Brooklyn NYC to the DMV… help me figure out where the hell I should live 😂
Hey y’all! I’m 30, single, Black with Caribbean roots, currently living in Brooklyn, and seriously thinking about moving to DC/the DMV sometime next year.
I’m currently a federal employee and would ideally like to stay within the federal government, although I’m open to state/local government too. As long as I have a good, stable job lol. I’m expecting my salary to be around $80K–$85K+, possibly more depending on the position.
I’m basically using this next year to get myself together financially. My credit is fair but improving greatly, I’m paying down debt while saving, and I want to make sure I’m in a really good position before making such a big move. The goal is to move at 31.
Eventually I really want to buy a condo, but I absolutely do not want to move somewhere new, immediately buy, and then realize I hate the area 😭. My thought was to rent for at least a year, possibly in Silver Spring or DC, learn the DMV, figure out what I like/don’t like, and THEN decide where I’d want to buy.
I’ve considered staying in NYC and moving to the Bronx, but everything here is just so damn expensive. At this point I don’t even know if buying a condo in the Bronx would realistically make sense for me.
I did spend a week in DC recently and absolutely fell in love with it. We explored, went to the African American History & Culture Museum, tried different restaurants and lounges, and honestly had a BALL. 😂 DC reminded me a little bit of NYC, just… cleaner lol. I also really enjoyed the Caribbean / hispanic food/culture I came across.
Obviously visiting somewhere for a week and actually LIVING there are two completely different things, which is exactly why I’m here asking y’all.
For anyone who lives in DC/MD/Northern VA .. what areas would you recommend for a single woman making around $80K–$85K+? How is public transportation? Can I realistically live comfortably without a car, or would you recommend eventually getting one?
And especially for NYC transplants: how was the adjustment? How’s the weather? Nightlife? Dating? 👀 , like how’s the men? I heard they’re professional but ratchet 😂 Making friends? Cost of living? What do you love / hate about the DMV?
I’m open to DC, Maryland, or Northern VA, so I’d love to hear the pros and cons of each. And if you’re also a government employee or moved there for government work, I’d love to hear how that transition has been too.
Basically give me the GOOD, BAD AND UGLY. 😂 Be honest. Be blunt. Tell me what you wish somebody told you before you moved.
I have plenty of time before I make any crazy decisions, so right now I’m just researching and trying to make the smartest move possible.
And thank you in advance for reading my long drawn-out post. As you can clearly see, I over-explain. 😭