What is living in Washington D.C. like?

Question

There's a high chance that I may move to the capital soon but I'm worried, what's it like there for high school kids? What would it be like for someone Korean who has just moved to DC from Phoenix, Arizona with just her mother?

I'd highly appreciate it if you could give me details about everything; the style, the people, the things to do, the education, the weather, the transportation, etc. Thanks.

Answer 1

Washington DC is a very cool city, I lived there for 8 years, recently.

It's a highly multinational city, with people living there from all over the world because every country on earth has an embassy there, as well as other governmental functions....so being Korean will be like, so what?

Stylistically DC is fairly conservative, you won't see a lot of grunge or acid rocker looks, would say pretty stylish and current but no cutting edge.

You have a broad range of people as mentioned, the city is pretty liberal, voting in the neighborhood of 95% Democrat each election. Open minded people for the most part, accepting of non-cookie cutter lifestyles.

There is so much to do there...museums everywhere, galleries, theaters, concerts, sporting events, outdoor activities, great shopping, a fantastic restaurant scene. DC geographically is close to many places in the Northeast, so hopping on a train to New York City or Philadelphia for a day/weekend trip is very easy.

Like many major cities in the US, the public school system has had it's challenges. Some of the schools, particularly in the Northwest quadrant of the city are actually pretty good. For universities, you have some great choices. Georgetown University, George Washington University and American University are all prestigious schools.

The weather is on the edge of what might be considered a mild four season climate. Summers aren't that brutal, about 2 months of hot.

Falls are beautiful, clear skies and leaves changing color. Winters are moderate, not a lot of snow/extreme cold but it can drag on. Spring is actually pretty short, seems to go from Winter to Summer quickly.

Transportation is among the best in the US, if not the world. The Metro subway system is safe, clean, efficient and one of the newest built.

Also one of the most walkable places because the city is pretty compact, especially downtown and around the NW area.

Good luck! It's a great city to live in.

Answer 2

My cousin said "The foods over there are horrible!"

Answer 3

If you need temporary accommodations, there's a hostel at 12th & "K" Street and a grocery a block or two away (cross the street). There is also a supermarket at "O" or "P" Street, as I recall. You and mom may wish to see what's available in Maryland (starting at Beltway which is close by to D.C. but bad air quality) or Virginia.