Washington, D.C. – Living in the Capital City
Washington, DC was chosen as the US Capital in 1790 by then-President George Washington. Today, the city is a true melting pot, with a population made up of people from around the country and around the world. With low-lying buildings and tree-lined streets, the capital city has a quaint small-town charm that is all its own. The District encompasses 61.40 square miles and is home to over 500,000. Rentals.com offers homes for rent, condo rentals, apartments, houses and homes in Washington DC and the surrounding area. Searching homes for rent in DC is a breeze with Rentals.com.
Capital Neighborhoods
National monuments, historic buildings and cultural experiences can be found around every corner. Washington, DC is traditionally divided into four quadrants, each with its own personality. These quadrants are quite simply identified as Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest.
Northeast is a popular choice for new DC residents, and includes the Capitol Hill and Brookland neighborhoods. Capitol Hill extends through the Southeast quadrant, as well; the Northeast side is referred to as the “House” side, while the Southeast portion of the neighborhood is known as the “Senate” side. Brookland is home to the Brookland Hardware Store and many popular restaurants. Northeast is accessible by the green, orange and red Metro lines. Start searching the perfect rental home in Washington DC.
Northwest is the largest of the four quadrants and is the only quadrant accessible by all of the Metro lines. Georgetown, Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan are three neighborhoods located in this quadrant. Established in 1751, the trendy Georgetown neighborhood is the oldest in DC, as evidenced by its brick sidewalks and Victorian row houses. Southeast is home to the Eastern Market, a farmers’ market that has been in operation since 1873 and sells everything from fresh produce to antiques. The southeast quadrant can be reached via the green, blue, orange and red Metro lines.
Southwest is the smallest of the four quadrants and is bordered by two rivers—the Potomac and the Anacostla. Despite its small size, the quadrant is divided into four unique districts: the Southwest Employment District; the Southwest Waterfront; a peninsula incorporating West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park and the Tidal Basin; and an area located across the Anacostla River which is home to both commercial and federal institutions. The Maine Avenue Fish Market, a popular landmark, can be found in the Southwest Waterfront district. Residential communities flourish in the Southwest district, alongside tourist attractions and federal buildings. Four lines of the Metro access Southwest: green, blue, yellow and orange. Get started finding homes for rent or apartment rentals in DC, in the neighborhood that suits your lifestyle.
Capital Transportation
Traffic problems in the area are well known. The Beltway (made up of the portions of I-95 and I-495 that surround the city) is often clogged for several hours each day. Rush hour can begin as early as 5:30 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon—and can extend for many hours.However, the Metro subway system is the second largest rail transit system and the fifth largest bus network in the United States. It is clean and reliable, serving a population of 3.5 million within a 1,500 square-mile area. The rail system has a total of 86 stations, 35 of which service federal facilities. Even though the Metro can be quite packed during rush hour, most people choose to commute by rail over driving.
Capital Jobs
While the main industry of Washington, DC is—quite obviously—politics, job opportunities abound. Local industries include healthcare, hospitality, construction, research, tourism, technology and international business. The private sector is playing a greater role in the local economy, accounting for 2 out of every 3 individuals employed in the district. Almost 10% of the Fortune 500 businesses have offices in the capital area. Many incentives are in place to attract and retain new businesses.
Capital Education
Despite its small size, Washington, DC is home to over 20 colleges, universities and other institutions of higher education. These include: the Catholic University of America (the national university of the Roman Catholic Church); The George Washington University; the Joint Military Intelligence College; and Wesley Theological Seminary.
Capital Sports
Local fans have their choice of professional teams to cheer for: the Redskins (NFL), Mystics (WNBA), Wizards (NBA), Capitals (NHL) and DC United (MLS) all call DC home. The recently-completed MCI Center houses local sporting events and concerts. DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation offers activities for individuals of all ages in its local parks and aquatic center. Several golf courses are located within a few miles of DC for those who enjoy spending time on the green.
Capital Culture
Washington, DC offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the history of our nation and to witness its present. A walk through the city will uncover a wealth of national monuments and historical markers. One can walk through the National Mall, gaze upon the Washington Monument, or watch a play in Ford’s Theater. There are over a dozen Smithsonian museums in the city, offering rich glimpses into history, science and other cultures. Theaters abound, each one with a style and talent all its own. Restaurants offer a rich menu of foods from around the world, satisfying all palates and budgets. From casual taverns to upscale bistros to trendy cafes, encompassing cuisines from French to Indian to Belgian, there are enough dining opportunities that one can conceivably eat at a new restaurant each day. DC’s night clubs, many of them located on U Street, feature everything from blues and jazz to rock and pop. Whether looking for antiques or clearance sales, there is a wealth of stores to choose from. And if you're planning a move in the Capital City, let Rentals.com help you find the perfect house for rent, apartment for rent, condo or loft.
Washington DC Property Managers and Landlords
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