D.C. top spot for relocation

June 19, 2012

When Congress was deciding where to locate the young nation's capital in the 18th century, what is now called Washington D.C. was seen as a good fit. Its central location and access to the Potomac River made it a logical choice. Today, many people must see similar advantages to the area, because it was determined to be the most popular relocation destination for the first quarter of this year, according to a report by industry experts.

In some ways this is surprising. The nation's capital has some of the highest rents in the country, and home prices haven't fallen during the depression as much as in other regions, according to the report. However, with the federal government and other large employers frequently hiring, job opportunities are often ample. In fact, even as many states continue to experience high unemployment, D.C. was among the group that lowered its rate in the first quarter of this year.

Furthermore, the District's abundance of cultural and historical landmarks make it an attractive destination for families moving out of state. Like the country's founders, its central location is also likely a boon for people looking to remain accessible to other major cities such as New York, Boston and Philadelphia. 

According to The Washington Post, the city added 16,000 residents over the last two years, which means that finding an apartment or getting moving services once you're there could be tough. Hiring out of state movers before you leave could help keep everything organized so you can focus on starting a new life in the country's capital.