DC's job market dominance is overrated (college, places to live, move to)

[stateofnature]

Many many times on this forum I've seen people repeat an argument that the only, or at least overwhelming, reason the DC metro area keeps growing is that the job market sucks in the rest of the country and so people move here or stay here because it's the only way they can find a job.

I've read again and again how many people in DC only stay here because they are stuck here for work, and that most people who move here don't really want to live here. It's just the only place they can find a job because DC's employment is so much better than the rest of the nation.

But a quick look at unemployment data shows this argument is completely exaggerated.

Unemployment Rates for Large Metropolitan Areas

Yes, DC has very very low levels of unemployment. It's one of the top three large metro areas in the country for employment. But still, it is not number one. What's more, there are over a dozen large metro areas within one percentage point of DC's unemployment rate--a minimal difference. This includes Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City.... in other words, areas worth many millions of people. It's a substantial chunk of the country.

If you expand the list to include all metro areas, not just large ones, you'll see that there are upwards of 100 small and mid-sized cities and towns that have less or comparable unemployment.

Unemployment Rates for Metropolitan Areas

So anyone considering a move to DC or looking to leave has many many options of places to live where the job market picture is just as good as DC.

Yes DC's job market is very good compared to the rest of the country. But it's not the only place that's good.

Of course job prospects will vary from field to field. But by and large, people move here and stay here because there is something about the job market that draws them here, not that they can't find opportunities elsewhere.

[Collateral]

DC may not be #1 but it's the best option in the top 17. Until you get to San Francisco on the list, most of those cities are not that attractive or exciting IMO.

DC wins on jobs, location and cosmopolitan feel.

[stateofnature]

That is exactly my point Collateral. The easiness of finding a job alone cannot explain why DC is growing so fast. There are other positive factors such as cosmopolitan feel, the TYPE of jobs, the location, etc. that draw people to DC.

[11KAP]

The vastness of metro and closeness to dca is causing all those people, who hate cars and suburbs and most likely don't have a driver's license, to want to move to dc now all of a sudden.

[DistrictSonic]

Save for SF and Seattle, most of those cities are not as interesting. There is also the high concentration of knowledge work, which again..SF and Seattle are really the only competitors. The type of jobs here is the key factor, it is a GREAT city for a college educated high skilled knowledge worker, and not so much if you are not. This is why DC is a top five city now for gentrification, in addition to the fact it is more walkable/transitable/cosmopolitan.