Alexandria vs Arlington (Washington: crimes, home, living)

[rsh56]

"gunshots were fired, oh wait, never mind, someone's German car backfired" lol.

[terrence81]

I think it comes down to preference. Convenience wise Arlington, particularly the much talked about Ballston/Clarendon/Courthouse/Rosslyn corridor, is closer and has more going on. Alexandria has Old Town and Del Ray the rest is just houses and hi rise apartments.

So to answer your question: Arlington

I lived in a quiet, though slightly rough around the edges, neighborhood in south Arlington. I liked it. I've sinced moved to the outer suburbs because of work and I'm so ready to move back.

I guess because I lived in the less cool part of Arlington I get irritated when people want to paint Arlington with one brush. The whole county isn't like Clarendon.

If going out often and being close to DC is your main priority. Then Clarendon or Ballston is the spot.

If you just want a few shops to walk to but LOVE eating out a lot then you gotta do Old Town. You'll never go hungry on King street, especially if you like seafood.

Del Ray to me feels like a quaint small town. There's a few shops and restaurants but its not a destination like Old Town. Its not cool. Its not lame. Just nice and quiet without being too suburban.

[user8]

It's funny (to me, at least) to see all the trendy cafes and hip, yuppie-esque folks flocking there now. Heh. Del Ray was a horrible ghetto 25 years ago. Don't get me wrong... I'm glad it turned a corner and became "cute." Glad there are no more gang stabbings on Mt. Vernon Ave!

[WASHINGTON BULLETS]

Originally Posted by user8

It's funny (to me, at least) to see all the trendy cafes and hip, yuppie-esque folks flocking there now. Heh. Del Ray was a horrible ghetto 25 years ago. Don't get me wrong... I'm glad it turned a corner and became "cute." Glad there are no more gang stabbings on Mt. Vernon Ave!

Who did you used to run with back in the days?

[user8]

Originally Posted by WASHINGTON BULLETS

Who did you used to run with back in the days?

The normal folks who didn't "run" with gangs.

[WASHINGTON BULLETS]

Originally Posted by user8

The normal folks who didn't "run" with gangs.

Gangs?

You mean crews right?

[terrence81]

Originally Posted by user8

It's funny (to me, at least) to see all the trendy cafes and hip, yuppie-esque folks flocking there now. Heh. Del Ray was a horrible ghetto 25 years ago. Don't get me wrong... I'm glad it turned a corner and became "cute." Glad there are no more gang stabbings on Mt. Vernon Ave!

Well I guess you still evidence of that in the Arlandria area. That's area is still a little rough looking. I was surprised to see an organic supermarket there though. I noticed one from the same chain, Mom's, in Anacostia on Pennsylvania Ave. Interesting trend. I approve.

[WASHINGTON BULLETS]

Originally Posted by terrence81

Well I guess you still evidence of that in the Arlandria area. That's area is still a little rough looking. I was surprised to see an organic supermarket there though. I noticed one from the same chain, Mom's, in Anacostia on Pennsylvania Ave. Interesting trend. I approve.

You ever heard of The Hole? Have you been there before?

[user8]

Originally Posted by terrence81

Well I guess you still evidence of that in the Arlandria area. That's area is still a little rough looking. I was surprised to see an organic supermarket there though. I noticed one from the same chain, Mom's, in Anacostia on Pennsylvania Ave. Interesting trend. I approve.

That MOM's is great. Overpriced, but great.

Next time you're down there, stop by the Wafle (not waffle) Shop for some killer post-drinking breakfast.

Or the she-crab soup at RT's. Most excellent.

[Samoi137]

Depends on exactly where in Alexandria or Arlington you are. Both cover wide areas. For example, you could be within walking distance, or a long drive, from a Metro station in either one. You could be under the landing paths of planes at either one.