Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. holds two identities at once: the center of American government, and one of the most internationally mixed cities in the country, shaped by the diplomats and embassy staff who live and work here. Politics is a genuine part of daily conversation for many residents, given how closely tied the local economy is to federal work.

The Capitol Building, the White House, and the monuments along the National Mall are active government sites, not just landmarks, and the Smithsonian museums, almost entirely free to the public, reflect a belief that culture and history should be open to everyone.

Each neighborhood carries its own identity: Georgetown keeps its colonial-era charm, while Dupont Circle reflects a livelier, more diverse energy.