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Washington Real Estate For Sale In DC
Washington D.C., named after the United States’ first president, George Washington, is the capital city of the United States and a center for politics, culture, and history. The District has a population of 685,000+ people and is home to many monuments, museums, libraries, and government headquarters. But what’s it like to live in the middle of the political heart of America? We’ve put together some information and resources revealing what Washingtonians like to do, places to eat, and homes for sale in Washington, D.C. Read along to find out more about your new hometown and what it’s really like to call D.C. home.
Washington, D.C. Real Estate Market
With so much action in Washington D.C., the housing market is competitive. As of August 2021, the median home price in the city was just over $650,000. The types of real estate for sale in Washington D.C. don’t usually have much land around them. Oftentimes, you will see townhomes, condos, or even free-standing homes with zero lot lines. The good thing about that is there’s not much yard maintenance for you to keep up with!
In recent years, D.C. has become populated with young professionals, and the fresh life they add to the city spills over into the neighborhoods. Though most of Washington real estate in these neighborhoods has been here a long time, they’re still sought after with their timeless and classic looks. If old-world style is your thing, you may enjoy the cobblestone streets of Georgetown, the historic district of Bloomingdale, Capital Hill, or Logan Circle. If you prefer a slow and quiet neighborhood, you may want to check out Forest Hills, also known as Van Ness. For Washington real estate in the more upbeat areas, you may like Chinatown, Foggy Bottom (near the Potomac), Navy Yard, and Adams Morgan. Whichever neighborhood you find, you will soon feel right at home in Washington DC.
Distance to Nearby Cities
- 38 miles to Baltimore, MD
- 139 miles to Philadelphia, PA
- 225 miles to New York, NY
- 107 miles to Richmond, VA
Schools in Washington D.C.
There are a number of public schools in Washington D.C but it has one of the lowest performance ratings in the country. To meet the needs of educating children, the mayor’s administration made drastic changes and sought private education firms to give the children in the area a better education. D.C. now has a public charter school board with 52 schools across the city and enrollment has been steadily increasing since 2007. There are also 92 private schools in Washington, D.C. as other available options. The district has several private universities but is most known for its medical research institutions: Children’s National Medical Center, and Washington Hospital Center.
Things To Do in Washington, D.C.
There are some major tourist destinations that draw visitors from around the world, but there are also several things Washingtonians like to do or visit regularly. This list shares a few of the best places that make this big city feel like home.
- Politics and Prose Bookstore - Politics and Prose is more than a bookstore; it is a meeting place for authors and readers alike. The store offers an array of book signings, author readings, children’s story times, and educational programs such as writing workshops and political discussions. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the warm atmosphere of The Den, Politics and Prose’s very own coffeehouse and wine bar. It’s the perfect place for a quick lunch or meeting with friends and colleagues.
- Washington Improv Theater - The Washington Improv Theater is a perfect example of an organization that does everything it can with what it has. They offer improv classes, short-form shows, and long-form shows. Locals praise the theater for its homey feel and fantastic teachers. Locals come to the WIT for their training in improvisation, which is fast-paced and intriguing.
- Thompson Boat Center - The Potomac River is a major river in the United States and runs through Washington D.C. Locals flock to the river during the summer. Thompson Boat Center is located beside the Potomac River and offers kayaks, canoes, rowing sculls, paddleboards and bikes for rent. This summertime spot is perfect if you’re looking to get out on the water!
- Founding Farmers - Founding Farmers is a restaurant where everything matters! Every aspect of running a restaurant to serve the community is thoughtfully designed, and it shows. Every menu item is made from scratch (even the beer!) When you ask around about the best places to eat in Washington D.C., Founding Farmers is repeatedly recommended. It’s simple: the food is delicious, and the people are great!
- Qualia Coffee - There’s something special about a small coffee shop that makes just about everyone happy. Qualia Coffee is a small shop, located in the Petworth neighborhood, that prides itself on roasting its beans in house! Whether you’re wanting to grab something to sip on before heading into work, or sit and chat with a friend, Qualia Coffee is the sweetest place to do just that!
Be a Tourist in Your Own City
Though you may live in the district and pass by landmarks and attractions all the time, it can still be fun to visit some of these spots to see what they’re all about. Here are a few must-see places to check out:
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - When searching for sights to see in D.C., the Air and Space Museum is always at the top of the list! Even for Washingtonians, this place is always a favorite. The museum has a rotating flow of exhibits that keep you wanting to return! Pro-tip: the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport is like an extension of the museum near the National Mall. It often gets overlooked, but is still just as cool!
- Embassy Row - Whether you’re curious about other places or you have a student studying world history, you’ve got an amazing opportunity to explore at Embassy Row in your hometown! It’s no Epcot, but it’s still just as immersive and probably more informative. Embassy Row houses numerous foreign embassies from around the world. You will want to call ahead to make sure they’re open for tours and learning though. Often you’ll find different embassies hosting events that are open to the public!
- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site - The well-known abolitionist and self-made man, Frederick Douglass, owned the Cedar Hill Estate. In true revolutionary fashion, Douglass broke a covenant in Washington, DC as one of the first black men to own property in the area. He turned his house into a home over time by adding improvements and expanding the property's footprint. The residence became something to be proud of. He left it to his wife, who took great care of the estate and sought to protect it and its legacy. There have been many wonderful caregivers of the property throughout the years and today it is available to the public. The museum offers guided tours, but I recommend scheduling a visit ahead of time.
- National Museum of American History - One cannot live in Washington and not visit the National Museum of American History. There is something for everyone that will spark a nostalgic feeling. Whether it be gazing in awe of the Star Spangle Banner flag, laughing with memories at the site of the Bunkers’ iconic chairs from All in the Family, becoming a kid again when seeing the original Oscar the Grouch, or taking in the beauty of The First Ladies’ dresses. The Smithsonian is always rotating exhibits, so just because you’ve visited once, doesn’t mean you can’t come back another time and see something new!
- National Mall - Since we’re on the topic of iconic figures, it’s only logical to mention all the National Landmarks that are within the National Mall. This area is home to monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and many other fascinating sites.
Day Trips in Washington, D.C.
There are endless opportunities to explore within DC, but there are lots to do and see outside the city too. Whether you're wanting a quick day trip or a longer vacation away from home, we've got some ideas of places to check out. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Mount Vernon - Visiting Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, is a fascinating experience. The main house consists of many rooms rich with history. From the elegant dining room where Washington and his family enjoyed dinners to the sunny parlor, these spaces have been well-preserved and remain much as they were when Washington lived in them. On-site is a working organic herb garden where herbs were grown to support Washington's medical practice, a vegetable garden planted by Washington's wife Martha, a fruit orchard with over 200 trees representing New World species imported by Washington, flower gardens and eight acres of lawns and woodlands that visitors can enjoy today just as they did when George and Martha lived there.
- Rehoboth Beach, DE - Rehoboth Beach is known as the “Nation’s Summer Capital” as Washingtonians would go there in the summertime. Now, Rehoboth is known as a year-round beach destination because the town is always hosting events! This beach is considered family-friendly and includes a boardwalk with amusement rides, and games. Often they will have live music playing in their amphitheater throughout the week too!
- Shenandoah County, VA - Shenandoah County claims to be your home away from home. You can go for a scenic drive, visit the wine trails or breweries, explore the Shenandoah Caverns, and so much more! You can’t forget the Shenandoah National Park and the skyline drive! The skyline drive runs the whole length of the park is a very scenic part of the blue ridge parkway! There is much to do and see in this beautiful valley, and you may find yourself wanting to return here time and time again.
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Colonial Beach, VA - You’ll enjoy spending the day at the “playground of the Potomac!” This beach isn’t like a normal beach that is part of an ocean or sea. This beach town sits along the banks of the Potomac River and is only 65 miles from Washington DC! Here you can enjoy music, great food, shopping, and adventure, and like many towns along the East Coast, there’s lots of history! Consider Colonial Beach a getaway with lots to do, but not a lot of crowds.
Living in Washington, D.C.
Weather in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. usually has cold winters with occasional heavy snowstorms. Summers are hot and humid as it’s near the East Coast and the Potomac River. For the most part, the temperature is cool though. In the Spring and Fall, you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather forecast because the temperature can fluctuate significantly throughout each day.
Economy in Washington, D.C.
Since Washington D.C.is the capital of the United States, it makes sense that most places of employment here are either government entities or are hired by the government. There is also a lot of political history here, which makes tourism the second-largest industry in Washington D.C. with numerous monuments, museums, historical sites, and so much more!
D.C. is not for a slow-paced lifestyle. Because this city is a hub for the country’s government, there are many agencies and embassies located here too. Commuters travel from surrounding states, like Maryland and Virginia, during the week, growing the population to over one million people!
Transportation in Washington, D.C.
As with any metropolitan area, there are numerous ways to get around the city. Many people walk, but there is also an abundance of other options for navigating through the district. Metrorail, which is a train service that operates around the city, and Metrobus are probably the most efficient services available. You can also choose private transportation by Taxis, and even request wheelchair-accessible vehicles! There are also three major airports in the Washington D.C. area: Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) if you need to travel long distances.