Yet another "which neighborhood should I look at" question (apartment, rent)

[chartres]

Hi all,

Looks like we'll be relocating to DC from Los Angeles for my husband's career (federal gov't) in a few months. I've been to DC but know almost nothing about neighborhoods there. Help?

Things we're looking for in a neighborhood: walkable/bikeable (we'll have one car, but can probably rent a spot if one doesn't come with the apartment?), close to a Metro line, interesting restaurants, diverse, sorta arty? Maybe something that's the DC analogue of Brooklyn in NYC or Silverlake in LA?

We're a young family with one kid, but he's still a baby. So schools aren't a concern yet. We'd be looking for a two-bedroom apartment around or under 2200/month.

Thanks!

[PDF]

Where will he be working? That's a big question that could help with answers. Don't want too long of a Metro commute.

[terrence81]

The first place I thought of was Adams Morgan or Columbia Heights but the later has crime issues as it struggles to gentrify. Or maybe around U street. Capitol Hill has become more family friendly especially if you can get a place right off Pennsylvania Avenue which has lots of shops and it's pretty quiet.

[InDC]

In DC itself, Dupont Circle or 14th Street/Logan Circle are a couple neighborhoods that meet your criteria, but are probably a bit pricier than your $2200/mo range -- check Craig's List for current rents. Takoma Park (MD or DC) may also work.

Like another poster noted, where your husband will be working could have an impact, but if it is near a Metro not so much.