The term “DMV” refers to Washington, D.C. and its surrounding suburbs in Maryland and Virginia. It’s a fast-growing area with many people interested in shopping for Washington D.C real estate. Perhaps you’re thinking about a move to the DMV and you’re wondering what your life might be like in the area. Here are a few of then reasons why people choose to move to D.C. and the surrounding cities.
Job opportunities
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The DMV is home to a number of major industries. Many people work in government, yet it’s also easy to find jobs in international relations or non-profit work.
Web designers and software developers are two other careers that are in high demand in the DMV. Jobs here tend to pay well, and the area’s unemployment rate is often well below the national average.
Educational opportunities
You’ll find many prestigious universities and colleges in the D.C. area.
Georgetown University enrolls over 7,000 students per year, while
American University is another popular option with over 14,000 students. The Washington, D.C. public school system works hard to improve student outcomes as well, and many of the school districts in the suburbs receive high rankings for their academic programs and extracurricular activities.
Cultural attractions
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Political atmosphere
DMV residents who don’t work in politics still appreciate their proximity to the center of the nation’s government. There’s something unique and special about knowing that many of the nation’s key decisions are being made here. The city is always buzzing with activity, and you’ll know someone important is in town when you see police barricades or long processions of black cars.
Access to nature
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Despite the fact that D.C. is a large urban area, you’ll still find several large natural areas close to the city that you can enjoy. The National Mall is among the most popular, but you’ll want to visit
Rock Creek Park when you get a chance, too. It stretches over 1,700 acres and is one of the oldest national parks in the country. Travel further outside of town and enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches of Ocean City or the bay views at Sandy Point State Park.
Proximity to other major cities
When you live in the DMV, you’re only a short drive away from major cities such as Baltimore and Philadelphia. You can reach Baltimore in less than an hour without traffic, and Philadelphia isn’t much further. New York City is also only 200 miles north of town, and you can reach Pittsburgh in less than five hours by car.
Excellent public transportation
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You can easily live and work in the Washington, D.C. area without a car thanks to its excellent public transportation system.
The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is considered one of the top public transportation systems in the entire country. D.C. is also a very walkable city.
Thriving food scene
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If you’re a foodie, you’ll love life in D.C. Because of the city’s diversity, there are countless excellent restaurants to choose from serving cuisine from around the world. You’ll also find a number of food festivals and special events scheduled throughout the year that give people a chance to come together and try new recipes and dishes. D.C. residents especially enjoy brunch, so be prepared for long waits around breakfast and lunchtime at the most popular brunch spots in the city. Proximity to the coast also provides access to fresh local seafood, and if you’ve never had a Maryland-style crab cake before, you’ll want to make savoring one at the top of your to-do list after you arrive in town.
The cherry blossoms
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Locals understand that cherry blossom season is one of the best times to be in D.C. The trees tend to be in full bloom
by the beginning of April, and it’s a sight you won’t want to miss— especially if you’ve never seen cherry blossom trees before.
Mild climate
Temperatures usually don’t reach high or low extremes in the DMV. Summers can get warm in July and August, but daily high temperatures don’t often exceed 90 degrees. The coldest month of the year is January, with an average daily high temperature of 43 degrees. Most months experience between six and eight days of rain. Summers can get a little humid, but the pleasant spring and fall weather more than makes up for it. Most people are pleased to find that the DMV area usually has four distinct seasons.
Alejandro Ortega has become one of the most sought-after Washington D.C real estate agents in the entire DMV. He receives a good portion of his business from referrals and repeat clients because of his personalized service and his ability to create long-term relationships. He consistently ranks in the top 1% of agents in his region with a large portfolio of sales each year. He knows the market well, yet his priority is serving each of his clients to the best of his abilities. Reach out to Alejandro when you’re ready to begin seriously shopping for DMV homes for sale today!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock