Bay Area to DC? I don't know.... (fit in, best cities)

[scoutfinch87]

Hi there,

I am a new grad who went to uni in the Bay Area and am considering a job in the DC area, but after reading all of these negative threads, it's a bit worrying. 'Soulless' is the word that frequently seems to come up here. How will a kid who has become very accustomed to the more laid back California lifestyle fare in DC? There is a certain quirky and creative atmosphere about California that I love. I grew up near Dallas, TX and went out to California for college so I have no experience living on the East Coast, and don't know anyone in DC/VA yet. My life has never been hectic, and I have always been grateful for that. How would a 21 yr old fit in there? Is there a decent population of young people there? I think I may have entirely the wrong impression of DC, because in my mind it strikes me as being uber corporate -- or a sea of Lou Dobbs clones, and that can't be right, right?

[juniperbleu]

As a recent grad looking for your first job, I don't think you'll have a lot of problems. I work with people from California and haven't heard any hugely negative things from them regarding stress or lifestyle.

As far as how hectic it will be, that will depend on 1) where you live vs. where you work, and 2) what you do. As far as #1, if you have a crappy commute, you'll have more stress. Just figure out where you're working and then work around that to find a place. If you're not going to drive to work, get as close to a metro station as you can afford. Regarding #2, certain jobs will (anywhere) be more high-strung than others and require more hours. I work for the government in a very laid-back office that is more similar to an academic setting and have very regular hours (80 hours per pay period, plus a day off every other week).

DC is great for a recent grad looking to start out. There's a lot of young people, most of whom are not from the area and are only too happy to meet new friends. Best advice is to keep yourself open, go out, and join one of the many groups around (i.e. kickball is very popular).

[Spokey]

DC is such a transient and international city you will have no problem getting a job and making new friends (try a kickball league!! Those are hot for newcomers).

In my personal experience, 2 of my friends from California (one from LA, one from Sanfran) they did not like it after a year and moved back. From a Cali standpoint, these people here are a little more stuck-up and self important. People work long hours here and the party scene is not at all like Cali. The weather really sucks in the winter and people cannot drive after 1 drop of rain falls.

If you want a city feel the places I'd recommend would be Dupont Circle in downtown northwest DC (metro pretty close), or in the heart of Old Town in Old Town Alexandria (you'd need a car). They are more creative and friendly areas. Dupont is very gay friendly, party life and cool restaurants and Old Town has a little older crowd but has a cute feel to it. I would not recommend Capitol Hill (nerdy and self important congressional staffers, no offense, its like high school all over again), Southwest has nothing in it, Southeast is somewhat scary, and Northeast is a combination of the 2.

But of course it depends on where your job is because having a huge commute kills quality of life. Do you know where you want to work?
PS. Sorry to offend anyone =)

[claremarie]

DC is like college. LOTS of bright young people from all over the country and the world, who work hard but play hard, with the monuments and museums for your campus.
It is expensive, and if you don't live near your job, the commute can be soul-sucking. But there is really no place like it in the country, and it's well worth trying it out for a few years. You can always move back to California.

[PenguinSix]

Visit.

Don't rely on messageboard postings as many here are venting for whatever reasons. Come out for an extended trip and walk the streets, go to the bars, visit the museums, look at apartments. Get a feel for yourself.

It's the only way you'll really know.

[Spokey]

I just wanted to add that I do love living in DC. I think it is worth a try!! It has been great here but I am relocating to Miami!! I agree with PenginSix - you must come for an extended visit to get the true feel.

Check out Dupont Circle - its a little more on the expensive side and you'll have to have roomates. Its charming and quirky, someone from Cali would totally love it in my opinion, the #1 choice if you are also working in the city. If have a budget, you will likely have to live in VA I would try Old Town Alexandria as I suggested before, then lastly I would pick Arlington (metro stops to live around would be Clarendon, Rosslyn, Courthouse).

I have lived in McLean, Fairfax, and Rosslyn as well as all over Dupont Circle during my 5 years here.

[Bluefly]

DC is one of the best cities in the country for young people - so much energy, such a vibrant, young professional workforce. Probably more hectic than San Fran, but that's not a bad thing.

People drawn to this type of message board typically are frustrated by their situation and using this forum as therapy.

[DC's Finest]

I concur with bluefly. You need to come out and visit for yourself. DC has any and everything you want in a city. There is an abundance of neighborhood hangouts, bars and night clubs for someone your age. Don't let the monuments fool you.

[TheseGoTo11]

Place is nowhere near as hectic as NY, and I don't know a city that's better for recent college grads.

[Bluefly]

Originally Posted by TheseGoTo11

Place is nowhere near as hectic as NY, and I don't know a city that's better for recent college grads.

I think that's debatable. While DC is obviously less hectic, it has a much denser concentration of educated, upwardly mobile young professionals, is a very manageably sized city, and still has quite a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene without having to wade through endless generations of established descendants and the grime of NY.

Plus, there are so many unique careers that only exist in DC. Makes for interesting banter.