Washington, D.C.

Parks & Recreation

Don't be fooled by its metropolitan locale—Washington D.C. actually has 7,464 acres of parkland, which is about 19% of the city's total area! Top spots include Meridian Hill Park, Rock Creek Park, and Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens.

For a one-of-a-kind experience that's distinctly Washingtonian, try paying a visit to The President's Park. As its name implies, it's the official site of the White House—however, this vast green space is also home to Lafayette Square and The Ellipse.

Attractions

With museums, theatres, and landmarks galore, you'll never run out of places to explore in the Washington, D.C. area. Check out any of the museums located on the National Mall, all of which offer free admission, or stray a few blocks away to check out some more niche options, like the International Spy Museum or the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Ready for a night of entertainment? D.C. also showcases a variety of theatres with different types of productions, from local plays to smash Broadway hits.

Schools

Moving to Washington, D.C. with children? The area is served by the District of Columbia Public Schools, and almost 50,000 students attend the 123 institutions across the district. With the highest starting salary for teachers across the country, DCPS offers an all-encompassing curriculum, various speciality programs, as well as charter school options.

Washington, D.C. has nearly 100 private schools, many of which have educated the children of presidents and high-ranking government officials. Over a dozen colleges—like American University and Georgetown University—also call our nation's capital home.

Shopping & Dining

While the mall that D.C. is most known for isn't the shopping kind, there are still tons of retail areas around the city, all of which offer a mix of local and chain stores. Check out the upscale shops at CityCenter D.C., the massive mall at the Gallery Place, and the local goods at Shop Made in D.C.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, you're in luck—D.C. offers one of the best culinary scenes in the country. Try out some local favorites like Founding Farmers, Old Ebbitt Grill, and Le Diplomate.

Employment

Although Washington, D.C doesn't take up much space geographically, there are hundreds of thousands of jobs in the area thanks to the federal government. The largest non-government employers in the area are MedStar Health, Verizon, Lockheed Martin, and Deloitte. Other major career fields in the area include technology consulting, telecommunications, and hospitality.