Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with dc

Where can I park my car near a DC metro stop for the next few days?

medpt — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:18:54 -0800

Where can I park my car near a DC metro stop for the next few days? We just moved to the Columbia Heights neighborhood in Washington DC. We had our car shipped, and it arrives tonight, but we haven't had a chance to take the steps necessary to be able to legally park on the street in our neighborhood (acquiring DC registration, DC insurance, and DC resident parking permit).

I don't think I'll be able to get to these things until the middle of next week. Ideally, I'd be able to legally park my car somewhere in the meantime, probably in Virginia or Maryland, that is somewhat near a metro stop, free, and relatively safe. Any ideas?

Cost of living in D.C.

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:51:50 -0800

I just received a job offer that would necessitate moving to DC. Is the offer sufficient? The offer was in the 60k (+ bonuses) range. I am a recent college graduate with modest needs. I:
- Will not need a car; public transportation will suffice
- Would like to live in a small studio in a relatively nice, safe neighborhood (thinking Adams-Morgan, though I am open to suggestions)
- Wouldn't have nights on the town more than once or twice a night
- Am able to eat inexpensively due to my diet
- Have massive student loans that I would like to make 2-3x payments on each month
- Am shooting to put between $7.5-10k per year in savings

If there are any suggestions or additional questions, feel free to follow up via e-mail: jobhuntingindc@gmail.com.

Thanks, all!

(Asked anonymously in the event that my possible future employer sees this)

help with happy hour

divka — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:06:42 -0800

Does any have advice in regard to holding a small charity event in a bar in the DC or DC-adjacent area of Maryland? I'm trying to scrape together the minimum fundraising amount for a charity half-marathon. I'm pondering a charity night at a local bar--either a happy hour or a trivia night. I'm in the Bethesda-Rockville area, but I think somewhere in downtown DC would work nicely too.

Before I start with cold calls, I was wondering if anyone had any experience in setting this sort of thing up? Do you know of any bars in the area that are friendly to this sort of thing? What will they be expecting from me on my end of the deal (minimum head counts, purchases)?

DC Nightlife

jsavimbi — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:21:13 -0800

If you were going to Washington, DC for a week and were the kind of person who likes to do the museum thing by day and go out to eat/drink/merry at night, where would you stay? I'm headed down there Mon-Thur next week and have no clue

buying a condo in dc next fall

waylaid — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:09:00 -0800

I am looking to buy a condo next fall (2009) in DC. While I have rented in DC for quite some time, I haven't been keeping an eye on the housing market nearly as much, particularly as it has begun its decline. I'm hoping to spend between 225-275,000 on a 1 bedroom condo somewhere in DC (I'd like to stay in the DC because I have a lot of family there). Luxury amenities aren't super-important, besides having a W/D in-unit. I don't need off-street parking.

I'm looking at northern Columbia Heights, southern Petworth, Park View, Brookland and Takoma.

Has anyone bought a condo recently in these areas, and can vouch for their building, or their builders? There's so many apartment conversions and/or new construction that trying to figure out what was a quality build and what was a rush job is really difficult.

American South Road Trip?

The Whelk — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:57:11 -0800

Road Tripfilter! Is it feasible to drive from NYC to New Orleans, hitting stops along the way, without going insane? The Boyfriend and I are thinking of driving from NYC to DC to Ashevillie to Savannah to New Orleans this winter over the course of 2 weeks. Any route recommendations? Things to see and do and eat along the way? Is NOLA in any shape to be visited?

Side Note, The Boyfriend is British and never been south of D.C and is convinced we'll be killed by rednecks. What should we see/do to convince him otherwise?

We wont be killed by rednecks, right?

Give me cupcakes or give me death!

mrhaydel — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:18:23 -0800

Where can I find awesome cupcakes in D/FW, D.C., and Boston? After (finally) purchasing a baker's dozen of cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes in Dallas, I've come to the realization that I want to seek out other cupcakeries both in my hometown, and upcoming travel destinations. I'm in Arlington, Texas, so, Sprinkles in Dallas is/was a rather far drive (albeit worth it IMO).

All that being said, I'm really wanting to find some great places to get great cupcakes. And, I'm not talking about your run of the mill Mega Mart kind that come in a plastic container. I'm talking about the gourmet type with amazing flavors like Ginger Lemon and Key Lime.

First and foremost, I'm interested in bakeries in the Arlington/Fort Worth, TX area. Ideally, these bakeries wouldn't be much further west from Arlington than downtown Fort Worth already is, but, I'm willing to drive if the cupcakes are mind blowing.

Secondly, I will be traveling to Annandale, VA/Washington, D.C. in October, and Boston, MA in November. I'd love to check out cupcakeries while I'm there if at all possible.

Bonus points if you've actually frequented your suggestion and can recommend your favorite flavor.

So, help me, Hive Mind, you're my only hope!

DC pool search with subway access

fluffycreature — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 06:08:49 -0800

I am looking for a facility with a swimming pool in DC I am going to a conference in DC and would like to continue swimming while at the conference. I am looking for a 50 meter pool, which would allow a guest to swim for a week. The other part of this is for it to be near the subway line - then I can get to a hotel and the conference (love the DC subway.) The 50 meter and subway requirements are the trick.

Where should my motorcycle and I go?

borkingchikapa — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:48:23 -0800

Oh hell yeah, I got a motorcycle! I live in DC, and even though I can get anywhere I need to go on the metro + bicycle I'm going to use it to commute. Because that's awesome. But, what kinds of things can I do that I couldn't before? I've always lamented lack of access to a car (zipcars are expensive) and I love taking motorcycle trips, so what are some of your must-see destinations in the DC area (within 200 miles)? It's going to get cold soon, so I'd like to get a few weekend trips in to see the leaves changing and enjoy the great outdoors. Even so, I'm totally fine with riding in the biting wind if it lands me somewhere cool.

So, as someone who's lived here (on and off) for four years and just now has a means of reliable transportation, where would you suggest I go? Destinations welcome, but I'm also looking for drives that are great on a motorbike.

Need a class breakfast destination near DC

omidius — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:36:09 -0800

Looking for an classy, stylish place for a sunday breakfast on or off I-66 between DC and Front Royal. Extra Credit if it has a view! Unfortunately, Waffle House and Cracker Barrel need not apply.

How did mortgage HAPPEN so quickly?

Amizu — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:36:20 -0800

How late is too late to negotiate with mortgage broker for fees? And how can I track mortgage interest rates to get a better rate before closing? I'm in the process of buying a home (I hope!). I shopped around for mortgages and about Sept 4, I found one with a great rate (5.875) that was otherwise better than any of the other packages offered to me by other mortgage brokers, my credit union, found online, etc. I locked in that rate, and one thing seemed to lead to another, and now my mortgage broker has done all kinds of work for this mortgage (appraisal, gotten title company researching the title, processed our paperwork), etc. I have the GFE. But nowhere in there did I have a conversation with her about which fees might be negotiable, and I'm feeling like an idiot.

She also says if rates go down between now and closing (mid-Oct), she'll give us the better rate.

She is really nice, has a good reputation, and is a friend of a friend.

I'm in DC.

So the questions are:
(1) How late is too late to keep shopping for a better deal and go back to this mortgage broker and ask her to lower her fees?
(2) Mortgage rates seem incredibly varied by location and personal finance details. Is there any way for me to track mortgage rates and figure out when mortgage rates go lower than they were when she gave us the 5.875 rate so that I can proactively approach her and ask for a lower rate? (I have been to bankrate but it seems very general.)
(3) Any special tips about home buying in DC would be appreciated as well.

Where should I live in Arlington, VA?

decrescendo — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:15:47 -0800

Where should I live in Arlington, VA? I want to live on the orange line metro. I'm 23 and single and I want to be as close to the action as possible. I've been trying to find a place in DC proper for the last 2 weeks to no avail. I need to sign a lease by the end of September so time is running out. I believe I'm going to fall back to Arlington (not a bad 2nd choice, though). It'll be cheaper, easier to have a car, and safer, but still close to the DC action. I will be commuting to Crystal City, VA. Should I drive or metro? My company will pay for my metro fares.

Where should I live on orange line metro?

Rosslyn?
Courthouse?
Clarendon?
Virginia Square?
Ballston?

I would like to be near a lot of bars/live music/restaurants/young people/fun, and within walking distance to a metro.

What do you all think?

Your brother wants steak

emelenjr — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:01:44 -0800

I need your recommendations for steakhouses in the D.C./Northern Virginia area. Is Fleming's as wonderful as I've heard it is, or are there better steakhouses that are perhaps not chains? I'm the best man in my brother's wedding, and I'm trying to organize a night out for the groom and his groomsmen.

We will have transportation to and from, so parking is not an issue. A private room would be a nice touch, but not absolutely necessary.

DCFilter

bad grammar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:48:06 -0800

Where can I find information about the history of Chinatown in Washington, D.C.? Called the smallest Chinatown in a major metropolitan U.S. city, the area, once grubby and unsafe, is rapidly being "gentrified" and replaced with mall stores and chain restaurants. I want to find out more about the original ethnic neighborhood before it disappears.

DC DMV Confusion

echo0720 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:02:48 -0800

When I switch my car registration from MD to DC, do I also have to get a new title? And can I get my driver's license and new registration at the same time? I feel like these are silly and easily answered questions, yet I can't seem to find the answer (or I'm a really bad google-searcher). After 4 yrs living in the District, I finally live in a neighborhood with relatively easy street parking and decided it's prob cheaper to switch over to DC registration than pay $200ish a month for parking, but the instructions on how to do this confuse me (it's so much easier when you buy a new car and they take care of it for you). I'm going to get my car inspected Thursday morning, then am going straight to the Georgetown DMV. A couple questions:
- Will they let me get my driver's license at the same time as my registration or will I have to wait in line twice?
- Will I have to transfer my vehicle title over from Maryland to DC?
- Will I have to pay the excise tax?
- Will I want to hang myself after having waited in line for 3 hours?

(you don't have to answer that last one).

Thanks mefites, sorry for the ignorance.

Help me get my walls painted in DC

buddha9090 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:11:26 -0800

Can anyone recommend an affordable and reliable house painter in D.C.? I am moving into a new one-bedroom condo and need the walls painted before I move my furniture in. I would do it myself, but due to other obligations, am not going to be able to by the date required. Can anyone recommend a company or person for the job? How much should painting a 550 sq. foot condo (hallway, interior closet, living room, bedroom, bathroom, minor work in kitchen) cost, if all the paint is provided?

Goin' to the chapel...

Nathanial Hörnblowér — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:02:46 -0800

I'm getting married in DC in the spring. Yay! Looking for recommendations for the reception and more... I'm hoping to have 60 people for an indoor wedding next April and would love to get recommendations for locations (VA would be best but will consider DC), photographers, florists, caterers and DJs. If anyone knows of a good consignment shop that has wedding dresses, that would be great too. Basically, if you got married in the DC area in the last few years and loved everything about your wedding, pass it along! Thank you!

What's the best P2P direct connect software for University networks?

ilumos — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:43:24 -0800

What's the best P2P direct connect software for University networks? Which is the best software (not necessarily the most widely used) software for running a darknet on my University's network?

DC++?
Alliance?
Waste?

I'm off to Uni in a week and would like to share some of my files with the rest of the uni network, as external P2P programs aren't allowed at all.

I'm aware that most people use DC++, but I cant say I like it, its a bit clunky.

I recently discovered Alliance which looks promising. Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

Any tips at all on the subject would be greatly appreciated. I'm thinking of setting up a hub, running my (thankfully silent) PC 24/7 and inviting people with calling cards slipped under doors, or something...

Cheers :)

Batman and Superman

josher71 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:56:44 -0800

The Joker is Batman's nemesis and Lex Luthor is Superman's. However, Superman must have fought the Joker and Batman must have fought Lex Luthor at some point in the DC Universe. What are the best stories which feature Superman's traditional bad guys fighting Batman or Batman's foes fighting Superman?

HIV Support in DC

Anonymous — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:20:35 -0800

I need support! In February of 2007, I found out that I am HIV+. In the last year and a half, I've done a lot of 'growing up' in terms of health and education, but I need more help.

I'm a white heterosexual female, and I really feel like I'm all alone out here. There are tons of support groups for homosexuals, there are tons of support groups for minorities, there are tons of support groups for addicts, but where is the support group for heteros?

I currently go to a monthly support group sponsored by my infectious disease doctor, but a) it's just monthly; and b) it's for african-american females -- they made an 'exception' to let me in. :)

I really just need to find more people like me - guys or girls - no matter what the color - that are HIV+. I need a group of people that I see often enough that we can become friends. (I only see my current group 12 times a year, if I make every single meeting, which I sometimes can't do).

The homosexuals really have done this right--being gay and positive is ok. There are tons of support systems, there is a lot of transparency in the dating process, and not nearly as much ignorance and judging.

Why do heterosexuals treat HIV as a dirty secret that should never be shared or talked about with anyone?

I have a therapist, I have great doctors, and I have amazing friends. But, the only person I know and can talk to about HIV who IS HIV+ is my ex, and he's my ex--it's not like he's tearing up the phone lines waiting to talk to me.

My questions:
1) Do you know of any hetero HIV+ support groups in the DC area?
2) Do you have any suggestions on how I can meet real, live (not internet chat rooms) HIV+ people in a safe, trusting environment? (Not everyone knows or needs to know my status, so it's not like I'm about to hang a big "HIV+" sign around my neck and walk around Dupont Circle look for friends....

Thanks.

Can you recommend a car service in Washington DC?

KAS — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:59:13 -0800

Can you recommend a car service in Washington DC? To pick up 4 people and drive them a few miles (within the District), then either wait a couple of hours and take them back or else come back and pick them up at a set time. An actual limo is a little bit much, and I'm not sure that the ubiquitous Town Car will fit four people, so maybe some kind of "luxury" SUV? A Navigator? For a weekday aftern

I'm sending it for a client, so I'd prefer someone you have experience with/someone you know has experience with. If there's a service you know I should avoid, that's great info as well.

Help! I need a hand finding an apartment in DC for 3 people all about to commute in different directions.

decrescendo — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:39:15 -0800

Help! I need a hand finding an apartment in DC for 3 people all about to commute in different directions. I need to find an apartment in DC for 3 people. 2 bedrooms/1 den/2 bathrooms or 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms will work.

One of us is commuting up the red line to Van Ness. He is willing to pay between $900 and $1000. My other roommate is going to commute to Suitland, MD way down south on the green line and he said he's willing to pay up to $1200. I am commuting to Crystal City, VA on the blue/yellow lines and I could theoretically pay up to around $1500 if I had to. I'd rather not pay that much more than my roommates though. I'm not about to pay their way. $900 + $1200 + $1300 = $3400. I think we could swing around $3400. Maybe a little more if the place was amazing.

We are thinking NW DC would be our best bet; somewhere around Dupont Circle. It seems that this is a good common location for these 3 different commutes. However, we could be persuaded to look into another location. U St/Adams Morgan/Columbia Heights/Mt Pleasant and even Arlington/Clarendon could be options. We all want a walkable area without living in the ghetto, naturally. The green line seems a bit shady up north. However, red line is damn expensive.

Where do you think is best for this amount of money/amount of people/type of commutes? Specific websites for help and specific apartment complexes would be greatly appreciated.

I'd love to find a rowhouse but they seem to be so hard to track down. They seem to come and go so quickly that it's hard to find them when I'm not living in DC yet. They are also pretty damn pricey.

Thanks for the help.

Is there a dentist in the house?

allen8219 — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:53:49 -0800

Can you please recommend a dentist in Washington DC? I am almost certainly going to need a couple fillings, or maybe root canals, so I want to make sure I've got the right dentist for the job! I have really neglected my teeth for the past two years, for a variety of reasons (psychological, financial, idiotic), and it has finally caught up with me. I am getting twinges of pain from two back molars, and I know that I had some decay there like two years ago... so I am afraid of what's actually going on with them.

Anyway, the good news is I have a job, and dental insurance. The insurance is CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, and will pay $1000 toward the bill, so if possible I would definitely like to take advantage of that.

Ugh. There is really nothing better for making you feel like a moron, than facing thousands of dollars in dental bills because you can't get it together enough to brush your teeth.

Thanks very much in advance, I really appreciate it.

Name that building!

jefficator — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:04:13 -0800

What is the building I saw while driving on the beltway around DC? On a recent trip from Alabama to New Jersey, I spent hours stuck in traffic on the beltway surrounding Washington, DC. I distinctly remember a tall, somewhat ornate, stone building to the west--the left as I headed north. I presume this building was in Arlington County, though I could be mistaken.

1) Does anyone know the name of the building?

2) Short of querying the hive mind, how would one find out the name of buildings like this?

Does this nullify my DC apartment lease?

BobbyVan — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:04:13 -0800

Is my lease null and void? (DC lease question) Background: I'm in a dispute with my landlord. Long story short: I got a new job in a new city, he will only let me out of the lease by penalizing me 2 months rent IN ADDITION to any lost rent he suffers (he's punitive & malicious). In the meantime, I'm trying to protect myself by lining up new tenants for him on my own (will provide rental applications to him shortly).

Now to the question: In the District of Columbia, it is my understanding that landlords need to file for a Basic Business License with the city. I am almost certain that my landlord (a condo owner/investor who has only one rental property) has not done this.

Nor has my landlord, apparently, registered his unit as exempt from rent control. See page two of this document.

My problem is that on my lease, I initialed a statement saying that the landlord had advised me that the unit was not subject to rent control. That's true, but the statement goes on to say that the approved rent control exemption certificate has been attached to the lease.

So is the lease agreement illegal because the landlord hasn't filed these important papers with the city?

What I want to avoid is a huge judgment against me (this guy is malicious, and would rather have me suffer than have nice new tenants).