Just want to clarify:

I love DC. If I ever decide to leave MN that is where I would go!

I would definitely agree with this ;) .

Thanks for all your help, everyone!

Eh, I really don't think it's that scary down there. Maybe I'm just naive? I just make sure I'm aware of my surroundings and keep my head up and I've never felt scared.

Mel, I don't know where you're staying, but if it's near a Metro station, and your office is near a Metro station, just take the Metro. I hate driving downtown...a lot of roads all run diagonal and there are traffic circles and a lot of them aren't very well marked, and it's pretty easy to get turned around if you're not familiar with the area. I mean, if you have parking at your apartment, by all means bring your car, but it may not be best to depend on it for day-to-day travelling.

I don't know which complex I'll be in or whether I'll be in Arlington or Bethesda, but all the complexes have Metro stops right outside. Since parking spots cost about $250 to rent, I'm not planning on taking my car. I seriously heart the Metro.

I'm really not that worried about safety...I've been to DC about 10 times over the years, so I know a little about it.

Regarding the 4th of July in DC -- it's a must. But a lot has changed.

For one thing, there is no longer alcohol allowed on the mall the police is very very strict.

So the days of lounging with a cooler full of beer throwing a frizbee around are over.

They are trying to make it more family friendly I think.

It can get very very crowded so it's god to get there early but then once you're there the sun is blaring down on you and it's hot so plan ahead.

The fireworks are always great and it's so much fun.

DC is a great city.

It's changed since last year?

Avoid driving in rush hour as much as you can. It will drive you batty. The metro is safe and wonderful!

My best DC advice: Metro, don't drive, in the district! It is very easy to get lost driving in DC, whereas Northern VA and Southern MD (which both border DC) are easy to navigate.

Have fun! The program you are doing is very well known and there will be plenty of fun activities with the other interns!

The District is a Cess Pool. Run by the Our Federal Govt.:rolleyes:

But, what is Great about The District, is all that can be seen and enjoyed.

God, one has to Live there to see everything and in the surrounding areas. History Lives there! The Seat of Our Government and
Collection of artifacts.

Our History in life form!:)

OK I am DC/MD born and raised.... so here are some important tips safetywise... and a few others.

Metro system is a great way to commute, I myself relied on it heavily. Don't mingle on the metro, about half of the people on the metro during rush hour are tired working people, one fourth are tourists, and the other one fourth tend to be school kids or crazies... be weary of the crazies. Not many people adhere to the elderly/handicapped seating rules (I do but thats because I would want people to do that for me if I had troubles). most people (other then the crazies) will not mingle with you.

Northwest is the best area to be in by far. Avoid parts of Northeast and Southeast unless you carry your own armed guard.

Try to find someone who can go with you in the evenings, DC is a city after all, you'll be alot safer if there are 2 of you. Always be aware of your surroundings. I don't say this stuff to scare you, its just that alot of people come to this city and forget that its a city like many others. There are areas that are great fun and there are areas that are not so safe. Use people who live there to help you out. They are the best resources and can tell you alot. Always ask your seasoned dcers for help/advice... they know the safest areas/streets, etc.

Bethesda is a great place for shopping (not if your on a budget though) and dining(dining is more reasonable).

A great place to eat for lunch is AKA Friscoes or Rocklands on Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown area.

Fresh fields is the best grocer, everything is made fresh and is very healthy and very good. they focus on organic grown products.

Act like you belong and you will... Have fun, be safe, enjoy it!

Good Luck!

Dawn:)

so you live in the boonies too eh???
 

great advice!!!

i used to HATE when tourist would be in my way as i was coming and going from work; ESPECIALLY the moms with their 20 children and double strollers going to the monument....this of course was b4 i had a child of my own..lol

oh i want to add this, make those train clerks do their job. they are glorified customer service agents who sit all day and do nothing.

bumpity bump

I need help again, DC natives.

I'm relocating to DC sometime in May/June, and I'm in the midst of apartment hunting. I found a complex that meets every requirement I've set - except it's in the Southwest.

I personally am cool with it - I worked in the Southeast this summer, I know the city well, and I'd rather have a nicer apartment for the same amount I'd pay for a dump in Dupont Circle. I'm also living with my boyfriend, so it's not like "little girl alone in the big city." However, everybody else seems to think I'm nuts for wanting to live anywhere but the Northwest.

According to the listing, the complex is within walking distance of the Federal Center SW, L'Enfant Plaza and Waterfront Metro stops. So tell me: am I crazy? Will I get murdered in the cold blood on my doorstep as my mother seems to believe? Help?

You'll be just as safe as you would be any other place - you know the city, you know when & where a street is safe, and you're near the Metro. Sounds great to me!

FWIW, much of Dupont Circle is becoming overrated. You have to really put a lot of elbow grease into most places to make it look like THE Dupont Circle of years ago; I stayed with a friend there a couple years ago, and we visited other neighbors - the architecture is breathtaking, but needs more work than someone just out of school could possibly afford. At least, living in a complex, you won't be stuck with the maintainance and all.