If you have the chance to call Washington DC home, you know how incredible it is. But, like any city, there are certain things that take some getting used to. Here are 12 things you will quickly learn when you move to DC!
Some consider Washington DC the best city in the country, perhaps even the world! Living here is an adventure, and there is never a shortage of activities to partake in. However, if you consider Washington DC home, you'll know that there are certain things one needs to know and get used to when living here! And for those folks who are thinking about moving here soon, use this as a guide to the Capitol City.
And, to make things easier for you, we've got this list of 12 things you'll quickly learn when moving to DC. (You're welcome!)
The Metro is NEVER on time!
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photo courtesy of ABC News[/caption]
While the Metro
does have a schedule, it's rare that it ever follows it. The train seems to run on a completely different timetable than listed, so don't build your plans around it because you're going to be late.
However, it's much easier than driving because parking here is horrendous!
You're much better off taking some form of public transportation than driving your own car. Not only is parking limited and ridiculously expensive, but there's constant traffic you'll run into daily.
But no matter which mode of transportation you take, it's going to take a while. Plan your schedule accordingly, otherwise you'll be late!
Like we mentioned above, traffic is awful here. There's always some form of construction happening and with the large influx of tourists, you're going to need extra time to get where you need to go.
There's a plethora of things to do other than tour the monuments and memorials.
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photo courtesy of WikiMedia Commons[/caption]
While the monuments and memorials are grand and historic, there's an array of different activities you can do. Plus, you'll be able to avoid all of the tourist-filled areas and actually enjoy the city! Go to the Maine Avenue Fish Market or Yards Park, just to name a few!
Washington DC is divided into four sections and it makes identifying things in the city that much easier!
When you're not used to the maps and roads of Washington DC, it can be intimidating. But when you understand that DC is split into four sections, it can make your life so much easier!
Walk left, stand right.
It's simple: don't block the walkway. If you are going to stand, then stand on the right. Don't be that person who halts the oncoming flow of people because you stop to check something on your phone.
A majority of the people here aren't even from Washington DC.
Many people living in DC are from other parts of the country or the world and have been transplanted here, most likely due to a job. A very small portion of the people who live in DC were born and raised here.
Those who live here, actually live on the outskirts of the city.
People may claim to be from DC, but you'll quickly find that they're actually from Northern Virginia or Southern Maryland.
The humidity is AWFUL!
Warning you now, summers are HOT. It gets humid and sticky...
Brunch. Brunch. Brunch!
Not entirely sure why brunch is so big here, but we're not complaining! Not only will you hear about brunch all of the time, but you'll be invited to it quite often.
Once it snows, the city shuts down!
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photo courtesy of Washington Post[/caption]
Washington DC and snow is not the best combination. Often times, if there's snow in the forecast, everyone will storm into a mad panic, where schools shut down and the government announces closing. And most of the time, it hardly snows.
Tourists run Washington DC. They're EVERYWHERE!
It's no surprise that tourists are abundant here. You'll be able to recognize them because they're in matching shirts, they always have a camera on them and they
are constantly taking pictures, and they travel in large packs.
Now that you've read over the list, you're ready to tackle Washington DC like a pro! Is there anything that we missed? Share your "How to Live in Washington DC" guide with us by commenting below!
