how do people like living in DC?

[tunlrat]

I'm posting from out here in sunny (well maybe not this week) SoCal. I'm in the running for a couple of Fed positions out in DC. I just want to know what people thought about living in DC (or surrounding Virginia/ Maryland area) in general? How do you like the quality of life out there? I've heard some good things, e.g. good public schools (not DC), less smog (than Cali), sports teams, etc. I've also heard some bad things, e.g. traffic/ commute time into the District, high cost of living (can't be as bad as Cali), weather, etc. What is the general consensus?

[hwpd]

Not from DC, but there are pros and cons of living in any area.

Ask "DC Law", he is a federal officer in Wash DC and surrounding states.

[Mike Romeo]

I've driven through DC many, many times on the way to Baltimore....but I couldn't imagine living there.

The traffic is unbelieveable.

[MORA Ranger]

I was there for three weeks. I didn't ever have to drive... Thanks goodness. I liked the Metro, I could get anywhere on it and with my own two feet. I liked DC quite a bit. I'd never been so I had a lot to see. And I got to see the Independance day fireworks from the steps of the Capitol building. Very cool for a ranger straight out of the woods on the opposite side of the country.

It's an amazing place to visit. I lived in a hotel for three weeks and sleeping during the day was problematic (I worked at night) with all the sirens going non stop. When I got to my house with no electricity in the middle of the mountains the silence and serenity was almost eerie.

I'd live there. It's a neat place. I'd bring my slingshot next time and go after the rats.

[fedhopeful]

Haven't lived in DC but know people who have and they loved it.

I've driven in DC itself while attending an event there for a few days. I stayed in Arlington and drove to DC everyday and well the traffic was consistent with where I live. Guess I'm just used to traffic being a pain so it's not a pain anymore.

Who have you applied for if you don't mind me asking? I applied for USPP.

[massgrunt]

Just my $.02: My cousin lives in DC, and loved it when he was single. And the one time I went out there with him, I've never had so many (okay, it was three) women just come right up to me and strike up a conversation. The reputation is, everybody's from somewhere else, so they all want to meet new people.

[tunlrat]

fedhopeful: I applied to USPP as well, though I'm hoping I can get San Fran but I've been told I have to be prepared to take DC if need be. I also started the BI for the Pentagon police.

massgrunt: LOL! Hey, I'd be lucky if I can get one girl to start a conversation with out here in SoCal! They're too busy talking on their cell phones & sipping mocha-choco-lattes. :cool: Yeah, DC's been rated as one of the better towns to meet singles. Austin Texas is #1--go figure.

[Group9]

I was close by (Annapolis) for six years. Housing prices are out of sight. My house went up in value so much the five years I owned it that I couldn't have quaified to buy it for what I sold it for. You are probably going to be in for a long commute to buy anything at a reasonable price.

[Mike Romeo]

Here's a comical look at life in DC, if you're up for a laugh.

Then again, it may mean nothing to you if you've never lived in or transited through DC.

[mcsap]

The best time to see DC is going around the I-495 beltway at about 0430 hrs. Traffic is light and it is only 32 miles from top to bottom.

[mcsap]

Exactly what I mean, you can SEE the district without going in or through it !!!

[Mike Romeo]

Well, if I was gambling man and could place a daily bet on if the Truman Bridge would be backed up or not, I'd be a millionaire based on my choice of "backed up". I would hit it on the nose every time.

[Nole795]

I have to admit when I was in training in DC, I loved the City. Of course I got free housing, meals, and a per diem while there but the history of the city as well as the monuments were outstanding. Plus you got the ESPN Restaurant over there, what more could you ask for.

When I entertained the idea of possibly transferring there later in my career, I looked at the housing market and nearly choked. The agents I know who are there now are going to do their mandatory time and transfer. There are 2 reasons: Quality of life (affordability), and to get away from management. All the decisions happen in DC and the first to feel the ripples are the employees closest to the source.

But the way I look at it, there are worse places in the US to be sent to.

[Group9]

You will probably wind up having to live in VA or MD and commute in. Traffic's a mess, parking's worse, housing's out of this world, and the District itself is a third-world city lacking even basic services. Most people who work LE in DC rent in the suburbs for a couple of years and then try to buy something affordable about an hour or hour and a half away. Weather's not much worse or better than anywhere else but you do get southern heat and humidity in the summer and northern cold in the winter.

I was going to say all of this, but I didn't want to sound too negative. :D

[tunlrat]

What are housing prices & rent like? Prices out here in SoCal start at around mid to high 300k to half a million for anything decent (in a "decent" area). It's much cheaper elsewhere in Cali. For example, houses around the Sacramento area can go for about less than 200k. Rent can go anywhere from $700 to $1000+ for a decent one bedroom (again in a "decent" area).

Commute times on the major freeways are nuts, but if one knows surface streets that shaves some pretty good time off. The only thing I can't really complain about is parking. There's always some spot to park in. Course it usually ain't free though!