What Is Washington, DC Known For?
Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States and is situated between Maryland and Virginia along the Potomac River. Washington, DC, is a tapestry of American governance, local communities with distinct personalities, expansive parks, and vibrant arts and music scenes. It's where policy meets poetry and monuments blend into everyday life.
The city is a melting pot of races and backgrounds, with a notable LGBTQ+ community and various minority groups. The social fabric consists of young professionals, longtime residents, and everyone else.
For retirees, the rich history and walkability of the city are a plus. Couples can enjoy the romantic backdrops of monuments and parks. Singles will find a bustling nightlife and social scene. Families benefit from diverse schooling options and plenty of parks. Students have access to multiple colleges and unparalleled networking opportunities in politics and social sciences.
Highlights
Pros and Cons
The Pros of living in Washington, DC, include networking opportunities, cultural activities, public transportation, and more. While some Cons are around traffic, high cost of living, and political intensity.
Read more in Pros and Cons.
Safety and Crime
Washington is ranked 432nd out of the top 500 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 460th on safety from violent crime, and 354th on safety from property crime.
Read more in Safety and Crime.
Cost of Living
Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Washington, DC is 23% higher than the national average.
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Discretionary Income
A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Washington, DC leaves -$64 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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Climate and Weather
The average daily temperature in Washington, DC in January is 39°F and 82°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average -4°F cooler in January and is on average +3°F warmer in July.
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Politics and Voting
Washington, DC voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 92.1% of the votes counted going to this party.
Read more in Politics and Voting.
The assessments presented on this website, including those related to crime, safety, cost of living, and other location characteristics (e.g., states, cities, towns, villages, neighborhoods, areas, landmarks), are based on various sources and our internal research methods. These assessments are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete and should not be used as the sole basis for making any decisions.