It has been a couple of years since I lived in the DC area. I always wondered why people would choose to live in DC rather than Northern VA, pay higher income taxes, have less public safety and lousy public schools.
Does six minutes door to desk resonate with you? Some of us don't care to spend two to four hours a day in our cars. D.C. is full of lovely neighborhoods with minimal commutes.
Public safety? Capitol Hill is safer than Old Town Alexandria. Depends on the neighborhood, and as anywhere, things can shift in a matter of blocks. Taxes are a mixed bag; our income tax is high, but the 'burbs ain't exactly cheap either, and what we give up on income taxes you lose on property taxes. The differential is less than a lot of people think. I grant you the schools; private school is part of the deal for the middle class to live in the city.
Each to his own. D.C. is gentrifying fast. If you've been away for a few years, you will be in for a surprise when you come back.