The District of Columbia and the city of Washington are coextensive and are governed by a single municipal government, so for most practical purposes they are considered to be the same entity, though this was not always the case. As late as 1871, when Georgetown ceased to be a separate city, there were multiple jurisdictions within the District. Although there is a municipal government and a mayor, Congress has the supreme authority over the city and district, which results in citizens having a different status and less representation in government than residents of the states.

The centers of all three branches of the U.S. federal government are in the District as well as the headquarters of most independent agencies. It serves as the headquarters for the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Organization of American States, and other national and international institutions. Washington is the frequent location of large political demonstrations and protests, particularly on the National Mall. Washington is the site of numerous national landmarks, monuments, and museums, and is a popular destination for tourists.

As for quality of life, West Virginia enjoys the second lowest cost of living in the country and a consistently low rate of violent crime. The state's public schools scored the best in the country for five years running in Education Week's "Quality Counts" analysis and its citizens have a median personal income 10% above that of the typical small city. The property taxes are 43% below the median for cities of this size and 72% below the national average.

Finally, if you crave nature and adventure, there are plenty of places in area to satisfy your hunger. Outdoor recreation is a major attraction and benefit of the area. Within a short drive of city-like conveniences, residents can take advantage of world class golf courses, hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting, mountain biking, and snow skiing.