So you have decided to relocate to Washington DC! While this is very exciting, you might not know where to start. To help you make the transition as smooth as possible, here are some resources to utilize as you begin planning the move:
Selecting A Neighborhood
If you are unsure what DC area is right for you, visit The Washingtonian Magazine’s guide to Washington DC neighborhoods by clicking here.
If you are unfamiliar with the Washington DC area, know that the traffic may be challenging to drive daily. Consider living as close as possible to your employment place to save yourself from spending too much time in transit.
Finding Movers
YELP is a top-rated resource in the Washington DC area. To see what moving companies have been highly rated by customers on YELP, click here. Easily compare rates on Washington DC moving companies on Cheap Movers DC.
Driving To Washington DC
Washington DC traffic is unique, and depending on where you are coming from, you may not be used to highways turning into parking lots. When planning to move into your DC residence, to maximize efficiency, plan any driving around the morning and evening commute times to avoid crawling along painfully slowly.
The morning commute in the DC area begins around 7:30 a.m. and ends around 9:30 a.m., and the evening commute begins around 2:30 p.m. and ends around 6:30 p.m. If you will be traveling through Maryland, access traffic cameras by clicking here. If you are traveling through Virginia, access traffic cameras by clicking here.
New Resident Resources
The DC government has a webpage dedicated to information and resources that new residents need. This page could be used as a checklist of what you need to do when you first move into your DC residence. To visit this page, click here.
Meeting New People
Moving to an area where you do not know anyone can be difficult but know that there is no shortage of social events in the Washington DC area, giving you plenty of opportunities to meet new people after you settle in. A quick google search or a scroll through local events on Facebook or Groupon deals will give you plenty of options.
Do not hesitate to make your new social circle large. Due to the employment opportunities in the DC area, many people relocate, so the more friends you can make, the more likely you will still have plenty of friends even if a few must relocate for work.
What Else Should I Know?
Here are a few insights that might be beneficial to consider during your relocation:
- The cost of living in the Washington DC area is high; expect to pay a premium. Depending on where you are moving from, you may have to downsize to find housing that fits your budget. If this leaves you with extra furniture that cannot fit into your new home, know that there are many storage facilities in the area to store your personal property at if necessary.
- While The Washington DC area is considered to be in the south, the winters do get cold, so do not give away your boots and jackets if you move down to DC from a northern state.
- Due to the demands of the jobs and the traffic in the DC area, many residents experience high-stress levels. Be sure to find ways to relax and to beat burnout.
- Many restaurants in the DC area deliver, which will be particularly useful to you as you unpack and when you do not have time to run out for lunch. Download GrubHub or DoorDash to get delivery from a variety of restaurants in the DC area.
Summary
Depending on where you are moving from, the traffic, the cost of living, and the stress may be an adjustment for you. That said, the Washington DC area is an excellent place to live, work, and play. The Washingtonian Magazine and the Washington DC government websites are excellent resources for potential residents and new residents. Best of luck in this next chapter of your life!
