The capital city of the United States is home to a great number of historic monuments and memorials. It is also the center for all three branches of the federal government - Congress, the Senate, and the Supreme Court. Foreign embassies and the headquarters of international organizations - all lend a political feel to the city and it is often nicknamed the "Federal City".
With mild weather and plenty of choices when it comes to work, recreation, and an active lifestyle, Washington D.C. is alluring for one and all. The two-mile long National Mall houses the famous Smithsonian museums and other popular monuments. From vibrant nightlife to fine dining and different cultural events, you will find culture from different parts of the world co-existing in a harmonious way.
Here is a guide that will help you relocate smoothly to Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. Climate
Landlocked on three sides and situated across from the Potomac River, this city exhibits a humid subtropical climate. The climate of the city exhibits four distinct seasons: hot and humid summers with July experiencing a certain percentage of relative humidity; autumn and spring are pleasant months; and winter, from mid-December to mid-February, experience snowfall. Thunderstorms leading to tornadoes are a frequent occurrence in the summer due to high heat and humidity. Once every four years a blizzard might affect the city. Also, there are several weather occurrences like a storm surge, high tide, or run-off that can cause flooding of the Potomac River.
Washington D.C. Neighborhoods
Lafayette Square is an historic area surrounding the White House. Lafayette Park contains many military statues and is located in this neighborhood as well. The area of the city known as Georgetown is the home of Georgetown University and is known for its Georgian mansions. You will find many restaurants and window-browsing shops on M street in Georgetown. Also, street musicians, politicos, and college students all continuously reflect a festive environment.
A combination of residential homes, modern office buildings, and embassies is seen at DuPont Circle. The area is not just known for its nightlife but also for its gay and lesbian population. Penn Quarter is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city with restaurants, retail, entertainment and condos. Culture and a lively bar scene co-exist in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. This neighborhood is not only diverse for its population but also for its restaurant scene.
Anacostia is a neighborhood that is currently witnessing transformation on a massive scale and presents ample opportunities in employment and residential growth. Apart from being the nerve center of the nation's capital, Capitol Hill is also known for its 19th- and 20th-century row houses.
Registering Your Car
Upon your arrival in Washington D.C. after moving to the district permanently, you have a total of 30 days to update your title and registration and have your vehicle registered in the Washington D.C. before you may be required to pay a penalty.
A Washington D.C. Driver's License can be obtained at any Washington D.C. DMV location. The district requires new residents to update their license from their previous state to a Washington D.C. driver's license within 30 days of moving. If you fail to update your driver's license within this 30-day window, you may have to pay a fine. Also, upon moving to Washington D.C., district law requires you to notify the DMV of your address change and to update all of your documents with your new address within 5 days.
Washington D.C. Schools
Among the many prestigious and world-renowned collegiate institutions located within Washington D.C., there is also a large public school system operated by the District of Columbia Public Schools, or the D.C.PS. The District's extensive public school system features 123 public schools. Although the number of students enrolled in Washington D.C. public schools steadily declined over a long period of time, they recently began to rebound in 2009. The district's school system is among the lowest-performing in the nation, but measures have been taken in recent years to improve the quality of public education. Some of the most well-known universities in the district include Georgetown University, American University, George Washington University, and Howard University.
Washington D.C. Employment
Washington D.C. has an economy that is mostly centered on business service jobs, and its main industries are focused in the education, public policy and finance sectors. Around 30% of the jobs in Washington D.C. are jobs in the federal government. The district is the leading city in foreign real estate investment and was recently voted by Forbes as the second best city for long-term housing markets in the United States, so it is expected to rebound quickly despite the recession.
The median household income in the District of Columbia is $40,127, while the average per capita income for the state is $28,659.
Washington D.C. Moving Resources
There are hundreds of reputable and reliable moving companies in the city of Washington D.C. to help you with your move and get you unloaded and unpacked in your new home. Whether you're moving from within the District of Columbia, or whether you're moving from the Midwest or even the West coast, you'll find moving companies that can help you get settled in Washington D.C. Here are just a few of the movers you can find to handle your relocation to D.C.: 
- My DC Movers
- Two Guys and a Truck
- Run Moving & Storage Inc
- Moving Companies DC
- Hercules Moving
- Gentle Giant Moving Company
In addition, there are also many storage companies located within the city in case you need a place to store some of your belongings, whether it's for a short amount of time until you get settled in your new home, or for more long-term storage. You can find yourself a Washington D.C. storage company to help fulfill your storage needs.
Living Costs in the City
Higher salaries for many of the city's jobs are compensated by a relatively high cost of living and housing in the city. Although the housing costs are higher in this city than in many of the country's other major cities, the suburbs and the surrounding areas offer an economically feasible alternative.
The city's taxation system is highly varied and exhaustive: a sales tax of 6 percent; tax on liquor you buy is 9 percent; restaurant meals and rental cars are levied about 10 percent; income tax ranges from 5 to 9.3 percent; a parking fee for vehicles is 12 percent; and an estate tax ranging from 6 to 15 percent.
Groceries, prescription and non-prescription drugs, and residential utility services are exempt from any taxes. The average listing price for homes in Washington D.C. is the second highest in the nation at $796,019, while the median sales price is just over $720,000.
Public Transportation
The city has the highest percentage of commuters next to only New York. Moreover, the traffic congestion that is common throughout the city and expensive parking has made public transportation a more convenient way of traveling around the city.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority manages the Metrorail and the Metrobus. Using five color-coded lines, the Metrorail is the regional subway that allows commuters to travel around the city. Connecting all of the Metrorail stations and the local bus systems is the Metrobus, a regional bus service.
Owned by District of Columbia Department of Transportation, the D.C. Circulator offers an inexpensive service to areas in the vicinity of the National Mall. This service operates on the routes between Union Station and Georgetown, and the Convention Center and National Mall. D.C. Streetcars is a new light rail system expected to begin operating in 2013.
Culture and Contemporary Life
Washington D.C.'s culture cannot be classified as either northern or southern as it oozes a cosmopolitan feel - whether it is the food, music or the people. The city is known mostly for historic sites and museums. Famous for hosting presidential inaugurations, political protests and concerts, the National Mall is an open park in the downtown area.
Japanese cherry blossom trees near the Tidal Basin are a treat to the eye during the early spring. Against the patriotic backdrop, the National Mall offers a perfect setting for a spectacular fireworks display on Independence Day. Chartered by Congress and funded by the U.S. government, the Smithsonian institution oversees the maintenance of museums in Washington D.C. The National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera, and the Washington Ballet are housed in the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.
The Arena Stage has been a catalyst in encouraging the city's theater movement. You can check out CultureCapital for a full calendar of events, performances, tours, and exhibitions. The city is also one of the birthplaces of indie rock and venues like The Black Cat and the 9:30 Club cater to this genre. Chuck Brown, one of the most influential artists of 1970s, is responsible for the rise of the go-go genre which is R&B with traces of percussion.
Moving to Washington D.C.
Whether it's for the career opportunities, the unique privilege of living in the nation's capital, or the political pulse of the nation - whatever might be your reason to move to Washington D.C. - the city beckons you with its charm. The first step in the process of moving to Washington D.C. is choosing a moving company after first checking their BBB ratings, insurance and license. The moving rates are charged by the hour if you are moving within the state boundary, while for a long distance move the charges will depend on the total weight or volume in cubic feet of your belongings. In the latter case, you can ask about a flat rate or any special discounts that are available with the mover.
Washington D.C. Relocation Tips
- The city has an extensive public transportation system. Ditch your car to avoid traffic congestion and high parking fees. Also consider investing in a folding shopping cart - the new accessory of all city dwellers which allows you to carry large amounts of stuff without needing a car.
- The city offers loads of free entertainment. Visiting museums, sites like the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial, and attending weekly concerts at the Kennedy Center or a walk in a park at DuPont Circle will not cost you a dime.
- When you are doing a long distance move, it is a good practice to write your name, phone number, and the new destination address on all of your boxes in the event that any of them are accidentally separated from the rest of the shipment.
- As the basic insurance coverage offered by most movers is 60 cents per pound, buy additional insurance to cover your valuable furniture and high-end electronics.
- At your new home take note of the amount and condition of the items in your inventory that are being unloaded. If you see any items missing or find any damage, make an entry of the same in the inventory sheet and report it to the mover who is supervising.
All the appliances should be cleaned and disconnected one day before moving. After emptying the contents of your refrigerator and freezer, defrost and clean them both. After moving to your new home avoid the habit of plugging your appliances in right away as you should give it some time for the appliance to get acclimatized to the surrounding temperature.