Dog-friendly DC
November 26, 2013 10:04 AM Subscribe
I have yet another "where should I live in DC?" question, but mine has a dog park twist!
I'll be moving back to DC in January. I've lived there for brief periods before, and I know what areas I liked before, but I've never lived there with a dog, so I'm wondering what areas are good to live in with a dog (and without a car) at my price point.
First, the logistical details: I would like to pay under $1800 for a small 1BR or large studio. I don't need a clubhouse or a pool or whatever other yuppie amenities seem to come standard in the newer buildings, and would rather not pay for those things if I can avoid it. I'll be working in Chinatown, so proximity to any of the metro lines or one of the good buses that goes directly there would be great.
My dream neighborhood would include:
- A place where my dog could run and play with other dogs off-leash within a 5 or 10 minute walk. I've seen the list of official dog parks, but I'm guessing there are other places where dogs play off-leash and it's sort of OK (like at Lincoln Park in Cap Hill). I want to be able to come home, change clothes, and be at the dog park within an hour of leaving work.
- Walkable to good transit (metro, good buses), as well as supermarkets, coffee, restaurants, vet, etc. I'm selling my car for this move, so walkability is really key. I will be using zipcar, car2go, etc, but obviously don't want to use those every day.
- I don't need nightlife in my neighborhood but will probably want to go out a few nights a week, so relative ease to get to the places where people go out: Dupont, U Street, etc.
I'm mainly interested in DC proper, but considering MD and VA. Arlington seems to have a dog park near the Clarendon metro, but the MD-side dog parks all seem to be a bit farther out.
Oh, and to give a sense of the neighborhoods I like: I've lived in Mount Pleasant, Adams Morgan and North Capitol Hill. I loved Mount Pleasant and liked Adams Morgan's walkability and wealth of local businesses (but hated the weekend frat crowds). I lived in North Capitol Hill (between Stanton Park and H St) before the H St revitalization (in 2002) and really liked the neighborhood but wished there was more on H St, so that might be a good option for me this time.
Also, any other dog-related tips (good vets, dog-walkers, etc.) would be much-appreciated!
I'll be moving back to DC in January. I've lived there for brief periods before, and I know what areas I liked before, but I've never lived there with a dog, so I'm wondering what areas are good to live in with a dog (and without a car) at my price point.
First, the logistical details: I would like to pay under $1800 for a small 1BR or large studio. I don't need a clubhouse or a pool or whatever other yuppie amenities seem to come standard in the newer buildings, and would rather not pay for those things if I can avoid it. I'll be working in Chinatown, so proximity to any of the metro lines or one of the good buses that goes directly there would be great.
My dream neighborhood would include:
- A place where my dog could run and play with other dogs off-leash within a 5 or 10 minute walk. I've seen the list of official dog parks, but I'm guessing there are other places where dogs play off-leash and it's sort of OK (like at Lincoln Park in Cap Hill). I want to be able to come home, change clothes, and be at the dog park within an hour of leaving work.
- Walkable to good transit (metro, good buses), as well as supermarkets, coffee, restaurants, vet, etc. I'm selling my car for this move, so walkability is really key. I will be using zipcar, car2go, etc, but obviously don't want to use those every day.
- I don't need nightlife in my neighborhood but will probably want to go out a few nights a week, so relative ease to get to the places where people go out: Dupont, U Street, etc.
I'm mainly interested in DC proper, but considering MD and VA. Arlington seems to have a dog park near the Clarendon metro, but the MD-side dog parks all seem to be a bit farther out.
Oh, and to give a sense of the neighborhoods I like: I've lived in Mount Pleasant, Adams Morgan and North Capitol Hill. I loved Mount Pleasant and liked Adams Morgan's walkability and wealth of local businesses (but hated the weekend frat crowds). I lived in North Capitol Hill (between Stanton Park and H St) before the H St revitalization (in 2002) and really liked the neighborhood but wished there was more on H St, so that might be a good option for me this time.
Also, any other dog-related tips (good vets, dog-walkers, etc.) would be much-appreciated!
Best answer: Yeah, Lincoln Park is pretty much a giant de facto dog park. I love the neighborhood (easy access to bars/restaurants in both Barracks Row and H St) and have an apartment lead in the area - will send you a MeFi Mail.
posted by exogenous at 10:20 AM on November 26, 2013
posted by exogenous at 10:20 AM on November 26, 2013
Best answer: Capitol Hill is really ideal for you. And there are now TONS of places on H st and in Eastern Market so there are no lack of happy hour/dinner places within walking distance. $1,800 for a 1 bedroom should he pretty doable. There are lots of bus lines from the Hill to Chinatown. The X2 runs down H st to Chinatown and comes all the time (however its convenience really brings out the crazies so beware, we all have our stories from the X2).
posted by whoaali at 10:20 AM on November 26, 2013
posted by whoaali at 10:20 AM on November 26, 2013
For that price range, you might look at apartments near the Stadium Armory metro station and also near the Congressional Cemetary, which I hear dog owners love. Downside is that there isn't a ton to walk to (and questionable safety, but you seen to tolerate questionable safety).
posted by semacd at 10:22 AM on November 26, 2013
posted by semacd at 10:22 AM on November 26, 2013
Best answer: My DC park experiences:
Apt: 7th and South Carolina SE (literally next to the Eastern Market metro)
Park: Marion Park
My rent was definitely in your range (1 bed in 2009 was about $1300) and of all my apartments/friend's apartments in DC, the neighborhood was my favorite. The park is fantastic-- lots of dogs off leash and roads around the park aren't usually too bad because of all the stop signs and the police station. Metro is extremely easy to manage, there are buses that run to Chinatown, and a really nice "Old DC" feeling.
Apt: 6th and E NE and 9th and E NE ("North Capitol Hill")
Park: Stanton Park
The major dog park for that area. The east side of the park (opposite the playground) is where the majority of the dogs went to romp. I was always a little anxious at this park, because the roads have lights and DC drivers are impatient, but I don't think there was ever an issue. Very nice park (it's where I was proposed to, so I might be a little soft), but it's large and very classic DC. I paid $1000 for a studio (2011) and $1300 for a 1 bedroom (2012).
Apt: 12th and Independence SE
Park: Lincoln Park
Neighborhood is great, but a bit of a hike from the metro (but manageable). I can't remember my rent, but I did a summer sublet here in a basement apartment while I was poor and in school, so it couldn'tve been terrible. Biggest dog area (aka the entire park) and nice established trees. Great neighborhood-- mostly families.
Apt: Next to the Eisenhower St metro in Alexandria
Park: Dog run at Carlyle
While there's a big fenced in dog-specific park (including a dog water fountain!) and generally friendly people, it's not really a community and King Street gets old after a while, so I can't really recommend it.
Additionally, in all of these neighborhoods, I always felt safe (as a single woman) to walk my dog alone at night.
posted by Flamingo at 10:50 AM on November 26, 2013
Apt: 7th and South Carolina SE (literally next to the Eastern Market metro)
Park: Marion Park
My rent was definitely in your range (1 bed in 2009 was about $1300) and of all my apartments/friend's apartments in DC, the neighborhood was my favorite. The park is fantastic-- lots of dogs off leash and roads around the park aren't usually too bad because of all the stop signs and the police station. Metro is extremely easy to manage, there are buses that run to Chinatown, and a really nice "Old DC" feeling.
Apt: 6th and E NE and 9th and E NE ("North Capitol Hill")
Park: Stanton Park
The major dog park for that area. The east side of the park (opposite the playground) is where the majority of the dogs went to romp. I was always a little anxious at this park, because the roads have lights and DC drivers are impatient, but I don't think there was ever an issue. Very nice park (it's where I was proposed to, so I might be a little soft), but it's large and very classic DC. I paid $1000 for a studio (2011) and $1300 for a 1 bedroom (2012).
Apt: 12th and Independence SE
Park: Lincoln Park
Neighborhood is great, but a bit of a hike from the metro (but manageable). I can't remember my rent, but I did a summer sublet here in a basement apartment while I was poor and in school, so it couldn'tve been terrible. Biggest dog area (aka the entire park) and nice established trees. Great neighborhood-- mostly families.
Apt: Next to the Eisenhower St metro in Alexandria
Park: Dog run at Carlyle
While there's a big fenced in dog-specific park (including a dog water fountain!) and generally friendly people, it's not really a community and King Street gets old after a while, so I can't really recommend it.
Additionally, in all of these neighborhoods, I always felt safe (as a single woman) to walk my dog alone at night.
posted by Flamingo at 10:50 AM on November 26, 2013
Best answer: There's an unofficial dog park at 11th and Park NW in Columbia Heights that I pass whenever I take the bus from Petworth to my work downtown, and it always makes me want to hop off and play.
posted by solotoro at 1:48 PM on November 26, 2013
posted by solotoro at 1:48 PM on November 26, 2013
Best answer: Capitol Hill.
yes.
Of course.
Either NE or SE.
Your choice.
H St still gets a little unsafe though probably in the 2 years I've been gone it's even safer. SE near Garfield park though. Bam. Perfect. But wait!
Look at my user name. Go to that metro stop. Walk down Penn 3 blocks to the anacostia river. Enjoy! (Also, Trustys.)
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:59 PM on November 26, 2013
yes.
Of course.
Either NE or SE.
Your choice.
H St still gets a little unsafe though probably in the 2 years I've been gone it's even safer. SE near Garfield park though. Bam. Perfect. But wait!
Look at my user name. Go to that metro stop. Walk down Penn 3 blocks to the anacostia river. Enjoy! (Also, Trustys.)
posted by Potomac Avenue at 1:59 PM on November 26, 2013
Best answer: The new dog park in Clarendon, despite the tremendous expenditure for it, is pretty stinky. Literally, in a way none of the other Arlington dog parks are. Not sure why. It's also got an open water feature for the dogs to play in which is great if you're always okay with Fido getting soggy. Personally I am not always prepared to wash the boy after a park outing. If you want to pick a location based on dog parks I'd say Clarendon is a net negative,
posted by phearlez at 2:54 PM on November 26, 2013
posted by phearlez at 2:54 PM on November 26, 2013
Another option besides the Hill: Southwest Waterfront or Navy Yard. The green line is right there. Also what they call "NoMa" is an option, near the metro with the same name and close to H St as well. But I'd vote in favor of a commute on the green line over the red line, myself.
posted by citron at 8:37 PM on November 26, 2013
posted by citron at 8:37 PM on November 26, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks everyone! It looks like Capitol Hill is my spot, with Columbia Heights as the runner-up.
Also what they call "NoMa" is an option, near the metro with the same name and close to H St as well.
Piggbyback question: I get the sense that NoMa is a bit of a nowhereland, plus hotels and lofts. Is this correct?
posted by lunasol at 8:28 AM on November 27, 2013
Also what they call "NoMa" is an option, near the metro with the same name and close to H St as well.
Piggbyback question: I get the sense that NoMa is a bit of a nowhereland, plus hotels and lofts. Is this correct?
posted by lunasol at 8:28 AM on November 27, 2013
Regarding NoMa.. well, there isn't really nightlife right there, it's residential (townhouses, apartments) plus very close is the newish Union Market and H St.. I'm not sure I understand your question as it doesn't seem any more or less nowhereland than any other neighborhood? I used to live on the east part of Capitol Hill and it feels about the same except homeowners are a little more free to renovate as they wish since it doesn't have the super strict historic district laws.
posted by citron at 3:19 PM on November 28, 2013
posted by citron at 3:19 PM on November 28, 2013
Response by poster: I'm not sure I understand your question as it doesn't seem any more or less nowhereland than any other neighborhood?
I just meant that my impression is that there weren't a lot of neighborhood amenities in the area ... but it's been a while since I've been there, so my impression could be wrong.
posted by lunasol at 10:09 AM on November 30, 2013
I just meant that my impression is that there weren't a lot of neighborhood amenities in the area ... but it's been a while since I've been there, so my impression could be wrong.
posted by lunasol at 10:09 AM on November 30, 2013
Response by poster: Metafilter success story! It looks like I will be renting the apartment that exogenous mentioned in his comment. See you all at a meetup next year!
posted by lunasol at 8:19 PM on December 11, 2013
posted by lunasol at 8:19 PM on December 11, 2013
Best answer: Yay! Since you know which neighborhood you'll be in, I can offer some more specific pet recommendations.
For cat care when we're out of town we use Capital Critter Sitters. They do dog walking as well, and actually I get the impression the new owners are more comfortable with dogs (the original owners moved to Madison where the business name happens to still work).
Our regular vet is Union Vet near Union Station, but we've heard good things about the newer Atlas Vet on H St.
posted by exogenous at 8:29 PM on December 11, 2013
For cat care when we're out of town we use Capital Critter Sitters. They do dog walking as well, and actually I get the impression the new owners are more comfortable with dogs (the original owners moved to Madison where the business name happens to still work).
Our regular vet is Union Vet near Union Station, but we've heard good things about the newer Atlas Vet on H St.
posted by exogenous at 8:29 PM on December 11, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks again, exogenous! I'm going to need a dog walker immediately and probably a sitter within a month, so this is really helpful.
posted by lunasol at 8:47 PM on December 11, 2013
posted by lunasol at 8:47 PM on December 11, 2013
Welcome to the neighborhood!
posted by MrMoonPie at 8:02 AM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by MrMoonPie at 8:02 AM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
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This thread is closed to new comments.
Contrary to popular opinion, there are some reasonably-priced apartments in Georgetown - check out Kew Gardens and Rock Creek Gardens Apartments, both on Q.
People tend to really love or hate Georgetown, but I think it's a great, peaceful neighborhood that offers everything you're looking for.
Welcome back to DC!
posted by schroedingersgirl at 10:18 AM on November 26, 2013