Few cities command the recognition, attention, and tourism that are routine for our nation's capital. Living and working among some of the most recognizable monuments in the country can be intimidating, but according to residents, also very exciting.
Living in and Around Washington, D.C.
The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area covers sprawling portions of Virginia and Maryland and accounts for a population of over 5 million - over 8 million if you include nearby Baltimore.
The vast majority of this population is concentrated in the suburban areas surrounding the city. These offer every combination of cost and lifestyle available. The development of housing, shopping, and restaurants to accommodate the ever-changing tastes of DC commuters is the major economic industry for most of this region.
Within the city itself, urban renewal is ongoing in several neighborhoods. Developments in NOMA (North of Mass Ave) and the Southwest Waterfront are competing to pull more residents inside the beltway. For those who consider a commuter lifestyle unappealing, these mixed-use communities of shops, offices, and housing offer a convenient alternative.
Transportation Matters in D.C.!
With so many people rushing from place to place, getting around the city is a major concern. Gridlock in and out of the city is constant during business hours, and traffic to the suburbs remains heavy until 8 or 9pm.
I-495, the Capitol Beltway, connects half a dozen major highways to the city. There is also a web of interconnecting public and private bus and rail systems serving commuter needs. The city itself is planned along a grid system that is fairly consistent, allowing even first-time visitors and newly arrived residents to learn their way around quickly.
Leisure in the D.C. Area
With all of the famous museums and monuments, the challenge isn't finding things to do - it's finding the time. The Smithsonian Museum alone is known to take several days to tour. Less famous is the amount of fresh air available within the city limits. Local residents take advantage of numerous city parks. Public bicycle and hiking trails range through wooded areas and offer breathtaking views of the Potomac. Skiing and snowboarding are also extremely popular, with plenty of options in nearby Virginia and Pennsylvania.