Living and Working in the Washington, DC Area
By Rachel Cooper, About.com Guide to Washington, DC
Whether you are new to the Washington, DC area or a long-time resident, this information will help you learn more about the necessities of daily life in the capital region including education, local government, health care, jobs, real estate, transportation, weather and more.
Education

Residents of the Washington, DC area are highly educated and the region has some of the best schools in the country. This guide provides information on public and private schools as well as educational resources in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Food & Dining

The Washington, DC area has a wide variety of restaurants and bars. Experience cuisines from all over the world at formal dining, casual or family friendly restaurants and sports bars in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find restaurant reviews and information about food & wine events.
- Restaurant Reviews
- Best of Washington, DC Food, Beverage and Dining
- Annual Food Festivals
- Holiday Dining
- Farmers Markets
- Pre-Theater Dining
- Outdoor Dining
- Late Night Diners
- Brunch
- Pick Your Own Farms in Maryland
- Save Money with Discount Coupons
- Top 8 Gourmet Food Stores
Health & Fitness

Find health and fitness information for Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia including hospitals, healthcare facilities, health clubs, exercise programs, disabled resources, and other special services.
Jobs
There are plenty of job opportunities in the Washington, DC area. The region has a wide range of employers from government agencies to high-tech industries to healthcare providers to small businesses. Find job and career resources in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
- Job Listings
- Washington, DC Internships
- Temporary Agencies
- Fastest Growing Careers in DC
- DC Ranked Best City for Teleworking
- Occupations with Most Job Openings
- Largest Employers in DC
- Best Government Agencies to Work For in DC
- Fastest Growing Private Companies
Local Government & History

Find here a wide range of information about local governments including city, county and state agencies and services. In addition, learn about the fascinating history of the Washington, DC area including information about historic sites, people and important facts.
- Maryland Teen Driving Laws
- Voter Registration
- Voting by Absentee Ballot
- Political Parties
- Mayor Adrian Fenty
- History of the C & O Canal
- 25 Historic Buildings in DC
- Walking Tour of Old Town Alexandria
- Historic Photos of Washington, DC
- Political Cartoons of Clifford Barryman
- Old Stone House
- Civil War Battlefields
Maps & Directions

Learning your way around the Washington, DC area can be challenging and take some time. Here you will find maps and directions to a variety of destinations and popular attractions in the Washington, DC area.
- National Mall Map
- National Memorials Map
- Nationals Baseball Stadium Map
- Georgetown Map
- Dupont Circle Map
- Adams Morgan Map
- White House Map
- U.S. Capitol Map
- Washington Convention Center Map
- Verizon Center Map
- Washington, DC Marinas Map
- Tidal Basin Map
- National Harbor Map
- Old Town Alexandria Map
- Penn Quarter Map
- Maps to Buy of Washington, DC
- Maryland ICC Route Map
Real Estate & Relocating

Looking to relocate to the Washington, DC area? Find realtors and relocation services to help you buy a house, rent an apartment or find a roommate in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia.
- Pros & Cons to Living in the DC Area
- What Do You Love or Hate About Living in the DC Area?
- Real Estate Listings
- Realtors
- Rental Properties
- Washington DC Basic Facts
- Finding a Roommate
- Storage
- Truck Rentals
- Moving to the Washington DC Area - Share Your Story
Shopping
The Washington, DC area has a wide variety of places to shop, from large shopping malls to small neighborhood specialty stores.
- Best Neighborhoods for Shopping
- Shopping Malls and Shopping Centers
- Outlet Shopping
- Top 8 Gourmet Food Stores
- Museum Gift Shops
- Farmers Markets
- Best Antique Shopping
- Best Chocolate Stores
- Nurseries and Garden Centers
- Holiday Shopping Guide
- Save Money with Discount Coupons
- Enjoying Washington, DC on a Budget
Transportation

There are lots of public transportation options in the Washington, DC area. Find information on all kinds of transportation including airports, car rentals, bus service, the Metro, trains and taxis. Explore the best ways to get around Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

