Salad Eaters in DC

So you are a health conscious salad eater in DC.  Then you likely fit into one of these categories.  Not to worry if it's not totally clear cut -- it's not meant to be. You fit into whichever box you define and there is a whole lot of gray.  Good thing is that age, race and occupation are not much of a factor in determing which bucket you belong in -- it's how you live your life, what's important to you, who you hang out with your overall mission locally and nationally.  And if none of these categories fancy you, then we either overlooked a category or perhaps you should question whether you're able to fog up a mirror.  Offended yet?


Yuppie -- Young Urban Professional.  Originally, they were baby boomers but today the generation range has expanded from 20s to 60s, so age is really not much of a factor anymore.  Many wear high-fashion clothing, drive nice cars (so they have disposable income) and care about their image.  Can be easily found on M Street in Georgetown and along Bethesda Row. Also found near college campuses -- take a look at Fraternity Row.

Photography by Della Chen

Urbanite -- This term has evolved in the last 10 years. Similar to Yuppies, but more socially conscience (Environment, Poverty, World Hunger, etc).  Many work in non-profits.  Dress and image are not as important to them but they still try to maintain a professional-looking image.  Generally older than Yuppies Can find them around Sweetgreen carrying their own resusable salad bowls.  Willing to pay $15 for a salad and bottled water. So willing to spend money on food and drink and are just as social as Yuppies.

Hipster --  Social animals who like to wear Indie or Retro clothing as well as enjoy Indie music.  Tend to be in teens to early 30s.

Contrary to public opinion, they are well educated and are early adopters of technology.  Hipsters love to congregate in urban settings such as McPherson Square.  They are vocal in their beliefs and many are active in protests.  Go to Freedom Park and you find lots of them occupying all areas of DC.

Socialite -- As the name implies, highly social and active in networking and promoting oneself.  Normally as attended prestigious universities and has a well-paying job.  Can be wealthy and usually chooses a career path in art, literature or law.  Many are bilingual -- known to hang out at Embassy Row.

SipwithSocialites.com

Fashionista -- Someone with a penchant for shopping and a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends.  Think of Sex and the City and Lady Gaga.  Trendy but don't expect them to be shallow or materialistic, and yes, it can even be a guy. Fashionistas are highly regarded today.  Like Yuppies, they are found in Bethesda and Georgetown

Wonk -- an intellectually curious person who is an expert in a field.  Many are knowledgeable Washington insiders, focused fervently on an issue and passionate about creating meaningful change.  Many are part of the growing DC Tech trend and attend meetups throughout the city.  You are focused, smart, committed.  Wonks can also be found hanging around major university campuses (Champs) and near Georgetown, AU and UMD.  Generally, you wouldn't know one if you spotted one because appearance doesn't really define a Wonk.

American University

DCist -- if no other category fits you perfectly, than you are most likely a DCist.  You are well rounded and care about a lot of things.  You care about news, events, food and culture but not to the extent of any of the other demographic groups.  In short, you are a moderate in your lifestyle, kind of one of each of everybody.  You are intelligent and caring but you're likely not the one trying to save the Earth.

Lifestyle Demographics in the Nation's Capital

So are you a Washingtonian -- You live, work, shop in or around the Nation's Capital? (Bethesda and Arlington included) After work, you attend events around the beltway.  On weekends you also hang out in DC and you prefer shopping on Connecticut Avenue rather than at the Potomac Mills Mall.

Then you likely fit into one of these categories.  Not to worry if it's not totally clear cut -- it's not meant to be. You fit into whichever box you define and there is a whole lot of gray.  Good thing is that age, race and occupation are not much of a factor in determing which bucket you belong in -- it's how you live your life, what's important to you, who you hang out with your overall mission locally and nationally.  And if none of these categories fancy you, then we either overlooked a category or perhaps you should question whether you're able to fog up a mirror.  Offended yet?


Yuppie -- Young Urban Professional.  Originally, they were baby boomers but today the generation range has expanded from 20s to 60s, so age is really not much of a factor anymore.  Many wear high-fashion clothing, drive nice cars (so they have disposable income) and care about their image.  Can be easily found on M Street in Georgetown and along Bethesda Row. Also found near college campuses -- take a look at Fraternity Row.

Photography by Della Chen

Urbanite -- This term has evolved in the last 10 years. Similar to Yuppies, but more socially conscience (Environment, Poverty, World Hunger, etc).  Many work in non-profits.  Dress and image are not as important to them but they still try to maintain a professional-looking image.  Generally older than Yuppies Can find them around Sweetgreen carrying their own resusable salad bowls.  Willing to pay $15 for a salad and bottled water. So willing to spend money on food and drink and are just as social as Yuppies.



Hipster --  Social animals who like to wear Indie or Retro clothing as well as enjoy Indie music.  Tend to be in teens to early 30s.

Contrary to public opinion, they are well educated and are early adopters of technology.  Hipsters love to congregate in urban settings such as McPherson Square.  They are vocal in their beliefs and many are active in protests.  Go to Freedom Park and you find lots of them occupying all areas of DC.

Socialite -- As the name implies, highly social and active in networking and promoting oneself.  Normally as attended prestigious universities and has a well-paying job.  Can be wealthy and usually chooses a career path in art, literature or law.  Many are bilingual -- known to hang out at Embassy Row.

SipwithSocialites.com

Fashionista -- Someone with a penchant for shopping and a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends.  Think of Sex and the City and Lady Gaga.  Trendy but don't expect them to be shallow or materialistic, and yes, it can even be a guy. Fashionistas are highly regarded today.  Like Yuppies, they are found in Bethesda and Georgetown

Sports Fanatic -- Someone who is crazy about most major professional sports: NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Soccer, etc.  Can be found in sports bars and often attends games in the Verizon Center, Nats Park and Fedex Field.  Loves beer as well as wings, burgers and sandwiches.  Can be found on non sports days wearing a sports jersey.  Favorite part of town: Chinatown

Politico -- Someone whose life or lifestyle revolve around politics (Federal or State).  Can be a Hill Staffer, Pentagon Puzzle Palace worshipper, Lobbyist, Govt employee whose after hours life is centered around networking with other other politicos or anyone who enjoys politics and chatting about the topic.  Can we found in watering holes in Capitol Hill (Hawk n Dove) and even Pentagon City (Champs).  If they watch Sunday morning political shows as fervently as a Sports Fanatic watches Sunday afternoon football, then they are beyond recovery.

Economist -- Someone who sees something that works in practice and wonders if it would work in theory.  Usually works in the field of economics, finance, business or social science.  Many work at the World Bank or are K Street insiders lobbying the government or working as a Consultant for Booz Allen, advising the government how best to earmark their precious, shrinking dollars.  While Economists tend to be social, the practice what they preach, meaning they keep a budget and are frugal spenders.  They would rather pay $6 for a salad at McDonald's then $10 for a salad at Chop't.

Wonk -- an intellectually curious person who is an expert in a field.  Many are knowledgeable Washington insiders, focused fervently on an issue and passionate about creating meaningful change.  Many are part of the bourgeoning DC Cocktail Tech trend and attend meetups throughout the city. Can also be found hanging around major university campuses (Champs) and near Georgetown, AU and UMD.  Generally, you wouldn't know one if you spotted one because appearance doesn't really define a Wonk.

American University

DCist -- if no other category fits you perfectly, than you will have to resort to being a DCist.  It's a catch all term that means a lot but also very little.  You care about news, events, food and culture but not to the extent of any of the other demographic groups.  In short, you are a moderate in your lifestyle, kind of one of each of everybody.  You are intelligent and caring but you're likely not the one trying to save the Earth.

Flickr: dcJohn

So this is the Lifestyle bucket list -- all 10 of them.  You fit in one of them so you best get to know your neighbors.  How 'bout if 2 or 3 also know my name.  Well, there's only one dominant one.  You're only one today and tomorrow you can try out a new label.

Any more buckets I left out? Sure, it's not humanly possible to catch everyone.  How about the Surburbanites? Oh, you mean those who live in Woodbridge or Gaithersburg.  First, sorry about your commute. Secondly, sorry for missing out on City Living.  Third, I'm afraid we had to exclude you and your 1.5 kids, your medium-large size dog and yes, your luscious, green back yard...