Expats: Moving to Washington, useful information and tips for moving to Washington

Moving to Washington: We reveal a few of the best ways to move to Washington tips that can help you if you are thinking of moving to Washington.

As with any international move, the idea of moving to Washington can raise some questions. Here are a few of them tips that can help you make the decision.

The city

Washington D.C. is the capital and the federal district of the USA. It is a different entity from the rest of the 50 states that make up the US nation, as it reports directly to the federal government of the United States. The city is named after the first president of the United States, George Washington.

It is a strategic city due to its importance in terms of the location of important organisations. It is home to the three powers of the United States: Legislative, Executive and Judicial. Also, the headquarters of some international organisations very important: the World Bankthe IMF and the OAS (Organisation of American States)among others.

In addition, the city is one of the cradles of the history and the American culture. This explains why it is home to the world's largest museum complex, as well as numerous art galleries, universities, cathedrals, drama centres and institutions, and native music venues. The multicultural offer is endless.

Some notes on the US economy

According to data provided by the Chamber of Commerce of Madrid,  The United States is the world's leading economyhas 329 million consumers who have an income of per capita 63,500 (in 2020 IMF). According to World Bank data, in 2019 the US ranked second as an issuer of investment (9.5% of the world total) and was the leading recipient of foreign investment (15.9% of the total).

In the business sphere, Spain and the US are in close contact with each other. strong bilateral trade relations. In 2019 it was the sixth destination for Spanish exports and the fifth supplier. As of November 2020, the bilateral balance stood at 2,217 million euros, favourable for Spain.

The US economy is characterised by the flexibility of its markets. The share of the public sector in economic activity is relatively low. The country invests heavily in research and development, has a very flexible labour market and a large availability of capital, which allows it to be in a position of being one of the most competitive countries in the world. very high technological levelThe EU's research and development activities, particularly in business and consumer services, information technology, medicine, aerospace and military technology.

Customers are looking for immediacy. Speed in acquiring the goods and services they need is essential and they have a wide range of purchasing options, as well as great freedom and protection.

On the other hand, it is a very legalistic market and, as a consequence, to operate in this country it is necessary to have an intense specialist legal adviceThe Commission has also proposed a new regulation, so as not to be at a clear disadvantage vis-à-vis local operators.

Most sought-after professions and visa procedures

I'm sure you're thinking of packing your bags and moving to the capital of the USA right now, because after all, who wouldn't want to live in a place like this? But you have to take into account some particularities, such as, for example, that currently the high-tech experts are the most likely professionals there, as the US Congress approved, a few years ago, the issuance of a significant amount of H1-b visas to work on a temporary basis. The demand for skilled technology workers is concentrated in the systems and computing area.

But also the health workers The growing shortage of nurses is spreading throughout the United States, and vacancies for nurses are plentiful.

Scientists, biologists, engineers, managers, physiotherapists, etc. and something as curious as the profession of catwalk models complete the cast of expatriates applicants to the Washington D.C. job centre

As appetising and wonderful as it might sound Washington D.C.. to get a work visa is not easy and this is something that can be generalised to any city in the US. The process is slow and costly, because it can only be applied for, with a job offer in hand, during a specific period. It is advisable to apply and process the application between the months of May and June, so that if it is granted, it will be granted in the later summer months. This entails significant disadvantages, since if you get a job after the summer, you will not be able to apply for an  visa companies will not wait until the following year unless you are a very exclusive and necessary professional. It is therefore advisable to plan well in advance and start looking for a job around Christmas time, since selection processes are often delayed by several months.

Recommended places to live

With regard to the life in the US capitalAgainst all odds and in contrast to big urban behemoths like Chicago o New York, Washington D.C. can be a very welcoming city, with only 700,000 inhabitants and a high quality of life.

In the rest of the US cities, communication is more complicated because of the spread out populations. It should be noted that the house prices is quite high, commensurate with the quality of the city. The Northwest zone is the most recommended and also the most expensive, but it has great advantages and allows you to do without a vehicle for your daily commute. On the other hand, the Southwest zone would be the least advisable, since it is a ghetto and it is where the highest levels of crime are found.

With regard to the social life in Washington D.C.It is always nice to interact with the locals, whether you are an expat or not and wherever you are. This is one of our usual recommendations, as human beings are social by nature and immersion in society is necessary to have a happy life in any destination. Thus, once you begin to integrate you into the culture, you will find it more rewarding to be able to enjoy the American Way Of Life. The people are very friendly, social gatherings and barbecues are very common events and live celebrations such as, for example, the 4th OF JULY FESTIVAL allows us to understand their way of life and their culture.

Regarding the compatibility between life and work, There is an important difference between European and American culture. They usually start work early, around 8 a.m., lunch takes twenty minutes and they don't make breaks. All this in order to leave around six o'clock in the evening and have the rest of the day to enjoy family and friends. A very positive aspect is that the personal life of the employee is highly valued.

As for the tourismthe White Housethe spectacular and iconic Capitolall the cultural zone The Mallwhere there is a wide range of almost 200 museums - most of them free of charge - and the Arlington Military Cemeteryare the must tourist attractions in the US capital that you should not miss.

Curiosities

• The US capital is full of symbols hidden in its streets and buildings. It is worth noting that the codes of Freemasonry are found in the most important Washington's iconic buildings.
• Groundbreaking for the White House had the honour of placing a Spanish mayorPedro Casanave, originally from Navarre, called Pedro Casanave.
• The White House was not always this colour. It was chosen in 1814 to hide the black colour left by a fire after a British attack on the capital of the United States.
• The third Monday in February is celebrated all over the country "President's DayThe "Washington Statehood", in honour of the birth of the first president in the history of the United States, George Washington.
• Henry Harrison He served the shortest presidential term in American history (February-March 1841) and was the first president to die in office, of pneumonia.

And as we know that you've been eager to find out more about Washington D.C, we leave you the podcast dedicated to the US capital.

If after reading these tipsyou decide move to Washingtondo not hesitate to apply for your free budgetito: GIL STAUFFER for more than 110 years international removalsIn other words, moving lives from continent to continent.

Further information

you may also be interested in the following articles:

• Positive aspects of moving to another city.
• Tips for happiness abroad.
• International Moving Price: International Moving Prices and Information 2023.
• Changing cities for work: Tips if you are moving for professional reasons.

These are tips offered by GIL STAUFFER, your removal company since 1905.