Hey!

VA guy whose been in dc since ‘90. Don’t worry. Just be your authentic self. People will be drawn to you or not.

DC is a larger city than you are used to but you can also think of DC as a collection of many smaller subgroups. You being you will naturally find one or more that you enjoy. Do what you love and meet friends that way.

Yeah, there will be scammers and complicated parking regulations and weird national protests and loud neighbors, but just take them in stride. Don’t avert your eyes and shun them. Most people respond well to being treated as people even if you don’t agree with them or pay them. :)

People talk a lot about crime and whatever else bugs them on this sub and, sure, maybe don’t walk alone with earbuds blasting tunes while drunk on a deserted street at 3am. But also don’t expect the worst from people. I’m no social genius and have managed just fine.

Be a part of it and it will become a part of you, and enjoy! Once you are here feel free to ask more specific questions. ‘Till then don’t worry too much. Over a million people successfully navigate this city every day. You will too.