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 $670,000 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 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 42% White, 44% 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
11,300 per sq mi
Median Age
34.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
16.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
41.5%
Black
44.0%
Asian
4.8%
Others
9.7%

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 $670,000 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
$670,000
Gross Rent
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$820
State Taxes
Low: 4.0%| High: 10.75%
Cost Of Living Index
148.6
Grocery
111.8
Housing
184.5
Utilities
109.6
Transportation
121.3
Health Care
113.4
Miscellaneous
121.0

Crime

Is Washington, DC a safe place to live?

Washington is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,042 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
1,042
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,412
Crime Index
4,454
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 96
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 89°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
43°F

Summer

Min
69°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
69°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches
40.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $101,000 and a low poverty rate of 14.2%. Over 92% 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 36% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$52,000
Household Income
$101,000
Family Income
$126,000
Per Capita Income
$58,500
Income Male
$68,000
Income Female
$60,500
Poverty Rate
14.2%
Non English Speakers
15.6%
Rent
$2,250
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
35.8%
Commute Time
31.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.4%
Bachelors or More
62.3%

Education

How are the schools in Washington, DC?

Washington offers quality education options, with public schools like School Without Walls High School and Wilson 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 American 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
202-645-9690
Students
590
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Wilson High School
Street
3950 Chesapeake St NW
Phone
202-282-0120
Students
1,850
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8

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
202-829-3700
Students
1,075

Colleges

Name
George Washington University
City
Washington
State
DC
Distance
0 miles
Students
26,000
Name
Georgetown University
City
Washington
State
DC
Distance
0 miles
Students
20,500
Name
American University
City
Washington
State
DC
Distance
0 miles
Students
13,000

Healthcare

Washington residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MedStar Washington Hospital Center, George Washington University Hospital, and Children's National Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.4 per 1,000 people and 94.1% 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
Children's National Hospital
Address
111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
Phone
(202) 476-5000
Type
Pediatric
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage
94.1%
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 $670,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 43%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Washington offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$670,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate
42.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

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 $670,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,250, commute time 31.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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