Relocate to DC

Thinking of moving to DC?  The market here in the DC area is hot and showing no signs of slowing down!  Hosts of transplants are finding themselves relocating to DC, MD and VA (DMV) for employment and a healthy economy.  Add to that a great social scene, the government and plenty of young professionals to meet and conduct business.  It's surely a great place to be!

Making the move can be quite monumental!  Just these few steps can ensure a healthy move to the city with the fewest amount of hassles.

1. Have A Knoweledgeable Realtor - If you plan to relocate to DC, an agent who knows what each jurisdiction has to offer is worth it!  We've had clients who were intent to move to the DMV without ever seeing a property, only to get here and find that it would have been the biggest mistake!  Make sure you talk with a Realtor you can trust to help you understand the various local markets in and around the DC areas.   
2. Conduct Diligent Research - Remember, Realtors are unable to speak to crime or schools, but due diligence from websites like City-Data and local jurisdictional websites offer the best insight into area specific details. When you relocate, it can be rather unsettling when you are unfamiliar with the area.  Take a moment to visit official websites for towns and communities in which you have an interest. If you know of people living in the DMV, they may be a great reference point to start, but be sure that your research is your own.  Generally speaking, the best person to determine what you like is you!
3. Be AWARE of Sticker Shock - Depending on where you live in the country now, you may be quite surprised to discover the cost of living in and around DC once you relocate.  For the most part, buyers are most comfortable paying what they pay in their native towns, but you may find that you'll need to slightly increase your budget to move to the DMV.  The other option is to move further out away from the city.  Generally speaking, the further out you move, the less expensive the cost of living.
4. Understand the Commute - Traffic is becoming a hassle practically everywhere in this country.  Just remember when you relcate to DC, that every mile adds as much as 3-5 minutes on to the commute during the heart of rush-hour. Plan for it!  There are some who live as far as Stafford County that make the 2 hour commute to the city in the morning during the heart of rush hour.  Other options, "slugging" or carpooling, commuter buses and public transportation (within the beltway).  To learn more about WMATA, the DMV's Metro Transit system, click here.