Alexandria (Huntington: apartment complex, leasing agent, hotel)

[JennOSU2008]

Hi there,

I'm planning to move to the DC metro area in a year or so, for grad school and my first post-college job. I have a couple friends in the Alexandria area, who are already grad students at GW. They enjoy the area and say the Metro is pretty convenient for them (work full-time during the day, take classes at night), but they have one thing I won't have, for awhile after moving: cars. My main concern is safety, considering that I'll be following the same path they're taking right now. I'm just trying to be cautious, considering I'll probably have to take the bus home late at night from the Metro station, whereas they can just drive home. Is Alexandria a relatively safe area for this, or should I consider another area?

[mlv311]

It all depends on what part of Alexandria you are talking about. While it is relatively safe, there are some areas where I wouldn't want to be walking alone at night, even if the bus drops you off close to your apartment.

Personally, I would suggest getting a place that is a short walk to the metro station since GW is on the blue/orange line (Foggy Bottom-GWU). Bus schedules may be infrequent during non-rush hours and cabs aren't easily available everywhere as they are in other cities.

[JennOSU2008]

Thanks a lot. Looking into apartments within walking distance of the station never occurred to me, for some reason.

[wrightflyer]

I know this isn't exactly on topic, but we are staying at the Hilton right next to the King Street Metro. Is this area safe? Walkable? The hotel site says it is right next to or at the end of old towne Alexandria on King Street. Is this true or is it a few blocks till you are actually in Old Town? If so, is there shops and restaurants nearby (King Street Metro)?

[Yankeesfan]

The Hilton is a great location, and yes, you'll be right at one end of Old Towne (the other end being the waterfront).

As for the original question, unfortunately a young woman has to be wary of walking anywhere at night. Think this over carefully. It would help to have some more specifics about the locations you have in mind. Definitely not anywhere in the Huntington Metro area (end of the yellow line).

[JennOSU2008]

The apartment complex I'm looking at is located near Old Towne, and it's about a mile from the Metro station...I don't know if that helps or not. It's pretty close to the 395/landmark something or other...sorry, I just got that information from the leasing office of the place I'm considering.

[The Dissenter]

that might be the carydale east high-rise. it is a nice building just got done with a renovation. landmark mall and 395 are about 5 min down duke st. that area is pretty safe for a woman at night.

[JennOSU2008]

That's not it actually...I don't have high-rise apartment money...yet.

[Yankeesfan]

Does the bus stop right at your apartment complex? Not trying to get too detailed, it's just that I have a daughter about your age and so as a mom I worry!

[JennOSU2008]

Yeah, there's a bus stop there. The leasing agent I've been in contact with over the past month or so keeps stressing that, considering that I won't have a car for awhile. She said most residents use it to get to the Metro station.