Do you feel that DC is worth it? (prices, public transportation)

[OleSchoolFool]

Considering everything, do you get what you pay for in the DC area or it's overpriced for what you get?

[htmella]

I was actually thinking about this question this morning as I was walking to Starbucks. My sister and I had recently discussed how DC seems like a "big city" to her, but I have gotten so used to the pace, it actually seems small to me. So then I started to think about other cities I could "upgrade" too, but their cons kept bringing me back to DC. All of this is subjective - as is this question - but here was my thought process:

- Chicago: Awesome culture, horrible winter weather
- LA: Great food and weather, horrible public transportation infrastructure
-SF: Great food and culture, decent weather, even more expensive than DC
- Seattle: Great food and culture, meh weather, have to have a car (at least I would for the jobs I would be able to get)
- NYC: Great culture, around the same prices; but a little overwhelmingly big for me.
- Boston: Great food, decent culture, meh weather, more expensive, less public transportation and I just never gel-ed with the city
- Austin: Great food and culture, cheap as all get out, meh weather, in the middle of Texas adds two to three hours for my frequent work travel.

So I'll probably head to Austin or go international next, but I have never been swayed that there is a city out there that is that much better than DC is for me. I've always managed to find affordable housing in great locations, I love the pace and have finally found my way into the arts and tech scenes, have a great group of friends, and although it has its issues - metro is still awesome compared to other major cities in the US.

Again, totally subjective, but thought I would share while I drink my coffee.

[OleSchoolFool]

im pretty sure nyc is more expensive, even the burbs-can't find decent 1 bd apts for less than $1700

[PK12]

In the grand scheme of things, most definitely yes.

[BajanYankee]

Originally Posted by htmella

I was actually thinking about this question this morning as I was walking to Starbucks. My sister and I had recently discussed how DC seems like a "big city" to her, but I have gotten so used to the pace, it actually seems small to me. So then I started to think about other cities I could "upgrade" too, but their cons kept bringing me back to DC. All of this is subjective - as is this question - but here was my thought process:

- Chicago: Awesome culture, horrible winter weather
- LA: Great food and weather, horrible public transportation infrastructure
-SF: Great food and culture, decent weather, even more expensive than DC
- Seattle: Great food and culture, meh weather, have to have a car (at least I would for the jobs I would be able to get)
- NYC: Great culture, around the same prices; but a little overwhelmingly big for me.
- Boston: Great food, decent culture, meh weather, more expensive, less public transportation and I just never gel-ed with the city
- Austin: Great food and culture, cheap as all get out, meh weather, in the middle of Texas adds two to three hours for my frequent work travel.

So I'll probably head to Austin or go international next, but I have never been swayed that there is a city out there that is that much better than DC is for me. I've always managed to find affordable housing in great locations, I love the pace and have finally found my way into the arts and tech scenes, have a great group of friends, and although it has its issues - metro is still awesome compared to other major cities in the US.

Again, totally subjective, but thought I would share while I drink my coffee.

Don't say that outside of this forum. Angelenos will bite your head off.

[DCforever]

It's not that Chicago winters are horrible, its how LONG the winter is in Chicago.

[chicagotodc]

Originally Posted by DCforever

It's not that Chicago winters are horrible, its how LONG the winter is in Chicago.

This. I can deal with the cold. I couldn't deal with the SIX MONTHS of gray.... Get to work, its dark. Leave work, its dark.

[DCforever]

Originally Posted by chicagotodc

This. I can deal with the cold. I couldn't deal with the SIX MONTHS of gray.... Get to work, its dark. Leave work, its dark.

It needs to stop snowing by Easter.

[DC Bossman]

Chicago winters are long AND horrible. I can deal with 20-30 degree mornings. Chicagos mornings are like 5-10 degrees yuck

[OleSchoolFool]

btw how come people try to say dc is as expensive as nyc?
i look at apts in dc burbs and seems like u can find a newer, decent one for $1200 with parking and w/d, those kinda apts round here cost like $1700