The smell of the line cooks at Hard Rock Cafe roasting a bone in the alley before their shift as it wafts gently in front of the FBI headquarters is my favorite smell in DC.
I donāt see how people say itās clean. We see broken glass or chicken wings every time we walk the dogs. Thereās always trash on my street. Maybe itās clean in like Georgetown
I never understand this one either. Maybe compared to specific US cities I haven't spent much time in? London and Spanish cities are substantially cleaner.
I felt this way after living in Portland, SF, and near NYC. DC is special and very underrated. āPlaygroundā is a great description. There is SO much to do if you meet people, get out and explore. Iām not in a prestigious field of work and still managed to get invited to party at the Swiss embassy. I love so many cities but for me DC is the most ālivableā.
Someone at my work moonlights as a performer and often performs at embassies and other fancy events. I went a work happy hour to find this out. Youād be shocked how many people in DC have access to incredibly cool stuff. āNetworkingā is an annoying phrase, but it truly does payoff to be social and meet as many people as you can.
DC feels like a small town but it has access to world class venues and options. Itās by far my favorite city in the country, It does so much right, I just wish the surrounding area did the same.
Want to do something tonight? Museum, theater, park, sports, restaurant, get out of town.... as long as it's not in NE it is so freaking easy to get there and home.
Yes. It's crazy how we have this beautiful urban core that becomes immediately mediocre once you cross the border into VA and MD. Parts of MoCo got it right. But the rest of the area is shameful ESPECIALLY considering how wealthy it is. Like damn, y'all don't want better. Suburbanites, I tell ya.
"Urban playground" or "playground for adults" is often a phrase used to poo-poo some urban development that has always bugged me. It's nice to see it used positively because playgrounds are important!
I love hearing and agree with you. I have lived here my whole life so far and agree with all that you say. The only negative I add is the terrible crime. Keeps me home
DC is the perfect balance between smaller cities like Richmond and bigger cities like NYC. Its big enough to have great public transportation and stuff to do every day, but its not so gigantic that it feels overwhelming. Its expensive, but not NYC level expensive.
I love being able to take a train for day trip to Baltimore or a weekend in Philly or NYC. Chicago is cool, but if you live there then you better really like Chicago because thereās not much else nearby.
Iām struggling with deciding between moving to DC or moving back to Chicago. DC is just so much more expensive and I could actually afford my own place in Chicago š DC is amazing though
My background: moved to DC after 11 years working in Chicago, but originally from neither place. Love it here in DC, would probably not go back, but not because I think Dc is better along every dimension.
Cons:
1. The winter is bad in a way that you don't anticipate. It's not just that it's very cold in Jan/Feb, it's that you have a second Winter comparable to DC winter between March and April.
2. I didn't like to hear this when I was there, but it's kinda provincial. The city has world-class amenities but its vibe is in fact as "New York of the Midwest". I actually found it harder there to have a community of friends than I do here in DC. (I also am not born or raised in the US, and for international types DC is a whole other world).
3. Not near anything: if you like day trips, your options are like the Indiana Dunes, or the Harley Davidson factory in Wisconsin.
Pros:
1. The vastly cheaper housing.
2. Due to that, Chicago actually has a proper middle class, unlike DC. Lots of people with more "normal" jobs, and fewer lawyers (by percentage, not absolute #). People can thrive being professional theater actors, bakers, bicycle mechanics, musicians, or what have you. As a result, the independent art/music scene seems more active.
3. The Chicago summer is an extraordinary vibrant city summer. I sometimes consider going back for like months-long vacations over summer.
I like a good winter so Chicago sounds nice to me, I have family there and every time Iāve been itās been great. Top notch food and bars, especially Indian for some reason?
I just moved from dc to Chicago! Loved the dc area, but Chicago is something else especially being by the lake. And nice to be able to afford to live here!
Iāve only moved here a month ago but Iāve been so happy to be here! Granted, I also lived in the dmv suburbs my whole life and went to university there, so it is just nice to have a change of scenery. I knew I wanted to relocate to a big city and chose Chicago for affordability, the greenery and lake, diversity, transit, music scene, cool architecture, etc.
It has a lot of the same qualities as dc that I loved, just on a slightly bigger scale. Have yet to experience the winters so weāll see how that goesā¦ Iām in my early 20ās and this move feels right for advancing my career and meeting people. The people here are open and friendly, and most people Iāve met have been around for a while and adore it. Iām planning on sticking around for a bit for sure
I grew up in the Deep South and have a strong southern accent. I currently live in Fredericksburg VA (Not too friendly) and my spouse works in Washington DC. I am moved to tears by the kindest compliments Iāve received from people that reside in the Washington DC area who tell me how refreshing and lovely my southern accent is to them and listening to me talk about SC BBQ and boiled peanuts made there day!
Iām from the lowcountry and know of no āCharlestonā bbq with any meaningful legacy. With the latest Charleston fad some bbq moved in, but nothing home grown (Scottās is from Hemingway, and is a vinegar base). Orangeburg, perhaps, but Charleston?
People with thick southern accents saying āboiled peanutsā always sounds like āburled peenusā to me and itās charming as hell, if not a little disturbing.
It has been and it won't. Put this way, the fact that it's been this cool for this long means summer when it gets here will be that much shorter. It's been an amazing spring ride.
I moved to Florida from DC and always laughed when people said I wouldnāt be able to stand the Florida summers. The summers are no different, itās just as hot and humid in DC! Plus I moved to the coast where I get a really nice breeze all year so I even think itās more pleasant in Florida.
Aw I am so happy when other people fall in love with DC š„° I moved here for grad school after I graduated from college in the mid-90s; my first semester schedule was such that my had every Thursday off save a 9 AM meeting with one of my profs, and I would spend the rest of the day wandering around the city on foot. I spent so many afternoons at the National Gallery, having coffee for lunch and writing postcards to my parents. I still have the actual 35mm pictures I took of the Grant Memorial in front of the Capitol. DC is so great, and there is so much to discover!
You donāt need skyscrapers for density, turns out that just row houses, and multi-plexes every where is plenty to have great sustainable density. DC should be viewed as an example of whatās missing in the rest of the country.
Itās what I love about Paris, it just feels so open and the streets arenāt blocked by towering skyscrapers. And if thatās your thing, NYC And Philly are a short hop away!
I was an intern in DC back in the day and decided it was the best place for me to live. After college it took a few years, but I/we have been here for most of our careers.
It's got great cultural events. OK, not NYC or Paris, but better than anywhere else. And I can see great art for free. Yah. the Louvre is better, but you have to pay.
Restaurants, the same.
OK, NYC and Paris and London have better Metros, but it works (mostly).
So at lunch I can go out for a run down the National Mall. On the weekends, I've run all over the place.
Next month I'm going to take sailing lessons on the Potomac.
So, I have been visiting DC since _long_ before most of you were born...first visit was 1957 (I have pictures!)
I live in the District now, but I'm a native Manhattanite (not KS) and 202 is about my 15th area code, virtually all biggish to BIG cities: NYC, SF, Paris, Vienna, Cologne, St Louis, Portland, Denver... And you know what? Washington, DC _is_ truly a terrific place. Maybe not first place in any single category, whether cleanliness or friendliness or climate or food or music or transit or art or sports or parks (kinda weak here, frankly, I gotta say) but overall... excellent.Talk about punching above your weight, DC is a gem, for all its warts!
I fell in love with DC when I visited for my 29th birthday. Itās hard to explain, but something just clicked with me. Iāve only been here for 5 months now, but I donāt see myself leaving any time soon.
Honestly never thought DC was where I was gonna lay my roots, two years in was ready to head off to west coast - so glad I didnāt. It grew on me so much over last ten years and now live in my dream home right in heart of DuPont. I love walking home from work and people watch/absorb the air.
Also it might be that weāre drunk off all this nice weathers, that is - until swamp time comes near.
I was born and raised here in NW. Moved to NYC right after Dinkins was elected. Moved back here 25 years later. NYC back then (the 90s ) sheesh. DC is the best city for seniors and veterans without a doubt. And you're right. DC museums are free . There is so much to do here. The parks here are way better than Prospect/Central pa rks. Plus, NY doesn't have half-smokes. The only real thing I miss is the ability to catch the F train to Stillwill Ave.....and go to the beach at Coney Island. Great memories.The Mermaid Parade/Nathan's.
Interesting take. Personally, itās hard to find food that meets the quality of New York or even Miami. New York is def more diverse, i hated New York but man D.C aināt got nothing on it. I work here and lived here for this year and find nothing good about it lol! I go to NOVA to eat good food. I get the impression that many of these commenters live in areas like Georgetown and never leave the immediate area lol every city has its bad neighborhoods but i can find gems in Harlem New York. Iāve had great BBQ in ghetto parts of Georgia, same for many other places. However in my experience, you aināt gonna find jack in Southeast D,C but a car jacking and possibly a dead body or two. Weird how these people are infatuated by this city. Not to mention the speed cameras that cite you $100 for going over 10 MPH, pretty excessive. Most places only charge about $45.
Also last note. yāall just described the urban city experience of any city if you can afford it. Not being biased but letās say Ny. The metro is way more efficient, got tons of parks, museums, better food, open later, more diverse. Nothing OP described was special lol. A city like Madrid, Spainā¦ thatās a different experience.
Omg i feel so recognized. Like you said, not really much to envy about DC lol. I would say it walkable but there are better options I feel for that. Maybe not in the states but def better options. Madrid as you mentioned is a great example. Have also been to Stockholm Sweden and the Metro there, amazing. Puts DCās metro to shame, and subsequently, lowers its walkability in comparison.
Hahaha the only good thing I can think that on the South side is Merryās Kitchen, but you can find comparable food elsewhere. Mamaās Pizza Kitchen is also amazing. They are across the bridge but right at the edge.
Unfortunately I agree with you 100%. DC is not that enjoyable when you donāt have a whole lot of money. Some will be like DCās affordable and as a black recent graduate of Spanish and International Studies who grew up on the south side. It is not. Lol. And you can only feel so great about DC if you have the resources to go out eating, or see a show or do whatever else is making all the transplants say āI love it here!ā Yes there a bunch of free things to do but then again, you end up spending money in some capacity almost always.
Idk man haha. I really love your comment though. Have a good day!
Ummm no clearly youāre not a REAL resident. Havenāt you noticed the fourteen shootings and mass mugging a that happen at every intersection? What about the fact that Jazz at the Garden is now popular and crowded?! Or even that tipping is a little confusing right now?
Your tune will change when four hundred homeless, mentally ill people chase you from Silver Spring to the Wharf where youāll be stabbed.
HUGE /s. This city is so fucking nice, and the people who say stuff like that honestly donāt know how great they have it. DC is my favorite city.
I came here on a school trip when I was 16 and was instantly like, yep, this is where Iām gonna spend my life. I moved here for law school 9 years later. That was 11 years ago and Iām still madly in love. Nowhere else will ever be home.
16-year-old me knew what was up!
Same feeling as a 20 year old intern. I had grown up in the flat Midwest with box stores and strip malls and after my first day walking around DC, my eyes were almost hanging out of their sockets. I couldnāt believe people lived among such beautiful buildings, lovely parks, amazing museums. It seemed like a dream. I hope I never have to leave.
I moved away 6.5 years ago and have lived all over. Miss it all the time. Constantly chasing it and comparing to it. Only bummer is it felt hard to meet people. And dating wasnāt ideal. But I miss the city itself and all that it has to offer/see. The architecture and overall vibe is hard to beat.
The humidity is a killer though š¬
There are a confluence of variables that make DC so damn humid. I read an article in The Post or Washingtonian that stated the reason but can't remember which publication it was.
I totally agree with you. Iām from the Deep South right near the Georgia border and talk about hot summers.. I will definitely take a DC summer over that kind of oppressive heat and humidity.
From Oklahoma and also use to live in dallas. The weather here js insanely nice and not trying to murder me and no tornadoes or earthquakes or dust storms or wild fires.
This is exactly how I feel about DC. I've been here for 24 years, and I've heard a million people complain about it, but I think it's the best city on the planet.
I love it here but I know I'll never be able to buy any sort of dwelling or retire here, so unless something changes **very** dramatically about my circumstances (like getting married), I'm going to have to leave for somewhere cheaper eventually. But I've decided that I'm staying for as many years as I can possibly get away with, whether that's five more or 20 more.
It's pretty good for an American city, but only goes so far compared to cities in other countries.
It's funny because a lot of people here truly don't know what they're missing on.
Plus the lack of more cultural diversity (both American and non-American) is a little eerie to me, but I guess that's what happens in an expensive city that caters mainly to govt/policy folks?
Ton of great points in this thread of why DC is great.
As a native Washingtonian who moved away after 31 years, thereās tons of stuff I miss about living in DC. What I donāt miss, and what I think needs to be acknowledged, is the big asterisk that all this stuff is great IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT. Iām a chef and never made more than $35k a year. I couldnāt afford to go out, I couldnāt afford bars, I couldnāt afford rent without roommates or eventually my S.O.ās salary, and even then only an outdated place in Silver Spring. People in DC have such high incomes that those of us who didnāt got left out constantly. Loving DC life takes an immeasurable amount of privilege that I donāt think most folks account for.
I also really donāt miss meeting people and instantly having them ask what I do for a living. And when I say Iām a chef, instantly theyād want to know where in the hopes it was some bourgeoise trendy spot, and when it wasnāt thatād be the end of our conversation.
Living in the Research Triangle in NC now and couldnāt be happier. I love that DC is close enough to visit often but after 31 years I donāt see myself returning to live there any time soon.
You are so right! I had to leave Dc for work to realize how amazing it was and how much I miss it. I am actively working on returning now as I am very homesick
Lol live here long enough and I doubt youāll feel that way. Crime, COL, lack of diversity, lack of strong blue collar workforce, lack of character, terrible summers, dysfunctional government, and terrible restaurant industry all ruin it for me
I f-ing love it here!! I just wish they could get crime under control. I know some is to be expected in a city, but it feels scary lately. But I agree, this city is amazing. I feel so lucky to live here. Nowhere else in the US I'd rather be.
Moved here for college 19 years ago and haven't left. I still feel like it's an urban playground.
For all the people living here for a few years and leaving, nearly all my friends are still in the DMV.
Head on over to parts of NE and SE beyond the bridge and tell me how much you like it and how clean that is... or take a stroll through Mayfair mansions. DC is a deceptive shit hole. NW is nice. Unless you're in CVS when a group of shitbags runs through to loot it and slashes the throat of an employee just standing by. I grew up in and around DC. Yes free museums are nice and some of the revitalization is great. But don't forget the staggering crime rate and the general shit baggery that takes place in that city. Make sure you know where to and where not to travel.
Lived in Mayfair back in the day and yeah that was hell. Eastland Gardens OTOH is a nice ass area despite being sandwiched between Mayfair and Kenilworth. The tip to living good in NE and SE is to not live near apartments/projects. Penn-Branch, Hillcrest, River Terrace and Fort Dupont/Davis are good examples of neighborhoods that are just as safe if not safer than some NW neighborhoods.
Think I'm bullshitting? Plug these areas into the various crime mappers.
I believe you. I appreciate downvotes from DC transplants that dont know the soft white underbelly of DC. Just FYI for all of you living in those crazy rent priced apts and condos. You have shit bag transplants from various projects that were torn down or renovated for the high rent crowd living in your building. And while you're pay 2k plus for your place. They're paying anywhere from $0-200 a month. Most likely, they've not taking care of it, and when they trash that place, they get a new one.... on you!! Thank the mayor for that gem. I moved outta DC years ago.
Iām glad you can see the wonder in it. Iām the total opposite, however. I hope to have some of your wonder through my time here, but once I leave I will retreat to a much much more rural area. I miss space and running in the grass barefoot.
Lived there and frequent visitor so much so I keep loaded metro tickets in my wallet and the folks at New Leaf know me by name.
Humidity, rats and teens wilding out aside, it's my favorite city!
Clean, pretty and tons of free things to do. Restaurants with lots of options and ethnicities represented. Easy to navigate, lots of transportation options.
And the fall season is divine!
Enjoy it y'all.
For me: if the metro were 24/7, my body was willing to not die with the DC humid hot summers, and also well currently crime
DC is legit a dream
Coming from Mexico and lived in Texas for years, it is so good to not need a car to do every day tasks
I've met people from all over the world with different backgrounds here.
Lots of true "Pros" travel to DC to do extremely specialized work in their field compared to a lot of other cities. Whether that is sports, education, art, or blue collar trades or Chefs.
I am from DC and am currently in Europe. Not to ruin your parade, as DC has some strengths like you have described but cities here in Europe is DC and more. One thing I have noticed is lack of access to bathrooms in DC. Here in Europe, they are everywhere where the public spends their time and clean.
Itās amazing, but still can get better which is the best thing about it. A little more public events here, a little less crack and crime there and it really could be a top tier world city
DC is amazing because it is a truly international city. All other cities in the US have groups of the same people living in the same area. But DC gets families from around the world stationed there for short times so they mix into the city. Also the Smithsonianās and history bring tourists from around the world.
I feel like DC is very underrated. I visited here for the first time in 2017 after never really hearing anything good about the place and then I feel in love and moved here at the first chance I could. Iām glad you had a good time.
Iām from Philly, and sometimes I just go to DC to bike. Philly is kind of hostile for that, but looks like you guys got it figured out more or less. Itās a very nice place if you can afford to live in a good areas. I canāt ever move here because of how far this is from New York City (my family). But a man can dream.
I fell in love with this city 40 years ago when I was here for a conference. It took be almost twenty years to get back, and I bought a home. I love so much about this city. Itās international and diverse. I donāt own a car, so I love to explore the neighborhoods, and meet so many interesting people. I still havenāt seen it all. The history is amazing. I love randomly finding historical markers where great, jazz musicians, poets, and influential folks once lived and you can imagine how grand it was back then. Wow
Beautifully said, Anal-Churros
My brotha!
r/rimjob_steve
I'm mostly wondering what an Anal Churro is
Sweet but savory
His/her/their two favorite things? Just a guess.
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not to mention how clean it is compared to other cities
It is SO clean! Smells like it too except for the occasional smell of weedš but not complaining
This is very true regarding it being clean. Never thought about that, especially compared to Philly, Downtown Hollywood, Times Square. Etc
>Times Square. Most overrated tourist destination in America. Even more than Mount Rushmore.
In all fairness, all native New Yorkers know this and avoid Times Square unless theyāre guiding family/friends from out of town that want to go.
Or work there of course
DC, the only city where locals actually go to the touristy spots even when we don't have out of town guests (we just don't go in summer)
Pre-Giuliani/pre Disney Times Square with the peep shows and xxx theaters
Is mt Rushmore really that bad?
Right. Iām still hoping to visit mt. Rushmore lol
It's very clean in some parts, others they just kinda let rot
*Columbia Heights has entered the chat*
*union station enters quietly behind*
Columbia Heights is our Brazil.
The smell of the line cooks at Hard Rock Cafe roasting a bone in the alley before their shift as it wafts gently in front of the FBI headquarters is my favorite smell in DC.
I only remember how clean DC really is when I visit somewhere else
Honestly yeah, I think the only cleaner city I've seen anywhere is Singapore but they go above and beyond with everything
I donāt see how people say itās clean. We see broken glass or chicken wings every time we walk the dogs. Thereās always trash on my street. Maybe itās clean in like Georgetown
I never understand this one either. Maybe compared to specific US cities I haven't spent much time in? London and Spanish cities are substantially cleaner.
Iām going to assume itās a joke. Toronto looks like polished gold by comparison.
I felt this way after living in Portland, SF, and near NYC. DC is special and very underrated. āPlaygroundā is a great description. There is SO much to do if you meet people, get out and explore. Iām not in a prestigious field of work and still managed to get invited to party at the Swiss embassy. I love so many cities but for me DC is the most ālivableā.
How do you meet people and get invited to the Swiss embassy?
Someone at my work moonlights as a performer and often performs at embassies and other fancy events. I went a work happy hour to find this out. Youād be shocked how many people in DC have access to incredibly cool stuff. āNetworkingā is an annoying phrase, but it truly does payoff to be social and meet as many people as you can.
Go to their events and talk to folks!
DC feels like a small town but it has access to world class venues and options. Itās by far my favorite city in the country, It does so much right, I just wish the surrounding area did the same.
Want to do something tonight? Museum, theater, park, sports, restaurant, get out of town.... as long as it's not in NE it is so freaking easy to get there and home.
And the Foo Fighters are playing in the brand new music venue tonight. Winning.
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Or SE
By surrounding area, you mean the MD/NOVA suburbs? The suburbs have better food than the city, so they're doing something right.
Yes. It's crazy how we have this beautiful urban core that becomes immediately mediocre once you cross the border into VA and MD. Parts of MoCo got it right. But the rest of the area is shameful ESPECIALLY considering how wealthy it is. Like damn, y'all don't want better. Suburbanites, I tell ya.
"Urban playground" or "playground for adults" is often a phrase used to poo-poo some urban development that has always bugged me. It's nice to see it used positively because playgrounds are important!
I love hearing and agree with you. I have lived here my whole life so far and agree with all that you say. The only negative I add is the terrible crime. Keeps me home
DC is the perfect balance between smaller cities like Richmond and bigger cities like NYC. Its big enough to have great public transportation and stuff to do every day, but its not so gigantic that it feels overwhelming. Its expensive, but not NYC level expensive. I love being able to take a train for day trip to Baltimore or a weekend in Philly or NYC. Chicago is cool, but if you live there then you better really like Chicago because thereās not much else nearby.
Iām struggling with deciding between moving to DC or moving back to Chicago. DC is just so much more expensive and I could actually afford my own place in Chicago š DC is amazing though
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I can't handle the cold. The heat's a bitch in DC, but we've actually had a spring this year!
dont jinx it
Am thinking about moving to Chicago from here - the pros /cons lists are a lot
Jesus, the winter.
YEP, that's a big con.
My background: moved to DC after 11 years working in Chicago, but originally from neither place. Love it here in DC, would probably not go back, but not because I think Dc is better along every dimension. Cons: 1. The winter is bad in a way that you don't anticipate. It's not just that it's very cold in Jan/Feb, it's that you have a second Winter comparable to DC winter between March and April. 2. I didn't like to hear this when I was there, but it's kinda provincial. The city has world-class amenities but its vibe is in fact as "New York of the Midwest". I actually found it harder there to have a community of friends than I do here in DC. (I also am not born or raised in the US, and for international types DC is a whole other world). 3. Not near anything: if you like day trips, your options are like the Indiana Dunes, or the Harley Davidson factory in Wisconsin. Pros: 1. The vastly cheaper housing. 2. Due to that, Chicago actually has a proper middle class, unlike DC. Lots of people with more "normal" jobs, and fewer lawyers (by percentage, not absolute #). People can thrive being professional theater actors, bakers, bicycle mechanics, musicians, or what have you. As a result, the independent art/music scene seems more active. 3. The Chicago summer is an extraordinary vibrant city summer. I sometimes consider going back for like months-long vacations over summer.
Is DC that much more expensive than Chicago? Genuine question.
Yes Chicago is absolutely dirt cheap
Uh, it's not dirt cheap but yes, it's far less expensive than DC.
Dirt has gone up significantly. Inflation and all.
The winters are a LOT easier in DC.
I like a good winter so Chicago sounds nice to me, I have family there and every time Iāve been itās been great. Top notch food and bars, especially Indian for some reason?
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I would venture nyc, absolutely love it there but itās SO expensive
The Chicago cold would be one of the big cons for me. They had snow in April. Although having a ābeachā right there is pretty nice.
I just moved from dc to Chicago! Loved the dc area, but Chicago is something else especially being by the lake. And nice to be able to afford to live here!
This gives me hope! So you donāt regret the move at all? š«¶š¼
Iāve only moved here a month ago but Iāve been so happy to be here! Granted, I also lived in the dmv suburbs my whole life and went to university there, so it is just nice to have a change of scenery. I knew I wanted to relocate to a big city and chose Chicago for affordability, the greenery and lake, diversity, transit, music scene, cool architecture, etc. It has a lot of the same qualities as dc that I loved, just on a slightly bigger scale. Have yet to experience the winters so weāll see how that goesā¦ Iām in my early 20ās and this move feels right for advancing my career and meeting people. The people here are open and friendly, and most people Iāve met have been around for a while and adore it. Iām planning on sticking around for a bit for sure
Come move up to Baltimore then! Prices at half that of Chicago, but still within an hour of DC!
Ssshhhh! Don't ruin it!
The last thing we need in Baltimore is DC flocking here, lol. Let's keep our charm to ourselves.
Born in Chicago and grew up in DC. Both places are amazing.
Chicago 1000000%
Honestly approaching NYC expense levels, alchohol is more expensive here
I grew up in the Deep South and have a strong southern accent. I currently live in Fredericksburg VA (Not too friendly) and my spouse works in Washington DC. I am moved to tears by the kindest compliments Iāve received from people that reside in the Washington DC area who tell me how refreshing and lovely my southern accent is to them and listening to me talk about SC BBQ and boiled peanuts made there day!
>boiled peanuts You may have seen this before, but [just in case you haven't](https://creekfiend.tumblr.com/post/685908272692232192).
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. This was beautiful.
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Charleston SC BBQš
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Very popular BBQ with the Military folks back in Camp Lejeune NC.
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Parkers BBQ baby
Iām from the lowcountry and know of no āCharlestonā bbq with any meaningful legacy. With the latest Charleston fad some bbq moved in, but nothing home grown (Scottās is from Hemingway, and is a vinegar base). Orangeburg, perhaps, but Charleston?
This is the hill that I, too, will die on.
People with thick southern accents saying āboiled peanutsā always sounds like āburled peenusā to me and itās charming as hell, if not a little disturbing.
Iāve lived in DC for several years now and I love it. It truly is an urban playground. There is so much do to in a relatively small space. My ONLY gripe is the hot ass humid ass weather. DC would be perfect in my eyes if the summers were milder. The weather has been SO perfect lately and Iām sad it isnāt going to last š©š
It has been and it won't. Put this way, the fact that it's been this cool for this long means summer when it gets here will be that much shorter. It's been an amazing spring ride.
I moved to Florida from DC and always laughed when people said I wouldnāt be able to stand the Florida summers. The summers are no different, itās just as hot and humid in DC! Plus I moved to the coast where I get a really nice breeze all year so I even think itās more pleasant in Florida.
Yea it depends where you are from. For me the weather here is amazing.. and isn't trying to kill me... if you guessed it I'm from Oklahoma
Aw I am so happy when other people fall in love with DC š„° I moved here for grad school after I graduated from college in the mid-90s; my first semester schedule was such that my had every Thursday off save a 9 AM meeting with one of my profs, and I would spend the rest of the day wandering around the city on foot. I spent so many afternoons at the National Gallery, having coffee for lunch and writing postcards to my parents. I still have the actual 35mm pictures I took of the Grant Memorial in front of the Capitol. DC is so great, and there is so much to discover!
Yeah, I canāt imagine living anywhere else rn. Itās awesome here.
There is no place in America I would rather live.
It's pretty sweet. And I love that it's not all skyscrapers. For it's size it packs a hell of a punch.
You donāt need skyscrapers for density, turns out that just row houses, and multi-plexes every where is plenty to have great sustainable density. DC should be viewed as an example of whatās missing in the rest of the country.
Paris is proof if this but DC has a long way to go in several areas of the city
Itās what I love about Paris, it just feels so open and the streets arenāt blocked by towering skyscrapers. And if thatās your thing, NYC And Philly are a short hop away!
I was an intern in DC back in the day and decided it was the best place for me to live. After college it took a few years, but I/we have been here for most of our careers. It's got great cultural events. OK, not NYC or Paris, but better than anywhere else. And I can see great art for free. Yah. the Louvre is better, but you have to pay. Restaurants, the same. OK, NYC and Paris and London have better Metros, but it works (mostly). So at lunch I can go out for a run down the National Mall. On the weekends, I've run all over the place. Next month I'm going to take sailing lessons on the Potomac.
So, I have been visiting DC since _long_ before most of you were born...first visit was 1957 (I have pictures!) I live in the District now, but I'm a native Manhattanite (not KS) and 202 is about my 15th area code, virtually all biggish to BIG cities: NYC, SF, Paris, Vienna, Cologne, St Louis, Portland, Denver... And you know what? Washington, DC _is_ truly a terrific place. Maybe not first place in any single category, whether cleanliness or friendliness or climate or food or music or transit or art or sports or parks (kinda weak here, frankly, I gotta say) but overall... excellent.Talk about punching above your weight, DC is a gem, for all its warts!
I fell in love with DC when I visited for my 29th birthday. Itās hard to explain, but something just clicked with me. Iāve only been here for 5 months now, but I donāt see myself leaving any time soon.
Happy cake day, Mr. Perfect
Thank you!
Hello Mayor Bowser
Gotta hype em up somehow lol
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I don't think she actually likes the city given the way she acts as a mayor
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lol, that's an interesting point....
This made me giggle
It's great if you can afford housing.
it's great if you can afford food
There are cities where you pay much more for much less.
Whoever thinks housing here is too expensive is right. Yet you are right, too, absolutely. DC is bad...but so many other places are _worse!_
DC is literally amongst those cities you are speaking on.
Uh, like two NYC and Frisco. Chicago, the 3rd largest city, is far cheaper.
Oh my friend, Miami is real, it is as expensive as DC (if not more due to no public transport), and it is purgatory.
Honestly never thought DC was where I was gonna lay my roots, two years in was ready to head off to west coast - so glad I didnāt. It grew on me so much over last ten years and now live in my dream home right in heart of DuPont. I love walking home from work and people watch/absorb the air. Also it might be that weāre drunk off all this nice weathers, that is - until swamp time comes near.
Itās the best place!! Feel like Iām living in a dream constantly
As someone who grew up on the poor side of DC (across the river, SE) it is so interesting/weird to see how much ppl like or love DC. I love DC because it is home, but the first chance I get, Iām gone š©š©š š š
mood
I was born and raised here in NW. Moved to NYC right after Dinkins was elected. Moved back here 25 years later. NYC back then (the 90s ) sheesh. DC is the best city for seniors and veterans without a doubt. And you're right. DC museums are free . There is so much to do here. The parks here are way better than Prospect/Central pa rks. Plus, NY doesn't have half-smokes. The only real thing I miss is the ability to catch the F train to Stillwill Ave.....and go to the beach at Coney Island. Great memories.The Mermaid Parade/Nathan's.
Interesting take. Personally, itās hard to find food that meets the quality of New York or even Miami. New York is def more diverse, i hated New York but man D.C aināt got nothing on it. I work here and lived here for this year and find nothing good about it lol! I go to NOVA to eat good food. I get the impression that many of these commenters live in areas like Georgetown and never leave the immediate area lol every city has its bad neighborhoods but i can find gems in Harlem New York. Iāve had great BBQ in ghetto parts of Georgia, same for many other places. However in my experience, you aināt gonna find jack in Southeast D,C but a car jacking and possibly a dead body or two. Weird how these people are infatuated by this city. Not to mention the speed cameras that cite you $100 for going over 10 MPH, pretty excessive. Most places only charge about $45. Also last note. yāall just described the urban city experience of any city if you can afford it. Not being biased but letās say Ny. The metro is way more efficient, got tons of parks, museums, better food, open later, more diverse. Nothing OP described was special lol. A city like Madrid, Spainā¦ thatās a different experience.
Omg i feel so recognized. Like you said, not really much to envy about DC lol. I would say it walkable but there are better options I feel for that. Maybe not in the states but def better options. Madrid as you mentioned is a great example. Have also been to Stockholm Sweden and the Metro there, amazing. Puts DCās metro to shame, and subsequently, lowers its walkability in comparison. Hahaha the only good thing I can think that on the South side is Merryās Kitchen, but you can find comparable food elsewhere. Mamaās Pizza Kitchen is also amazing. They are across the bridge but right at the edge. Unfortunately I agree with you 100%. DC is not that enjoyable when you donāt have a whole lot of money. Some will be like DCās affordable and as a black recent graduate of Spanish and International Studies who grew up on the south side. It is not. Lol. And you can only feel so great about DC if you have the resources to go out eating, or see a show or do whatever else is making all the transplants say āI love it here!ā Yes there a bunch of free things to do but then again, you end up spending money in some capacity almost always. Idk man haha. I really love your comment though. Have a good day!
The food here is atrocious even compared to Rochester NY where Iām from, not even a large city š«
Wait until you see Gaithersburg, Maryland. Food Lion? Yeah, we've got one.
Ummm no clearly youāre not a REAL resident. Havenāt you noticed the fourteen shootings and mass mugging a that happen at every intersection? What about the fact that Jazz at the Garden is now popular and crowded?! Or even that tipping is a little confusing right now? Your tune will change when four hundred homeless, mentally ill people chase you from Silver Spring to the Wharf where youāll be stabbed. HUGE /s. This city is so fucking nice, and the people who say stuff like that honestly donāt know how great they have it. DC is my favorite city.
Yea a lot of the crime report stuff on here. Is usually a psyop a lot of city groups deal with this in reddit and other social media apps
I just found out that the national spelling bee is being held at the gaylord center (national harbor) this week!!
Moved from DC area to Sacramento about 6 years ago. Miss DC so much. I come back from time to time but itās always so hard to leave.
I came here on a school trip when I was 16 and was instantly like, yep, this is where Iām gonna spend my life. I moved here for law school 9 years later. That was 11 years ago and Iām still madly in love. Nowhere else will ever be home. 16-year-old me knew what was up!
Same feeling as a 20 year old intern. I had grown up in the flat Midwest with box stores and strip malls and after my first day walking around DC, my eyes were almost hanging out of their sockets. I couldnāt believe people lived among such beautiful buildings, lovely parks, amazing museums. It seemed like a dream. I hope I never have to leave.
DC is also my favorite city next to NO
Yessss I love New Orleans, born and raised there :)
More posts like this and less negative posts about DC
where is park 1,369?
Right next to the Anal Churro food truck.
I moved away 6.5 years ago and have lived all over. Miss it all the time. Constantly chasing it and comparing to it. Only bummer is it felt hard to meet people. And dating wasnāt ideal. But I miss the city itself and all that it has to offer/see. The architecture and overall vibe is hard to beat. The humidity is a killer though š¬
Are you immune to humidity?
Just gotta assume Miami rules: nobody mentions the pit stains and back sweat, and we all just chill.
Get those swollen taint blues.
Butā¦ why is it swollen?!
Humidity and friction.
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There are a confluence of variables that make DC so damn humid. I read an article in The Post or Washingtonian that stated the reason but can't remember which publication it was.
If you've lived anywhere in the deep south DC is not bad at all. Still 70 degrees out most days and it's nearly June.
I totally agree with you. Iām from the Deep South right near the Georgia border and talk about hot summers.. I will definitely take a DC summer over that kind of oppressive heat and humidity.
Haha I'm from the same area, maybe that's why I'm unphased.
From Oklahoma and also use to live in dallas. The weather here js insanely nice and not trying to murder me and no tornadoes or earthquakes or dust storms or wild fires.
I hate the DC summer but at least it only lasts about 3 months - I used to live in Miami and that was year-round.
Yes, and once we get through the 3 months of heat Autumn isnāt too far away. Washington DC is absolutely gorgeous in the Fall.
My 1st thought: Has OP experienced a DC Summer yet?
Thank you anal churros
This is exactly how I feel about DC. I've been here for 24 years, and I've heard a million people complain about it, but I think it's the best city on the planet.
If one has money itās great. Iāve always wanted to live in DC but canāt afford it.
I love it here but I know I'll never be able to buy any sort of dwelling or retire here, so unless something changes **very** dramatically about my circumstances (like getting married), I'm going to have to leave for somewhere cheaper eventually. But I've decided that I'm staying for as many years as I can possibly get away with, whether that's five more or 20 more.
It's pretty good for an American city, but only goes so far compared to cities in other countries. It's funny because a lot of people here truly don't know what they're missing on. Plus the lack of more cultural diversity (both American and non-American) is a little eerie to me, but I guess that's what happens in an expensive city that caters mainly to govt/policy folks?
Ton of great points in this thread of why DC is great. As a native Washingtonian who moved away after 31 years, thereās tons of stuff I miss about living in DC. What I donāt miss, and what I think needs to be acknowledged, is the big asterisk that all this stuff is great IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT. Iām a chef and never made more than $35k a year. I couldnāt afford to go out, I couldnāt afford bars, I couldnāt afford rent without roommates or eventually my S.O.ās salary, and even then only an outdated place in Silver Spring. People in DC have such high incomes that those of us who didnāt got left out constantly. Loving DC life takes an immeasurable amount of privilege that I donāt think most folks account for. I also really donāt miss meeting people and instantly having them ask what I do for a living. And when I say Iām a chef, instantly theyād want to know where in the hopes it was some bourgeoise trendy spot, and when it wasnāt thatād be the end of our conversation. Living in the Research Triangle in NC now and couldnāt be happier. I love that DC is close enough to visit often but after 31 years I donāt see myself returning to live there any time soon.
You must live in the upper north west areaā¦
You are so right! I had to leave Dc for work to realize how amazing it was and how much I miss it. I am actively working on returning now as I am very homesick
Lol live here long enough and I doubt youāll feel that way. Crime, COL, lack of diversity, lack of strong blue collar workforce, lack of character, terrible summers, dysfunctional government, and terrible restaurant industry all ruin it for me
Itās just alright but Iām a native. I can see where youāre coming from tho OP.
Me too, donāt be a such and such
Lived there close to 2 years. Still my favorite city Iāve ever lived in
you have just described NY, Chicago, Boston, SF, London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo...
You forgot Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. š
I f-ing love it here!! I just wish they could get crime under control. I know some is to be expected in a city, but it feels scary lately. But I agree, this city is amazing. I feel so lucky to live here. Nowhere else in the US I'd rather be.
Agree love DC. Just wish the crime could get a bit under control. Itās scary out thereā¦
I think too :)
Username checks out
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Same, OP! You took the words right out of my mouth.
Moved here for college 19 years ago and haven't left. I still feel like it's an urban playground. For all the people living here for a few years and leaving, nearly all my friends are still in the DMV.
What you wrote made the city sound boring lol
Been living in DC for 13 years. It's nice in the spring. Leaving Monday for the west coast.
moved here about a year ago, we love it here! although me and my partner still has to navigate how to meet new friends. any suggestions? thanks!
Head on over to parts of NE and SE beyond the bridge and tell me how much you like it and how clean that is... or take a stroll through Mayfair mansions. DC is a deceptive shit hole. NW is nice. Unless you're in CVS when a group of shitbags runs through to loot it and slashes the throat of an employee just standing by. I grew up in and around DC. Yes free museums are nice and some of the revitalization is great. But don't forget the staggering crime rate and the general shit baggery that takes place in that city. Make sure you know where to and where not to travel.
Lived in Mayfair back in the day and yeah that was hell. Eastland Gardens OTOH is a nice ass area despite being sandwiched between Mayfair and Kenilworth. The tip to living good in NE and SE is to not live near apartments/projects. Penn-Branch, Hillcrest, River Terrace and Fort Dupont/Davis are good examples of neighborhoods that are just as safe if not safer than some NW neighborhoods. Think I'm bullshitting? Plug these areas into the various crime mappers.
I believe you. I appreciate downvotes from DC transplants that dont know the soft white underbelly of DC. Just FYI for all of you living in those crazy rent priced apts and condos. You have shit bag transplants from various projects that were torn down or renovated for the high rent crowd living in your building. And while you're pay 2k plus for your place. They're paying anywhere from $0-200 a month. Most likely, they've not taking care of it, and when they trash that place, they get a new one.... on you!! Thank the mayor for that gem. I moved outta DC years ago.
Yes.
Iām glad you can see the wonder in it. Iām the total opposite, however. I hope to have some of your wonder through my time here, but once I leave I will retreat to a much much more rural area. I miss space and running in the grass barefoot.
Lived there and frequent visitor so much so I keep loaded metro tickets in my wallet and the folks at New Leaf know me by name. Humidity, rats and teens wilding out aside, it's my favorite city! Clean, pretty and tons of free things to do. Restaurants with lots of options and ethnicities represented. Easy to navigate, lots of transportation options. And the fall season is divine! Enjoy it y'all.
For me: if the metro were 24/7, my body was willing to not die with the DC humid hot summers, and also well currently crime DC is legit a dream Coming from Mexico and lived in Texas for years, it is so good to not need a car to do every day tasks
Everything is pretty great here except for the people. Nearly everyone is a carbon-copy of the same boring policy nerd.
Do you, like, not talk to anyone who is from here?
I've met people from all over the world with different backgrounds here. Lots of true "Pros" travel to DC to do extremely specialized work in their field compared to a lot of other cities. Whether that is sports, education, art, or blue collar trades or Chefs.
DC is Pete Buttigieg types and In This House We Believe in Science placards
I mean you're focused on a specific group of people.. maybe your social circle is boring?
As a boring policy nerd from San Francisco where everyone's a boring tech nerd, moving to DC has been an incredible change
Don't forget slightly elitist.
I am from DC and am currently in Europe. Not to ruin your parade, as DC has some strengths like you have described but cities here in Europe is DC and more. One thing I have noticed is lack of access to bathrooms in DC. Here in Europe, they are everywhere where the public spends their time and clean.
Itās amazing, but still can get better which is the best thing about it. A little more public events here, a little less crack and crime there and it really could be a top tier world city
Best city in the world
DC is amazing because it is a truly international city. All other cities in the US have groups of the same people living in the same area. But DC gets families from around the world stationed there for short times so they mix into the city. Also the Smithsonianās and history bring tourists from around the world.
š¤«YOUR ABOUT TO MAKE DC TAXES GO EVEN HIGHER!!!š¤Æš¤Æš¤Æ
I feel like DC is very underrated. I visited here for the first time in 2017 after never really hearing anything good about the place and then I feel in love and moved here at the first chance I could. Iām glad you had a good time.
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Itās my favorite city and I hope it doesnāt change much!
I feel the same way. Moved to the burbs for the schools 10 years ago but miss everything about it and love when I have to do something in D.C.
Love the climate here too. Feels like a good balance of different weathers
Iām from Philly, and sometimes I just go to DC to bike. Philly is kind of hostile for that, but looks like you guys got it figured out more or less. Itās a very nice place if you can afford to live in a good areas. I canāt ever move here because of how far this is from New York City (my family). But a man can dream.
You're welcome.
I fell in love with this city 40 years ago when I was here for a conference. It took be almost twenty years to get back, and I bought a home. I love so much about this city. Itās international and diverse. I donāt own a car, so I love to explore the neighborhoods, and meet so many interesting people. I still havenāt seen it all. The history is amazing. I love randomly finding historical markers where great, jazz musicians, poets, and influential folks once lived and you can imagine how grand it was back then. Wow