If 'urban pioneers' succeed in DC, would half of NOVA pour in? (Arlington: real estate, condos)

[ACWhite]

I would love to, for the beautiful architecture and the vibrancy of the city but: (a) when I look at the crime maps (robbery, burglary, etc.) I am just stunned at how commonplace it is even in nice areas, and don't want to be fearful in and around my home (i.e., a HUGE drop in crime would be needed); (b) I want a yard for gardening and pets which is and will be out of my price range; (c) I agree about wanting Congressional representation.

[Pandoras]

I don't think there is going to be a mass exodus to DC. You still have to contend with the high taxes, icky water, and a malfunctioning bureaucracy. It does have its charms though.

[brooklynborndad]

DC's current population is 600,000. at leasst a third or more, at least 200,000, live where residential RE is already expensive per SQ ft. Still makes sense for many people, but not for those who want lower cost per sq ft more than the benefits of being in DC (net of the things like the DC local govt that some have mentioned) Lets say there is room to go to 900,000 with redevelopment in those areas not yet able to economically support new development. So we could get from 200k "gentry" to a full 900k. An increase of 700k. about half of whom would likely come from maryland. So no, not half of Nova. Only about 350k. Which could probably be accomplished without any families with school age children.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by ACWhite

I would love to, for the beautiful architecture and the vibrancy of the city but: (a) when I look at the crime maps (robbery, burglary, etc.) I am just stunned at how commonplace it is even in nice areas, and don't want to be fearful in and around my home (i.e., a HUGE drop in crime would be needed);

My sentiments exactly! For me, I wouldnt need the yard, and I could live without congressional representation. I mean, for the sake of the beautiful housing, potential neighborhood feels, walkability, convenience, vibrancy, etc.

The crime stats are quite alarming though. Also the fact that what isn't crime-infested is insanely expensive.

Still, when I look at even far-flung places throughout DC...even in undesireable areas with high crime....there are some gorgeous housing stock, and a nice beauty to many of the places. Thinking of places like Eckington, Bloomingdale, etc. (The colorful rowhomes, etc.)

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by Pandoras

I don't think there is going to be a mass exodus to DC. You still have to contend with the high taxes, icky water, and a malfunctioning bureaucracy. It does have its charms though.

Hahaha I forgot about the icky water. Yes, add that to the list, too.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

Still, when I look at even far-flung places throughout DC...even in undesireable areas with high crime....there are some gorgeous housing stock, and a nice beauty to many of the places. Thinking of places like Eckington, Bloomingdale, etc. (The colorful rowhomes, etc.)

LOL, if you think those neighborhoods are far flung, why are you even asking this on the Nova forum? Stick to the DC forum. All parts of Nova will be way too far flung for you.

[stpickrell]

The area west of Rock Creek Park is very wealthy and very safe.

Everyone agrees east of the Anacostia is pretty crime-ridden still.

Isn't the area between Rock Creek Park and the Anacostia about as safe as say Seven Corners in VA?

[JD984]

Originally Posted by stpickrell

The area west of Rock Creek Park is very wealthy and very safe.

Everyone agrees east of the Anacostia is pretty crime-ridden still.

Isn't the area between Rock Creek Park and the Anacostia about as safe as say Seven Corners in VA?

No.

There are areas like Logan Circle that have improved a lot, but generally the answer to your question is "Not even close." There's a reason why the phrase "mugged by reality" entered the popular lexicon, and it doesn't have much to do with Leesburg Pike.

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by stpickrell

Isn't the area between Rock Creek Park and the Anacostia about as safe as say Seven Corners in VA?

crime nationwide is lower than it was in the bad old days, but people tend to look at current comparisons more than the 1980s.

I think the area you outline - between RCP and Anacostia - is the most interesting, its the area where the great disequilibrium - so many attractive convenient houses in walkable nabes at prices too low for those factors - and the resulting pioneering wave are.

However the pioneers, always have a frontier. It hasnt reached the anacostia, yet. There are many areas that have been well improved (I do not know the crime rates for them) not just Logan circle, but columbia heights, mt pleasant, parts of shaw due east of logan circle, and areas along 16th st north of Mt Pleasant - but there are still areas east of those that give the impression at least of continued urban issues. I would ask in the DC forum for more details.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by stpickrell

Isn't the area between Rock Creek Park and the Anacostia about as safe as say Seven Corners in VA?

What neighborhoods? You're talking about a huge expanse of an area -- points on the west side of the city to the Southeast -- lots of different areas in-between including the GWU neighborhood, federal HQs/bldgs, etc.