District Of Columbia / District Of Columbia County

Moving to Washington, DC

Thinking of making a move to Washington, DC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Washington, DC

Considering a move to Washington, DC? This welcoming community of 689,545 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $675,000 and average rents near $2,250. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Washington's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Washington, DC

Washington has a population of 689,545 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 34 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 39% White, 45% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 17% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
689,545
Density
11,500 per sq mi
Median Age
34.3
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
16.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
39.0%
Black
45.0%
Asian
4.8%
Others
11.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Washington, DC?

The cost of living in Washington is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 148.6. Median home values are around $675,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,250. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$675,000
Gross Rent
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$820
State Taxes
Low: 4.0%| High: 10.75%
Cost Of Living Index
148.6
Grocery
115.8
Housing
207.4
Utilities
106.9
Transportation
132.1
Health Care
112.4
Miscellaneous
118.0

Crime

Is Washington, DC a safe place to live?

Washington is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 950 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 29. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in District Of Columbia.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
950
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,500
Crime Index
4,450
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 105
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 29

Weather

What is the weather like in Washington, DC year-round?

Washington experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 88°F and cold winters dipping to 29°F. The area receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
29°F
Max
44°F

Summer

Min
69°F
Max
88°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
40.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $108,000 and a low poverty rate of 14.2%. Over 93% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 62% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 38% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$55,000
Household Income
$108,000
Family Income
$132,000
Per Capita Income
$55,200
Income Male
$62,000
Income Female
$55,000
Poverty Rate
14.2%
Non English Speakers
17.4%
Rent
$2,250
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Public Transport Usage
37.8%
Commute Time
30.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.9%
Bachelors or More
61.5%

Education

How are the schools in Washington, DC?

Washington offers quality education options, with public schools like School Without Walls High School and Benjamin Banneker Academic High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including George Washington University, Georgetown University, and Howard University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
School Without Walls High School
Street
2130 G St NW
Phone
(202) 729-2010
Students
590
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
Street
800 Euclid St NW
Phone
(202) 671-6320
Students
450
Student Teacher Ratio
12.8

Private Schools

Name
Sidwell Friends School
Street
3825 Wisconsin Ave NW
Phone
(202) 537-8100
Students
1,100
Name
Georgetown Day School
Street
4200 Davenport St NW
Phone
(202) 274-3200
Students
1,050

Colleges

Name
George Washington University
City
Washington
State
DC
Distance
0 miles
Students
27,000
Name
Georgetown University
City
Washington
State
DC
Distance
2 miles
Students
20,000
Name
Howard University
City
Washington
State
DC
Distance
3 miles
Students
12,000

Healthcare

Washington residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MedStar Washington Hospital Center, George Washington University Hospital, and Howard University Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 4.1 per 1,000 people and 95.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Address
110 Irving St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Phone
(202) 877-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
George Washington University Hospital
Address
900 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Phone
(202) 715-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Howard University Hospital
Address
2041 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20060
Phone
(202) 865-6100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
4.1
Health Insurance Coverage
95.0%
Health Care Index
82.7

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Washington, DC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $675,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 42%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Washington offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$675,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate
42.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Washington handle vehicle services through the DC Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Washington. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
District of Columbia
Department
DC Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
95 M St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone
(202) 737-4404

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Washington, DC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Washington, review the core fields on this page: population 689,545, median home value $675,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,250, commute time 30.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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