Moving to DC? Here Are 5 Things You Should Know To Settle In Like A Local - Nest DC Property Management

#1 Study Up on Street Parking Do’s and Dont’s

If you're new to DC, you may be trying to translate the seemingly never-ending parking regulation signs. And you may be wondering, do I really need to take these signs seriously? Short answer: Yes, yes, you do. DC residents quickly learn the street zones, rush hour restrictions, and street cleaning days in order to avoid a ticket. We recommend you study what these parking signs and zones mean for you. Click here to gain some DC street smarts!

#2 Give the Metro a Chance

DC is a city with ample public transportation options. The Metro trains and buses are very convenient for getting around the city. While plenty of Washingtonians still have a personal car for their errands, there are certain times public transit is just easier and removes the stress of traffic and parking. If you’re new to public transportation, the Metro may feel intimidating, but we encourage you to embrace it and learn to love it! Find out more about the city’s transportation system here. Plus, you can’t get a parking ticket without driving a car!

#3 Take Advantage of the Abundance of Culture and History

Arguably, one of the best parts of living in the District is having so much free art, culture, and history at your fingertips. Not only do we have some of the biggest museum complexes, like the Smithsonian, we also have a wide selection of smaller museums, theaters, and galleries that are just as spectacular. The best part? So many of these institutions cost absolutely nothing to visit. Taking advantage of these opportunities is a must for new DC residents and is also always a crowd-pleaser whenever you host visitors.

Pro Tip: Subscribe to the 730DC daily newsletter to stay in the loop on happenings around the city (some free, some not!). It's a great local resource for events, news, and culture that will help you feel connected to your new community.

#4 Learn to Navigate the Tourists

It should be no surprise that when you move to the nation's capital, you should expect to see tourists more often than you’re used to. Between school field trips, marathons, sporting events, and seasonal attractions, we live by WTOP’s road closure maps. Good news? You will quickly catch on to where and when tourism heightens so that you can avoid it if you so choose. 

Pro Tip: During busy tourist waves like Cherry Blossom season, be on the lookout for underground spots to view the blossoms without a crowd. There’s a great list of lower-trafficked viewing spots here!

#5 Get Familiar with DC’s Neighborhoods

If you get the chance, we recommend visiting DC and exploring a few different neighborhoods before settling on your new home. DC is split into four quadrants: NW, NE, SE, and SW, and within those, there are a variety of charming neighborhoods, all with their own unique character and attractions. This way, you can narrow down what area of the city you see yourself in and familiarize yourself with some of the go-to neighborhood spots. For an insightful guide to neighborhoods in and right outside of DC, click here!

Whether you are considering a move to DC or already have your keys to your new place, we hope you find our tips helpful for making that transition to the District a smooth one. Our city has so much to offer, and we may be biased, but it is hard to compete with the charm of Washington, DC. If you're planning to move but struggling to find a new space, check out our available rental properties here or learn more about our property management services! 

If you're a DC resident, what do you wish someone had told you when you first moved here? If you’re considering a move to DC, what attracts you to our capital? Share with us below; we’d love to hear from you!

Finding the right place to live is crucial when moving to a new city. A professional property management company in Washington DC like Nest DC can help you find the perfect space that fits your needs and lifestyle. We handle everything from maintenance requests to emergency apartment maintenance, so you can focus on enjoying your new city. Drop us a line at 202-540-8038 or hello@nest-dc.com to connect!