Washington, DC by
Scott Widmeyer
Chairman & CEO Widmeyer Communications,
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Home of the President, Congress and many historic monuments, Washington, DC is a
bustling metropolis, centered around hundreds of government institutions,
businesses, associations and non profit organizations. It is also the home of
Diplomats, academics, young professionals and people from practically every
country in the world.
Living in Washington, DC
As opposed to many major American cities, Washington, DC’s surrounding areas
look and feel much less like a traditional suburb. Instead, each area is seen by
many as its own mini-metropolis. Alexandria, Arlington, Clarendon, Courthouse,
Shirlington and Ballston stand out as Virginia’s distinct neighbourhood
communities. Notable suburbs of Maryland include Bethesda, Friendship Heights,
Chevy Chase, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Takoma Park.
The Economy
One in six people in Washington, DC are government workers. Workers in the
private sector make up 1 in 3 Washingtonian employees. As of 2000, the
Washington area was expected to achieve a 58 percent increase in its economic
activity by 2015. Key industries advancing the economy include the federal
government, technology, hospitality and international business.
Washington, DC is ranked as the #2 national and #4 international investment
market among foreign investors. And DC is the largest consumer of technological
equipment and service in the world due to the amount of federal government
purchases for research, development and fundraising. Almost 50 of the major
Fortune 500 companies have offices in the District.
Washington Top Employers
According to Fortune Magazine
• Arnold & Porter- Law Firm
• SRA International- Information Technology Contractor
• Marriot International- Headquarters of Hotel Chain
• Discovery Communications- Umbrella company of cable channels
• Booz Allen Hamilton- Consulting firm
The Climate
While Washington, DC has four distinct seasons, the weather is mild compared to
other places in the United States. The weather, however, is often unpredictable.
While the chart below is a decent indicator of high and low annual temperatures,
it is wise to expect the unexpected. Humid summers and irregular winters
characterize DC weather.
Washington DC Average Monthly Temperatures
Month
High
Low
January
43
24
February
47
26
March
55
33
April
66
42
May
76
52
June
84
62
July
89
67
August
87
65
September
80
57
October
69
44
November
58
36
December
48
28
The Population The population is approximately 572,000 in
Washington, DC proper and 5.4 million for the entire metro area. The Montgomery
County (MD) population is 918,881 and Fairfax County (VA) is 1,000,405. The
following show the breakdown of each of these areas by race, age and sex.
Washington, DC Population
Race
2006
White
31.7%
Black
56.5%
American India and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.7%
Hispanic/Latino
8.2%
Other Race
0.5%
Age
2006
Under 18
19.8%
65 and over
12.3%
Sex
2006
Female
53.1%
Male
46.9%
Transportation
According to the Washington Post, the DC area has the second worst traffic in
the nation. The average Washingtonian spent 60 hours sitting in traffic in this
past year alone. Luckily, there are many alternatives to driving a car in and
around the District. An estimated 60% of people living in the metropolitan area
do not even own a car.
Metrorail
Using Metrorail is considered very easy. There are five different colored lines:
red, blue, orange, yellow and green, as opposed to lettered or numbered trains
as in New York or Chicago. It is often cheaper to take the Metro instead of
attempting to park in the city. The fair price averages around $1.50 when
travelling inside the District. Note: It is illegal to eat or drink on the Metro
and on station escalators, it is customary to stand on the right and walk on the
left.
Metrobus
While the inner city bus system is more complicated than the Metrorail system of
five different colour lines, it is often more convenient due to the limited
number of Metrorail stations.
For more information about the Metro system, visit
www.wmata.com or call 202-962-1423.
Other useful Web sites regarding commute transportation and inner city travel
include:
Taxis
Currently, Washington, DC taxis do not have meters. They are based on a zoning
system (to view zoning map visit
http://dctaxi.dc.gov ). All taxis are expected to switch to the meter system
by April 6, 2008.
Airports
Washington, DC is accessible by three major airports:
• Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) – located just outside of the city and
most easily accessible by Metro and bus
• Dulles International Airport (IAD) – located 25 miles outside the District in
Northern Virginia and accessible by Metro and bus
• Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) – Located near Baltimore, better
know as Baltimore-Washington International.
Education
Washington, DC is the destination for hundreds thousands of college students
seeking an education heavily focused on politics and diplomacy. Students who
graduate high school in Washington, DC, receive reparations to any state school
in the United States through the federal DC Grant Assistance program (up to
$10,000 per year).
Colleges and Universities in the District of Columbia
The American University
Private, known for international population
Catholic University of America
Private, owned and operated by the Catholic Church
Galludet University
Federally chartered school caters to deaf and
hearing impaired
George Washington University
Private, teaching hospital and top international
studies programs
Georgetown
Private Jesuit school, produced some of the most
notable lawmakers and diplomats
Howard University
Historically black university
Strayer University
Private business and technical school with campuses
in 15
Trinity College
Catholic women’s college
University of the District of Columbia
Public land-grant school
USDA Graduate School
Evening and weekend continuing ed courses
Local Politics
Because Washington, DC proper is not part of any state, it acts as its own city,
county and state. The city is run by a mayor and district council. Citizens of
Washington, DC do not currently have voting representation in Congress.
Tourism
More than nine million tourists visit Washington, DC each year. To learn more
about popular places to visit while in Washington, DC go to
www.washington.org
DC Media
Print
The Washington Post is the seventh most circulated newspaper in the country and
is especially well known for reporting on U.S. government and DC life. In
addition to the Post, the Washington Times is also a daily newspaper available
in the District.
Other weekly publications include the City Paper, a free alternative newspaper,
and outlets like The Hill, Roll Call and The Politico, which offer details into
happenings on Capitol Hill.
Museums
Washington, DC is home to many museums (many of which are free). The Smithsonian
Institute is recognized around the world for its art, historical artifacts,
documents and culture. Other free museums include: The United States Holocaust
Museum, National Geographic Museum, DC Arts Center and the National Gallery of
Art. A few museums do charge a fee including the Spy Museum, the Newseum and the
Corcoran Gallery of Art.
Performing Arts and Cultural Life Many theatres and concert halls may be found in
the DC area. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts houses seven
different performance spaces and is home to the Kennedy Center Honors, one of
the country’s highest honors in performing arts. Other well known venues
include: Ford’s Theatre, Constitution Hall, Lisner Auditorium and The Verizon
Center.
In addition to well known auditoriums and stages, there are many locally known
venues to see concerts, musicals, plays and recitals. These include: The Studio
Theatre, 9:30 Club, The Birchmere, The State Theatre and The Shakespeare Theatre
at the Lansburgh.
Doing
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