MAIN Home Life House & Home MovingWashington DC

Steeped in American history, and a magnet for tourists by the millions each year, the U.S. capital city is named after George Washington, first President of the United States.

"District of Columbia" pays homage to early explorer Christopher Columbus, with D.C. being the official jurisdiction that offsets the city from nearby Virginia and Maryland.

Today, the stark contract between the pricey neighborhood of Georgetown and the city's squalid urban slums give DC its reputation as a community of the very rich and very poor. Although there is a thriving middle class, many government workers or company employees usually opt to for more affordable bedroom communities in surrounding states.

The biggest employers in the DC area are, of course, the US government followed by industry trade groups, law firms, and lobbyists.

The biggest non-government employers are Georgetown University, The George Washington University, Washington Hospital Center, Howard University, and Fannie Mae.

Tourism is also an important job sector with service industry positions in hotels, bars and restaurants continuing in high demand.

Quality-of-life statistics for Washington, DC

Cost of Living: Owing to DC Metro's position as the center of high-powered diplomatic, world government & banking activity, count on major expenses rising about 40% above the national average.

Property Taxes : District of Columbia's Tax Climate - Average cost is $1,856 per capita in taxes, which is less than only three states (New Jersey, Connecticut, and New Hampshire).

Personal Income Taxes: Washington DC collects income tax on its residents in three tax brackets ranging from 4% – 8% depending on filing status and income. Washington DC residents must file their personal income tax using Form D-40 or D-40EZ by April 15.

Housing & Real Estate Overview Zillow - Washington DC Real Estate
Home ownership rate : 40.8%
Average home price: $430,800
Average travel time to work : 30 minutes

Schools : see Washington DC Education Center

Weather : Lying midway between the warmer south and colder north, Washington DC experiences extremes of heat and humidity in summer, and possible heavy snowstorms in winter. The most agreeable weather is found in spring (for visitors, especially during cherry blossom time) and fall, when temperatures and humidity levels are generally mild and comfortable.

Crime : see Washington DC Crime & Activity Statistics

also see -> Washington DC Taxes | Washington DC Tourist Attractions

Christmas in Washington DC | in Travel -> Ex pat resources

Maryland Fall Foliage | Virginia Fall Foliage

DC Kids Party Locations

More about relocating to Washington DC around the Web:

Move to DC - The official Washington DC city government site with a directory of information on its neighborhoods, home buying and apartment hunting, schools, and guides to working or setting up a business in DC.

DC Registry - Comprehensive portal to finding schools, churches, synagogues, restaurants, local real estate, apartments & housing, transportation and more.

Washington DC City-Data Forum - Helpful suggestions on relocating to DC with cost of living comparisons, advice for families, guides to suburban real estate and metro apartments.

Berkeley Parents Network - Moving to Washington DC - Archived message board posts with advice on best nearby neighborhoods, public transportation, schools and kid-friendly communities.

Washington DC Schools - Compare top-rated metro area schools by address or district.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority - The official site with fares, schedules, online ticket purchase, bus and rail maps, interactive trip planner.

Washington DC Real Estate, Apartments & Job Classifieds:

Washington Post | Washington Times