7. Type Triple A.
Washington, D.C. and its surrounding area attracts high achievers. They want to do great things and live in the place where big things happen. So if you like to swim in the fast lane, you’ll find people around you who are movers and shakers, and get-it-done yesterday type of people. Rejoice Type-A personalities!
8. …sign here. And here.
And here. Rental contracts are unlike any other that you have experienced. You will have to agree to first, last and a deposit. Have a pet? Add in at least a couple more hundred. Plus, you’ll have to agree to keep their nails trimmed to a certain length (you laugh). From weird requirements to expensive upfront costs, landlords have their pick of renters so you’ll find yourself agreeing to almost anything to close the deal.
9. Yes, they’ve got that.
In fact, they have four of them. You were just looking for a soccer team for your kid. Well, there are four levels and five towns that he can play in. School? You’ll have to test into a level for that too and there are four levels and two schools to figure out. Sometimes the amount and specificity of options can become incredibly overwhelming. But all of this “stuff” can also mean your kids have their choice of sports, you have your choice of jobs, and you all can enjoy dinner out at your choice of restaurants! How often does that happen in military living?
10. It’s monumental.
Washington, D.C. is beautiful. The list of things you can do and see, and experience is long. And being in D.C. is especially wonderful because you get to visit locations that are meaningful to your life as a military family. Be sure to make a list of the sites you want to see and experiences you want to have during your stay. And take a moment to appreciate how your military family is a part of this nation’s great history. Go military families!
11. All access pass.
From the egg roll on the White House lawn to tickets to special events, military families are often invited to attend activities in the Capitol Region. There are frequently celebrations for service members and their families in the DC area along with conferences for military spouses, and the chance to join in non-profit activities. With so many military families in the area, there is access to many opportunities you might not otherwise experience so be sure to take time to do them. Living in Washington, D.C. can truly be a wonderful experience as a military family so try to look past the long housing search and focus on the great opportunities you and your family can have – – can anyone say National Cherry Blossom Festival?!?!
