Note! This document served as part of the search for a new rector during the 2019-2020 years. It is recorded here for historical purposes only. We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Capitol Hill is one of Washington DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods, with 19th-century rowhouses, the longest-running farmers market in the U.S., and a thriving nightlife. Politicos, Hill staffers, and tourists alike come to the neighborhood for its government buildings like the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court, as well as for restaurants, stores, and markets. Residents value the neighborhood’s walkability and easy access to amenities by foot or bike. Here is what others say about DC and the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
DC ranks as number 19 in the U.S. News & World Report best places to live and number 5 on the Bloomberg list. Why? As U.S. News & World Report put it, “each neighborhood in the District and its surrounding towns has its own atmosphere. Residents gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks and converse at coffee shops, creating an ambiance similar to that of a much smaller community.” Despite being in the heart of a major metropolitan region, the neighborhood has the feel of a small town; residents know each other and share a real sense of camaraderie.
DC is the 7th most walkable city in the United States according to CBS. Walkability is why people live here. Need something from the hardware store? Stride along Pennsylvania Avenue and get help at Frager’s Hardware; it’s been there for 100 years. Want to take in a baseball game? Walk down to the river and check out the pleasure boats; the stadium is right there. In addition, Washington, DC is a “Gold” Bicycle Friendly Community according to the League of American Bicyclists, making the District the largest city on the East Coast to receive the designation.
DC is a top ten city for restaurants says the Washington Post. The DC restaurant scene is big on community and variety at all levels, including locally grown and socially conscious food. Celebrity chef José Andrés summed up the District scene of 2000 restaurants strong when he said, “We are not one thing, but so many things at once.”
According to an annual report by Southern Methodist University, in 2018 Washington DC ranked as the 3rd most vibrant arts community in the United States. Great diversity, history, and international culture make our home one of the top cities for theater communities, live music, and bookstores including the Shakespeare Theater Company, the Folger Shakespeare Theatre, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
With its many educational and recreational opportunities, Washington DC ranks as the number one city in which to raise a family, according to Parenting Magazine. The city’s test scores were strong last year compared with other cities. The District spends far more per pupil than most others. The city also has an impressive number of blue-ribbon schools and accredited preschool programs compared with other cities, plus free universal pre-K.
Washington DC is also the 5th best city for young professionals to live according to Niche online magazine. DC has a strong and growing (think Amazon HQ2) job market plus walkable neighborhoods where people want to live.
DC is the 6th most inclusive city according to a Yelp study. San Francisco ranked No. 1 and Los Angeles ranked No. 2 in Yelp’s study but DC is not far behind.
Quick facts:
- The population of DC is 702,000 and its growing by 1,000 new residents every month.
- The number of households with children is 60,000.
- Publicly maintained trees number more than 160,000; and DC is home to the largest green roof east of the Mississippi.
- More than 55,000 businesses are licensed in DC.
- Our subway system, DC Metro, averages 624,000 trips every day making it 2nd to New York City.
- DC has 50 miles of on street dedicated bike lanes and is constructing another 22 miles in the next few years.