7 Expert Tips for Relocating to Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., attracts more than politicians and government staff. With a robust private sector, DC attracts many professional workers from around the country, boasting one of the most diverse populations in the nation. It's a vibrant city full of culture with a front row seat to history and history that's yet to be written. 

While this city on the banks of the Potomac River is beautiful, it is daunting to move to a new city. You have to face down unique challenges like navigating public transportation, and finding the right neighborhood to call home. Whether you're moving for a new job or just for a change of scenery, there are many factors to consider when relocating to Washington, D.C. 

Figuring out where to start is tough, which is why we lay out some of the key points for relocating to Washington, D.C. 

Tips for relocating to Washington, D.C.

• Learn about the neighborhoods
• Work with an expert buyer's agent
• Get a commission rebate
• Find a reliable mover
• Research the cost of living in Washington, D.C.
• Get familiar with navigating D.C.
• Learn about the national parks and monuments

Learn about the neighborhoods

Every neighborhood in Washington, D.C., has a unique vibe, and it is vital to figure out which suits your needs best. 

You can start by thinking of your daily routine. If you will need to get around the city quickly via the Metro and will want to live near Downtown, you can consider living in a condo in Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, or U Street. 

If you’re going to seek solace from the sounds of the city and are fine with a longer commute, you may want to check out single-family homes in Woodley Park, Georgetown, or Capitol Hill. Either way, there are plenty of Metro lines spread out across the D.C., Maryland, Virginia area, so you will never lack transportation options. 

Once you've scouted out the neighborhoods, look into local amenities like shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. Lastly, look into the museums, memorials, and galleries near you, as most neighborhoods in D.C. have a testament to U.S. history only minutes away.

Work with an expert buyer's agent 

When making a big move to a city like Washington, D.C., you want an expert guiding your transaction. 

Local agents can help you determine what neighborhoods fit your needs, even suggesting ones you may have missed. When relocating to Washington, D.C., a buyer's agent gives you an edge in the competitive and complex real estate market.  

Your broker should know the local market trends, using them to negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal possible. 

Get a commission rebate 

If you are moving to D.C., you should speak to several agents to get a well-rounded sense of what you want out of an agent. In addition to learning about their expertise, ask if they can offer you a commission rebate. 

Legal in 40 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, commission rebates allow your broker to provide a portion of their broker fee to new homeowners when they get the keys at closing. Real estate companies like Prevu Real Estate offer the largest commission rebate in the DMV area, totaling up to 1% of a home's purchase price.  

Funds like this go a long way in a new city, helping you buy new furniture or rebuild savings after a costly down payment and closing costs.

 Find a reliable mover 

If you buy a unit in a walk-up condo in Capitol Hill, you will want to get a moving company to help with your relocation. It gets busy in the District, and traffic is overwhelming for those who are not used to it. 

Professional movers have experience navigating the city's streets and can efficiently transport your belongings to your new home, even during rush hour. Whether moving into a new construction building or a historic home, having professional movers ensures you protect your new home while saving yourself from injury. 

Most movers offer packing and unpacking services; some will even break down and rebuild your furniture. If you are moving from out of state, you can find companies that will transport your furniture across state lines to help you relocate to Washington, D.C. 

Research the cost of living in Washington, D.C. 

Living in the nation's Capital is costly, but if you research the cost of living, you can prepare a budget before your move. 

First, you need to account for the 6% city tax. Additionally, there is a retail sales tax applied to restaurants, takeout, and alcohol. So if you are moving to Washington, D.C., you need to budget for monthly mortgage payments and consider utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment. 

Luckily, our nation's capital is a budget friendly city with an abundance of museums, parks, historic sites, memorials, festivals and attractions that are free to visit.

Get familiar with navigating D.C. 

The District is not laid out like most cities. There are four quadrants, the Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, and Southeast, with the Capitol Building serving as the center point. Letter streets run east to west, numbered streets run north to south, and streets named at states cut diagonally through the city. The further you go from the capital, the higher the numbers and letters. 

As such, Washington, D.C. is notorious for traffic, so locals use public transit to beat the crowds. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) works closely with Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) manages the system, comprising six color-coded rail lines with 97 stations and an extensive bus network.  

Whether you live in the Bethesda suburbs or the heart of the city near McPherson Square, there is a line to help you get through the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. As such, you will want to learn about the Metro's routes, schedules, and fares in your slice of The District.

Getting to know the Metro means figuring out the best way to the monuments of the National Mall or finding the fastest way to work near K Street. And if it gets overwhelming, you can take advantage of WMATA’s trip planner tool to get familiar with the system. 

Learn about the national parks and monuments 

While many folks move to D.C. for work, they fall in love with the monuments and parks all over the District. In fact, according to the Trust for Public Land, D.C. has the nation’s best park system.  

When you live in places like Foggy Bottom, you can pass the historic White House each day as you head to and from work. Not to mention other memorials like the Jefferson, Lincoln, and stunning Korean War Monument, which are great to visit in the spring and fall. 

In addition to attractions for history buffs, new residents should be sure to check out DC’s waterfront. The Wharf is a multi billion dollar mixed use development consisting of the city's historic Maine Avenue fish market, restaurants, shops, piers, marina and live music venues 

When the city becomes a sauna on hot days, you can plan your weekends around visits to indoor museums and exhibits like the National Gallery of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum, or the Smithsonian American Art Museum. You can also head down to the banks of the Potomac to check out the Wharf, a multi-billion mixed use development featuring plenty of piers, shops, a marina, and the historic Maine Avenue Fish Market. 

The National Mall connects many of these locales, and just off the mall, you can find plenty of places to grab a bite to eat in Downtown.   

 

Interested in buying a home or condo in Washington DC? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.