What is it like living in the Washington , DC / Baltimore area like?

Question

What is the cost of living ?
Is it a good place to live?
The reason I'm asking is because I've just been recently hired by the Us Secret Service and I'm just wondering what its like to live there. I've been a resident of Texas for over 25 years and haven't lived no where else since 1979 .That was back when I was military kid.. So I am excited and scared at the same time about the new move and changes in my life.

Answer 1

First, Congrats on the USSS job!

I'm originally from Austin, Texas, but have lived in and around DC off and on for over 35 years. Great town, lots of fun, LOT's of free stuff to do (museums, galleries, some shows, monuments, parks, etc). It's a great place to live.

Cost of living is high, with housing being the most expensive item. If you don't mind small, buy or rent something close to the city, it will dramatically reduce your commuting time. Start off by getting something in nearby Arlington, VA. It will be small (very) and expensive (very), but likely safe and easy to get to. Then learn the city, what's a good place, what's not. What you're comfortable with, what you're not. It's a very diverse area, there's bound to be a community you'll fit into quickly. I'm in a mixed marriage (B&W) and we live in Arlington, love it.

Initially, bring only what you need for work. You can always buy furniture, or have your's sent later. Work with a realtor to find a place, try www.weichert.com or www.longandfoster.com. first. They are the two big firms here. Also, check www.washingtonpost.com for rental listings. The USSS should also have some information about moving here.

We have 4 full seasons here, not like the 2-3 in much of Texas. Summer is hot, not like Texas, but the humidity is MUCH higher and will take some getting used to. Spring and Fall are great. Winter is Cold! Think of the Texas panhandle at night in January. It can be bitter cold. Coldest I've ever been is standing on the US Capitol west front in January. The wind just whips right through you. So bring ALL your clothing, and be ready to buy more.

Buying clothing here is great. Lots of stores, lots of bargains, lots of options. Start with the basics, USSS business attire, whatever that is for your job. Keep it simple and conservative, mix up your accessories for spice. The USSS culture is pretty conservative, at least in appearance. (I'm an ex-Federal Agent, worked with them a lot).

The night life is great, lot's of great bars/restaurants/etc. It's not NY, but there's always something to do. If you're bored in this town, it's your own fault. Parks and recreation are plentiful, but remember, between DC and Baltimore, plus the surrounding suburbs, there's about 7 million. Get used to crowds. Learn to use the metro system.

The cultural life is what I like the most. Theatre, shows, museums, art galleries, events on the National Mall, the political scene, etc. Broadway shows come here, the National Symphony is here, there's plenty of Rock/Jazz/HipHop, even Country if your looking for it.

Do the Tourist thing in the spring, before most of the tourists arrive and the summer heat. Get a White House tour, the Capitol building. See the more famous monuments. It still impresses me now.

Be excited, have fun and Good Luck!

Answer 2

I'd say it's probably a bit like Dallas / Ft. Worth
It's a big city, but still smaller than New York or L.A.

As for lifestyle, it's a bit more expensive and the temps a bit nipply, I live in Richmond which is about 100 miles south of D.C., it's not that awful cold and it still gets well into the upper 90's in summer, too.

Just watch out for rush hour traffic on the beltway, that gets a bit hairy.

Answer 3

I lived in DC or around DC my entire life until 3 years ago Saturday I moved to Los Angeles.

I love DC. It's my hometown and I miss it dearly...maybe it's something in the water.

Allow me to break down a few things for you:

Cost of living depends on your neighborhood, maybe you can let me know which neighborhood. I'd recommend against Southeast unless you're right near the capital. Anything near that is beautiful and pristine because folks out that way have money. You have various gentrified areas including Adams Morgan, U Street Corridor and Mount Pleasant, which is where I lived. Right across the street from us (16th St.) was the ghetto...hearing gunshots and seeing drug deals happen was not uncommon. Keep a watchful eye and you'll be able to see people get antsy if something is up. If you do see this, cross the street, get into a shop, or get home ASAP. In general, it's quiet though and people are really friendly - Texas friendly if they are DC natives.. :) These "up and coming" areas have some tension between those with and those without money. A studio apartment in Mount Pleasant ran us about...um...I think it was $800, not including parking. You don't need a car though, you'll get tickets if you don't have a parking spot and mass transit is great. For longer drives, try Flexcar, it's very nice.. :) So if you get tickets - expensive. And yes, people in the neighborhoods will call parking enforcement on you (again, folks with the money!). Food stores - go local and small, their prices are great, or you can go to Trader Joes which always has rockin products and prices.

The weather: Spring lasts...oh...2-3 days and it's gorgeous, then the sticky summer hits and you won't find a break in the shade...oh no...that's just where you melt. Remember - DC is built on a swamp and it shows! SHEW! And winter? Freezing cold.....f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g cold. But, in the fall and sometimes summer there are these amazing thunder and lightning storms that are just...awe inspiring to watch.

The culture: Rocks. I don't know if you'll be into the bar scene, but places I'd recommend include the Black Cat for all sorts of music, Chief Ike's for a laid back place, there's a wine bar and a french beer place also in Adams Morgan that I'd highly recommend. Plus Adams Morgan is home to Little Ethiopia and has some amazing tasty bites. Plus all the hipster joints there too...Dupont Circle has a movie theater, it's name I forget, but they have late night odd movies and when we left it was always the midnight Donny Darko with free pitchers of beer. There's lots of sushi out that way and not to mention their amazing gallery row for First Fridays. All the museums are free (except the more corporate ones like the Spy Museum) and I recommend visiting often. There's always festivals out on the mall or volley ball, soccer, flag football and you can always get into a game! :) Speaking of football - Washington DC is a football town. A music event I wanted to go to was cancelled because of extrememly low ticket sales because the 'skins were in the playoffs. If you happen to be a Cowboy's fan (who is?) be careful.. :D Keep it hidden.

You have Baltimore not far to the north, and NYC not that much further up there with Philly in between, so you have great access to other major cities. There's amazing food...and since you're coming from the south you won't miss out on certain southern foods that I miss out on here in Los Angeles (No Krystal hot sauce, no potato rolls...WTF??) You also have the country areas that are small drives such as Great Falls, Virginia...white water rafting in West Virginia, vineyards in the country of both states..there's dog parks in the city, old architecture mixed with the new...

I love DC. I miss it...I miss it everyday I wake up here....except for the freezing cold...maybe if I could just turn the snow on and off I'd like it better.. :)

Oh! And for me..please...the best bagels in town? Whatsa Bagel....the place that prepares them the best? So's Your Mom on I believe Columbia Rd. behind 18th street which is the main Adams Morgan strip. Get an everything bagel with tomato, onion and cream cheese...then...for lunch...get an everything bagel with boar's head meats and cheeses on it......oooo.....to die for.. :)

So in closing...it can be dangerous, but the beauty and culture of DC is overwhelming to the bad stuff. Even when you don't feel like going out, go to your local coffee shop ( I Miss you Dos Gringos!!), get a cup of joe...and walk home...it's the little things in DC that matter.


If you have any questions, just post them here and I'll answer them...this is a favored topic of mine and I'd love to help someone enjoy the city of my birth.. :)