Brent vs JKLM

[Anonymous]

I'm a disinterested observer knowing nothing about Brent. But anyone who tries to imply the crime is comparable (on a per capita basis or otherwise) between Capitol Hill and JKLM is smoking crack. The MPD reports, annually, crimes by police district. The online data go back several years. The data are collects at the PSA level, so you can even get much more granular.

It's not even close: the crime rate in upper NW, however measured, whatever measured, is much lower. Whether you care is up to you, but the facts are not.

[Anonymous]

Cab drivers refused to go to the Hill in 2010? I'm sorry, I'm calling BS on that. That's ridiculous. You either got one lone crazy cabbie or you live in a part of SE or NE that is not on Capitol Hill. I have lived on Capitol Hill since 2004 and even H Street has been cab central since before 2010.

[Anonymous]

MPD Crime Map indicates that their have been 11 robberies and 18 burglaries within 1500 feet of Brent in the past year. If my memory serves me correctly several of the burglaries involved commercial establishments.

Cabs unwiiling to take you to the Capitol South-Pennsylvania Avenue-Eastern Market-Barracks Row area in 2010? You're full of it. We've lived close to Brent for 15 years and have never encountered this. Capitol Hill bars and restaurants couldn't survive without cabs. Perhaps you asked a cab to take you to SE, and he thought you meant Ward 8?

[Anonymous]

Setting aside the post conflating the Brent District and other neighborhoods that some might consider to be part of Capitol Hill, part of the reason that we love Brent is its size and sense of community. Brent has fewer than 400 students, while Janney will soon surpass 700 and Lafayette surpass 800 post-renovation. Obviously, they are terrific schools with feeder rights to Deal.

Make your decision based on what you think will work best for your family, not ridiculous fearmongering.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cab drivers refused to go to the Hill in 2010? I'm sorry, I'm calling BS on that. That's ridiculous. You either got one lone crazy cabbie or you live in a part of SE or NE that is not on Capitol Hill. I have lived on Capitol Hill since 2004 and even H Street has been cab central since before 2010.

It happened and still happens pretty damn regularly. I'm sure some of it has to do with being lazy and preferring quick trips around G'town and downtown, however, they use crime as their excuse and it is a valid one. I know a realtor who won't show people houses on the Hill until they've done independent research on crime statistics (just like many realtors won't show homes in Spring Valley until their clients have been informed about the munitions). And yes, per capita, there are plenty of neighborhoods with crime as bad as the Hill's (neighborhoods you probably wouldn't want to live in). However, per capita, crime in the JKLM districts isn't even in the same stratosphere as crime on the Hill.

I can't comprehend why someone would be considering moving into Brent when they could move into a JKLM school, have a safer neighborhood, a better elementary school and decent middle and high school options. It just doesn't make sense to me.

[Anonymous]

I have lived on the Hill for 5 years and wish there were less crime here but I also have never ever experienced a cab refusing to take me there. Ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Setting aside the post conflating the Brent District and other neighborhoods that some might consider to be part of Capitol Hill, part of the reason that we love Brent is its size and sense of community. Brent has fewer than 400 students, while Janney will soon surpass 700 and Lafayette surpass 800 post-renovation. Obviously, they are terrific schools with feeder rights to Deal.

Make your decision based on what you think will work best for your family, not ridiculous fearmongering.

OP, I don't know if you are even still reading this but just going to throw out there.... you don't have to go with a large JKL in order to feed to Deal. We go to Hearst, which is a Deal feeder, and it has 300 students (2 classes per grade). Test scores seem comparable to Brent. Smaller IB % but that is getting bigger every year. Small school with a very strong community.

I'm sure Brent is great too but I have no experience with that. Just wanted to point out that there are smaller schools in NW that you could consider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cab drivers refused to go to the Hill in 2010? I'm sorry, I'm calling BS on that. That's ridiculous. You either got one lone crazy cabbie or you live in a part of SE or NE that is not on Capitol Hill. I have lived on Capitol Hill since 2004 and even H Street has been cab central since before 2010.

It happened and still happens pretty damn regularly. I'm sure some of it has to do with being lazy and preferring quick trips around G'town and downtown, however, they use crime as their excuse and it is a valid one. I know a realtor who won't show people houses on the Hill until they've done independent research on crime statistics (just like many realtors won't show homes in Spring Valley until their clients have been informed about the munitions). And yes, per capita, there are plenty of neighborhoods with crime as bad as the Hill's (neighborhoods you probably wouldn't want to live in). However, per capita, crime in the JKLM districts isn't even in the same stratosphere as crime on the Hill.

I can't comprehend why someone would be considering moving into Brent when they could move into a JKLM school, have a safer neighborhood, a better elementary school and decent middle and high school options. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Still happens regularly? If this is happening regularly to you now, it has something to do with you as a passenger and the cab drivers are lying to you.

Yes, the Hill has more crime than upper NW, absolutely. The same things that make it so attractive to us as residents also make it more attractive to crime (lots of walkable bars and restaurants, wealthy neighbors, easy access to metro, bus, and highways to VA and MD). That's an urban trade-off just like smaller houses without big yards.

We could get larger house in upper NW for less than what we paid on the Hill and have a by-right middle school. We choose Capitol Hill because we prefer the neighborhood: the neighbors, the commute (or lack of one), the walkability and amenities. Everything we like to do or need to do (the mall, Nats games, DC United games, the airport, Barracks Row, H Street, Union Market, Eastern Market, the Verizon Center and Penn Quarter restaurants, our offices downtown) are closer to Capitol Hill. We don't need to be close to the zoo or Bethesda and we are extremely happy with Brent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cab drivers refused to go to the Hill in 2010? I'm sorry, I'm calling BS on that. That's ridiculous. You either got one lone crazy cabbie or you live in a part of SE or NE that is not on Capitol Hill. I have lived on Capitol Hill since 2004 and even H Street has been cab central since before 2010.

It happened and still happens pretty damn regularly. I'm sure some of it has to do with being lazy and preferring quick trips around G'town and downtown, however, they use crime as their excuse and it is a valid one. I know a realtor who won't show people houses on the Hill until they've done independent research on crime statistics (just like many realtors won't show homes in Spring Valley until their clients have been informed about the munitions). And yes, per capita, there are plenty of neighborhoods with crime as bad as the Hill's (neighborhoods you probably wouldn't want to live in). However, per capita, crime in the JKLM districts isn't even in the same stratosphere as crime on the Hill.

I can't comprehend why someone would be considering moving into Brent when they could move into a JKLM school, have a safer neighborhood, a better elementary school and decent middle and high school options. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Still happens regularly? If this is happening regularly to you now, it has something to do with you as a passenger and the cab drivers are lying to you.

Yes, the Hill has more crime than upper NW, absolutely. The same things that make it so attractive to us as residents also make it more attractive to crime (lots of walkable bars and restaurants, wealthy neighbors, easy access to metro, bus, and highways to VA and MD). That's an urban trade-off just like smaller houses without big yards.

We could get larger house in upper NW for less than what we paid on the Hill and have a by-right middle school. We choose Capitol Hill because we prefer the neighborhood: the neighbors, the commute (or lack of one), the walkability and amenities. Everything we like to do or need to do (the mall, Nats games, DC United games, the airport, Barracks Row, H Street, Union Market, Eastern Market, the Verizon Center and Penn Quarter restaurants, our offices downtown) are closer to Capitol Hill. We don't need to be close to the zoo or Bethesda and we are extremely happy with Brent.

I agree with you and love Cap Hill, however, it would be disingenuous to omit that one big reason why Cap Hill has more crime is that you are much closer and better connected to the neighborhoods where many of the criminals come from than upper NW. It's up to anyone to decide if they're comfortable with that or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cab drivers refused to go to the Hill in 2010? I'm sorry, I'm calling BS on that. That's ridiculous. You either got one lone crazy cabbie or you live in a part of SE or NE that is not on Capitol Hill. I have lived on Capitol Hill since 2004 and even H Street has been cab central since before 2010.

It happened and still happens pretty damn regularly. I'm sure some of it has to do with being lazy and preferring quick trips around G'town and downtown, however, they use crime as their excuse and it is a valid one. I know a realtor who won't show people houses on the Hill until they've done independent research on crime statistics (just like many realtors won't show homes in Spring Valley until their clients have been informed about the munitions). And yes, per capita, there are plenty of neighborhoods with crime as bad as the Hill's (neighborhoods you probably wouldn't want to live in). However, per capita, crime in the JKLM districts isn't even in the same stratosphere as crime on the Hill.

I can't comprehend why someone would be considering moving into Brent when they could move into a JKLM school, have a safer neighborhood, a better elementary school and decent middle and high school options. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Still happens regularly? If this is happening regularly to you now, it has something to do with you as a passenger and the cab drivers are lying to you.

Yes, the Hill has more crime than upper NW, absolutely. The same things that make it so attractive to us as residents also make it more attractive to crime (lots of walkable bars and restaurants, wealthy neighbors, easy access to metro, bus, and highways to VA and MD). That's an urban trade-off just like smaller houses without big yards.

We could get larger house in upper NW for less than what we paid on the Hill and have a by-right middle school. We choose Capitol Hill because we prefer the neighborhood: the neighbors, the commute (or lack of one), the walkability and amenities. Everything we like to do or need to do (the mall, Nats games, DC United games, the airport, Barracks Row, H Street, Union Market, Eastern Market, the Verizon Center and Penn Quarter restaurants, our offices downtown) are closer to Capitol Hill. We don't need to be close to the zoo or Bethesda and we are extremely happy with Brent.

All things we have in NW. And please, one person mentioned Bethesda. I think it is fair to say that the majority of people who live in NW don't count "proximity to Bethesda" as a perk. There are many other things in our neck of the woods that are also great. Many areas are also very walkable. My commute is 3 stops on the Red Line to Farragut. For nature and animal lovers, proximity to Rock Creek and the zoo are premium.

I think the point is, for OP's sake-- there are great benefits to living in either neighborhood. Wherever you pick, you will love what that particular area offers. I'm sure I'd love being near Eastern Market, but I live near to Dupont farmers market and so I love that instead. The Mall is cool, but we have the zoo instead. Barrack's Row has nice restaurants, but so does Dupont and 14th Street, both a quick bus/metro/car/Uber ride away. I love the Nats, but for the 4-5 times/year I got to a game I can get to the stadium via metro or car by Rock Creek Park in 20-25 minutes, no biggie. Instead of the Mall I get the beauty of Rock Creek Park for impromptu hikes, picnics, etc.

Bottom line-- they are both nice places to live. In either area you give up something. In either place you are closer to some attractions and further from others. In either place you can have great neighbors or crappy ones. You can luck out with 10 other kids on your block, or wind up with none. I won't even mention crime because, well, there are statistics for that and you can't ignore them, just determine what you feel comfortable with.

OP-- I would suggest you attend some open houses and get a feel for the schools. Also, don't limit to JKLM. There are other great schools in the Deal feeder. Also, Hardy is getting better and better. I certainly wouldn't rule out Stoddert, Ross, Eaton, etc. just because of Hardy.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cab drivers refused to go to the Hill in 2010? I'm sorry, I'm calling BS on that. That's ridiculous. You either got one lone crazy cabbie or you live in a part of SE or NE that is not on Capitol Hill. I have lived on Capitol Hill since 2004 and even H Street has been cab central since before 2010.

It happened and still happens pretty damn regularly. I'm sure some of it has to do with being lazy and preferring quick trips around G'town and downtown, however, they use crime as their excuse and it is a valid one. I know a realtor who won't show people houses on the Hill until they've done independent research on crime statistics (just like many realtors won't show homes in Spring Valley until their clients have been informed about the munitions). And yes, per capita, there are plenty of neighborhoods with crime as bad as the Hill's (neighborhoods you probably wouldn't want to live in). However, per capita, crime in the JKLM districts isn't even in the same stratosphere as crime on the Hill.

I can't comprehend why someone would be considering moving into Brent when they could move into a JKLM school, have a safer neighborhood, a better elementary school and decent middle and high school options. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Still happens regularly? If this is happening regularly to you now, it has something to do with you as a passenger and the cab drivers are lying to you.

Yes, the Hill has more crime than upper NW, absolutely. The same things that make it so attractive to us as residents also make it more attractive to crime (lots of walkable bars and restaurants, wealthy neighbors, easy access to metro, bus, and highways to VA and MD). That's an urban trade-off just like smaller houses without big yards.

We could get larger house in upper NW for less than what we paid on the Hill and have a by-right middle school. We choose Capitol Hill because we prefer the neighborhood: the neighbors, the commute (or lack of one), the walkability and amenities. Everything we like to do or need to do (the mall, Nats games, DC United games, the airport, Barracks Row, H Street, Union Market, Eastern Market, the Verizon Center and Penn Quarter restaurants, our offices downtown) are closer to Capitol Hill. We don't need to be close to the zoo or Bethesda and we are extremely happy with Brent.

I agree with you and love Cap Hill, however, it would be disingenuous to omit that one big reason why Cap Hill has more crime is that you are much closer and better connected to the neighborhoods where many of the criminals come from than upper NW. It's up to anyone to decide if they're comfortable with that or not.

+1 I have to admit that I laughed out loud at this one-- the reason that Capitol Hill has more crime is because it is JUST SO AWESOME. Please.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cab drivers refused to go to the Hill in 2010? I'm sorry, I'm calling BS on that. That's ridiculous. You either got one lone crazy cabbie or you live in a part of SE or NE that is not on Capitol Hill. I have lived on Capitol Hill since 2004 and even H Street has been cab central since before 2010.

It happened and still happens pretty damn regularly. I'm sure some of it has to do with being lazy and preferring quick trips around G'town and downtown, however, they use crime as their excuse and it is a valid one. I know a realtor who won't show people houses on the Hill until they've done independent research on crime statistics (just like many realtors won't show homes in Spring Valley until their clients have been informed about the munitions). And yes, per capita, there are plenty of neighborhoods with crime as bad as the Hill's (neighborhoods you probably wouldn't want to live in). However, per capita, crime in the JKLM districts isn't even in the same stratosphere as crime on the Hill.

I can't comprehend why someone would be considering moving into Brent when they could move into a JKLM school, have a safer neighborhood, a better elementary school and decent middle and high school options. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Still happens regularly? If this is happening regularly to you now, it has something to do with you as a passenger and the cab drivers are lying to you.

Yes, the Hill has more crime than upper NW, absolutely. The same things that make it so attractive to us as residents also make it more attractive to crime (lots of walkable bars and restaurants, wealthy neighbors, easy access to metro, bus, and highways to VA and MD). That's an urban trade-off just like smaller houses without big yards.

We could get larger house in upper NW for less than what we paid on the Hill and have a by-right middle school. We choose Capitol Hill because we prefer the neighborhood: the neighbors, the commute (or lack of one), the walkability and amenities. Everything we like to do or need to do (the mall, Nats games, DC United games, the airport, Barracks Row, H Street, Union Market, Eastern Market, the Verizon Center and Penn Quarter restaurants, our offices downtown) are closer to Capitol Hill. We don't need to be close to the zoo or Bethesda and we are extremely happy with Brent.

I agree with you and love Cap Hill, however, it would be disingenuous to omit that one big reason why Cap Hill has more crime is that you are much closer and better connected to the neighborhoods where many of the criminals come from than upper NW. It's up to anyone to decide if they're comfortable with that or not.

+1 I have to admit that I laughed out loud at this one-- the reason that Capitol Hill has more crime is because it is JUST SO AWESOME. Please.

PP you're responding to here. I also love how she included "wealthy neighbors" in the list of things that make Cap Hill attractive to her (and the criminals). I thought this kind of snobbery was supposed to be the hallmark of upper NW.

[Anonymous]

If Capitol Hill people sounded defensive before, the NW boosters are the defensive ones now.

[Anonymous]

Can't we all just bond over the fact that we don't live in the suburbs? Signed, someone nowhere near the Hill or upper NW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If Capitol Hill people sounded defensive before, the NW boosters are the defensive ones now.

Everyone gets defensive when they are unfairly attacked.