5 Reasons to Love Life in and around Washington, D.C.

Last updated on November 25th, 2025

Washington, D.C. is an exciting metropolis that offers a blend of history, culture, and modern living. From its thriving job market to its family-friendly neighborhoods, there are many reasons to consider making the DC-Metro area your home.

 

Strong Job Market

While it’s true that D.C. is the hub of national politics, the area boasts a growing number of job opportunities outside of government as well. According to Glassdoor, D.C. is a “hot hiring city” for some of the highest-paying jobs in the country, which range from solutions architects to attorneys. Also in demand are computer-related occupations, managers, sales representatives, and nurses. Not only is D.C. an excellent place to advance in your line of work, but it is also one of the best places start a career, making it a popular place for younger generations to live.

 

Dynamic Neighborhoods

For those wanting a little more space to spread out, there are many suburbs in Maryland and Virginia to consider. Those topping the family-friendly list include Potomac, MD; Bethesda, MD; Ashburn, VA; and Reston, VA. Each offers excellent schools, low crime rates, and plenty of parks and activities.

 

History and Culture

The rich history and culture of D.C. make it an exciting and enlightening place to live and explore. The Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol are must-sees, as well as the Library of Congress and Supreme Court of the U.S. When it comes to museums, there is truly something for everyone. A stroll along the beautiful National Mall provides access to many of the city’s most notable museums and monuments including the Smithsonian museums, while the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the perfect place to take in a show.

 

Outdoor Activities

Both in and around D.C., there are endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors. In addition to hundreds of miles of hiking, jogging, and biking trails, there are dozens of parks and gardens to discover, like Meridian Hill Park, the National Arboretum, and Hains Point. Shenandoah National Park is also less than 2 hours outside of the D.C. metro and offers an abundance of hiking opportunities. One of the most popular places to picnic is the National Mall, which is visited by over 30 million people each year. Just a few hours outside of the city you’ll find several beautiful beaches along the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, where swimming, boating, crabbing, and kite flying are favorite activities. You can also enjoy athletic activities as a spectator of the winning NHL’s Washington Capitals and MLB’s Nationals.

 

Festivals

There isn’t a week that goes by without a festival taking place in the D.C. area. The city’s calendar is packed all year long with popular events like the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, D.C. Jazz Festival, Oktoberfest, Passport DC, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Virginia offers many nearby wineries and breweries as well to continue your festivities.

 

While Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit, it is an even better place to live. This fast-paced metropolis is filled with culture, art, history, entertainment, shopping, festivals, outdoor activities, and restaurants. At the same time, it offers some of the best jobs, schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods in the country. If you’re interested in making a move to D.C., visit Toll Brothers to explore luxurious homes in some of the most sought-after locations in the area.