In looking at D.C., remember that the statistics lie unless you look at the metro area as a whole. The District of Columbia itself is very small, with its size constitutionally limited. This left the federal district unable to annex the close-in suburbs which is, naturally, where a lot of the middle class lives. This in turn leaves D.C. proper with very skewed demographics. Gentrification is accentuating this, as many good, histocially middle class neighborhoods are getting pricey. The rich-poor divide is pretty steep.
Take the metro area as a whole, however, and DC looks a lot more "normal" in terms of crime, education, ethnicity, etc., simply because the broader focus brings the middle class back into the picture. It's a very affluent city with a cosmopolitan population and an astonishing array of world class attractions provided free of charge by Uncle Sam. Plenty of history. Plenty of nightlife and fine dining for those interested in such things. More history. As far as high culture is concerned, we are worldbeaters on equestrian statues of Civil War generals. Does anything else matter?
Take the schools as a bellweather. Most people here are familiar with the travails of the DC public school system. However, Montgomery and Fairfax counties -- much of which would be incorporated into the city proper in any other jurisdiction -- have some of the country's best public school systems, and the private/parochial school network is second to none.