Moving to Washington, DC, may seem like something only those in politics do, but the city is actually a very diverse area. Many who work there have nothing to do with the government. The capital is home to over 670,000 people, although many more work in DC on a daily basis. That’s because many commute from the suburbs in Virginia and Maryland. In fact, during the workweek, the city has over a million people in it. The overall metro area has a population of more than six million. A good percentage of this population is a part of the LGBT community.
The economy of the DC metro area is the fourth largest in the U.S., and it has traditionally had one of the lowest unemployment rates. While the federal government does employ almost 30 percent of everyone living in the area, other major industries include law firms, contractors, lobbyists, and non-profits. Tourism is also a major industry, bringing in billions of dollars every year.
LGBT and DC
LGBT couples have been able to legally marry since 2010, plus those who don’t want to marry can join in a civil union or a domestic partnership. LGBT people can adopt children without any additional barriers, and the city does not allow discrimination in hiring, housing, and other areas. Washington, DC also has hate crime laws on the books. In short, the capital has been very friendly to those in the gay and lesbian community.
Moving to DC
Because of how open it is, many LGBT people have considered moving to Washington, DC. One downside to the city is that it is quite expensive to live in DC proper. That’s why many who decide to work in our nation’s capital city live in one of the nearby cities and commute. In addition to driving, there are also a number of trains and other types of public transportation that can get you from one of the more affordable areas to DC within an hour.
There are a number of gay neighborhoods in the city. Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights, and Bloomingdale are all great places where many LGBT people live. Of course, the apartments, condos, and homes there are fairly expensive, so you’ll want to make certain you can afford them before making the move. If you’re uncertain about the cost, you can work with a gay or lesbian real estate agent in the area to find something in your price range.