Reply to Relocating to DC...what's life like?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I thought it would be interesting too, and it has been eye-opening, but not in a positive way. We are stuck here now through high school, but I'm counting the days.

One thing I will add (I am the poster above) that I think is pertinent to your situation. I get that you're looking for a diverse urban, affluent experience. I grew up in one. Before we moved here we lived in one in another eastern city. They are my preference too.

I can't speak as to DC providing that lifestyle because we weren't affluent enough to afford a house downtown here--not without downsizing to a small apartment or condo--and at the time I didn't want to so that. I have often wondered if our time here would have been happier had we done this from the start--had we ignored the advice we were given and just rented downtown or on the Hill. But we were excited about having a garden, having space to spread out, having some of the comforts of the middle class, like extra bathrooms and guest rooms and parking and, if I could do it all over again and move here again I would make different choices from the start. At the time, I thought an affluent downtown lifestyle would be too sterile and too small--now, I suspect it might have allowed us an opportunity to ignore a lot of social jousting that comes with moving into a popular area that's supposed to be "good for families."

My advice to you would be to move as close as you can to the things you think you will like about DC and ignore any advice that tells you otherwise. My advice would be not even to try and expect friendships, only to be happily surprised if they come to pass. There are kind people here, interesting people, but it may take a long time to find them. This is not Park Slope, gilded as that might be, where you can strike up conversations with nannies and famous novelists both at the playground and then all go for a pint together. This isn't a place where the common good, or common ground is easily trod. There are nice people, but keep your expectations low. The zoo and the museums are lovely. The winters are mild. Spring is beautiful. [/quote]

OP here - Thank you and yes, this past day or so on here has really shown me a lot. I really appreciate your comments and experiences. My concerns are some of what you mentioned and what I've read on the posts. Maybe this is what I needed. Not to say that DC is a go or a no-go, everyone's experience is different, but perhaps I need to keep researching other areas. Thanks![/quote]

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