Thank you all for your thoughtful responses. I’m the original poster. The house we liked on Warren Street got snatched up, but we will keep looking in that little area. I like the idea of being a few blocks from turtle park and from Millies. The other house is on 43rd St. and Albermarle, not on the market yet but coming soon. My friends cautioned me because of crime up there and feeling too urban with big franchises. I personally think the whole AU Park area is wonderful and I’m grateful to even be considering moving there. I’m currently in Columbia Heights where crime has gotten a bit out of hand and I often have to step over drunk people sleeping in the streets when I’m out doing errands with my kids. We are looking to (hopefully) find our forever home and we would send our kids to Janney (unless anyone has anything to flag about Jenney). I’m all ears!

Hello all, I am looking at two houses in AU Park and would appreciate your honest feedback. I have two small children (one is 18-months and the other is 5 years old). We love having a good community vibe (bumping into the same people when we walk around, having and being good/friendly neighbors, feeling connected to our neighborhood, having access to stores/coffee shops/playgrounds). The first house is up the hill by Janney Elementary, which we love. The second house is down closer to Mass Ave and Turtle Park/Millie's. I am wondering if those who know this area could help me understand the differences between those areas related to the following: community vibe, family-friendly, crime/theft, block parties, walkability. Many friends in DC have cautioned us against the house that's up the hill and closer to the metro but it is a bit bigger than the other which is nice. Would love to hear everyone's thoughts.