Why D.C. Earned Top Ranking As the East Coast's Best Place to Live
Washington D.C. has plenty to offer for those seeking to settle down. The fact that the city is among the country's most livable isn't just one person's opinion, however. U.S. News and World Report went so far as to rank it as the country's fourth-best place to live and the best on the East Coast, echoing sentiments long held by those with local roots.
What makes D.C. such a great place to call home? Here are some insider perspectives on the top perks of the nation's capital.
Surprisingly, Politics Isn't an Issue
Although you might expect that this city revolves around politics, what you see on CSPAN is worlds away from typical life. Home to far more than just bureaucrats, this is a thriving hotbed of cultures from around the world.
D.C.'s iconic melting pot status means that, regardless of what kinds of personal beliefs or convictions you hold, you're surrounded by others who respect the need to get along with those who are different from themselves. It's also super easy to sample a more diverse array of authentic foreign foods than you'd find in most other American cities. The more adventurous eaters in D.C. often head out to the Bloomingdale or Georgetown neighborhoods.
Getting Around Is Ridiculously Easy
Public transportation is one of the D.C. metro area's greatest strengths. In addition to maintaining a robust network of transit trains and buses, the city is a hub that makes it easy to discover the rest of the East Coast. No matter which of the four city quadrants or surrounding Virginia or Maryland suburbs you call home, you can access the public transit option in minutes. Bring a day bag with you and you're perfectly equipped for jaunts to other towns via the Amtrak trains at Union Station.
Straightforward transit access and a high degree of walkability are just some of the advantages. Truly savvy locals know that the best way to beat traffic is to hop on a bike and, unlike so many other Eastern metropolises, D.C. actually has the infrastructure to make this mode of travel safer. In addition to providing bike rentals from hundreds of locations, local planners created well marked, dedicated bike lanes that crisscross the region. You can even ride miles into rural Virginia and southern Maryland via paved paths like the Washington & Old Dominion or Anacostia Riverwalk trails. Both are great ways to escape the hubbub, discover quaint B&B lodgings, or will simply make your commute healthier.
Nature Is Never Too Far Away
Of course, you don't have to be a committed biker or devoted day tripper to enjoy a respite from the city life. On top of the many tourist-packed federal parks, the metro area is home to tons of little-known natural resources. Just a short drive away, residents have access to several beautiful hikes along the Appalachian Trail, Prince William Forest Park, and Catoctin Mountain Park.
Although you wouldn't expect to see herds of deer and wild turkeys within distant eyesight of the Washington Monument, it's definitely possible here. There are also several hiking, rafting, and historical tour options.