Tell me about Columbia Heights (or other neighborhoods that we might like!)

[HumbleSeaGoat]

Originally Posted by pterodactylia

I really appreciate this info, thanks! My husband is concerned about the public housing. Is it something that is mostly in one area, or do most blocks consist of it to some degree?

Also, does anyone know how often shootings occur? I found murder stats but obviously, people don't die every time a gun gets shot. Hearing gunshots doesn't bother me but if shots on my street are something I'd be hearing daily, it's something I would take into consideration.

Other than those two things, I really feel like Columbia Heights is going to be our area. Although we'll likely shop at military stores because it's cheaper, are there any grocery stores anywhere near by aside from Target? What about gyms? I think I remember reading a post somewhere on here that a YMCA was being built in the area soon, but that was a pretty old post, is that completed yet?

Sorry for all the questions! Just trying to get our ducks lined up in a row.

The public housing in Columbia Heights pretty much runs along 14th Street and starts at Columbia Road, ending just after Clifton St. Not all of the houses between Columbia Road and Clifton are section-8 but most of the older, brutalist-designed apartment complexes found there are.

The crime here isn't that bad. They're mostly crimes of opportunity (e.g., leaving a Macbook in the backseat of your car, expecting it to be there the next day, etc.). Like I said, there's a huge law enforcement present in Columbia Heights. Not a day goes by where I don't see a patrol car or two parked somewhere along 14th, or a group of armed agents patroling the area on foot. There's a 3rd District Police sub-station situated a few blocks east of the main hub.

As far as a gym, the Washington Sports Club is housed in the same building (DCUsa) as Best Buy and Target (on the top floor), directly across from Columbia Heights metro. There are a few Washington Sports Club locations in the city, but being a member of this one gives you regional eligibility, since it has all the amenities; therefore, you'd have free access to the other gyms in D.C.

For groceries, you have a Giant right across from DCUSa, one block from the Columbia Heights metro. There's also a CVS one street across the Metro on the opposite side. Might also be interested in the organic grocery shop further south on 14th street, about 6 or so blocks from the station.

[Dennis18708]

I'd skip the Giant, it has the worst lines of any grocery store I've been to in DC. The Harris Teeter over on Kalorama is a hidden gem, nice store and barely any lines.

Yes! Organic Market at 14th and V is nice as well.

[geoking66]

Originally Posted by Dennis18708

I'd skip the Giant, it has the worst lines of any grocery store I've been to in DC. The Harris Teeter over on Kalorama is a hidden gem, nice store and barely any lines.

Yes! Organic Market at 14th and V is nice as well.

Seconding Harris Teeter, it really is hidden. I like the Logan Circle Whole Foods, but it seems to be a bit far out of where you're looking, but sometimes it's fun to get food or things you can't find somewhere else outside of the neighborhood.

[HumbleSeaGoat]

Originally Posted by Dennis18708

I'd skip the Giant, it has the worst lines of any grocery store I've been to in DC. The Harris Teeter over on Kalorama is a hidden gem, nice store and barely any lines.

Yes! Organic Market at 14th and V is nice as well.

Totally forgot about HT. I don't frequent the store since it's on the other side of 16th. The Giant is closer, although if both were of equal distance from me, I'd pick HT over Giant all day.