The Guide to Living in Washington, D.C.
A charming city along the Potomac River with unmatched culture and history
WASHINGTON. D.C.
The History of Washington, D.C.
The capital city of the United States, Washington, D.C. is a hub of political activity, cultural attractions, and historical significance.
Established in 1790, the city is named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Designed by French engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant, Washington, D.C. is located along the Potomac River and is laid out in a grid pattern with diagonal avenues that converge at key points such as the United States Capitol building and the White House.
Regarded for its diverse range of architectural styles, residents and visitors to Washington, D.C. are often struck by the rich history and various influences that have shaped the city’s landscape over time.
From grand neoclassical structures such as the United States Capitol building and the White House to gorgeous Victorian and Federal style row houses in Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and Logan Circle, Washington, D.C. is among the most unique architectural destinations in the United States.
In addition to its historical significance, Washington, D.C. is also a decidedly modern city with a thriving arts and food scene, including some of the finest restaurants in the country, and serves as a beacon for many of the world’s most highly educated and ambitious professionals.
Washington, D.C.’s most popular neighborhoods — including Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and The Palisades — are regarded their charm, walkability, and rich history.
Poplar Cloud of The Palisades, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Ty Cole.
THE HOMES COLLECTION
The Homes of Washington, D.C.
Explore a curated collection of the most iconic homes in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
“Home to award-winning restaurants and historic architecture, life in Washington, D.C. is simply unmatched.”
Compass Coffee in Shaw, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Compass Coffee.
TRAVEL GUIDE
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions about life in Washington, D.C., including the best, neighborhoods, restaurants, and more.
IS WASHINGTON, D.C. A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?
Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, with ample amenities, transportation, and career options, Washington, D.C. is among the best places to live in the Mid-Atlantic.
WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Residents of Washington, D.C. attend District Of Columbia Public Schools. In addition, residents of Washington, D.C. enjoy an abundance of private schools for primary, middle, and high school as well as world-class undergraduate and post-graduate colleges and universities, including Georgetown University, American University, and George Washington University.
HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?
According to the 2020 Census data, Washington, D.C. has a population of 701,527 people, including a median age of 39 and a median household income of $98,902.
WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Property taxes for Washington, D.C. are calculated per every $100 of assessed value. For 2024, the rate is $0.85.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?
The median sale price for a home in Washington, D.C. is $650,000, which is over twice the national average of $308,980. One of the more interesting elements of Washington, D.C. lies in the diversity of housing available, including condo and co-op buildings, which tend to be more affordable — whereas single family homes tend to be more expensive. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in Washington, D.C. presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO BUY FURNITURE AND HOME DECOR IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?
There are a variety of places to buy furniture and home decor in Washington, D.C., including vintage furniture, antique furniture, and modern furniture. In Logan Circle, GoodWood and Salt & Sundry offer a fun variety of vintage of new elements for the home. In Georgetown, Cady’s Ally offers an abundance of high-end furniture stores.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. is divided into four specific quadrants, each of which offers its own unique personality. For many the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. is an ideal location for everyday living, and includes neighborhoods like The Palisades, Georgetown and Logan Circle. In the Southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C., neighborhoods like Capitol Hill are among the city’s most popular. Overall, Washington, D.C. prides itself on being a highly-livable and walkable city with many housing options for budgets of all sizes.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. is regarded as one of the best culinary destinations in the United States, offering an abundance of dining options for every price point and across multiple cultures. For fine dining, restaurants like Chef Jeremiah Langhorne’s award-winning The Dabney in Shaw and Chef Johnny Spero’s acclaimed Reverie in Georgetown offer an extraordinary experience for special occasions. For more casual options, YELLOW in Georgetown offers an exciting take on modern Mediterranean fare. In Logan Circle, the acclaimed French brasserie Le Diplomate offers a vibrant fine dining experience in one of Washington, D.C.’s most desirable neighborhoods.
THE GUIDE TO LIVING IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Popular Destinations in Washington, D.C.
From historic Georgetown to leafy Capitol Hill, discover the most iconic destinations in Washington, D.C.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Yeon Choi.
Great Falls National Park of Great Falls, Virginia. Image courtesy of Sara Cottle.
The United States Capitol Building. Image courtesy of Tomasz Zielonka.
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