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I am choosing between federal positions in DC and New Orleans. The New Orleans job pays $3k-$5k more than the DC job. The DC job appears to be a better work environment and the position is more in line with what I want to do long term, though, both positions are in the same broader field.
I am young and single, I am looking for a place where I can meet people my age that are engaged in the world, thinkers... I am a big runner and cyclist as well, both of which seem to have a much stronger culture in DC. I am looking to go to grad school eventually, and again, the East Coast seems better.
While I seem to prefer DC, I know the cost of living is so much higher and I would have a smaller paycheck. New Orleans definitely seems like an adventure, but it's a harder idea to commit to.
Any advice, opinion, or experience would be much appreciated?
Do they have the same GS- career ladder? Most field office jobs will be better for Cost of Living short-term, but getting a GS-13+ job outside of DC is much, much harder, so you'll have to move to DC at some point if you want a $120k+ position.
If it's an agency with a large geographic footprint, you could also do New Orleans for a few years until you hit your GS-cap and then ask to transfer to DC (in big agencies openings frequently come up in DC since people move between agencies easily).
It also depends on your salary. I was struggling in DC until I got into the $65-70k range, and life didn't feel good until $90k or so. If this is a GS-7 or -9 position, it won't be a fun experience unless 6 roommates or a 90 minute commute from Prince William are in the cards.
That said, I think DC is by far the superior city when it comes to recreation. Shenandoah, Harpers Ferry, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Frederick, Baltimore, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Ocean City - so much to explore.
A month ago I went hiking in New River Gorge (breathtaking) and spent last weekend beaching in Victorian Cape May and Atlantic City. Two weeks from now is Harrisburg and Hersheypark, and I usually do a New York weekend each Summer. The daytrip and weekend opportunities are incredible and far exceed what New Orleans offers.
Caveat to that, though, is that New Orleans is surprisingly intact and beautiful and after 3 days there I felt I'd shortchanged the city by about 5 days. Garden District, French Quarter, Frenchman Street, Downtown all make the city feel closer to 800k people than the 400k actually in the city proper. You also have Bayou Country and the beautiful Florida beaches like Destin are far closer than they appear.
Louisiana outside New Orleans is a dud though, with only a few places I'd like to see - Louisiana State Capitol, Avery Island and Tabasco Factory, Plantation Alley, etc.
Last edited by manitopiaaa; 06-28-2020 at 05:54 PM..
I love visiting New Orleans. Me and my Wife got married in New Orleans and visit at least 2 to 3 times each year. We have friends that still live there or either from there. It's truly one of the most unique cities in the nation and will leave a lasting impression on most people who visit the city.
With that said as living day to day in New Orleans in comparison to DC? Mehhhh, I think you really have to be committed to the culture and lifestyle of New Orleans to really choose that over D.C. Even with making more money sometimes that's not enough.
I'd say if you can't afford to live somewhere like the French Quarter, I'd go with D.C.
While I seem to prefer DC, I know the cost of living is so much higher and I would have a smaller paycheck.
My advice was going to be exactly what's quoted...before I got to that part of your post. So I don't really have anything I can add...you'll have to determine whether the NOLA job is worth being able to save more/live more comfortably. I do think career progression should be a major factor so consider how much of a difference that would make.
I would choose New Orleans. But I care more about nightlife than my career.
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