Planning to relocate to the nation’s capital? As with any move, it’s important to associate yourself with the basic facts about your future home. Here are some factors to consider regarding life in the Beltway area.
Real Estate
As of October 2017, the median price for a home in the DC area was $550,000, according to Washington’s Top News (WTOP). Since the recession hit in 2008, home prices have risen by 47 percent, making the seller’s market exceptionally tight — which translates into a highly competitive market for buyers. The demand for homes in the area far outweighs the supply, so be prepared to play hardball.
Job Market
Fortunately, there are a great many high-paying jobs available in DC as well, particularly in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). In 2015, the city was ranked #1 on the Forbes list of most competitive job markets, with over 52 percent of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. According to CareerCast, the number of STEM jobs available in the region is around double the national average, so it’s a good bet for anyone who holds a degree in one of those fields.
Also high on the list? Human resources management. The growth projection for this field remains solid throughout the year 2020.
Neighborhoods
The Niche website lists the three best-ranking DC neighborhoods as follows: Hawthorne, Foxhall Crescents, and Spring Valley. All are ranked highly regarding public school systems and overall quality, but be forewarned that they’re likely to be correspondingly pricey as well.
Traffic
Here’s the bad news first: DC has been rated the worst traffic “hot spot” in the country. Only New York and LA rank lower overall regarding traffic congestion. The upside? Public transportation is both ubiquitous and easy to use. If you can manage it, this might be the ideal time to do away with owning a vehicle altogether.
Weather
While winters in DC can be on the chilly side (the coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 38 degrees), the region doesn’t get hit with nearly as much snow as its neighbors to the north. The average snowfall is a mere 15.5 inches, an amount that’s often exceeded during a single storm in Boston. Summers are likewise mild, with a July average of 80 degrees.
Demographics
The median age of DC residents is 33.8, making it a fairly young city. This is evident in the hot local music scene and enclave of trendy area restaurants, which are mainly dominated by American cuisine (what else would you expect from the nation’s capital?), but there’s no shortage of ethnic offerings available, either.
Moving to DC
There’s much to love about life in the DC area, as long as you’re prepared for the move. Familiarize yourself with the real estate market, and try to have a job lined up in advance. Make your move easier by hiring the services of cheap DC movers and take care of essentials like turning on the utilities and figuring out your commute. These steps will ensure that your experience is a positive one right from the beginning.
