Washington, D.C. City Profile
Hilldrup knows a thing or two about the Washington, D.C. market thanks to our locations located in the area. We're proud to serve our nation's capital and assist families and businesses who are relocating.
Washington, D.C. is more than just our nation’s capital – it’s a metropolitan area that’s home to 700,000, making the region one of the biggest housing markets in the country. As the seat of federal government, the city has long been a magnet for the ambitious and the altruistic, people wanting to make a difference in public service and live in one of the country’s most international cities.
Washington, D.C. Overview
Washington, D.C. is known for much more than simply being the nation’s seat of power. Bursting with opportunity, the region is populated with corporations (particularly a vibrant tech and financial sector), international nonprofits, cultural and historic institutions, think tanks, professional sports teams, universities and hundreds of foreign embassies – all contributing to a pulsating energy along the shores of the Potomac River. Its diversity is reflected in the variety of neighborhoods and enclaves – from the posh townhomes of Georgetown to the funky vibe of Adams Morgan, from the historic cobblestoned streets of Old Town Alexandria to the glistening buildings soaring over Arlington and Tysons Corner, there is a part of the metro area meant for everyone.
Residential Trends in Washington, D.C.
Who’s moving to Washington, D.C., and why?
The city of Washington, D.C. – aka The District – is growing…really growing. The 2020 US Census found that the population of the city spiked close to 15% since the 2010 Census, pushing the number of D.C. residents to over 700,000. Driving much of the growth, experts say, has been highly educated young professionals. Many graduates of the city’s impressive array of top institutions including Georgetown University, The George Washington University, American University, Howard University and The Catholic University of America, to name a few – put down roots in D.C. following their studies. Others were attracted to opportunities to work in technology, government, international affairs, non-governmental agencies or in the biomedical field that’s strong within the suburbs.
Washington, D.C. Cost of Living
With population growth often comes a rise in housing costs, and D.C. has not been immune. Despite a recent building boom, especially for luxury condos, the median home value in the city’s most popular residential sector has drastically increased since 2000. As of 2025 data, the median price for a detached single-family home today is $1,157,500, with townhouse prices up to $755,000. The median price for a condo is $452,500.
Those in the rental market will find that the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,188 while a 2 bedroom goes for $2,246, with rent prices fluctuating depending on the neighborhood.
Home prices and rent in the suburbs are generally less expensive, with many areas being served by the Washington Metro system.
Generally, the cost of living in Washington, D.C. is 39% higher [CP1] than the national average, with housing (148% higher) fueling the higher livability costs.
Washington, D.C.’s Rules and Regulations
Here’s a look at the various local laws governing life in Washington, D.C.
Liquor Laws
Packaged alcoholic beverages can be sold in liquor stores, gas stations, convenience stores and supermarkets every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. In bars and restaurants, alcohol may be served between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Grocery and convenience stores sell only beer and wine. Spirits in the district are sold at packaged goods (liquor) stores.
It is illegal in Washington, D.C. to carry open containers of alcohol in any public place that is not licensed by D.C.’s alcohol authority.
Employment/Labor Laws
Currently, the city’s minimum wage rate is $17.95/hour. In addition, D.C. labor laws require employers to pay 1 and a half times an employee’s regular rate for all hours worked more than 40 hours during a week (some exceptions apply). There are no “right to work” laws. For information on laws governing employee leave, unemployment benefits, severance and other labor issues, read the Employment and Labor Laws.
Parking Laws
Even with an excellent network of public transportation (i.e. Capital Bikeshare [CaBi], buses and the Metro), many people navigate the streets of Washington by car, which makes parking a premium. In addition to private parking garages, there are almost 17,000 metered parking spots in the District. All meters are enforced Monday-Saturday, and most of the free on-street parking is restricted to two hours. Also be aware that rush hour restrictions are strictly enforced between 7-9:30 a.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. It is best not to press your luck and understand Washington, D.C.’s street parking rules – some 50,000 cars a year are towed in D.C.
Dog Laws
The District of Columbia has several laws governing the ownership of dogs in the city. Generally, the laws require that owners take responsibility for their pets’ behavior and whereabouts. Dogs are required to have collars and tags and be tethered by a leash in public. D.C. also requires annual vaccinations against rabies for dogs. Read the complete list of laws governing dog ownership and other animals.
Job Market in Washington, D.C.
Current Employment Rate Trends
The District enjoys a strong job market, both in terms of employment rate and compensation levels. The average salary for a D.C. employee is $91,000 compared to $62,192 for the rest of the U.S. More than a quarter of D.C. workers have advanced degrees, about twice as high as the national average.
Types of Jobs/Industries
About one in four District jobs are with the federal or city government, including the military. Other key industries include professional/business services, education and health, leisure and hospitality, and businesses supporting national security.
Company Headquarters
There are close to 20,000 for-profit companies within the District of Columbia with thousands of others in surrounding jurisdictions. D.C. itself boasts the headquarters of two Fortune 500 corporations, Fannie Mae and Danaher Corp. Another nine Fortune 500 companies have HQs in Northern Virginia, including Capital One, Northrop Grumman and Hilton, while the Maryland suburbs have Marriott International and Lockheed Martin.
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