What DC neighborhood would you recommend?

[Anonymous]

Hi DCUM! Recent post-grad looking to move to DC to meet people and establish roots. Moving from Chicago (Lincoln Park) and looking for a safe, neighborhood-esque area of DC that I can say hi to neighbors, let my dog say hi to other dogs, but still be close to a coffee shop. Less trendy downtown and more cute DC. Any recommendations?

[Anonymous]

Budget?

[Anonymous]

Petworth, Columbia heights, adams Morgan, mt pleasant

[Anonymous]

Do you want to buy or rent? What is your budget? Do you want a single family house or an apartment (and if the latter, a bigger building with amenities or something smaller)? Do you need parking? Do you want to be close to metro or commuting routes to a specific place (like if you'll be commuting to Foggy Bottom I'd suggest something different than if you're commuting to NoMa)? Does it have to be in DC or could it be in MD or VA?

Knowing that those answers could refine suggestions, here are a few ideas:

Takoma DC/Takoma Park MD
Kalorama/Adams Morgan/Mt. Pleasant DC
Southwest Waterfront DC
Capitol Hill DC
Del Ray or Shirlington VA

[Anonymous]

Capitol Hill

[Anonymous]

What is your definition of safe, OP? Since you’re coming from Lincoln Park, I’m thinking that bthe suggestions of Columbia Heights and Capitol Hill are maybe not what you are looking for.

[Anonymous]

Conn Ave Chevy chase

[Anonymous]

a) your budget.
b) your level of situational awareness / tolerance for crime?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Petworth, Columbia heights, adams Morgan, mt pleasant

Great neighborhoods but they are all less safe and more urban feeling than Lincoln Park. I'm struggling to think of a DC neighborhood like LP in Chicago, maybe Eastern Market? Cleveland Park? Honestly I think Ballston in Arlington has the most similar crowd (preppy guys in brown flip flops).

- former Chicagoan

[Anonymous]

Glover Park.

[Anonymous]

Cap Hill is the most charming and we have great neighbors and local small town feel.

That being said crime is sky rocketing, and likely to get worse with our council member not taking initiative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Glover Park.

Glover Park is another good pick for someone who likes Lincoln Park

-Former Chicagoan

[Anonymous]

DC is becoming not safe.

[Anonymous]

I’d recommend Arlington. DC is becoming unsafe.

[Anonymous]

I think that's the beauty of some great american cities-- they have similaries but are distinctly different.

i don't know why you would want to move to dc to live exactly like you did in chicago-- no dc neighborhood is going to feel exactly like Lp.

instead i suggest rank prioritizing things you want-- new or prewar building? walk to metro or bus? parking? walk to coffee shop? busier or more residential? crime? and figure it out that way.