Moving to DC even though I have never been there

[5stones]

I also wouldn't make concrete plans on anything, I think the CIA is probably one of the most selective employers on the planet.

Also the process for LOTs of those govt jobs (CIA,FBI,NSA etc...) take almost a year to complete the entire process from begining to end.

For some (not anaylist jobs or support personel etc...) you have to pass phase 1 test (kinda like the SAT) then yo have a psych test, then ALL background investigations must be done etc...
SO yes, it can be a daunting enterprise. Then there are the govt hiring freezes etc...that happen and can put everything on hold etc...

[total_genius]

I have lived in the DC area for most of my life and think that the typical tourist who comes here to see the museums on the Washington Mall does not have a true understanding of how competitive and tough this town really is.

I travel quite a bit and notice that when I am outside of the Washington to Boston northeast area, things are so different.

I think there are two things that make the Washington area so different than almost any area in America (other than maybe New York, LA or San Francisco), They are:

How educated and competive the people are. The stats show that most of the area is highly educated and more people work in professional office jobs per capita than almost anywhere in America. Most offices are highly competitive where people are trying to get to the top. Be prepared for high expectations and long hours and tons of serious office politics.

How ethically diverse the area is. While the white population is maybe 50% in the census many of the so called whites are actually Hispanic or from the Middle East. The number of people who link their anncestory to Europe is maybe 25%. The rest are an incredible mix of people from all over the world. Many of the communities here are dominated by foreign born residents. This has an incredible impact on the social and economic culture. Be prepared!

[talktobrent]

Originally Posted by total_genius

The stats show that most of the area is highly educated and more people work in professional office jobs per capita than almost anywhere in America. Most offices are highly competitive where people are trying to get to the top. Be prepared for high expectations and long hours and tons of serious office politics.

Right on. Remember those kids you went to school with, the one's who would have a nervous breakdown if they got anyhting less than an A? They are in DC now.

[jayman1981]

Well I believe you just need to rent a car and stay a week. Experience rush hour. Hop on the metro and see different parts of the area. I believe based on your description, that you would really enjoy the area. For location it just depends on how much you want to spend and how far you want to commute. D.C. itself is expensive. Expect to shell out 450,000 and up for a decent house. Northern Virginia isn't exactly cheap either. Keep in mind in Northern VA ( Fairfax County, Alexandria city and Arlington County, Loudoun County Prince William) your paying quite a bit for the house. Also your paying a higher property tax and you also pay a car tax. Nice isn't it. In Maryland you have Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel and Charles county to consider. Montgomery, Howard and P.G. are going to have high property taxes as well, but you can find a better deal out here then you could in VA, just my opinion. Sorry V.A. lovers. I will always put P.G. (Prince George's county) on the map but lets face it, some people will say the entire county is a ghetto which is not true. Also there school system really needs help. If you like convenience and want to walk the dog without fear then Silver Spring, Rockville, Chevy Chase are more your taste. Keep in mind you get what you pay for. I forgot to mention and up and coming area in Charles county which is Waldorf. It's quite a drive from there to D.C. but it's up to you and how far you want to commute.