Lived in the DMV for 10 years, been in NYC for the last 5, now. They’re different, for sure. I found it easier to make friends in DC, but my friend group turned over nearly completely 3x due to the transient nature of the workforce. NYC is nice b/c I’m at my dream job. The bar and restaurant scene is second to none, too. The MTA is more frequent than WMATA, but WMATA is cleaner. Both have their pros and cons. I’d, personally, be happy in either. Haha. Oh, the DMV is a largely driving community. I haven’t had a car for 3 years here in NYC and very rarely do I miss it.