Washington, D.C., is a study in contrasts: Many of our nation's most promising individuals make the journey here, determined to change the world for the better. That sense of idealism permeates the city. Yet, at the same time, our national cynicism tarnishes that hope. Given the current state of our Union and the soap opera going on inside the Beltway, the only coverage Washington, D.C., receives is within the confines of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and Capitol Hill. There's more to D.C., however, than bureaucrats pondering how to spend your tax dollars. And while the city's troubles with crime are genuine, Washington, D.C.'s crime rate has declined in recent years. D.C. is hardly in a position to be complacent about crime, but its rates have fallen to a level comparable with other major cities. Washington's public school system continues to rank among its most formidable challenges; the road to improvement remains long.

Regardless of these hurdles, however, Washington is one of the country's most culturally fascinating cities. Many of its tree-lined neighborhoods are breathtaking. Given the abundance of foreign embassies in Washington, the city is home to a multitude of ethnicities, all of which have made their respective contributions to D.C. That melting pot atmosphere, in turn, has spurred a large array of ethnic restaurants, museums and cultural events.

One of Real Times' previous community profiles took our readers on a trip to Georgetown, the neighborhood that never sleeps. But Georgetown is only a small sector of a city filled with a patchwork of neighborhoods.

Washington is divided into four sectors: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest. The Northwest sector is where the majority of tourist offerings are located, and where the priciest real estate is located, as well. This sector is also the city's safest region. There's little reason to travel outside this quadrant if you're visiting the city for the first time. In some areas of Northwest D.C., you begin to wonder if you're even in a city anymore; this sector is filled with quiet, treelined streets, white fences and red-brick Colonial-style homes. During the fall months, a stroll down one of these leaf-filled streets will introduce you to the beauty of Washington. The city often is blessed with stunning foliage, depending upon the weather patterns. Many shopping centers are designed in the same Colonial style as the homes. This more residential sector is a nice respite from the fast pulse of the city, which is a surprisingly short distance away. Even within the heart of the city, you'll find plenty of quiet parks and spots to watch the world go by. While D.C. generally is a quick-paced major urban center on the eastern seaboard, you'll immediately find that its pace is noticeably slower than, for example, New York or Boston.

Among Northwest D.C.'s neighborhoods are Adams-Morgan, an eclectic mix of cultures and cuisine, and the site of an annual outdoor festival where vendors sell delicacies, jewelry and other unusual items; and Dupont Circle, lined with beautiful brownstones, small art galleries, and the not-to-be-missed Phillips Collection, a stunning assortment of art arranged in a historical brownstone home. Logan Circle, defined by its abundance of Victorian architecture, is filled with theaters, small clubs and an assortment of restaurants. Nearby Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a shopper's paradise. Foggy Bottom, home to George Washington University and is near the White House, is a lively neighborhood with a large student population. And Georgetown, the city's most historic and expensive neighborhood, is where you'll find brownstones, gas-lit lamps, quaint shops and pubs. It's a trip back in time not to be missed. Not far from Georgetown, you'll find the National Cathedral. If you make your way to the top of its tower, you'll be treated to a spectacular view. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Maryland and Virginia. Woodley Park, filled with mature trees, is where you'll find not only a nice assortment of homes, but also the famous National Zoo, where one of the country's few panda bears has taken up residence.

One of the most interesting facts about D.C. is its demographic composition: In this city of nearly 4 million (including D.C. proper and metropolitan Washington) African-Americans comprise 61.2 percent of the city's population. Caucasians make up another 29.1 percent. Hispanics (5.7 percent) and Asians and Pacific Islanders (1.6 percent) follow.

Another big selling point for D.C.: While home prices continue to climb, entertainment here is inexpensive. The Smithsonian Institution -- comprised of the National Museums of American History, Natural History, and American Art -- is free. Same for the Transportation Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the Air and Space Museum. A trip to Union Station, an Amtrak port comprised of numerous retail stores, a theater and restaurants, is a fun and not necessarily expensive outing. A walk on the Mall to view the cherry blossoms in the spring, a trip to the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, or a stroll through Georgetown won't cost you a penny. A White House tour (best taken at Christmastime, when house has been decorated) comes at minimal cost.

As mentioned before, home prices are quite steep in D.C. You'll have your pick of single-family homes, homes or brownstones converted into multifamily residences, high-rises, or low-rise apartment buildings. Like many other Northeast cities with an abundance of historical architecture, D.C. doesn't have much room for new construction, so you're likely to find during your home search that most residences are older. However, many of them have been well preserved, and many single-family homes in particular offer spacious rooms and floor plans that are an interesting chance of pace from newer cookie-cutter layouts.

The opportunity to live in Washington, D.C., is the chance for a cultural education in an exciting setting. The pulse never stops here, and yet, the city offers many quiet respites. It's the perfect mix for those who crave the fast pace of a major city, but who don't want to sacrifice scenery or a little breathing space to get it.