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We're moving to DC in a couple weeks and I was hoping to get your opinion on the address we'll be at. In terms of the neighborhood is it safe? Is there stuff to do around there? How is it in terms of walkability?
Have you not even visited the new place you are moving to? If you had, you'd know that it's only blocks away from the Atlas District, which is a vibrant commercial corridor with tons of bars and restaurants. So yes, there is tons of "stuff" to walk to, including two cool music venues, the Rock and Roll Hotel and the Red Palace.
In terms of safety, yes there is crime. Everywhere in DC experiences some crime. This is not one of the really bad areas, but it is also not one of the best.
Knowing nothing about you, I can't say if you would feel safe there or not. People coming from small towns or affluent suburbs might feel uncomfortable there. People who have experience living in inner cities would probably feel fine.
I have walked around that area at night many times with no problems but at the same time I am always at least on guard there.
The trend for that neighborhood has been for it to improve and become more safe over the past several years and I expect that trend to continue.
But really you need to visit the area yourself before you move to see if it fits with YOUR own criteria for safety.
Use crimemap.dc.gov for crime statistics.
Cool location, a bit of a mixed bag. You're two blocks from H Street, which has a lot of fun bars and restaurants. It's one of the city's newest nightlife destinations so there are a lot fun things to do and new bars and restaurants opening up left and right. That said, the area is still transitional and crime is still an issue. There's no reason to doubt that the area's getting better all the time, but ultimately it comes down to your comfort level in an urban environment and always being aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The neighborhood is very walkable, although it is a bit far from metro (closest stop is Union Station on the red line). The X buses run up and down H Street, so that's the key public transit option in that area.
Have you not even visited the new place you are moving to? If you had, you'd know that it's only blocks away from the Atlas District, which is a vibrant commercial corridor with tons of bars and restaurants. So yes, there is tons of "stuff" to walk to, including two cool music venues, the Rock and Roll Hotel and the Red Palace.
In terms of safety, yes there is crime. Everywhere in DC experiences some crime. This is not one of the really bad areas, but it is also not one of the best.
Knowing nothing about you, I can't say if you would feel safe there or not. People coming from small towns or affluent suburbs might feel uncomfortable there. People who have experience living in inner cities would probably feel fine.
I have walked around that area at night many times with no problems but at the same time I am always at least on guard there.
The trend for that neighborhood has been for it to improve and become more safe over the past several years and I expect that trend to continue.
But really you need to visit the area yourself before you move to see if it fits with YOUR own criteria for safety.
Use crimemap.dc.gov for crime statistics.
Unfortunately visiting the area wasn't an option. I was laid off here in Michigan recently and was able to find a job in DC. I really don't have the funds to fly out to check out the neighborhood so I'm doing as much research as I can online. Thanks for your input!
Its mostly auto / property theft, vandalism, some limited violent crime in that area. Think transitional and you've got the idea. My general advice is not to head east of that location by more than a few blocks.
You say "we're" moving. Is you--just a guy, or is you spouse coming with, or a whole family?
If it is just you and you have (or can quickly develop) a bit of street smarts, you'll probably be ok. You'll just pay attention to your surrounding and not do things like leave you laptop on your car seat overnight and generally you can avoid the crimes of opportunity that might come your way.
If you are the type who wants to come home from the bars at 2:00 am somewhat in a staggering state, or if you are a single woman walking along at midnight, you might feel a bit different about that area. I wouldn't recommend it for someone "just off the turnip truck" who sort of walks around with their head in the clouds, but it's not the worst part of town either, not by a long stretch.
It's transitional. The closer to the Capitol the better (West), and the closer to the area around 16th and E (East) the less safe. Take a look at the murder map over the last five years or so. You may encounter some folks up to no good who are walking between some parts or passing through where you live, but hey, it's the city.
I have lived in that area myself. Follow the advice above from Penguin6, and you'll be fine. It used to be more iffy about 10 years ago, but since then, it's gotten considerably safer and nicer. Back then, anything north of G Street was scary. Now, you have to get a few blocks up from H Street before it gets weird, and even then, you're talking only at night.
But I would definitely have someone you trust check out the actual apartment before you sign anything! You know, just make sure everything works and that there aren't holes in the floor.
I cannot imagine renting, much less buying, a place without seeing it first. I'd cut back on food, entertainment, etc. first, since where you live affects you every single day, all day. How did you come across this place? A property management company, perhaps? A realtor? What criteria did you use to choose it? That would help people respond, for example saying whether it's near shopping or entertainment since it's important to you. Have you signed a lease? What if you get good news? It's not an area I would have chosen when I lived in the area, but I left in 2005 and many neighborhoods changed quickly. Plus, individuals tastes vary. Hope it works out for you.
You've researched Web sites abd/or contacted the Dictrict police department to ask about crime stats, I assume.
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