We’re talking with the Chirp team in six cities about what they think makes their city such a special place to live and work. Today we’re talking Washington, DC!
- Big-City Amenities, Small-Town Feel. Although out-of-towners might think of the National Mall or The Smithsonian when they think of DC, step outside of that tourist-dense area and you’ll find restaurants, gyms, classes, shops, groceries, and independent stores and eateries all within a one-mile radius, making DC one of the most walkable “big” cities. Metro-area suburbs like Bethesda, MD, have many of those big-city advantages in smaller, less congested neighborhoods that are perfect for growing families looking for a little more room.
“I moved out to Bethesda, MD, not too long ago, but I still feel that everything is walkable. A huge ‘pro’ to DC is that even in the outskirts I am a part of the metro system, which makes it feel like downtown DC is in my backyard.”
– Lisa Hansan, Chirp Research Senior Qualitative Analyst
2. Capital Crescent Trail. Starting in Bethesda and ending in Georgetown, the Capital Crescent Trail is a mostly paved walkway and bike path that was built upon the former railbed of the 7-mile Georgetown Branch of the B&O Railroad. With its many offshoots into natural areas that connect streams, ponds, and lakes, this “rail trail” makes it easy to get off the beaten path. On weekdays you’ll find commuters and fitness buffs, while the weekend is perfect for strolling families, roller bladers, and nature lovers.
3. Local Business Love. DC loves its local! There’s a buzz around local businesses and they have been popping up all over the city. Local establishments like [solidcore] are also expanding into the wider metro DC area and beyond, making it that much easier to get the full DC experience without living in the city limits.
“There really is huge support of local entrepreneurs here, which makes it a really great place to start a business, grow your business, and want to stay in business.”
4. Bad Saint. Bad Saint is a Filipino restaurant that also offers a wine bar, coffee shop, and grocery store . A Chirp favorite dish is the Bitter Melon. Bon Appetit magazine has praised the crunchy veggies and salty Chinese black beans that come together in their signature stir fry. Another notable spot is Komi, a high-end tasting menu experience that recently pivoted and transformed itself into the pandemic-friendly Happy Gyro, a casual vegetarian eatery that has the friendliest staff in town. e.”
“I’d walk my dog to the dog park down the street, then go grab a bite at Bad Saint. I got to know the owners and chef, and I was blown away by this place, especially by the flavors. They were truly unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.”
5. Transportation Choices Galore. Business travel is a breeze in DC. It boasts 3 airports: DCA, IAD, and BWI. Get your TSA pre-approval, hop in the Clear lane, and you can get from Uber to gate in 15 minutes. DC also has lots of good train options to and from New York City and Philadelphia.
Washington, DC, is so much more than just historic landmarks and buildings. The local businesses, small-town feel, and great transportation are DC’s truly monumental benefits. Next up…Birmingham!