Citing a Brookings Institutie Study, the Huffington Post has included Washington, DC as one of the "Cool Cities" in the United States that are favored by those hipsters lucky enough to not have to live with their parents.  And it's the only city on the east coast to make their list. 

Since I moved here after graduating from college, it's changed a lot. 

So many of the neighborhoods in town have lost any funk factor they may have had, and downtown has completely reinvented itself. 

There are many ways to have fun here.

  • If you are a foodie, there are open air markets and high end grocery stores all over the city, not to mention zillions of amazing restaurants, with food from every continent on earth - well, maybe not Antarctica.
  • There is a lot of live theater.  The number of Actors' Equity members is exceeded only by New York.
  • The museums, both art, history and nature, are probably the best in the country, and even the locals drop in to check out the shows exhibits they offer.
  • It's relatively easy to get an interesting job here in either the public or private sector.  
  • There is interesting housing stock.  And while some of the homes and condos are over seven figures, there are entry level opportunities, especially especially in the condo market.

What struck me when I moved here from New York was that there was so much opportunity to contribute and make a difference.  While I went to a lot of concerts when I lived in Manhattan, here in DC I found many opportunities to perform on my flute with local chamber groups. 

I found a job with a well known public interest group that provided me with amazing work experiences that I would never have had access to in New York.

And I found a strong sense of community in both neighborhoods where I lived.  And over the last thirty-some years, it's only gotten better. 

 

 If you are planning a move to or from the Washington, DC area, I can help!  I am licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.  You may call, email or text me at: 

Housepat@mac.com

202-549-5167

 

 

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22 Comments on It's Official: Washington DC is a "Cool City"

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

NOV
10
2011
1,225,839 Points 79 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good evening Pat,

Sounds like you love your city and would be the one to call to let you guide you through the home buying process in Washington DC.... after all you said it's a "cool city!!!"
8:42pm • #3
630,902 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Patricia: When we retire your city is on our list of places to visit. Can't wait to visit your "cool city."
8:45pm • #4
960,378 Points 24 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Of course it is cool, you live there. If only it was easier to get to and park in.
8:54pm • #5
762,198 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You beat out New York.  Wow.  I love D.C.  I am not surprised it made the list.
8:56pm • #6
1,913,058 Points 386 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Laura, there isn't a whole lot more to "lift up".

Mona, there are lots of opportunities to both give and get.

Dorie, it is a cool city!  Except during July and August.

Carl and Ceil, let me know when you are coming!

Ellie, when you live here you don't have to worry about getting here.  Well, parking can be an issue in some places.

Jane, can you believe it?  I adore New York and would move back there in a nanosecond if I had gainful employment there/
8:59pm • #7
511,432 Points 12 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Great personal story about why someone would want to live in such an expensive city.  But, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.  :}
9:17pm • #8
866,303 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I loved it when I visited Washington DC.  I especially enjoying visiting a lot of the museums.  It is a great place to call home.
9:42pm • #9
570,707 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Pat - We all know you're cool, now it's official that your city is cool too!
9:47pm • #10
565,033 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pat ~ I've been there once and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I am hoping to get back there sometime soon.
10:37pm • #11
590,590 Points 62 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ah Pat, you almost make me want to come for a visit. But I'll bet it's really cold there right now. I'm chilly here and it's 62:)
11:31pm • #12
1,210,622 Points 118 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Patricia - so you made it into the cool trend? Cool. Not really surprising for a city with such strong government presence. I can only imagine how it affects the city 
11:58pm • #13
NOV
11
2011
454,518 Points 15 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Pat, I love DC! My favorite place to go is the Smithsonian - the one with the musical instruments.,,and the Jefferson Memorial...and the cherry trees in bloom...and that Irish pub on the corner across from the fancy hotel...lol
12:31am • #14
213,407 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pat: My daughter is a Catholic U alum. We enjoyed every trip to the city during her four years and a couple of others over the years. Eventually, we learned our way around and the locals, especially the students love the Metro. There is a lot to do!
3:54am • #15
975,896 Points 351 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Since I moved to DC in 1953, so to speak, things sure have changed a lot.  The real Santa used to come to Woodies every year - he still does, right?
5:50am • #16
1,139,278 Points 154 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Yes, it is a cool place - a cool place to visiit and a cool place to live.  I was just there a few weeks ago (while you were away) and couldn't believe all the nice changes in downtown/Chinatown.
6:32am • #17
797,178 Points 80 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pat, i miss DC it is such a great place to explore and look at you fluting away all over that wonderful city!
6:54am • #18
1,346,808 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love DC and miss my visits there! Once Sascha returns there I will be the first person to visit him!!! Keep those photos of your fantastic city coming!
7:14am • #19
421,110 Points 12 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I love DC! I used to go every year to run a race (lots of running opportunities) and make a mini-vacation of it.  I have missed a few years and need to go back! You are lucky to live there.
8:13am • #20
631,063 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pat .I have only been there to see the museums  and home again .. What awesome museums you have
2:45pm • #21
1,031,565 Points 238 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Patricia- we loved living in Leesburg and going into DC.   Every time my husband went in for a meeting he would come home and say... "Why are we living in DC?"  We love the energy you feel when you're there. 
10:33pm • #22

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Patricia Kennedy

Washington, DC

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Evers & Company Realtors

Address: 4400 Jenifer Street NW, Washington, DC , 20015

Office Phone: (202) 364-1700

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Pat Kennedy -- author of The Irreverent Guide to Real Estate -- gives you a look at life on the streets as a real estate broker in our nation's capital. And her blog is peppered with great advice combined with humor!


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