## Living in DC

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Living in DC](https://www.imf.org/en/about/recruitment/life-at-the-imf/living-in-dc)

## Other formats

- [Markdown version](/en/about/recruitment/life-at-the-imf/living-in-dc/index.md)
- [Structured JSON version](/en/about/recruitment/life-at-the-imf/living-in-dc/index.json)
- [Bundle manifest](/en/about/recruitment/life-at-the-imf/living-in-dc/bundle-manifest.json)

---

### Overview
- Headquarters located in the heart of the commercial district of Washington, D.C.
- Over 90 percent of IMF staff work at Headquarters and live in the District of Columbia or in the nearby suburbs of Maryland and Virginia.
- The D.C. metropolitan area has one of the most highly developed public transportation networks in the U.S.
- IMF Headquarters are located within a 10-minute walk of three subway stations.
- Washington is home to numerous international organizations, embassies, academic institutions, think-tanks, and national and international non-profit organizations.
- The D.C. metropolitan area is a hub for various types of law, high-tech, bio-tech, and defense industries.
- New York City is less than 3-hours away by train.
- Many natural and recreational destinations (state and national parks, mountains, rivers, seashore) are within a 3-hour drive; Rock Creek Park is located in the center of the city.

### Family support and relocation services
- Childcare and Preschool Consultant
- Education Consultant
- Legal Services Consultant
- Immigration and Visa Services Consultant
- Financial Planning Consultant
- Family Consultation Service
- Spouse/Partner Career Assistance:
  - The IMF Spouse & Domestic Partners Career Service assists spouses and work-authorization eligible domestic partners of IMF staff members to understand the local job market, identify opportunities, and successfully find employment.
- IMF Family Association (IMFFA):
  - Provides a welcoming, supportive community for IMF families.
  - Membership is open to all spouses and partners of IMF employees.
  - Contact: imffa@imf.org

### Social life, clubs, and community activities
- The IMF is described as a highly collaborative and social environment.
- Approximately 30 different staff-run clubs and societies reflecting varied interests, including watching (and playing) sports, skiing, photography, choral, and cultural clubs.
- The D.C. area is noted for international residents, museums, parks, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Events open to families and friends include:
  - Multi-sports day held at Bretton Woods Recreation Center
  - Annual holiday party held every December
  - Children’s party

### Housing and cost of living
- The cost of living in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area is relatively high.
- Employees relocating to Washington from other parts of the U.S. are pointed to a cost-of-living calculator to compare costs.
- A report from the U.S. Department of Labor is recommended to help employees relocating from outside the U.S. understand typical American household spending on various expense categories.
- Housing options in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area:
  - Downtown apartments and condos
  - Larger single-family homes in close-in neighborhoods and extensive suburbs
- The housing market is described as very active for both renting and purchasing; most staff quickly find accommodations.
- Guidance available for renting or buying, including preferred real estate agents and access to the IMF’s credit union.

---


## References

- [Back to Main Page](https://www.imf.org/en/about/recruitment)
- [Working at the IMF](https://www.imf.org/en/about/recruitment/working-at-the-imf)
- [Life at the IMF](https://www.imf.org/en/about/recruitment/life-at-the-imf)
- [Finding the Right IMF Job](https://www.imf.org/en/about/recruitment/find-the-right-imf-job)

_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/about/recruitment/life-at-the-imf/living-in-dc_