This! I’m in my late 20s and moved to the DMV in 2016. I moved into DC proper in 2018, and was in Silver Spring and Bethesda before that. I’m a civilian fed, but not in the policy/poli sci space. Many of my friends moved here to work for the government but intend to stay here. I also have close friends and coworkers that are DMV natives that work for the government.

I think you’re spot on that it’s Hill/poli sci/public policy people that are transient. In my neighborhood (Michigan Park), there’s tons of retired/current career feds. Also lots of. DC government employees. Lots of DC natives up here. My neighbors have been in their house for like 40 years.