Can someone tell me what Washington D.C. is like?

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poppet

It's a typical large city, very similar to London. The business area is the usual cement and steel, but what makes it so special is the occasional view as you traverse the city of the wonderful historic landmarks like the capital or the White House. And when you stop to realize what people probably walked in the same footsteps as you many years ago...
The most of the residential areas are really beautiful. They really remind me of England. Tiny front yards, all fenced in and lots of gardens. Very quaint. There are lots of unique specialty shops, and alot of the "high end" shops, but to do any real shopping you need to leave the capital hill area--most go out to Pentagon City or other mall areas.
The cost of living is high; rent, groceries,parking and transportation are high. But the experience of living there helps to ease some of those expenses, when you realize all the advantages of living in a world capital. There is so much free entertainment and education available to those who chose to take advantage of it. You can experience history as it's being made--just sit in on a session of congress. It's fascinating!

souljagirpart2

It's fun for visiting but I wouldn't recommend that for anything other than that as a native Washingtonian! I now live in the Northern Virginia Area which is better to live in in my opinion however the price of living here is expensive. Everything is very metro excess-able (subway & buses)! I would just reccomend you not travel too far in to Southeast and Northeast around the seatpleasent Md portion and you'll be alright. Although I was raised in Northeast I just think it is way too dangerous and if I had a choice I would definately not be interested!

Mike R

Actually... DC is NOT a very safe city. Anacostia is definitely not a good area but there are a lot of other bad areas. Northwest DC is OK though and all of the tourist places are fairly safe. The monuments and memorials, and the Smithsonian museums are excellent. But DC has among the worst traffic in the country, the people are very rude and it's also one of the most expensive cities in the country.

I grew up in DC and basically it's a great city to visit but a terrible place to live in.

rrticulate1

I worked on the Hill when I was still in High School and I recently was back up there. First, understand that the city was built on a swamp, so it is extremely hot until after Labor Day. Keep yourself hydrated.
There is measurable snowfall most every winter, so plan accordingly. Definately check out the museums, Chinatown, White House, Capitol, etc. It is a multicultural city, so you will interact with people from all nationalities. When you're at a crosswalk, the flashing sign counts down the seconds you have to cross the street. Unlike other places, motorists I've observed do yield to pedestrians. Unless you like crowds, I'd stay clear of the large, organized tours. The panhandlers and the Lyndon LaRouche fanatics can be obnoxious, just pretend not to notice.
Also, don't be shocked but the prices of everything is a bit expensive than most other places.

Nikki

Washington D.C. is a pretty nice city. There are tons of museums. The museums there are free, but there is a lot of security. You should definitely check out Georgetown, it has lots of shopping. Also, the cherry blossom festival in the early spring is really beautiful. And there is a lot to do around that time.

Feel free to email me with any questions.

cjkip

I absolutely love the many free museums, but the very best thing about DC is that it is a very cosmopolitan city. You will meet and see people from all around the world, and there are ethnic restaurants galore! If you like cheap, ethnic food, there is a lot to be found! There are also very upscale restaurants.

This is a very special city. Hope you visit!

coolhandjoe

its okay is crouded like mosty cities there are good and bad parts. Need to know what you are doing etc.

chance

Hot and humid as hell during summer months, and bitterly cold during winter season. Best time is spring time during Cherry Blossom, unless you're allergic. Alot of middle-class people live here. The metro was built to transport govt workers around DC. Efficient, clean, quiet, but short route. Also, it's kinda of a college town with Georgetown and American U. Jaywalking law is enforced fiercely (BEWARE). It's less hectic life than living in NYC.

bestofwashingtondc

It's great. If you're just visiting, get off the beaten path. Check out the Anacostia Museum, National Arboretum, and Rock Creek Park. DC has funky shops on U Street, in Adams Morganand near the Takoma metro.

Enjoy!

Nuwanda

Washington D.C. is amazing! It's AWESOME! I lived there my Junior year in high school, and it was just... wow.

This would be easier if you had some specific things you wanted to know.

It's hard to drive in D.C. because A. there's no way to park and B. once you get around the Capitol, streets are blocked.

Shopping is expensive. Everything's just way more expensive in D.C.

It's a very safe city, aside from Anacostia. Don't go to Anacostia. Homeless people are pretty abundant around Union Station, so you probably don't want to go there alone either. The closer you get to the Capitol, the more Capitol Police you'll see. Smile and wave. They're nice guys!

The Starbuscks on PA Ave. is a very high quality one, with friendly service, no matter how early it is in the morning. I used to go in at 5:30 and they remembered my order, without me having to say it! Cosi across the street is also good. Bullfeathers, on 1st Street (Capitol South metro station is close) has excellent hamburgers.

DC is kinda scary at first, but once you get the hang of city life you'll love it. The Smithsonians are great museums, and if you're a movie buff you can go walk up the stairs from the end of the Exorcist in Georgetown.

60s Chick

I found it a fascinating place when I went there as a parent chaperone on a middle school field trip from CA.

It was a place I'd like to return to and see more in a less hurried way.

e fitz

lots of fun, but expensive to live there. great job market tho

Jet

Just like any big city there are good areas and bad areas. Stay out of the bad areas. Start in Georgetown.

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