Yes, we know, we rock! Finally other people are starting to realize this too! Outside Magazine's August issue ranks the top 20 Best Towns in America for 2008 and our fair city is at the top of the list! Washington DC beat out other towns like Chattanooga (2nd) and New Orleans (3rd)...
Outside Magazine Votes DC as best Town in America!
Washington DC
DC used to be known for its high crime rate, horrible traffic congestions and questionable politicians. A cultural mecca and educational place to visit perhaps, but not exactly a city you want to put roots down in. No longer. There has been a steady influx of new trendy stores and restaurants springing up in what were once considered fringe neighborhoods. Gentrifying blocks and home owners who care have turned many parts of this city into a community you would want to be a part of.
Senior editor of Outside Jeremy Spencer says “We wanted to show towns where you can feel like you love the place where you live. Maybe D.C. has gotten beat up in the past, but our point is to show places which reflect the zeitgeist of change and progressive reinvention."
Cultural institutions, bike paths, running trails and National Parks give ample opportunity to get out and enjoy life. Last year, DC made the Top 10 list of the nation's best "bicycle commutes" included in the U.S. Census Bureau's "America's Community Survey".
It may not be news to us, but we love hearing what a great place DC is to live.
-Caroline
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As a native Washingtonian (who no longer lives there), I am so happy to see a positive article about my city. Not everyone in DC is focused on politics and policy, and there are lots of fashion and style hungry people there (like myself). I am so glad to hear that my city is finally coming into the fore when it comes to progressive art and style.
We aren't all wearing pantsuits! Believe me!
view annika's profile
Woohoo. DC deserves a little love!
view hillgirl's profile
I absolutely love the racial, ethnic, and international diversity of DC. But, at the same time, I find that a gentriifying DC is turning into one big strip mall that really isn't much different from the surrounding 'burbs.
Jazz clubs on U Street (DC's "Black Broadway"), where I used to live? Gone, and replaced by Starbucks and chain restaurants. Ben's Chili Bowl (pictured above) and Florida Avenue Grill are the only establishments left with a long history in the neighborhood.
But then again, I understand that this is a trend happening in all major cities where real estate prices escalated in the past 8 years.
view david's profile
yea dc! although i side a bit with david. i grew up there, and haven't really been around for all of the changes, but from what i see there are a lot of poor people being pushed into p.g. county as a result of the gentrification (and a lot of expensive, ugly high-rises). on the other hand, the change does bring more unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. i hope to see more of this side the next time i'm home for a visit!
view katedurkin's profile
DC is a great city! It's also a great place to raise kids, which I think people in the rest of the country don't realize. There are so many free things you can do with kids here, and so many interesting opportunities for them as they get a little older. Now if it just were not so humid in the summer...
view Susmita's profile
DC proper is NOT a good place to raise kids unless you're wealthy enough to afford private school. If you have kids and still want an urban lifestyle, Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Silver Spring, etc are much better choices.
I don't understand the issue people have with the summers but maybe that's because I grew up here. They're nice!
view chrisherbert's profile
Great to see DC getting some props! And a special shout out to Capitol Hill, where the gorgeous row houses, diverse community and shady parks make living a treat.
@Susmita The humid summer's are a bit of a drag though...
view iota626's profile
As a DC Public Schools graduate, I'd like to point out that you can get a great education (Wilson SHS is pretty highly ranked on those US News high schools rankings, for what it's worth) without paying for private school.
view CJL's profile