Pros and Cons of Moving to DC Area

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I adore DC - I think it is the best place in the united states to raise kids and is without a doubt the least stressful location for us. That said, we have grandparents in town who are extraordinarily helpful - both with their time in taking care of our kids, doing errands for us, and being generally supportive and with their money (of which there is lots). My husband has a very strong legacy at a "Big 3" and he has a trust to pay for our kids to go there from K through 12, but as a back-up we live in a NWDC neighborhood with a fabulous elementary school. This means our commutes are easy so no traffic headaches to speak of. To top it off, we both work in flexible, interesting, high paying jobs that we couldn't have anywhere else. We also have a beach house we inherited from my grandparents and a legacy membership to two country clubs. Now I realize that none of this is helpful because it all only applies to me and my family, but since you don't seem to care for any of the objective measures of comparison I figured I'd share our limited experience.

This is an excellent example of a certain mentality which is prevalent in the region.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in the DC metro area once before, and are considering a move back for professional reasons. Would you currently recommend this area as a place to live? How is traffic now? How are the people (still competitive)? How is the current cost if living and quality of life? Is it getting too built up or crowded? We could afford a nice neighborhood and good schools, but even then is life stressful?

I adore DC - I think it is the best place in the united states to raise kids and is without a doubt the least stressful location for us. That said, we have grandparents in town who are extraordinarily helpful - both with their time in taking care of our kids, doing errands for us, and being generally supportive and with their money (of which there is lots). My husband has a very strong legacy at a "Big 3" and he has a trust to pay for our kids to go there from K through 12, but as a back-up we live in a NWDC neighborhood with a fabulous elementary school. This means our commutes are easy so no traffic headaches to speak of. To top it off, we both work in flexible, interesting, high paying jobs that we couldn't have anywhere else. We also have a beach house we inherited from my grandparents and a legacy membership to two country clubs. Now I realize that none of this is helpful because it all only applies to me and my family, but since you don't seem to care for any of the objective measures of comparison I figured I'd share our limited experience.

OP here. Then it sounds like our children might be in school together.

Op, you are hilarious!

[Anonymous]

Looks like the cons have it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I adore DC - I think it is the best place in the united states to raise kids and is without a doubt the least stressful location for us. That said, we have grandparents in town who are extraordinarily helpful - both with their time in taking care of our kids, doing errands for us, and being generally supportive and with their money (of which there is lots). My husband has a very strong legacy at a "Big 3" and he has a trust to pay for our kids to go there from K through 12, but as a back-up we live in a NWDC neighborhood with a fabulous elementary school. This means our commutes are easy so no traffic headaches to speak of. To top it off, we both work in flexible, interesting, high paying jobs that we couldn't have anywhere else. We also have a beach house we inherited from my grandparents and a legacy membership to two country clubs. Now I realize that none of this is helpful because it all only applies to me and my family, but since you don't seem to care for any of the objective measures of comparison I figured I'd share our limited experience.

This is an excellent example of a certain mentality which is prevalent in the region.

I had assumed the thread was posted in sarcasm, perhaps not, oh well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I adore DC - I think it is the best place in the united states to raise kids and is without a doubt the least stressful location for us. That said, we have grandparents in town who are extraordinarily helpful - both with their time in taking care of our kids, doing errands for us, and being generally supportive and with their money (of which there is lots). My husband has a very strong legacy at a "Big 3" and he has a trust to pay for our kids to go there from K through 12, but as a back-up we live in a NWDC neighborhood with a fabulous elementary school. This means our commutes are easy so no traffic headaches to speak of. To top it off, we both work in flexible, interesting, high paying jobs that we couldn't have anywhere else. We also have a beach house we inherited from my grandparents and a legacy membership to two country clubs. Now I realize that none of this is helpful because it all only applies to me and my family, but since you don't seem to care for any of the objective measures of comparison I figured I'd share our limited experience.

This is an excellent example of a certain mentality which is prevalent in the region.

I had assumed the thread was posted in sarcasm, perhaps not, oh well.

I also read it as being sarcastic.

[Anonymous]

This region is too crowded, too built up, and too resource stressed to absorb another few million. Please consider moving elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is beltway traffic? Are people generally stressed out and competitive, or is it a laid back vibe? Is the emphasis on money and success, or is there a real diversity of interests and goals? Is there a lot of socioeconomic segregation? Are people generally happy? Is it a good place for older kids, or generally a fairly intense environment? Is a 10-15 minute commute to work downtown out of the question?

I'll play.

Beltway traffic: We live in Arlington; spouse works here and I work in DC. We almost never get on the beltway on a weekday and rarely any other time.

Stressed out & competitive vs laid back: I think this depends on who you hang out with. I am a mid-level public sector employee and my spouse is a teacher. Our jobs can be stressful at times, but they're definitely not competitive. Spouse works 8-4, I work 9:30-5:30. I stay late sometimes but never take work home. Spouse rarely stays late but frequently grades papers at home. We--and our lifestyles--are pretty laid back. Spouse is off in the summer, so that definitely lends to a laid-back atmosphere at our house. I don't have stats to back up this point, but my perception is that more families in the DC area have 2 parents WOH. I think that is a major reason why people seem stressed out here compared with other areas.

Emphasis on money and success: Again, depends on who you hang out with. Our closest friends are a lot like us--teachers, public & nonprofit employees, etc. Obviously not a lot of emphasis on money and traditional measures of success. But our friends do tend to be passionate about their pet projects or concerns--education or the environment or health care, etc. People are more interested in public policy and politics here than elsewhere, for sure, but I don't think that describes everyone. Our neighbors, with whom we are very friendly, are a fairly diverse group in terms of interests. I don't really know what other people's goals are, it's not something I talk about with others very much.

Socioeconomic segregation: I think there is a fair amount, yes, though I live in a very mixed area, with old homes housing older folks and upper middle income families with kids, big new homes with wealthier families with kids, and small apartments/rental homes with a lot of younger people. My neighborhood is mostly white, although that is changing. My kids' high school is *very* economically & racially diverse; it was a major reason why we bought in our neighborhood. My kids have friends of all different colors; they live in very large homes and small apartments and everything in between.

Happy: I am.

Older kids: I love our neighborhood for my teens. They walk and ride their bikes everywhere. They have lots of opportunities in terms of school clubs, sports, volunteering, etc. We take advantage of museums, theater, etc. My kids are B+/A- students, good but not stellar, and that's fine with us and with them. I know some kids are caught up in the Quest for Elite Colleges, but my kids are not. They have plenty of free and family time.

Commute: well, you asked about the Beltway above. A 10-15 minute commute to downtown is out of the question from anywhere near the Beltway. Assuming by "downtown" you mean Connecticut & K, you can do a 15-minute commute from *some* points in the city--Georgetown, Glover Park, Dupont Circle. You'd have to allow for more time from from Capitol Hill during rush hour. You can do it in 15 minutes from very close-in parts of North Arlington (say from Spout Run area and east).

What don't I like about living here: **Exorbitant** cost of living. I think we are far from weekend fun like skiing and the beach (but obviously that depends on your point of reference). Crowds, always and everywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in the DC metro area once before, and are considering a move back for professional reasons. Would you currently recommend this area as a place to live? How is traffic now? How are the people (still competitive)? How is the current cost if living and quality of life? Is it getting too built up or crowded? We could afford a nice neighborhood and good schools, but even then is life stressful?

I adore DC - I think it is the best place in the united states to raise kids and is without a doubt the least stressful location for us. That said, we have grandparents in town who are extraordinarily helpful - both with their time in taking care of our kids, doing errands for us, and being generally supportive and with their money (of which there is lots). My husband has a very strong legacy at a "Big 3" and he has a trust to pay for our kids to go there from K through 12, but as a back-up we live in a NWDC neighborhood with a fabulous elementary school. This means our commutes are easy so no traffic headaches to speak of. To top it off, we both work in flexible, interesting, high paying jobs that we couldn't have anywhere else. We also have a beach house we inherited from my grandparents and a legacy membership to two country clubs. Now I realize that none of this is helpful because it all only applies to me and my family, but since you don't seem to care for any of the objective measures of comparison I figured I'd share our limited experience.

OP here. Then it sounds like our children might be in school together.

If you can afford to live in Upper Ward 3, any stress in your life is entirely within your control. Given how you bristled at innocuous (for this forum) questions such as household income, I suspect you bring a good deal of stress upon yourself.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I adore DC - I think it is the best place in the united states to raise kids and is without a doubt the least stressful location for us. That said, we have grandparents in town who are extraordinarily helpful - both with their time in taking care of our kids, doing errands for us, and being generally supportive and with their money (of which there is lots). My husband has a very strong legacy at a "Big 3" and he has a trust to pay for our kids to go there from K through 12, but as a back-up we live in a NWDC neighborhood with a fabulous elementary school. This means our commutes are easy so no traffic headaches to speak of. To top it off, we both work in flexible, interesting, high paying jobs that we couldn't have anywhere else. We also have a beach house we inherited from my grandparents and a legacy membership to two country clubs. Now I realize that none of this is helpful because it all only applies to me and my family, but since you don't seem to care for any of the objective measures of comparison I figured I'd share our limited experience.

This is an excellent example of a certain mentality which is prevalent in the region.

I had assumed the thread was posted in sarcasm, perhaps not, oh well.

I also read it as being sarcastic.

Me too. I think perhaps the posters who didn't aren't too bright.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is beltway traffic? Are people generally stressed out and competitive, or is it a laid back vibe? Is the emphasis on money and success, or is there a real diversity of interests and goals? Is there a lot of socioeconomic segregation? Are people generally happy? Is it a good place for older kids, or generally a fairly intense environment? Is a 10-15 minute commute to work downtown out of the question?

I'll play.

Beltway traffic: We live in Arlington; spouse works here and I work in DC. We almost never get on the beltway on a weekday and rarely any other time.

Stressed out & competitive vs laid back: I think this depends on who you hang out with. I am a mid-level public sector employee and my spouse is a teacher. Our jobs can be stressful at times, but they're definitely not competitive. Spouse works 8-4, I work 9:30-5:30. I stay late sometimes but never take work home. Spouse rarely stays late but frequently grades papers at home. We--and our lifestyles--are pretty laid back. Spouse is off in the summer, so that definitely lends to a laid-back atmosphere at our house. I don't have stats to back up this point, but my perception is that more families in the DC area have 2 parents WOH. I think that is a major reason why people seem stressed out here compared with other areas.

Emphasis on money and success: Again, depends on who you hang out with. Our closest friends are a lot like us--teachers, public & nonprofit employees, etc. Obviously not a lot of emphasis on money and traditional measures of success. But our friends do tend to be passionate about their pet projects or concerns--education or the environment or health care, etc. People are more interested in public policy and politics here than elsewhere, for sure, but I don't think that describes everyone. Our neighbors, with whom we are very friendly, are a fairly diverse group in terms of interests. I don't really know what other people's goals are, it's not something I talk about with others very much.

Socioeconomic segregation: I think there is a fair amount, yes, though I live in a very mixed area, with old homes housing older folks and upper middle income families with kids, big new homes with wealthier families with kids, and small apartments/rental homes with a lot of younger people. My neighborhood is mostly white, although that is changing. My kids' high school is *very* economically & racially diverse; it was a major reason why we bought in our neighborhood. My kids have friends of all different colors; they live in very large homes and small apartments and everything in between.

Happy: I am.

Older kids: I love our neighborhood for my teens. They walk and ride their bikes everywhere. They have lots of opportunities in terms of school clubs, sports, volunteering, etc. We take advantage of museums, theater, etc. My kids are B+/A- students, good but not stellar, and that's fine with us and with them. I know some kids are caught up in the Quest for Elite Colleges, but my kids are not. They have plenty of free and family time.

Commute: well, you asked about the Beltway above. A 10-15 minute commute to downtown is out of the question from anywhere near the Beltway. Assuming by "downtown" you mean Connecticut & K, you can do a 15-minute commute from *some* points in the city--Georgetown, Glover Park, Dupont Circle. You'd have to allow for more time from from Capitol Hill during rush hour. You can do it in 15 minutes from very close-in parts of North Arlington (say from Spout Run area and east).

What don't I like about living here: **Exorbitant** cost of living. I think we are far from weekend fun like skiing and the beach (but obviously that depends on your point of reference). Crowds, always and everywhere.

Thank you, thank you for such a helpful and informative response to my question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is beltway traffic? Are people generally stressed out and competitive, or is it a laid back vibe? Is the emphasis on money and success, or is there a real diversity of interests and goals? Is there a lot of socioeconomic segregation? Are people generally happy? Is it a good place for older kids, or generally a fairly intense environment? Is a 10-15 minute commute to work downtown out of the question?

Spend 10 minutes browsing Recenet Topics and all of your questions will be answered. This person either lives under a rock or is a troll trying to stir up shit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is beltway traffic? Are people generally stressed out and competitive, or is it a laid back vibe? Is the emphasis on money and success, or is there a real diversity of interests and goals? Is there a lot of socioeconomic segregation? Are people generally happy? Is it a good place for older kids, or generally a fairly intense environment? Is a 10-15 minute commute to work downtown out of the question?

How is beltway traffic? If you love to sit in your car for a long time, you're in luck

Are people generally stressed out and competitive, or is it a laid back vibe? Stressed and competitive

Is the emphasis on money and success, or is there a real diversity of interests and goals? Not the latter

Is there a lot of socioeconomic segregation? Partially

Are people generally happy? Some people are, others aren't. You need to make a lot of money here to be comfortable.

Is a 10-15 minute commute to work downtown out of the question? If you live in downtown DC, sure. If not, no way.

[Anonymous]

How is beltway traffic?
I don't have first-hand experience, as I live and work in DC. DH works in Tysons though, and avoids the Beltway in the evening b/c it is too unpredictable.

Are people generally stressed out and competitive, or is it a laid back vibe?
Depends upon who you hang out with. I would say that our closest friends are a bit stressed, but not competitive amongst friends.

Is the emphasis on money and success, or is there a real diversity of interests and goals?
Again, it depends upon the crowds you choose.

Is there a lot of socioeconomic segregation?
Yes.

Are people generally happy?
Hard to say. Lots of people put on a good face. Most people would not guess who is a room is struggling with depression.

Is it a good place for older kids, or generally a fairly intense environment?
Probably depends on the school and the family dynamic.

Is a 10-15 minute commute to work downtown out of the question?
Depends on what neighborhoods you can afford, where "downtown", if you have parking at the office, and what time of day you are commuting. I work on the Hill and my 8 mile commute is 20 minutes if I work 8:00-4:30. If I work 9:00-5:30, make that 40 minutes each way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Really, OP, I don't understand why you would come to an anonymous forum to ask about the pros and cons of living in DC unless you wanted opinions to your specific situation. Without specifics, you might as well do a google search.

I would prefer to have you do it for me. So much more genuine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I'm the PP to whom you responded. While people will not ask you outright about your income, you will be asked often and immediately by total strangers what you do for a living. DC is the only place I have ever lived in which this is not only socially acceptable, but expected.

Really? I have lived all over the country. People all over the place ask this question as a way to make polite conversation with someone they don't know very well. I don't see why it's rude.

I now live elsewhere, but I used to live in DC. I never get asked this question, and I have learned not to ask it of others either. People ask you how you are doing, about your family, what you did for the weekend, what you think of the issues in the news, etc.

This is the first question they ask contestants on game shows. I have a hard time believing it's something unique to DC.