14 Things You Quickly Learn When You Move To Washington DC
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Maura
Author
Washington DC is one of the best cities in the country, maybe even in the world. Living here is always an adventure and if you get the chance to call DC home, you will always have fond memories of your time here. But we’ll be the first ones to admit that there are some things here that might take some getting used to. Here are 14 things you will quickly learn when you move to DC.
There is a schedule. You can even check online to see when the next train is coming but don’t build your life around it because the Metro seems to have a time schedule all its own and no one else can figure it out.
If you do have a car here, you will quickly learn its easier to park it someplace and take public transportation. Traffic is bad, parking is sparse and it’s expensive and so are the tickets you will get from parking in a no-parking zone.
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Whether you drive or take the metro, be sure to factor in enough time to get somewhere in DC. It can take 20-30 minutes just to get a few blocks some days.
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Washington DC is a little bit of a map (and yes, all roads do lead to the Capitol) but while you’re first getting adjusted, it’s best just to understand that DC is split into quadrants. Pay attention to addresses. 18th St NW is very different than 18th St SE.
Your friends and family will want to come visit you to see the National Mall, The White House and the Lincoln Memorial. But we recommend you explore other areas of the city because you will find so many amazing things to do. Visit Yards Park in Southeast DC. Visit Hains Point or the Maine Avenue Fish Market on the Southwest waterfront. Or dine on H Street Corridor, just to name a few options.
DC is technically in the northeast but that does not stop us from getting really hot, humid and sticky summers. You’ve been warned!
You will find that many people living in DC are actually transplants. There is a very small portion of the district that was born and raised here.
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You may find that some people claim to be from DC but they’re actually from Northern Virginia or Southern Maryland.
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We’re not sure why but brunch is a very, very big deal here in DC. You will hear about it often and you will be invited to it often and you should always go.
DC is full of hidden gem restaurants! Don’t always look for the place where the line is around the block or that everyone posts on Instagram. The most delicious meals can come from the most unsuspecting places.
If there is snow in the forecast, be prepared for everyone to freak out, schools to shut down and the government to announce closings. Your local grocery store will be a madhouse as well. And often times, it won’t even really snow.
Don’t be that one person blocking the escalator at the Metro. Always stand on the right.
You will see them on their segways, in their matching t-shirts, milling about the Mall, trying to figure out the Metro Map and in general, everywhere. When a tourist does approach you, be friendly and just point them toward the White House. It’s where they all want to go for the most part.
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DC is one of those places that will never stop surprising you. No matter how long you live here, you will keep learning something new, discovering some place new or finding yourself simply amazed that this place is your home.
Was there anything about DC that surprised you? Or anything you learned that isn’t on our list?
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