We've been here for 30 years and I can think of half-a-dozen other US cities I'd rather live in. I hate the heat, the competitive culture and the conformity it breeds. That said, though, when I fly into National at night and see the Capitol and monuments, my heart still skips a beat. Sigh . . . .so like my marriage in some ways.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:- the wonderful liberal echo chamber
- that I get to denigrate other parts of the country as “flyover” because I live here

Wow, why would you do that? Denigrating other parts of the country is so short-sighted and, frankly, a little self-absorbed.

I read that as sarcasm. maybe I'm wrong.

Agree with a lot of the pps have said and adding two things - this is a really interesting town for theater. There is so much going on - some of it really cutting edge! Also, the easy access to the rivers. I'm so grateful for the Anacostia River, which I row on five days a week.

Anonymous wrote:- the wonderful liberal echo chamber
- that I get to denigrate other parts of the country as “flyover” because I live here

Wow, why would you do that? Denigrating other parts of the country is so short-sighted and, frankly, a little self-absorbed.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the nukes come, my death will be quick

I love you.

And as a 25-yr District of Columbia resident, I have had this thought many times myself. Esp. during the anthrax / 9-11 / sniper months, I assured my family in the Midwest that my death was likely to be fast and painless for me and to stop fretting on my behalf.

Unless terrorists explode a dirty bomb. Then we live but the housing values go to hell because of the low-level radiation everywhere.

Diversity. Educated people. Mostly liberal. Pretty city with lots of charm and history.

Other folks have named some of this already, but here we go. Thanks for the nudge towards gratitude, OP.

-It's a place where I can work a job that pays enough to live on.
-Free museums
-It's rolling and lush and green for a lot of the year (where I grew up isn't).
-Most of the people, even the ones I vehemently disagree with, are pretty smart.

The museums and zoo are free
So much to do and see especially with kids
I love watching shows that feature DC and I can say, "I live there"

- There are a million things to do.
- My kids' school is super diverse and they'll grow up knowing kids of all races and cultures.
- The city is absolutely gorgeous. There is history everywhere, the Potomac is beautiful, and it's the most gorgeous city in Spring that I've ever seen.
- There are so many fascinating and brilliant people. The various institutions of higher learning means lots of experts in all different areas. The government and the think tanks and the nonprofits all employ brilliant people who have done really interesting things in their lives. It's why I love meeting new people.
- And agree as to black culture. I'm not AA but being in a racially diverse city where AA culture is present and celebrated is valuable to all people.

- the wonderful liberal echo chamber
- that I get to denigrate other parts of the country as “flyover” because I live here

We get all, and I mean ALL, of the music tours. Big (U2, Springsteen), medium, and also little/new acts at the 930 club.

This is also true for tours at Kennedy Center/Strathmore.

Anonymous wrote:If the nukes come, my death will be quick

I love you.

And as a 25-yr District of Columbia resident, I have had this thought many times myself. Esp. during the anthrax / 9-11 / sniper months, I assured my family in the Midwest that my death was likely to be fast and painless for me and to stop fretting on my behalf.

Anonymous wrote:-I lived in NYC for nearly a decade. Moving to DC felt like a mental vacation from the stress and hassles of NYC.
-The city feels more European compared to other major U.S. cities. Thanks, L'Enfant!
-So much green space and trees interwoven into a walkable city
-The Height Limit: I can see the sky!
-Well read, talkative people with nuanced views
-More friendly and open to outsiders (compared to NYC and California)
-Quick commute to my office from our home in Glover Park
-Ability to afford a SFH in a walkable city. I couldn't afford this in NYC, Santa Monica, San Fran, or Boston.

It’s a great city for black culture from across the diaspora.

I agree with everything both of these PPs said. Live in Shepherd not Glover Park, though.

Not too small a city
Not too big a city
Nice mix of transients and lifetime residents.
People not too uppity and trendy and antisocial not too modest and unstylish and extra neighborly.

Anonymous wrote:If the nukes come, my death will be quick

This has occurred to me, too. I'd rather be in the direct blast zone than deal with the aftermath.