New DC Resident - What do I need to know?

[Smooglie]

Example: I just discovered that I need a DC One Card. Never heard of it until an hour ago.

I'm going tomorrow to get the car inspected, which apparently I have to do before I get it registered in DC, which I plan to do at the same time as I get my DC license. Then I'll go get my DC One Card. It's my day to do DC resident stuff.

What else do I need to know/do?

(I do not yet live in zoned parking, though that may change as more families move in and get fed up with people using our street for metro parking.)

[Anonymous]

I've lived in DC for a year and a half and have never heard of a DC One card....

[Anonymous]

What's a DC One Card?

I want to say pay no attention to all the snark about crime, but it's a city and newcomers really do need to be aware that crime happens. Don't leave anything in your parked car - even a dirty ol pair of gym shoes. Don't walk around with your phone up to your face. I'm always amazed by the people standing on a crowded Metro with their bag hanging open, or people who put their phone or purse on the table while sitting at an outdoor cafe.

Do get security for your home. There are all kinds of inexpensive camera and alarm systems. The city just announced grants to subsidize private cameras in high crime areas.

Find and join your neighborhood listserv. Most neighborhoods have them on Yahoo or Google. Best way to get answrs to direct questions. Not everyone on DCUM lives in DC or even the DC metro area.

Since you're talking about your car, you should download the Parkmobile app and set up an account. It lets you pay for street parking all over the city. Be aware that parking tickets provide a huge revenue stream for the city, so never assume that you can fudge it because you're only going in for a few minutes. If you don't see posted parking limits right away, look until you find them. Ignorance will not be an excuse, fines double after 60 days, and getting a boot on your car is maybe the most unpleasant civic lesson.

Speaking of civics, there are both federal and local jurisdictions here and and a limited pool of citizizens, so you will get a jury summons at least every two years for both the District and the U.S. Attorney. It's like clockwork.

Get to know your neighbors even if (maybe especially if) you have nothing in common with them. Old timers will look out for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's a DC One Card?

I want to say pay no attention to all the snark about crime, but it's a city and newcomers really do need to be aware that crime happens. Don't leave anything in your parked car - even a dirty ol pair of gym shoes. Don't walk around with your phone up to your face. I'm always amazed by the people standing on a crowded Metro with their bag hanging open, or people who put their phone or purse on the table while sitting at an outdoor cafe.

Do get security for your home. There are all kinds of inexpensive camera and alarm systems. The city just announced grants to subsidize private cameras in high crime areas.

Find and join your neighborhood listserv. Most neighborhoods have them on Yahoo or Google. Best way to get answrs to direct questions. Not everyone on DCUM lives in DC or even the DC metro area.

Since you're talking about your car, you should download the Parkmobile app and set up an account. It lets you pay for street parking all over the city. Be aware that parking tickets provide a huge revenue stream for the city, so never assume that you can fudge it because you're only going in for a few minutes. If you don't see posted parking limits right away, look until you find them. Ignorance will not be an excuse, fines double after 60 days, and getting a boot on your car is maybe the most unpleasant civic lesson.

Speaking of civics, there are both federal and local jurisdictions here and and a limited pool of citizizens, so you will get a jury summons at least every two years for both the District and the U.S. Attorney. It's like clockwork.

Get to know your neighbors even if (maybe especially if) you have nothing in common with them. Old timers will look out for you.

+1000 finally a useful response!

Which neighborhood are you living in OP? I've lived in Chinatown, Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, Georgetown, Dupont, Logan, Columbia Heights and Petworth. Advice can be very neighborhood specific. Do you own a home, condo or rent?

As for general DC advice, make an appointment when you take your car to get inspected. Keep in touch with your Council member. Use 311.dc.gov to request services (bulk trash pick up, sidewalk repair, basically anything). Sometimes it's faster to take the bus than metro train. This city might break your heart and then make it sing with joy in a matter of minutes. Welcome to DC!

[Anonymous]

Read the parking meter AND sign fully, otherwise, you may end up with a ticket that you were not expecting. As someone else suggested, download the Parkmobile App.

Go to wmata.com and learn how to use the Metro system. In addition, on Metro escalators, it is stand right, walk left.

You will run into scalpers every time you go to Verizon Center, even though it is illegal.

[Anonymous]

You'll need much patience. Good luck, OP.

[Anonymous]

Mods removed all the comments about crime but crime is very much rampant in DC

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:Mods removed all the comments about crime but crime is very much rampant in DC

What is your obsession? You have spent two hours spamming this thread. Get some sleep.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mods removed all the comments about crime but crime is very much rampant in DC

What is your obsession? You have spent two hours spamming this thread. Get some sleep.

I am on European time due to my job.
It has been morning for me for the past several hours already.

[Anonymous]

If you have a DC license, you probably don't also need a DC One Card.

[Anonymous]

On Metro escalators, stand on the right.

[Anonymous]

If you see someone leave chairs or cones out to reserve a parking space in snow, feel free to just put them in your trunk like I always do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On Metro escalators, stand on the right.

That tradition gives DC character.

[jsteele]

If you haven't already, go to the library and get a library card. Even if you don't plan to go to the library, they have a lot of online resources including ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and music that you can access from home.

[Anonymous]

I have lived in NWDC for almost 10 years and have never really had problems. Yes, I have had packages stolen off my porch but other than that not much. There are some really great restaurants and a million things to do. People focus on the crime because... well I don't know! There is random crime in most cities. DC is a nice but expensive place to live. Honestly, I really like it. Please don't think that DCUM represents everyone in DC.

I also agree with PP, if you have a driver's license, I don't think you need a DC one card.