WASHINGTON – Ahh, the lure of the city. But locals know it can be transient as many move to D.C. for a job, but don’t stay long.
Now, the District is releasing hard numbers showing where and when they go.
It’s a city of power, influence and great internships. And thus, it’s not surprising that the top reason listed for moving to D.C. is a career, according to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
In a population survey spanning from 2000 to 2014, it shows D.C. added 900,000 new residents. Of those, 165,000 of them said they relocated to the city for their careers. That is, on average, 8 percent of the District’s residents every year.
The survey says 42 percent of them stayed for those jobs.
However, 36 percent decided not to put down roots in the city proper. And 42 percent of those who left opted for Maryland and Virginia.
Housing is the the top reason they leave, the OCFO says. And that’s been the same for years.
Most surveyed listed better or cheaper housing and the desire to own their own home as the reasons for leaving the city limits.
