DC was not what I expected (apartment, condo, houses)

[ffknight918]

I just got back from a quick trip to DC on Saturday. I left Friday morning from here(Milwaukee) and came home Saturday morning. I was in town to apply to the DC Fire Dept. I had most of the day to walk around(until I had to get in line at about 1am to hand in my app), and was surprised by most things.

I knew it was going to be different than what I was used to. I have never visited the East Coast. However, I've heard so many things about how trashy it is. Then people are always complaining that it's too dangerous. I did spend most of my time downtown, but I thought it was beautiful. The sidewalks all looked really nice and well kept. When I heard there were no big buildings due to the Monument, I thought that it wouldn't seem like that big of a city. Well I still think it does. Every building is still a high rise. It still has that big city feel. The Metro worked out great for me. I got around very fast and did not have longs waits.(Except early Saturday morning)

When I got off the Metro the first time, I strayed off in the wrong direction looking for my place. The houses were more run down and some boarded up. I saw a couple crosses spray painted on sidewalks where people were killed. I got a few weird looks from the people outside, but I didn't feel unsafe at all.

I may be coming back either this weekend or the next to visit Hyattsville FD in PG County. I might do a live-in there where I work for the fire dept and get free school while I live there. I'm even more interested now that I know for sure that I can get around without a car. I also stayed near the Adam's Morgan area.(I think that's what it's called) That place was crazy on Friday night. There were people everywhere. Seems like it would be a lot of fun.

Overall, I think DC is a great city. It would be an honor to get the job with DCFD. I can't wait to come back.

I'd also like to mention that I've never seen some many Starbucks cafes in my life. haha

[DC's Finest]

Glad you enjoyed it! Many people like yourself who have never been to DC think its a small town because there are no skyscrapers. But when they get here, the see that it is a thriving major city. DC has the second largest subway ridership and the third largest downtown in the country. The next time you come. You should go to Baltimore and Philly. They are east coast great cities!

[chip1980]

DC also is ranked #1 in AIDS so wear them condoms

[dcunited]

yea no huge skyscrapers does not equal no density

[Dredre]

Originally Posted by chip1980

DC also is ranked #1 in AIDS so wear them condoms

Wow... ummm... wow... ummm, extra unexpected?

[ffknight918]

Originally Posted by DC's Finest

Glad you enjoyed it! Many people like yourself who have never been to DC think its a small town because there are no skyscrapers. But when they get here, the see that it is a thriving major city. DC has the second largest subway ridership and the third largest downtown in the country. The next time you come. You should go to Baltimore and Philly. They are east coast great cities!

That's the other thing that I like. All of the major East Coast cities are in one area. I was planning on taking a trip to DC this summer to maybe hand in my app, go to PG County for my business, then take the MARC to Baltimore. I picked up a second job and don't have time for a long trip. However, the side job that I got is with Midwest Airlines. So I can just fly to those places for free. I think I'm going to NYC on Thursday just for the day.

If I were to get hired, I think I start at about $46k. It goes up pretty fast after I graduate the academy, but if I'm making that amount, can I live comfortably in DC? Or would I have to live in VA or MD? Also, how affordable is the downtown area? I found one apartment online that wasn't bad at all. It was near McPhearson Sq. Thanks for the help.

[DC's Finest]

So Chip, if DC was ranked say #899 you wouldn't advise someone to wear a condom?

[SmerkyGrl]

Glad you enjoyed your experience. I love DC as well

[smakawhat]

Dc was not like I expected either when I was first got here too.

That was over 7 years ago and haven't left since

[chip1980]

Originally Posted by DC's Finest

So Chip, if DC was ranked say #899 you wouldn't advise someone to wear a condom?

Yeah, but in DC u need to wear two condoms plus some ducktape