What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Washington, DC, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Washington is a city in District of Columbia, District of Columbia, with an estimated population of 702,250. It anchors the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area. The median home value in Washington is $580,173 as of 2026-04, down 3.0% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged -1.7% annual growth, and the market currently sits about 12% below its 5-year peak. Rents in Washington average $2,472 per month, down 1.8% year-over-year. The composite momentum score is 36 of 100 (Cooling). Buyers may find more room to negotiate; sellers should price realistically.
Prices have come off recent highs (-12.5% from peak). Buyers may have more room to negotiate; sellers should price realistically.
Reasons people move here
- Scale = optionality: 702,250 population gives you airports, hospitals, a deep job market, and a real cultural scene.
- The data is the data: Washington has at least 5 years of Zillow tracking, full Census identification, and is included in the 2-criteria momentum score on this page.
Things to know first
- Cooling: -3.0% over the trailing year — momentum has stalled.
- 12% off recent peak — buyers are getting through-the-cycle pricing, not the peak.
- Stagnant long-run trend: +1.3% 10-year CAGR plus flat population — appreciation case is weak.
More about Washington
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.