are you concerned about crime as a parent?

[Anonymous]

We are about to move to NWDC. I'm curious how parents of young children feel about the crime in DC and if it's impacting your daily life or your choices for how you spend time with your little ones.

We have a toddler who is active and loves to be outside. On average we spend about 4-5 hours a day out at playgrounds, just walking the streets, etc. I also often drive him to events at public libraries. Reading about the frequent armed carjackings /armed robberies that seem to be spread out all over DC scares me. They are happening during the day and are not confined to certain areas. My worst nightmare would be getting carjacked at gunpoint with my child in the carseat.

Are you taking more precautious when you go out with your children? If so, how? Please also mention which neighborhood you live in.

Or tell me it's all overblown?

[Anonymous]

it’s overblown. Your chances of being a victim of such a crime are still pretty low.

[Anonymous]

lol also just saw you are moving to nwdc. Your fears are very very overblown in that case.

[Anonymous]

I live in SW DC (so much closer to the theoretical crime wave than you will) with two toddlers. We’re always outside thanks to a small apartment. We don’t own a car so I don’t have to worry about carjackings but I’ve never felt unsafe in my neighborhood. I think your fears are overblown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are about to move to NWDC. I'm curious how parents of young children feel about the crime in DC and if it's impacting your daily life or your choices for how you spend time with your little ones.

We have a toddler who is active and loves to be outside. On average we spend about 4-5 hours a day out at playgrounds, just walking the streets, etc. I also often drive him to events at public libraries. Reading about the frequent armed carjackings /armed robberies that seem to be spread out all over DC scares me. They are happening during the day and are not confined to certain areas. My worst nightmare would be getting carjacked at gunpoint with my child in the carseat.

Are you taking more precautious when you go out with your children? If so, how? Please also mention which neighborhood you live in.

Or tell me it's all overblown?

Its a valid concern regardless of what people say all of whom have their heads in the sand.

[Anonymous]

OP - this is why i want to hear from actual parents.... The news, and certain forums here, make it sound really bad. People have different risk thresholds and reactions to crime but I do believe once you are a parent you have a different perspective and are more risk averse.

None of what's being reported would have bothered me in my pre-child days because I value living in a relatively urban area and understand crime is just part of that.

[Anonymous]

I live in NOVA, I'm not going into the district with my car. No thank you.

[Anonymous]

I’m in moco and it concerns me when my 11yo
Is out alone. However, you can’t live life like that, always being worried. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times, watch the kids when they are little but teach them the same things. My kid knows to pay attention to exits, the behavior of people around her, and where to go for help.

[Anonymous]

I live in Petworth near Sherman Circle and don't feel anymore unsafe than I have in the last 8 years. I actually think it was worse right around us a few years ago.

We aren't near Metro and I don't take Metro anymore given telework. That's probably part of it. But even when I was commuting on Metro and walking home, I never felt unsafe.

I wouldn't go out at night, but I wouldn't do that anywhere unless I had to. The smell of pot is pretty constant.

It really depends on where in NWDC down to the block.

[Anonymous]

PP here- with my kid we are mostly at the neighborhood school (Barnard), Sherman Circle, the surrounding streets, Truesdell playground, and maybe Grant Circle. The most we have encountered are people who seem to be mentally unwell. It doesn't happen a lot and we just keep our distance. No issue so far.

[Anonymous]

Yes absolutely

[Anonymous]

For how long will you live there, OP?

There is a school issue. Past elementary, DCPS is so not worth it, and people move for MD/VA or pay for private.

NW DC is "OK-ish" when it comes to crime, currently. It might not stay that way. Personally, I wouldn't invest there, considering schools, high interest rates, and crime. It's a whole-picture type of conclusion, not just fear of crime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are lame OP

parenthood has made me very lame, guilty as charged

[Anonymous]

DP

Do you let your kids take the metro or bus alone? At what age?

Are you telling your kids to be aware of homeless people/giving them guidance on what to do if they are in the vicinity of someone who seems to be mentally unstable?

[Anonymous]

We live in Manor Park with toddlers and no, I'm not particularly concerned, but I can't say I don't think about it. We are out and about in the city with our kids all the time, and it's fine. I'm definitely more aware these days though. I keep an eye out for anyone who looks off. I keep an eye on groups of teens. I'll move metro cars or get off the bus if anyone who seems like they're going to cause problems gets on (fwiw never needed to do this). Carjackings are a little scary because they're seemingly pretty random, but in reality there are patterns and if you know those patterns you can reduce your risk--most happen at night, many happen to cars idling, and they're still pretty concentrated in certain areas. Also, the number is extremely small compared to the number of cars on the roads at any given time. I'm not going to crap on your fears like others in here are doing because I get it, but realistically your chances of being victimized are very low.