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Moving to Washington D.C. in 2025? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Washington D.C..
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Washington D.C..

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Are you thinking of moving to Washington D.C.?  

If you are moving to Washington D.C., you should learn some details about it. It is the capital of the United States. The city is known to have a high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. There are a variety of housing options available in different neighborhoods. The city is a hub for jobs specifically in the federal government. There is cultural diversity in the city because people from different cultures and backgrounds live here. The city offers parks, trails, and recreational activities on the Potomac River. D.C. experiences four distinct seasons where winters can be snowy.

What are the demographics of Washington D.C.? 

Washington D.C. is a diverse city with a population of around 700,000 people. The largest racial group is Black or African American, which is approximately 43%. The median age is around 35. There is a high percentage of residents with higher levels of education. Before moving here, you can explore the demographic data in the tables-
Maine Demographics
Male vs Female Population of Washington D.C. 
Gender Population Percentage
Male 334,692 48.5%
Female 354,853 51.5%
Population distribution by Ethnicity in Washington D.C.
Ethnicity Percentage
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) 43.5%
White (Non-Hispanic) 36.3%
Other (Hispanic) 4.1%
Asian (Non-Hispanic) 3.9%
Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic) 3.9%
Native American (Non-Hispanic) 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic) 0.1%

What are some quick facts about Washington D.C.? 

When you decide to move to Washington D.C. you will be interested in learning some interesting facts about the Washington D.C.-
Quick Facts of Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States.
The city is named after the first president of the United States.
The tallest structure in the city is the Washington Mountain.
D.C. is home to the World War II Memorial which was built in honor of those who served in World War II.
The Supreme Court Building is Washington D.C.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is in Washington D.C.
White House, which is the official residence of the President of the US.
D.C. is home to the National Zoo, where you can see a variety of animals, including pandas.

What are the top reasons to move to Washington D.C.? 

Washington D.C. is the nation’s capital and has a lot to offer. So, here are the reasons that encourage you to relocate to Washington D.C.
Top reasons to move to Washington D.C.
Job Market- Washington D.C. is a hub for government jobs in various departments and agencies. The city is home to several non-profit organizations providing opportunities for social services and advocacy.
Education- D.C. is home to some prestigious universities and colleges including George Washington University, American University, and more.
Cultural Richness- Washington D.C. boasts a world-class collection of museums, memorials, and several historical landmarks.
Diversity- D.C. is a melting pot of cultures with a great population diversity from different ethnicities and backgrounds.
Strong Economy- The major economic driver in D.C. is the federal government. There are several other industries in Washington D.C. contributing to economic growth.
Quality of life- The city offers a diverse culinary scene with restaurants from around the world. It also offers a vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and more.
Transportation- D.C. is well connected by major highways and a robust public transportation system.

What are the Pros and Cons of living in Washington D.C.?

Before you move to Washington D.C., you should learn about the pros and cons of living there.
Pros & Cons of Living in Washington D.C.
Pros of living in Washington D.C. Cons of living in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is hub for government jobs Housing, transportation and other expenses are high in Washington D.C.
There is cultural diversity with diverse population and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere Traffic congestion can be a problem during rush hours
There are parks, trails and national parks for outdoor recreation Political atmosphere can be intense
Well-connectivity with different major cities and good transportation Suburban-style of living is difficult because of limited space
Washington D.C. is home to prestigious universities and research institutions During peak season, the city can be crowded with the tourists

What are the best places to live in Washington D.C.? 

Before you move to Washington D.C. do some research and find the best place to live. So, for your reference, we have prepared a list of the best places across Washington D.C. along with their population, median home value, and unemployment rate.
Best Places to Live in Washington D.C.
Location Population Median Home Value Unemployment Rate
Georgetown 23,031 $2,475,000 3.8%
Dupont Circle 23,085 $1,350,000 3.5%
Capitol Hill 35,743 $1,200,000 3.2%
Logan Circle 13,250 $1,100,000 3.4%
Adams Morgan 29,783 $950,000 3.7%
Brookland 14,001 $750,000 3.3%
Petworth 21,375 $700,000 3.6%
Columbia Heights 27,143 $650,000 3.5%
Anacostia 20,161 $500,000 4.2%
Tenleytown 16,268 $850,000 3.1%
Tip: When you've got a home to move in Washington D.C., getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving costs.

What are the best neighborhoods in Washington D.C.? 

A new house needs a safe, secure, and friendly neighborhood. If you move to Washington D.C., you can find some of the best neighborhoods before moving there. Here, we have listed some of the best neighborhoods in Washington D.C.-
Best Neighborhoods in the Washington D.C.
Georgetown- This is a historic neighborhood with restaurants, boutiques, and cobblestone streets.
Cleveland Park- It is a family-friendly upscale neighborhood with good schools, parks, and tree-lined streets.
Foggy Bottom- This is one of the best residential neighborhoods near the City Department and Georgetown University. It has both residential as well as commercial buildings.
Logan Circle- This is a trendy neighborhood with restaurants, bars, and boutique shops.
Dupont Circle- This is a vibrant neighborhood with great nightlife. It is also home to ethnic restaurants and nightlife.
Kalorama- This is a residential neighborhood with mansions, embassies, and a peaceful environment.

What is the cost of living in Washington D.C.? 

Before you move to Washington D.C. it is important to learn about the cost of living. The cost of living in Washington D.C. is notoriously high and the prime reason is that it is the nation’s capital. The housing, transportation, and other expenses are very expensive.
Cost of living in Washington D.C.

Here, we have compiled statistics about the cost of living and other related factors-

Cost of Living by Categories in Washington D.C. vs USA 
Category Washington D.C. USA
Overall 151.9 100
Food & Groceries 114.1 100
Health 95.5 100
Housing 231.5 100
Utilities 106.0 100
Transportation 135.3 100
Miscellaneous 175.9 100
Median House Price in Washington D.C. vs USA
Location Median Home Price
Washington D.C. $657,000
United States $428,700
Median Rent Price in Washington D.C. vs USA
Location Median Rent Price
Washington D.C. $2,545
United States $2,100
Housing Market in Washington D.C.

The housing market in Washington D.C. is relatively high priced and characterized by high demand. The demand for housing in D.C. is consistently high, which drives up the prices. There are various types of housing options like apartments, single-family houses, and more.

Average Rental Cost in Washington D.C.

The average rental cost in Washington D.C. is relatively high as compared to many other US cities. The neighborhood has higher rental prices compared to outer neighborhoods. The average rental cost may vary with the fluctuation in the market.

Median Home Value in Washington D.C.

The median home value in Washington D.C. is significantly higher than the national average. The median home value can vary depending on the neighborhood.

How is the job market in Washington D.C.?

The job market in Washington D.C. is generally strong and the economy is majorly driven by the federal government and several other industries. Here are the statistics related to the job market in Washington D.C.-
Kansas  job market
Median Income in Washington D.C. vs USA 
Locations Median Income
Washington D.C. $101,116
United States $74,580
Unemployment Rate in Washington D.C. vs USA
Location Unemployment Rate
Washington D.C. 5.5%
United States 4.3%

What are the Major Industries in Washington D.C.?

The economy of Washington D.C. is majorly driven by the federal government while some other industries are flourishing-
Washington D.C.  job market
Federal Government
Government Contracting
Technology
Consulting
Non-profit organizations
Healthcare
Education
Hospitality
Tourism

What are the Top Career Options in Washington D.C.?

The federal government is a major segment offering different career options. Here, we have provided a list of top career options in Washington D.C. with their average salary, entry-level salary, and number of employees.
Top Career Options in Washington D.C.
Career Option Average Salary Entry-Level Salary Number of Employees
Chief Executive $922,448 $185,000 1,500
Orthopedic Surgeon $511,000 $300,000 1,200
Cardiologist $490,000 $250,000 1,100
Lawyer $198,000 $70,000 30,000
Marketing Manager $154,000 $70,000 5,000
Financial Manager $151,000 $65,000 6,000
Computer and Information Systems Manager $149,000 $70,000 4,500
Nurse Anesthetist $189,000 $120,000 1,000
Economist $137,320 $70,000 5,520
Physicist $137,960 $70,000 1,930
Biggest Companies in Washington D.C. by city and number of employees

Washington D.C. is home to several top brands and companies offering employment to thousands of employees. In this table, we have compiled details about such companies-

Company Name City Number of Employees
Danaher Corporation Washington D.C. 61,000
Xylem Washington D.C. 23,000
CoStar Group Washington D.C. 6,152
Carlyle Group Washington D.C. 2,200
FTI Consulting Washington D.C. 8,055
Cogent Communications Washington D.C. 1,947
Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) Washington D.C. 8,100
Vanda Pharmaceuticals Washington D.C. 203
Ibex Washington D.C. 29,863
FiscalNote Holdings Washington D.C. 660
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What are the best things to do in Washington D.C.? 

After moving to the most vibrant place in the United States, you will have a variety of things to do. Here are some of the best things to do-
Best things to do in Washington D.C.
Some of the must-see attractions in Washington D.C. are the National Mall, Smithsonian Museum, White House, Arlington National Cemetery and U.S. Capitol.
If you are a theater lover, enjoy a world-class performance at the Kennedy Center.
Explore the rich history of African Americans at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are various options like Tidal Basin, National Zoo, Potomac River, and Rock Creek Park.

What are the best schools in Washington D.C.? 

Washington D.C. is home to several prestigious universities that offer high-quality education at all levels. Here, we have listed some of the top schools, colleges and universities in Washington D.C.-
Education System in Washington D.C.
Elementary Schools in Washington D.C.
Janney Elementary School
Lafayette Elementary School
Stoddert Elementary School
Eaton Elementary School
Key Elementary School
Middle Schools in Washington D.C.
Washington Latin Public Charter School
BASIS Washington D.C. Public Charter School
District of Columbia International School
Deal Middle School
Oyster-Adams Bilingual School
High Schools in Washington D.C.
School Without Walls High School
BASIS DC Public Charter School
Benjamin Banneker High School
Washington Latin Public Charter School
McKinley Technology High School
Colleges and Universities in Washington D.C.
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Howard University
Catholic University of America

Which insurance is required in Washington D.C.? 

When you move to a new state, you have to buy the insurance that is mandatory for the residents. Here we have provided details about some insurance you will need in Washington D.C.
Type of insurance required in Washington D.C.

Auto Insurance- In Washington D.C., all vehicle drivers must buy auto insurance. Here is the breakdown for liability coverage-

$25,000 for bodily injury per person

$50,000 for bodily injury per accident

$10,000 for property damage per accident

Health Insurance- All the residents must have health insurance in Washington D.C. If someone does not have the coverage, they will face a penalty similar to the federal mandate.

Life Insurance- This insurance will provide financial support to your family in the event of your death.

Homeowners Insurance- This insurance is not mandated by law, but all the residents, especially lenders, typically require this insurance as a condition of the mortgage. This insurance will protect the house and its belongings from damage or loss caused by fire, theft, or natural disasters.

Renters Insurance- This is similar to homeowners’ insurance, if you are a renter then it is recommended to have this insurance.

Workers Compensation Insurance- Employers in Washington D.C. are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance to cover the medical expenses and lost salary of the employees in case of work-related injuries and illness.

Business Insurance- This general liability insurance is required for businesses to cover potential liabilities.

What different taxes are applicable in Washington D.C.? 

If you move to Washington D.C., then a resident of the city, you will be subject to several taxes. In Washington D.C., the tax burden is relatively higher compared to other states. Here are the details of the taxes applied-
Taxes in Washington D.C.

Income Tax- Washington D.C. has a progressive income tax system, which means the tax rates increase with the raise in your salary. The tax rates vary depending on the income levels.

Sales Tax- Most goods and services in Washington D.C. are subject to sales tax. The tax rates for sales tax are flat at 6%.

Property Taxes- If you own a property in Washington D.C., then you will be subject to property tax. The tax rates will be based on the assessed value of the property.

Excise Tax- Washington D.C. imposes excise taxes on several goods and services, including alcohol, tobacco, and gasoline.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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