This probably goes without saying, but for any area in DC you're considering, especially if newly gentrifying area, you should walk around at night.

Also might help to look in at crime stats in neighborhoods you're considering--for example, the Northwest Current paper has a section for crimes reported in the past week (although sometimes groups several adjacent 'hoods together):

http://www.currentnewspapers.com/archive.php

I think Petworth and the 16th st Adams Morgan/mt p corridor are equal in safety. Have lived in both fairly recently. Big issues in both is walking after midnight.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd much rather live in a row house in Petworth/Columbia Heights/Petworth/Mt. Pleasant than a bedbuggy apartment on 16th Street.

Bully for you. Others would rather live in a pristine apartment on 16th than a rickety cookie-cutter rowhouse in Petworth surrounded by nothing but other rickety cookie-cutter Petworth rowhouses where it isn't safe to go out after dark. Happily, there's room in the city for all kinds.

My friend got bedbugs at the Woodner and she and her boyfriend both got mugged in front of the building. I don't think it's much safer than Petworth. I've been here 6 years never a problem.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Takoma Dc or Brightwood would also be options. 2 miles down North Capitol to the Old Soldiers Home.

This. Have a friend whose dc attends Cm who thinks the commute will be much easier. N. Cap. Traffic is no picnic but most major roads in DC are pretty brutal during rush hour.

I agree with Takoma DC.

Anonymous wrote:I'd much rather live in a row house in Petworth/Columbia Heights/Petworth/Mt. Pleasant than a bedbuggy apartment on 16th Street.

Bully for you. Others would rather live in a pristine apartment on 16th than a rickety cookie-cutter rowhouse in Petworth surrounded by nothing but other rickety cookie-cutter Petworth rowhouses where it isn't safe to go out after dark. Happily, there's room in the city for all kinds.

I'd much rather live in a row house in Petworth/Columbia Heights/Petworth/Mt. Pleasant than a bedbuggy apartment on 16th Street.

Anonymous wrote:Takoma Dc or Brightwood would also be options. 2 miles down North Capitol to the Old Soldiers Home.

i live in this neighborhood and wouldn't use N.Capital. Its always backed up to Missouri ave. I would try the back roads. Maybe 5th street to Taylor and your there.