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I'm not sure a lot of these commentors live in the city. The suburban culture, I've found, can create a caricature of DC that does not exist.
I spend a lot of time in transitional areas and have never once felt unsafe. There are the occasional high profile crimes, but most of the crime exists in Anacostia - across the river. Of course things can happen, but bottom line:
Do not let rumors about crime dissuade you from your life's interests. That would be a horrible mistake. Thousands upon thousands of pleasant, middle class, office worker-bees live and work in the city everyday. I see sweet looking young women get on and off subway stops all over the city - from upscale hoods to ones most people would label somewhat rough. But, the rough areas are fading quickly.
As for cost, what financial managers recommend you spend on housing often isn't realistic for someone starting off. You'll do fine, especially if you're on your own. Drop a grand or less a month on rent in a group house, sell your car and sign up for Zipcar if you need one sometimes so you don't have to bother with those expenses, and you've got tons of money left over for food and libations.
DC's a world class city. It's really incredible for people who enjoy the intellectual stimulation and energy.
Capitol Hill a "starter" neighborhood? Are you joking? Maybe 20 years ago it was, but it's certainly not now. It's one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city.
I slightly disagree. Capital Hill expanded it's borders so much that it's everything. Many areas of Capital Hill is EXTREMELY cheap. Sure, areas around Eastern Market and Capital South Metro are expensive, but it's not bad at all when you move farther east. When I first moved here some firemen at work that worked in that area were laughing about the number of "yuppies" that move here and walk around talking about how they live in Capital Hill. When in reality they live in what used to be called "Trinidad South". However, it will sound better to the new people in town if it's called Capital Hill. So they expanded the borders. It's all about where you live in that neighborhood.
When it get's advertised by real estate agents as Capital Hill. Whereas no one ever considered those areas Capital Hill years ago. Borders change all the time. NoMa is a brand new neighborhood itself. Not sure how hard that is to believe, but whatever.
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