropolitan area has the second-highest median household income in the country. This high income helps offset the above average cost of living, which is ranked eighth in the country. Business Insider ranks the District as one of the top 10 places for young professionals to make their mark.

Numerous Housing Options

Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to rent in an up-and-coming neighborhood, the city offers a wide range of housing that will make it easy to find just the right place. Approximately 60 percent of residents rent while 40 percent own their homes. With over 130 DC neighborhoods, plus suburbs like Alexandria and Woodbridge, you will have numerous options from which to choose based on your lifestyle and budget. You can select from restored historic homes, lofts in repurposed buildings and modern low-rise apartments in hip neighborhoods like Adams Morgan or established communities like Glover Park.

Consider Storing Your Car

The large population and the high number of people commuting in from the suburbs create some of the worst traffic in the country. Traveling across town takes longer than expected and parking is usually at a premium. Use the highly efficient Metro system for your commute and normal activities. The public transit system is clean and safe. Determining which stops are closest to where you live, work and play will make it easier to move about the city.

What salary do you need to live in DC?

One of the first questions many people have when they are thinking about relocating to Washington DC is, “What salary do I need?” One study found that it takes a household income of $80,000 to live comfortably in the city. That’s $160k for two adults working full-time and one child. In general, you will find that rents are cheaper outside Congress Heights or Anacostia. If you’re willing to trade proximity to downtown for commuting ease, then consider neighborhoods like Dupont

Leisure and Recreational Activities

In addition to the numerous world-renowned museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the District is filled with monuments, memorials, and other popular attractions. Along with the National Mall and Tidal Basin with its cherry blossoms, the city boasts numerous urban green spaces like Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Washington features a wide range of dining options from food carts to Michelin-rated restaurants and everything in between offering an eclectic mix of menu options. The city’s nightlife includes brewpubs, live music venues and major performances at the Kennedy Center. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy home games from each of the major professional sports leagues.

Tips For Hiring Movers in DC

One of the most overwhelming tasks, when you move, is finding a trustworthy and reliable moving company. There are many companies that offer this service, but how do you know who to choose?

  • Do your research before choosing a mover ‍(here is an unbiased ranking of the best movers in DC)
  • Check online reviews or ask friends/coworkers their recommendations for reputable movers ‍
  • Determine what type of services they offer (i.e., full packing service vs just loading) ‍
  • If going with a full service, ask questions about how they handle fragile or antique items
  • Be sure to get all the details about insurance coverage and who pays for what in the event something goes extremely wrong

Washington DC is a vibrant city with many different housing options and activities to partake in. If you’ve recently moved, we hope this blog post has helped answer some of your questions about the area. We also want to invite you to get connected with us! The DSC hosts regular social events around town for new transplants like yourself so be sure to follow our Facebook page or sign up for our mailing list if that sounds interesting. If you didn’t find the answers you were looking for today, feel free reach out anytime.

Local Moving Service on What to Know Before Moving to DC

Posted on Posted in Washington DC

Washington, D.C. is the center of American politics, so it can pay to know a little bit about them before you move there. The fact that the city is not part of a state also makes it stand out a little from the rest of the country and has an impact on its laws.

Voting In D.C.

The most significant legal quirks in D.C. focus on voting. D.C. is not a state, so it doesn’t get any voting representation in Congress. It does get a single representative in the House of Representatives, but that person is not allowed to vote on any bills. Several other territories, such as Guam, share in that lack of representation, but unlike them, D.C. residents still have to pay all of the same taxes as people who live in other states. Taxes are a sensitive topic for many individuals who live in the area, especially since Congress is entitled to overrule their local council and mayor on legal issues.

Etiquette Is Universal

D.C. is full of political arguments, but there are some things on which everyone can agree. Etiquette is relatively consistent across party lines, and nobody is going to want to deal with you if you ignore it. In particular, people who will forgive almost anything will still be angry if you get in their way as they rush to work. If you’re on an escalator or in another crowded area, walk on the left side and stand on the right, to avoid blocking the walkers.

The local DC dress code is also important. People tend to dress more formally in D.C. than in other parts of the country, and they aren’t as likely to take you seriously if you don’t do the same. It’s safe to assume that most events will expect relatively neat and formal dress. When in doubt, play it safe and wear a suit.

Political Neighborhoods

Like most urban areas, the majority of D.C. residents support the Democrats, with a total of approximately 75% of the city’s population voting Democrat and the rest divided between Republicans and third parties. Members of one party or another dominate some areas, but the populations mix more often than many people suspect. Party membership is only one thing that people consider when they choose a place to live, and it’s often less important than other concerns, like the cost of living.

Residential areas that are close to political hubs, such as Capitol Hill and Ward 6, tend to have large populations from every party. Every party has people that like to work close to home, so politicians tend to live in the same neighborhood. Some communities are dominated by one party, such as Dupont Circle for the Democrats and Glover Park for Republicans.

Moving to and Living In D.C.

D.C. is one of the largest and most unique cities in the United States. It’s full of people with high-pressure jobs and strong opinions, so it’s important to do some research before moving there, but it also offers a living experience like no other in the country. As you consider your move to DC, check out our DC moving guide sponsored by local DC moving companies.

Why DC is a Top Long Distance Mover Destination

Posted on Posted in Washington DC

As the focal point of American legislation, Washington D.C. is a top moving destination for people from around the world. Currently, the city is experiencing an influx of young talents in their mid-twenties, unlike anything it’s ever seen before. Every month, several individuals move to the city, so it’s probable that the people you will meet there are not locals. The capital is an extremely transitory city where individuals simply go back and forth. Here, entertainment and culture abound, and professional openings are abundant in many prestigious industries.

Contemplating Moving to The Capital?

If you’re thinking about a relocation to Washington D.C., it’s best to plan your move thoroughly. This includes familiarizing yourself with the DC area and thinking through the pros and cons of living in this bustling town. Before leaping into the moving logistics, here are some insights on what it’s like to live here:

Employment Benefits of D.C.

Moving to Washington, D.C. has countless of perks, but the main ones include:

  • One of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 5.9 percent
  • 84,000 new jobs each year
  • 6 percent job growth
  • High median income
  • Public transportation is efficient

In DC, there are lots of job opportunities in many lucrative industries besides just government. According to City-Data, DC also boasts strong job markets for those in the tourism, hospitality, finance, telecommunications, and computer industries. With steady job growth and high household median income, DC promises enticing career opportunities. Plus, the ease of public transportation makes commuting to work a breeze.

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Population of Washington Metro

Many individuals who move to Washington, D.C. are shocked at how much smaller it is than expected. As the most influential city in the world, D.C. is packed with offices and associations, but many businesses and most locals reside outside of the city limits. Neither a state nor a city, the District of Columbia is home to around a million inhabitants. However, the entire D.C. metropolis, which spreads into Maryland and Virginia, is ten times more populous.

Cost of Living in DC

One downside of living in Washington, D.C. is that it has the third highest cost of living in the country, right up there with cities like New York and San Francisco. However, the average family income is at $58,600, higher than other urban areas in America.

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The Washingtonian Lifestyle

The city’s climate is warm and humid during the summer and cold during the winter, with average lows in the mid-20s. Like much of the East Coast, it’s not uncommon for DC to get hit by Northeasters that dump lots of snowfall in a short period. Overall, DC gets around 13 inches of snow.

Not only is DC an incredible place for job opportunities, but it’s also a lovely place to enjoy life outside of work. The area boasts many museums, art exhibits, and other cultural institutions, along with a thriving food scene. If you move here, you’ll never lack for things to do.

Washington D.C. offers residents abundant career options, a strong economy, easy commuting, and a wealth of entertainment options. As you plan your move to this world-class city, we suggest you get quotes from cheap long distance moving companies. Living here is expensive, so you’ll want to do what you can to minimize the cost of the move itself.

 

Greatest Democratic Thinkers of All Time

Posted on Posted in Origins of Democracy

When people hear the term democracy today, the Democratic party usually springs to mind. Throughout history, however, there have been many great democratic leaders have nothing to do with the modern-day political party. Consider these great democratic thinkers that will make you love democracy more than ever: Cleisthenes Despite being born into an aristocratic family […]