Moving to the area - Tips?

sean · Joined: 01 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

I am relocating from upper NW to Columbia Heights and just wanted to get some impressions of the safety around the places I am looking at. One is on 13th street between Harvard and Girard. The other is on the corner of Monroe and 14th.

Any significant difference in crime around these two areas? Other general tips for living in Columbia Heights after a few years in quiet (and boring) upper NW?

Thanks - great forum.

Ferdelance · Joined: 05 Jul 2006 Posts: 207 Location: Columbia Rd

Welcome to Columbia Heights. I don't live in either of those areas, but many of the forum members who do live in those areas will have plenty of info. If you are buying a house, I would suggest getting a burglar alarm. The neighborhood is really improving. Very Happy

alaaro · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 573 Location: 11th and Park

With so many crime problems around the 14th and Girard area, and southern Columbia Heights area in general, I would lean towards the 14th and Monroe option.

Mr. T · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 897

Another vote for 14th and Monroe area. I live close by and walk through that intersection every day, with very few problems. I also used to live in upper NW, Cleveland Park to be exact - the main lifestyle change I made was I used to go for frequent long outings or walks after dark in CP, but do not do so in CH. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy about the move, which was 5-6 years ago at this point. Welcome to the neighborhood!

GforGood · Joined: 11 Jul 2006 Posts: 605

I too would generally recommend northern parts of CH.

Park Road Guy · Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 138

I second recommendations for Monroe. 14th and Girard has been a ground zero for violent crime.

CMR · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:21 pm Post subject:

Hands down your choice should be 14th and Monroe based on crime. I live a block north and it is a relatively safe, quiet area. I can't tell you how much time I spend trying to convince friends not to dismiss CH wholesale because of its crime problems, most of which seem to originate from 14th and Girard.

Nino4Eva · Joined: 20 Jul 2007 Posts: 49 Location: 20010

Where in upper NW are you coming from?

DCbirder · Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Posts: 22

Sounds like most of the folks who responded to your email live up by 14th and Monroe. I live near 13th and Harvard and have to say it isn't anywhere near as bad as they are making it out to be. Yes there have been too many shootings associated with 14th and Girard, but the funny thing about CH is that a block CAN make a big difference. I don't have a car so I have to take metor, and I've never had a problem in 3 years walking from the CH metro home. There are robberies and shootings, but I don't think anyone should consider southern Columbia Hieghts off limits. Would I live right on 14th & Girard - probably not. But the chances of being a victim of crime REALLY is small for any one person. And the chanes go way down if you live a law-abidding life and are street smart.

Is 14th & Monroe that much better? I don't know, but it is a much longer metro walk up 14th. If I were you, I would make sure I put into perspective the crime issue and think more broadly about issues like parking, metro acessability, the asthetics of the house and the street, price, resale value. You also want to think about what the neighbrhood might be like in 5 or 10 years. No promise it will be 100% better, but I'd bet it will be much better than it is now in regards to crime.

Sorry for the long post, but I like my part of CH that we've lived in for the last 3 years and see a bright future for all of CH.

emikael · Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Girard Street

I live in "Southern Columbia Heights" on Girard Street between 13th and 11th. My neighbor at 13th & Harvard is right - a block makes a huge difference. While 14th & Girard is a bad corner due to the park and the high-rise Section 8 Housing complex, the rest of the street is pleasant. I walk to metro every day and have had no problems. Plus, I am close enough to walk to U Street. I also walk to the grocery store on Park. I love my street, my neighbors and have found it very quiet. Don't let a bad corner write off an entire part of the Heights.

Melissa · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Posts: 203

ANother vote in support of South CH. I live on Fairmont between 13th and 14th and yes, Girard park a block away sucks. The upside is that the police presence is so obvious around there now, I haven't had any worries or felt alone on the street in a few months now. The cops on horses are up and down there all the time. Also, the community finally got the city to enforce the voluntary agreement with the corner store (14th/Fairmont) and they no longer sell any singles and the impact has been positive, huge and immediate!! No loitering at 14th/Fairmont, no obnoxious drunks, public urinating etc...
The other benefit to the south end is you are walking distance to the fun end of 14th-busboys and poets, Marvin, U street Restaurants, and all the new shops on 14th south of U!
Either way good luck with your move and welcome to the neighborhood!

alyssa · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 8

14th & Monroe is not a "much longer walk" from the Metro.