City Guide: Washington, DC: Capital Living

Washington, DC bustles with activity year-round. While the government brings in much of this activity, the capital is, in its own right, a great American city filled with extraordinary experiences. Washington, DC is a destination for tourists from around the country and world and many of them choose to settle here, bringing with them their unique culture. If you are thinking about moving to Washington, DC, Greystar has gathered tips from our team in the city on what it’s like to live here.

DC is Diversity

Despite being a large city, DC has a distinct “small town” feel. This is due in part to the fact that buildings cannot be taller than the Capitol and the historic charm that is infused into the architecture, but another reason is the diverse population and welcoming atmosphere. No matter your mood, you will be able to find exceptional cuisine from any region of the world. On top of the diverse foodie scene, Washington, DC routinely holds festivities to celebrate the cultural diversity that the city is known for. You can also experience many different cultures by touring the world during Passport DC, which is an opportunity for residents to tour the gorgeous embassies that are scattered throughout the city.  

Moving around the Metro

The Metrorail is a rapid transit system that extends throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia and helps residents and visitors get around the city. Car sharing programs such as Zipcar, Uber and Lyft are also resident favorites for quick trips around the city or to other popular hot spots like Bethesda, National Harbor, Arlington and Alexandria. Bicyclists can take advantage of the Capital Bike Share throughout the city or one of the many new dockless bike-sharing systems. Most pedestrians find walking around the city convenient as well, as there are plenty of sidewalks as well as Rock Creek Parkway, which is an extensive trail system that runs through DC from Virginia to Maryland along the Potomac River.

Capital Entertainment

You will never be bored in Washington, DC. Between official, government events, celebrations, and smaller festivals, residents and visitors to the city are always active. Some of the more famous celebrations include the Fourth of July celebration, the Marine Corps Marathon, and Capital Pride Parade. Beyond official holiday events, regular craft beer and wine festivals, food truck festivals, the DC Jazz Festival and Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Parade are also crowd pleasers.

Cultural Attractions Galore

America’s capital is home to national treasures including museums, important landmarks, and performance venues. Residents and visitors alike love visiting the Smithsonian and National Mall. Landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall remind you of America’s rich history. You can also catch the opera or a great performance at the Kennedy Center, Warner Theater or The National Theater which boast famous performances from around the world.