Washington, D.C

I lived in rural Pennsylvania for 23 years before moving to a big city. The culture shock was real.

Published

2 years ago

November 5, 2024

I lived in rural Pennsylvania for 23 years before moving to a big city. The culture shock was real.

I moved to Washington, DC, after living in rural Pennsylvania for 23 years.
Learning how to commute was difficult at first, but it opened up so many options for me.
The work culture was a bit intense, but I loved how much there was to do after work and on weekends.

I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, tucked away in a stretch of the Appalachian Mountains known as the Endless Mountains. It was beautiful and quiet there, and I spent many of my days reading in sunny patches of grass.

But right after college, I moved to the Columbia Heights neighborhood in Washington, DC, for work and traded mountains for monuments.

Transitioning from Amish country to hill-staffer-tech-bro culture led to immense culture shock. But in DC, I learned how to navigate city life and experienced a lot of firsts.

Here are the three biggest surprises I encountered when I moved.

Learning how to commute was difficult at first

I learned how to use the metro system in DC.

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The fast-paced nature of the city surprised me. I grew up in a one-stoplight town, and the transition to DC traffic was jarring.

In the part of Pennsylvania where I grew up, driving was my only mode of transportation. In fact, I could anticipate a nearly hourlong drive to access the nearest chain stores.

However, learning about the different ways to use public transportation in the city was exciting. On my first day of work, I figured out how to ride the bus and use the metro system. I also started riding a bike consistently for the first time since I was 12 and walked more than I ever had before.

I also discovered new challenges, like surrendering to the mercy of public transit delays and struggling to carry my groceries home. However, I gained something I didn’t previously have access to — options.

The work culture in DC was intense

My first full-time job was in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, so right out of college, I felt like I was thrown into the most competitive work culture. For better or worse, every moment felt like a networking event.

One of the most “DC experiences” I had was joining a community pickleball group and discovering that the group was made up of people who worked for ESPN, the ACLU, and the Peace Corps.

Although I loved discovering what people do for a living, work culture is often prioritized over everything else. This was a part of life in DC that I had a hard time reckoning with.

I’m still trying to ditch the habit of asking, “So what do you do?” when I meet a stranger.

I had so many more opportunities for after-work activities

There was always something to do in DC.

Olivia Bardo

After work, I rode my bike to the library and picked out brightly colored books. At night, I danced to live music at the 9:30 Club.

On Saturday mornings, I wove my way through places like the Hirshhorn Museum and Renwick Gallery, then wandered around to find a new coffee shop. Food was everywhere, and it was delicious. I indulged in tahini lattes, ube waffles, and bowls of spicy ramen.

Being in a big city also meant I could discover more of my interests, which had been patiently waiting to be found.

Although my time living in DC has concluded, I’m grateful for the many ways it has shaped me and directed my next steps.

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Washington, D.C

Storm Team4 Forecast: Mild start to workweek before heating up

Published

4 hours ago

June 7, 2026

Press Room

Storm Team4 Forecast: Mild start to workweek before heating up

4 things to know about the weather:

Clear and mild night
Nice start to the workweek
Heating up through the week
Humidity on the rise through the week

The beginning of the workweek will feel like a breeze compared to the hot 90s we had the past few days.

Temperatures start out mild over the next two mornings, and afternoons will be warm and in the 80s.

Along with milder temperatures, humidity levels will be lower on Monday and Tuesday.

Conditions will change on Wednesday with the return of high heat, more humidity and rain chances. The heat index could be 100+ on Thursday and Friday.

Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.

QuickCast

TONIGHT:
Clear
Wind: N light
LOW: Upper 60s

MONDAY:
Mostly sunny
Wind: E 5-10 mph
HIGH: Low to mid 80s

TUESDAY:
Mostly sunny
Wind: S 5-10 mph
HIGH: Mid to upper 80s

WEDNESDAY:
Mostly cloudy
Shower & storm chance
Wind: SW 5-10 mph
HIGH: Low 90s

SUNRISE: 5:42 a.m. SUNSET: 8:31 p.m.
AVERAGE HIGH: 83° AVERAGE LOW: 65°

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

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Washington, D.C

Vans Warped Tour Returning to Washington, D.C.

Published

14 hours ago

June 7, 2026

Press Room

Vans Warped Tour Returning to Washington, D.C.

With summer officially underway and festival season kicking into high gear, one of the most iconic names in alternative music is preparing to make its highly anticipated return. Vans Warped Tour heads to Washington, D.C. on June 13 and 14, bringing together generations of fans for a weekend celebrating punk rock, metalcore, pop-punk, hardcore, and everything in between.

Credit: Vans Warped Tour

Last year marked the 30th anniversary of Vans Warped Tour, a milestone that reignited excitement for the legendary traveling festival. What began in 1995 as a summer tour showcasing underground punk and alternative bands has evolved into one of the most influential music festivals in North America. For many fans, Warped Tour was more than just a concert—it was a rite of passage that introduced countless music lovers to their favorite bands.

Following the overwhelming response to last year’s anniversary celebration, organizers have expanded the festival footprint by adding two additional cities, allowing even more fans to experience the return of a festival that helped shape alternative music culture for decades.

The Washington, D.C. stop promises a packed weekend of live music, community, and nostalgia. Fans can expect everything that made Warped Tour famous: energetic performances, diverse lineups, merch tents, artist meet-and-greets, and the unmistakable sense of camaraderie that has defined the festival since its inception.

Whether you’re a longtime Warped veteran reliving your teenage summers or a newcomer experiencing the festival for the first time, the D.C. event offers a chance to celebrate the spirit of alternative music in a way few festivals can match.

So break out your Converse, stock up on sunscreen, crack open an energy drink, and get ready for two days of unforgettable performances. Vans Warped Tour is back, and Washington, D.C. is ready to welcome one of summer’s most anticipated events.

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Washington, D.C

Storm Team4 Forecast: Sunny, muggy conditions for Sunday

Published

24 hours ago

June 7, 2026

Press Room

Storm Team4 Forecast: Sunny, muggy conditions for Sunday

4 things to know about the weather:

Hot Sunday
Dry start to the workweek
Getting hot later next week
Shower/storm chances on the board

Sunday brings summer-like conditions with sunshine and lots of heat for the afternoon. Expect muggy conditions along with the heat.

The workweek starts dry, then rain chances return for the middle and end of the week. The rain chances will not be a washout, so stay with Storm Team4 for the latest on coverage, intensity and timing of showers and storms.

Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.