Some people think DC is nothing but a bunch of government workers milling around Capitol Hill. Those of us who live here know better, however. We know that DC is brimming with personality, excitement and fun. After all, we were named by US News as one of the top five places to live in DC. If you haven’t discovered why DC is the coolest city in the mid-atlantic, here are 11 reasons to convince you!
- Fantastic neighborhoods
Flickr/Ted Eytan Every neighborhood in DC is unique and has its own special personality. There are block parties, celebrations and festivals in each neighborhood. Many residents choose a neighborhood in DC and never leave!
- Cool restaurants
Yelp/Christopher V. The dining scene in DC is only getting hotter. Zagat named DC one of the hottest food cities this year and we certainly deserve the spot. Every corner of DC has some delicious restaurant, cafe, deli or bakery.
- Great nightlife
Yelp/Russel A. If you love the nightlife, you will love DC. We have speakeasies, cocktail bars, dive bars, lounges, live music venues and plenty of fun to be had well into the evening.
- Beautiful parks and gardens
Flickr/NCinDC Even though it’s a city, DC does not lack for green space. From well known destinations like the National Mall to hidden gardens and beautiful parks across the city, DC is full of peaceful places in nature.
- Unique stores
Yelp/Alice B. DC offers plenty of unique shops for those looking to browse, splurge and shop in the district. You can find quirky book stores, unique toy stores, one-of-a-kind clothing stores and so much more! There are tons of independently owned stores worth exploring in DC.
- Can’t-miss events
Yelp/Charles C. DC is a festival paradise! Almost every weekend, you can find a fun event or festival to explore in the district. Not only do we have larger events, we often have regular free events like concerts and exhibits.
- Incredible arts
Flickr/art around DC’s art scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are museums, galleries and local art spaces where you can enjoy every type of art imaginable. We also have a strong performing arts scene in DC. There are multiple destinations to see plays, hear symphonies and enjoy the performing arts.
- Craft beer scene
Yelp/Josie S. DC’s craft beer scene is certainly not new but it has grown in popularity over the last few years. We have so many boutique brews that you are sure to find one that fits your taste!
- International culture
Flickr/Ryan Orr DC has a thriving international culture scene. We are home to hundreds of embassies, many of which open up their doors during Passport DC every year. The city is also host to many ethnic festivals and home to many fantastic ethnic restaurants.
- Best museums
Flickr/Tom Thai There is no doubt that DC museums are some of the best in the world. We are home to 20 museums and galleries that are free to visit with plenty of others that are worth their price of admission.
- Waterfront views
Flickr/lawrence’s lenses Situated between the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, DC has spectacular waterfronts. You can enjoy great views from waterfronts around the city or even kayak or boat along the rivers.
- You can get around the city
Flickr/RJ Schmidt While DC’s metro might not be the most reliable, it certainly makes it easy to get around the city. Additionally many neighborhoods are quite walkable or you can choose to bike or bus around the city.
But listen, even though we know DC is the coolest city around, you may not want to live here and here’s why.
Flickr/Ted Eytan
Every neighborhood in DC is unique and has its own special personality. There are block parties, celebrations and festivals in each neighborhood. Many residents choose a neighborhood in DC and never leave!
Yelp/Christopher V.
The dining scene in DC is only getting hotter. Zagat named DC one of the hottest food cities this year and we certainly deserve the spot. Every corner of DC has some delicious restaurant, cafe, deli or bakery.
Yelp/Russel A.
If you love the nightlife, you will love DC. We have speakeasies, cocktail bars, dive bars, lounges, live music venues and plenty of fun to be had well into the evening.
Flickr/NCinDC
Even though it’s a city, DC does not lack for green space. From well known destinations like the National Mall to hidden gardens and beautiful parks across the city, DC is full of peaceful places in nature.
Yelp/Alice B.
DC offers plenty of unique shops for those looking to browse, splurge and shop in the district. You can find quirky book stores, unique toy stores, one-of-a-kind clothing stores and so much more! There are tons of independently owned stores worth exploring in DC.
Yelp/Charles C.
DC is a festival paradise! Almost every weekend, you can find a fun event or festival to explore in the district. Not only do we have larger events, we often have regular free events like concerts and exhibits.
Flickr/art around
DC’s art scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are museums, galleries and local art spaces where you can enjoy every type of art imaginable. We also have a strong performing arts scene in DC. There are multiple destinations to see plays, hear symphonies and enjoy the performing arts.
Yelp/Josie S.
DC’s craft beer scene is certainly not new but it has grown in popularity over the last few years. We have so many boutique brews that you are sure to find one that fits your taste!
Flickr/Ryan Orr
DC has a thriving international culture scene. We are home to hundreds of embassies, many of which open up their doors during Passport DC every year. The city is also host to many ethnic festivals and home to many fantastic ethnic restaurants.
Flickr/Tom Thai
There is no doubt that DC museums are some of the best in the world. We are home to 20 museums and galleries that are free to visit with plenty of others that are worth their price of admission.
Flickr/lawrence’s lenses
Situated between the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, DC has spectacular waterfronts. You can enjoy great views from waterfronts around the city or even kayak or boat along the rivers.
Flickr/RJ Schmidt
While DC’s metro might not be the most reliable, it certainly makes it easy to get around the city. Additionally many neighborhoods are quite walkable or you can choose to bike or bus around the city.
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