Should I take this apartment? Nice and fits my needs, but in a bad area.
May 4, 2017 7:28 PM Subscribe
I found a new apartment complex in DC that hits all of my wants (laundry in the apartment home/unit, next to public transportation, has my own toilet, and is new/nice and modern). It's in a very sketchy area, though, so I'm unsure. Can't make my mind up!
After a few months of house/apartment hunting (see my previous AskMe about this a month ago), I found a new apartment complex in DC that hits all of my wants (laundry in the apartment home/unit, next to public transportation, has my own toilet, and is new/nice and modern). It fits my income/budget needs, and currently has a good deal. It's "Park7DC".
The problem? I'm hesitant to take it, though. The area looks somewhat sketchy (4020 Minnesota Ave NE, google it up on Street View), and reviews of the apartment doesn't look very good; although, to be fair, most of the bad reviews are about the leasing process itself, not about the actual apartment units. (Reviews one) (Reviews two) (Complex Facebook page) My concern is that they'll end up postponing my application like some of the reviews say, then I'll be SOL come June 1.
Today, I went to check the complex out in person. I felt uncomfortable and unsafe walking on the sidewalk to the apartment entrance, even for a few minutes, because there was a big group of high school kids swarming around, and some of them looked like they were nearing a fight. The leasing agent was somewhat helpful, but gave somewhat vague answers and didn't seem too interested in actually pulling me in as a resident. They also required money orders to do the application and reservation fees, which apparently, I didn't have upfront. Annoying. The process would also take a few weeks, due to it being a "tax-credit" apartment and needing to get each application approved by the DC government (housing section). I also felt a bit out of place being the only white person in that apartment complex (based on my observations today, anyway).
HOWEVER, seeing the apartment unit itself on the tour was very impressive. Everything was almost-new, and it was very nice. That was definitely a positive.
I took a look at the DC Crime Map and it looks like crime in that specific area is VERY high; however, I was reassured that the apartment was secured at night, and I did see a police camera in the area.
I asked around online and got mixed suggestions, ranging from "go ahead, you'll be okay" to "no, hell no."
I really have no idea what to do next. The apartment complex hits all my wants, and the bus stop is RIGHT there, but complete disclaimer: I'm very leery walking outside, especially in high-crime areas, due to being mugged in the past (mental scars/triggers). However, I did a lot of house hunting, cold emailing on Craigslist per the suggestions from my last question, with little to no luck, and I realized I would really like to live alone and kind of start over from a clean slate. This apartment is pretty much the only one I can find that fits my budget needs AND my personal needs, but I don't want to always feel unsafe walking in the immediate area.
Thoughts? I know AskMe can't make the decision for me, obviously, but I'm definitely in overthinking mode and I keep flipping flopping between "ah yeah I'll take it" to "nah, I can do better." However, it IS the cheapest deal I can find right now that's under $1k AND fits all of my wishes. It's frustrating that I have to "settle" for this, especially if I can do better, but what can I do? Are there any other low-income apartments in DC that are in a better, nicer area? Or is this really the best I can do that fits my wishes?
After a few months of house/apartment hunting (see my previous AskMe about this a month ago), I found a new apartment complex in DC that hits all of my wants (laundry in the apartment home/unit, next to public transportation, has my own toilet, and is new/nice and modern). It fits my income/budget needs, and currently has a good deal. It's "Park7DC".
The problem? I'm hesitant to take it, though. The area looks somewhat sketchy (4020 Minnesota Ave NE, google it up on Street View), and reviews of the apartment doesn't look very good; although, to be fair, most of the bad reviews are about the leasing process itself, not about the actual apartment units. (Reviews one) (Reviews two) (Complex Facebook page) My concern is that they'll end up postponing my application like some of the reviews say, then I'll be SOL come June 1.
Today, I went to check the complex out in person. I felt uncomfortable and unsafe walking on the sidewalk to the apartment entrance, even for a few minutes, because there was a big group of high school kids swarming around, and some of them looked like they were nearing a fight. The leasing agent was somewhat helpful, but gave somewhat vague answers and didn't seem too interested in actually pulling me in as a resident. They also required money orders to do the application and reservation fees, which apparently, I didn't have upfront. Annoying. The process would also take a few weeks, due to it being a "tax-credit" apartment and needing to get each application approved by the DC government (housing section). I also felt a bit out of place being the only white person in that apartment complex (based on my observations today, anyway).
HOWEVER, seeing the apartment unit itself on the tour was very impressive. Everything was almost-new, and it was very nice. That was definitely a positive.
I took a look at the DC Crime Map and it looks like crime in that specific area is VERY high; however, I was reassured that the apartment was secured at night, and I did see a police camera in the area.
I asked around online and got mixed suggestions, ranging from "go ahead, you'll be okay" to "no, hell no."
I really have no idea what to do next. The apartment complex hits all my wants, and the bus stop is RIGHT there, but complete disclaimer: I'm very leery walking outside, especially in high-crime areas, due to being mugged in the past (mental scars/triggers). However, I did a lot of house hunting, cold emailing on Craigslist per the suggestions from my last question, with little to no luck, and I realized I would really like to live alone and kind of start over from a clean slate. This apartment is pretty much the only one I can find that fits my budget needs AND my personal needs, but I don't want to always feel unsafe walking in the immediate area.
Thoughts? I know AskMe can't make the decision for me, obviously, but I'm definitely in overthinking mode and I keep flipping flopping between "ah yeah I'll take it" to "nah, I can do better." However, it IS the cheapest deal I can find right now that's under $1k AND fits all of my wishes. It's frustrating that I have to "settle" for this, especially if I can do better, but what can I do? Are there any other low-income apartments in DC that are in a better, nicer area? Or is this really the best I can do that fits my wishes?
I also live in D.C. and I don’t think you can do better. The odds of you personally being the victim of another random crime (vs. crime from someone you already know) are also lower than the crime map is going to indicate. It’s frustrating to have to settle, but between settling and being homeless, I would settle. It’s OK to settle.
You might have already seen this but here is another resource:
DC Housing Choice Voucher Program
posted by tooloudinhere at 7:37 PM on May 4, 2017 [8 favorites]
You might have already seen this but here is another resource:
DC Housing Choice Voucher Program
posted by tooloudinhere at 7:37 PM on May 4, 2017 [8 favorites]
You should settle. Worst case it's a year lease and you don't renew, or you break the lease if it's unlivably awful.
Please consider getting treatment for your anxiety if you haven't already, though? I knew who was asking this within two sentences, and it's awful that all of these life decisions cause you so much distress. I'm sorry and I hope this apartment results in reducing some of that anxiety.
posted by masquesoporfavor at 7:46 PM on May 4, 2017 [35 favorites]
Please consider getting treatment for your anxiety if you haven't already, though? I knew who was asking this within two sentences, and it's awful that all of these life decisions cause you so much distress. I'm sorry and I hope this apartment results in reducing some of that anxiety.
posted by masquesoporfavor at 7:46 PM on May 4, 2017 [35 favorites]
I can't tell you how often I've felt someplace was 'unsafe' just because I was unused to it, only to realize, through habitation, that it was OK and I was projecting some assumptions on it.
Here's the real question: who else lives there? Do you see people like yourself, who share your general law-abidingness and sense of safety, live there? Do people with jobs live there? Do single women live there? People with children who are caring carefully for those children? Chances are if people who have similar lives (jobs, responsibilities) are living there safely, you can too. If you find the people living there have lifestyles that are very, very different from you - like, they're active a lot more nocturnally, they aren't really working much, there aren't kids or the kids or neglected - that might indicate a bad fit.
It's hard to really get a true sense of a neighborhood when you're shopping, especially from far away, because there are lot of anxieties at play. Chances are, things there are better than they seem to you at first glance. But do some research - even if it's asking the realtor if there's another tenant you can speak to, or just knocking on some doors to talk. Don't judge it too quickly.
posted by Miko at 8:19 PM on May 4, 2017 [12 favorites]
Here's the real question: who else lives there? Do you see people like yourself, who share your general law-abidingness and sense of safety, live there? Do people with jobs live there? Do single women live there? People with children who are caring carefully for those children? Chances are if people who have similar lives (jobs, responsibilities) are living there safely, you can too. If you find the people living there have lifestyles that are very, very different from you - like, they're active a lot more nocturnally, they aren't really working much, there aren't kids or the kids or neglected - that might indicate a bad fit.
It's hard to really get a true sense of a neighborhood when you're shopping, especially from far away, because there are lot of anxieties at play. Chances are, things there are better than they seem to you at first glance. But do some research - even if it's asking the realtor if there's another tenant you can speak to, or just knocking on some doors to talk. Don't judge it too quickly.
posted by Miko at 8:19 PM on May 4, 2017 [12 favorites]
Also, being "the only white person" does not mean you're unsafe. I really think it might help you to know some of the other residents. Chances are, in a nice building, they're fine people and you are maybe just getting thrown because you are feeling what it's like to be in a minority - but it sounds like a nice building and it has everything you need. In your shoes, I'd take the chance. Chances are you will grow more comfortable.
posted by Miko at 8:22 PM on May 4, 2017 [28 favorites]
posted by Miko at 8:22 PM on May 4, 2017 [28 favorites]
What concerns me the most is that it sounds like you need a place to move into on 6/1, and this place does not sound like it will have that quick of a turnaround, nor like you'd have time to explore the area and see if your discomfort is because of unfamiliarity or reality. Between that and the frankly dismal reviews of not just the leasing process but the actual upkeep of the buildings, it's really hard to say... If you can afford to apply and yet keep looking for other places, I'd probably do that.
posted by sm1tten at 8:42 PM on May 4, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by sm1tten at 8:42 PM on May 4, 2017 [1 favorite]
The actual logistics of the apartment sound great for your needs in terms of amenities, proximity to transport, price-point, and accommodating your need for privacy. The other issues you point to are mostly about your anxieties and could fade once you get used to your new neighbors and your new neighborhood.
Apply aggressively since you have a tight timeline and keep your eyes open to a back-up plan in case your schedule can't be accommodated.
posted by quince at 8:52 PM on May 4, 2017 [3 favorites]
Apply aggressively since you have a tight timeline and keep your eyes open to a back-up plan in case your schedule can't be accommodated.
posted by quince at 8:52 PM on May 4, 2017 [3 favorites]
Apply, apply, apply. You are on a tight time schedule. It's not settling if it's your first and only choice. Keep looking and keep applying to other places, there's no rule that says you can only apply to one apartment at a time, but definitely apply for this one, and let them know your desired move-in date.
In the space of less than two years, the Navy Yard went from "where you go if you want to die" to $2100/month studio apartments and microbreweries. Washington DC is undergoing rapid change, and the area around a luxury apartment is only going to get better, not worse.
posted by juniperesque at 9:03 PM on May 4, 2017 [10 favorites]
In the space of less than two years, the Navy Yard went from "where you go if you want to die" to $2100/month studio apartments and microbreweries. Washington DC is undergoing rapid change, and the area around a luxury apartment is only going to get better, not worse.
posted by juniperesque at 9:03 PM on May 4, 2017 [10 favorites]
it doesn't sound like you will ever be comfortable on that street so on that basis I vote 'keep looking'...
I did find some info on crime at walkscore which shows a crime score of "D" on a scale of "A - D"...
Maybe take a look at that site for info on neighborhoods and rental leads...
It might also help to see what kind of crime is reported in the area-- is it vehicle break-ins or assaults?
posted by calgirl at 9:12 PM on May 4, 2017 [1 favorite]
I did find some info on crime at walkscore which shows a crime score of "D" on a scale of "A - D"...
Maybe take a look at that site for info on neighborhoods and rental leads...
It might also help to see what kind of crime is reported in the area-- is it vehicle break-ins or assaults?
posted by calgirl at 9:12 PM on May 4, 2017 [1 favorite]
Feeling safe in your own home is very important, I would even say paramount to your mental health. I don't think you should take the apartment. If I were you I'd compromise on some of your other stuff instead. Surely having a washer/dryer in the unit and being in a new building are less important than not being scared in your own neighbourhood?
posted by hazyjane at 9:17 PM on May 4, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by hazyjane at 9:17 PM on May 4, 2017 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks for the answers so far!
A few points of clarification:
a) I wouldn't be hanging around in the neighborhood. I'd be mainly taking the bus to/from the apartment, to work and other areas in town. The bus stop is literally steps outside the apartment. It's just that specific time I'd be walking to/from the bus stop to the apartment that makes me nervous, because there always seem to be a large crowd of people loitering around. I'm not that fast of a walker.
b) It's not that I feel inherently unsafe being the only white person in a, well, black crowd. It just makes me feel out of place and a bit uncertain about myself as a minority. I'm deaf, though, so I'm already used to being a minority.
c) I did apply for the Inclusionary Zoning program, but it doesn't seem to be much help. I can only afford up to $1000 a month, given my very low income of $40k a year, and about $1k per paycheck net pay (after deducting taxes, retirement, and insurance), THEN $60-65 of phone payments and $160 student loan payments. Yeah, it's a crunch.
d) I also tried calling the voucher program, but they said they discontinued the program in 2013 and were not accepting any new applicants?
Also, in case I forgot to mention it, the apartment complex is a low income complex designed for low income people - but is still a luxury complex.
posted by dubious_dude at 9:44 PM on May 4, 2017
A few points of clarification:
a) I wouldn't be hanging around in the neighborhood. I'd be mainly taking the bus to/from the apartment, to work and other areas in town. The bus stop is literally steps outside the apartment. It's just that specific time I'd be walking to/from the bus stop to the apartment that makes me nervous, because there always seem to be a large crowd of people loitering around. I'm not that fast of a walker.
b) It's not that I feel inherently unsafe being the only white person in a, well, black crowd. It just makes me feel out of place and a bit uncertain about myself as a minority. I'm deaf, though, so I'm already used to being a minority.
c) I did apply for the Inclusionary Zoning program, but it doesn't seem to be much help. I can only afford up to $1000 a month, given my very low income of $40k a year, and about $1k per paycheck net pay (after deducting taxes, retirement, and insurance), THEN $60-65 of phone payments and $160 student loan payments. Yeah, it's a crunch.
d) I also tried calling the voucher program, but they said they discontinued the program in 2013 and were not accepting any new applicants?
Also, in case I forgot to mention it, the apartment complex is a low income complex designed for low income people - but is still a luxury complex.
posted by dubious_dude at 9:44 PM on May 4, 2017
For what it's worth, I had a look on streetview and I think I'd been fine living there and it's a straight walk to the metro. I didn't think it looked too sketchy and I'm female and from a ridiculously safe place in Australia so anywhere slightly grubby can seem sketchy. The businesses nearby all looked respectable.
posted by kitten magic at 9:47 PM on May 4, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by kitten magic at 9:47 PM on May 4, 2017 [4 favorites]
"Large crowds loitering" is good - safety in numbers! It's the abondoned sidestreet with the ATM - that's what you avoid. I've always felt safe enough as long as lots of people can see me (geeky white chick in downtown Oakland).
posted by jrobin276 at 10:45 PM on May 4, 2017 [12 favorites]
posted by jrobin276 at 10:45 PM on May 4, 2017 [12 favorites]
I don't think the area looks too sketchy.
One of the big determiners for me is whether the businesses near there are open when you're coming and going -- are people out and about, so you're not walking down a scary, deserted street? With the restaurants and a doughnut shop on that same block, you've easily got activity from 6 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. or so. And with activity comes safety.
posted by mochapickle at 10:47 PM on May 4, 2017 [3 favorites]
One of the big determiners for me is whether the businesses near there are open when you're coming and going -- are people out and about, so you're not walking down a scary, deserted street? With the restaurants and a doughnut shop on that same block, you've easily got activity from 6 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. or so. And with activity comes safety.
posted by mochapickle at 10:47 PM on May 4, 2017 [3 favorites]
Also that area doesn't read to me as sketchy so much as it does 'not wealthy'. It actually looks pretty clean, no graffiti, people with kids out and about, a childcare place open, misc shops, etc.
What I'm not seeing that would give me pause: no people out generally (no crowds loitering), no evidence of kids or families, closed shopfronts, abandonded vehicles, gang related tagging, lots of trash, busted out windows, etc. Basically evidence that its not ssfe to be out. That doesnt seem to be the case - use some common sense and i think you'll be fine. (Disclaimer not familiar with DC specifically).
posted by jrobin276 at 10:56 PM on May 4, 2017 [10 favorites]
What I'm not seeing that would give me pause: no people out generally (no crowds loitering), no evidence of kids or families, closed shopfronts, abandonded vehicles, gang related tagging, lots of trash, busted out windows, etc. Basically evidence that its not ssfe to be out. That doesnt seem to be the case - use some common sense and i think you'll be fine. (Disclaimer not familiar with DC specifically).
posted by jrobin276 at 10:56 PM on May 4, 2017 [10 favorites]
I don't know a single thing about DC, but I've read a bunch of your previous posts and have poked around on Google Street View of the area. I think you should absolutely go for this place. The area honestly does not look very sketchy to me at all -- just not wealthy, as others have said. It is perfect for you.
Really I think you should be planning for the very real possibility that you don't get this very, very ideal place. What then?
posted by crazy with stars at 11:53 PM on May 4, 2017 [3 favorites]
Really I think you should be planning for the very real possibility that you don't get this very, very ideal place. What then?
posted by crazy with stars at 11:53 PM on May 4, 2017 [3 favorites]
If your concern is that you'll be the only white person in a black neighbourhood, I think you shouldn't take the flat - even if the complex management gives it to you.
Otherwise you'll be construing every interaction with people in the neighbourhood as hostile (like the teenagers 'swarming' around), and will end up being miserable.
Trying to be bravely colour blind when you are not may be politically correct but it won't do much good to you, as someone who is already anxious.
posted by Kwadeng at 1:51 AM on May 5, 2017
Otherwise you'll be construing every interaction with people in the neighbourhood as hostile (like the teenagers 'swarming' around), and will end up being miserable.
Trying to be bravely colour blind when you are not may be politically correct but it won't do much good to you, as someone who is already anxious.
posted by Kwadeng at 1:51 AM on May 5, 2017
I think you should take the apartment. It's easy to get freaked out by crime data. Have you checked the statistics for the place you live in right now? It might surprise you, and it will also give you a good baseline to evaluate the crime data about this new place.
posted by colfax at 1:54 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by colfax at 1:54 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
Large crowds of people are, like jrobin276 said, something that makes you safe, not unsafe. Whatever the demographics, generally no one is going to commit a crime in front of a bunch of other people. And I bet your perceptions of sketchiness and danger change significantly once you get used to the people in the neighborhood. I've lived in cities all my life, but I'll still get edgy in an unfamiliar place where I'm not picking up social cues until I get my footing -- I would bet that in a few weeks in the neighborhood it will be very easy to tell the difference between a nice bunch of high schoolers horsing around and having fun, and a situation where a real fight is likely (much less common).
posted by LizardBreath at 3:08 AM on May 5, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by LizardBreath at 3:08 AM on May 5, 2017 [2 favorites]
I live in what others would class as "a sketchy area" in Chicago. There's gang activity, drug dealers live across the street, I've seen fights, more arrests than I can count, and there have been a handful of shootings within a couple blocks of me in the 5 years I've lived here.
But most of my neighbors are families with hardworking people just going about their lives. I've made an effort to be a part of the neighborhood with a regular volunteer gig and going to community meetings. I do not feel unsafe here and never have. In fact, I regularly feel extremely thankful that I made the choice to move to this neighborhood. Living in a place where I am a minority by several different metrics has hands down made me a better person.
I say go for it.
posted by phunniemee at 4:05 AM on May 5, 2017 [5 favorites]
But most of my neighbors are families with hardworking people just going about their lives. I've made an effort to be a part of the neighborhood with a regular volunteer gig and going to community meetings. I do not feel unsafe here and never have. In fact, I regularly feel extremely thankful that I made the choice to move to this neighborhood. Living in a place where I am a minority by several different metrics has hands down made me a better person.
I say go for it.
posted by phunniemee at 4:05 AM on May 5, 2017 [5 favorites]
I live in Baltimore, and crowds are not *always* a sign of safety. I've had clients shot because they were in a crowd, and a reckless person tried to shoot a couple of targets in that crowd. However, this is usually only tied to high gang/drug activity areas. And it almost always are people who know each other and have beef. Not strangers.
I've found that feeling safe is important to me. I lived in a neighborhood that was a street over from high crime and just felt anxious every time I was outside. It wasn't worth it to me. I've also lived in a mostly white neighborhood as a minority and that was uncomfortable for me. I've now moved to a more diverse, not as pristine neighborhood and it's good. I had to give it a chance though and make an effort to talk to my neighbors, walk around during daytime, drive around during night. Living in a big city you have to be on alert wherever. I'd say try going to that complex at different hours if you could to get a vibe. But if you're not planning on strolling around and just going to and fro from the train , it could be fine living there. Especially for such a nice apartment
posted by buttonedup at 4:32 AM on May 5, 2017 [2 favorites]
I've found that feeling safe is important to me. I lived in a neighborhood that was a street over from high crime and just felt anxious every time I was outside. It wasn't worth it to me. I've also lived in a mostly white neighborhood as a minority and that was uncomfortable for me. I've now moved to a more diverse, not as pristine neighborhood and it's good. I had to give it a chance though and make an effort to talk to my neighbors, walk around during daytime, drive around during night. Living in a big city you have to be on alert wherever. I'd say try going to that complex at different hours if you could to get a vibe. But if you're not planning on strolling around and just going to and fro from the train , it could be fine living there. Especially for such a nice apartment
posted by buttonedup at 4:32 AM on May 5, 2017 [2 favorites]
The thing that makes me wary is the poor reviews of the complex management. Having a lousy building manager can really make your life hell if you need help and they won't provide it. That said, the lease is only for a year, so I'd lean toward signing and seeing how it goes.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:49 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:49 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
I think you should go ahead and start the application process, especially if you have reason to think it might be slow. You can back out if something better turns up, but it sounds like you need a place and you need it soon and this place would be okay, if not ideal.
For whatever it's worth, I don't see anything in the Google Street View that would give me pause for concern. The Crime Map probably would give me cause for concern, and I might opt for not walking around late at night much - but it sounds like you're not likely to be doing that anyway? Basically, I think you've got some legitimate pros and cons against this place, but your anxiety is tipping you farther con than you need to be. And you're still torn, so I think if you correct for the anxiety factor, it's more pro than con and you should take it. (I don't say that lightly - I have anxiety myself and I definitely get not being able to tell whether something is a real problem or an Anxiety Brain problem. It's not fun, and I'm sorry you're stuck in one of those situations.)
One thought might be: if the time of day for large groups of people at the bus stop really concerns you, could you switch up your schedule slightly? Personally, I work a slightly earlier work shift than most of my colleagues for transit reasons - if I avoid rush hour, my commute time is shorter and much less crowded. You might find the same, if your work is amenable to some schedule flexibility.
posted by Stacey at 6:09 AM on May 5, 2017
For whatever it's worth, I don't see anything in the Google Street View that would give me pause for concern. The Crime Map probably would give me cause for concern, and I might opt for not walking around late at night much - but it sounds like you're not likely to be doing that anyway? Basically, I think you've got some legitimate pros and cons against this place, but your anxiety is tipping you farther con than you need to be. And you're still torn, so I think if you correct for the anxiety factor, it's more pro than con and you should take it. (I don't say that lightly - I have anxiety myself and I definitely get not being able to tell whether something is a real problem or an Anxiety Brain problem. It's not fun, and I'm sorry you're stuck in one of those situations.)
One thought might be: if the time of day for large groups of people at the bus stop really concerns you, could you switch up your schedule slightly? Personally, I work a slightly earlier work shift than most of my colleagues for transit reasons - if I avoid rush hour, my commute time is shorter and much less crowded. You might find the same, if your work is amenable to some schedule flexibility.
posted by Stacey at 6:09 AM on May 5, 2017
Having a lousy building manager can really make your life hell if you need help and they won't provide it
I totally agree, but I also wonder about the squeaky wheels here and their expectations. One of the negative reviews was about how the management took so long to respond to a request to change a refrigerator light bulb. You really can't change your own refrigerator light bulb? Who calls a super for that? I just thought those people maybe might not be representative.
posted by Miko at 6:22 AM on May 5, 2017 [8 favorites]
I totally agree, but I also wonder about the squeaky wheels here and their expectations. One of the negative reviews was about how the management took so long to respond to a request to change a refrigerator light bulb. You really can't change your own refrigerator light bulb? Who calls a super for that? I just thought those people maybe might not be representative.
posted by Miko at 6:22 AM on May 5, 2017 [8 favorites]
This looks great. Good transportation. Grocery store just a couple blocks down. Go for it.
posted by greta simone at 6:24 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by greta simone at 6:24 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
I lived in the 7th ward of DC (Deanwood) for 3 months as a white woman. I would NOT do it again. I was constantly harassed, mainly by the kids that, as you say, had a tendency to “swarm around”, but not only by the kids. YMMV of course.
There are some nice things about the neighborhood - nice running trails long the Anacostia (and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are amazing!), but to get there, you need to run through neighborhoods where kids will throw things at you. The library (@Deanwood) was very nice and did you know that you can use DC pools for free with a DC address?
The Safeway on Benning Rd. is not particularly satisfying, esp. if you’re into fresh vegetables.
So while it for sure was an interesting experience for me, it wasn't particularly enriching. (I stayed there because I did not know any better, and wanted to live in DC between jobs.).
I don’t know, how old you are, but in my youth I lived in places that made me miserable for various reasons, mainly due to my cheapness, and it had an enormous negative effect on my mental health and wellbeing. Regardless of how little or much time I perceived to be spending in the apartment. Despite what seems to be an ideal location if I were you I'd be looking for other options.
posted by Dotty at 7:18 AM on May 5, 2017 [2 favorites]
There are some nice things about the neighborhood - nice running trails long the Anacostia (and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are amazing!), but to get there, you need to run through neighborhoods where kids will throw things at you. The library (@Deanwood) was very nice and did you know that you can use DC pools for free with a DC address?
The Safeway on Benning Rd. is not particularly satisfying, esp. if you’re into fresh vegetables.
So while it for sure was an interesting experience for me, it wasn't particularly enriching. (I stayed there because I did not know any better, and wanted to live in DC between jobs.).
I don’t know, how old you are, but in my youth I lived in places that made me miserable for various reasons, mainly due to my cheapness, and it had an enormous negative effect on my mental health and wellbeing. Regardless of how little or much time I perceived to be spending in the apartment. Despite what seems to be an ideal location if I were you I'd be looking for other options.
posted by Dotty at 7:18 AM on May 5, 2017 [2 favorites]
Yeah, if that's your budget in DC, this is what you're going to get and honestly I think this is a good deal for that budget range. That area is historically a high-crime area but is improving a ton lately with lots of new construction. I was over there a few months ago and felt safe (I am white and female if it matters). It's well-lit and high-traffic. I turned down a similar situation in Park View a few years ago because I thought it was sketchy and I'm now kicking myself for it.
And yeah, take all apartment reviews with a grain of salt, because only grumpy people write reviews--I rent with one of the big property management companies in DC and they get abysmal ratings but I've never had an issue. But don't expect corporate landlords to take a personal or sales-y approach to getting you in as a tenant outside of the high-end luxury market.
posted by capricorn at 7:29 AM on May 5, 2017 [4 favorites]
And yeah, take all apartment reviews with a grain of salt, because only grumpy people write reviews--I rent with one of the big property management companies in DC and they get abysmal ratings but I've never had an issue. But don't expect corporate landlords to take a personal or sales-y approach to getting you in as a tenant outside of the high-end luxury market.
posted by capricorn at 7:29 AM on May 5, 2017 [4 favorites]
I lived in a multi-story apartment complex for years. My only concern for you is: how will you know when the fire alarm is going off in the hallways? Because ours went off at least once every 2 weeks; mostly for cooking smoke but once (only once in the 9 years I was there) there was an actual fire.
If that is something they will work with you on (I'm not sure how, though -- a light inside your apartment? alerts to your phone?), go for it. Having your own place will be great for you. Then in nine months, when you're finally settled in and can truly judge the character of the neighborhood, see if you want to renew the lease.
posted by kimberussell at 7:47 AM on May 5, 2017
If that is something they will work with you on (I'm not sure how, though -- a light inside your apartment? alerts to your phone?), go for it. Having your own place will be great for you. Then in nine months, when you're finally settled in and can truly judge the character of the neighborhood, see if you want to renew the lease.
posted by kimberussell at 7:47 AM on May 5, 2017
I spent 10 years in DC and was, for what it's worth, mugged in Takoma -- a neighbourhood I picked specifically because I hoped it'd be safe!
However, with that said, I also know what it's like to have PTSD from mugging. And if you're still really struggling with it (it took me more than a year to get over) I'd say don't take the place. Now's not the time to push yourself into a panic state just for a good deal.
A couple of alternatives to consider:
- Do you need to be in the District proper? You'll find better deals in Virginia or Maryland.
- Have you searched Craigslist for in-law suites or one-bedrooms with separate entrances? That might be a way to save money while still keeping your privacy.
posted by harperpitt at 8:17 AM on May 5, 2017
However, with that said, I also know what it's like to have PTSD from mugging. And if you're still really struggling with it (it took me more than a year to get over) I'd say don't take the place. Now's not the time to push yourself into a panic state just for a good deal.
A couple of alternatives to consider:
- Do you need to be in the District proper? You'll find better deals in Virginia or Maryland.
- Have you searched Craigslist for in-law suites or one-bedrooms with separate entrances? That might be a way to save money while still keeping your privacy.
posted by harperpitt at 8:17 AM on May 5, 2017
Response by poster: Do you need to be in the District proper? You'll find better deals in Virginia or Maryland.
I'm completely open to Maryland and Virginia. Prices seem to be exactly the same there, though.
Have you searched Craigslist for in-law suites or one-bedrooms with separate entrances? That might be a way to save money while still keeping your privacy.
Yes. I emailed a few offers for a basement unit to myself ($900-1000, laundry included). Never heard back.
posted by dubious_dude at 8:37 AM on May 5, 2017
I'm completely open to Maryland and Virginia. Prices seem to be exactly the same there, though.
Have you searched Craigslist for in-law suites or one-bedrooms with separate entrances? That might be a way to save money while still keeping your privacy.
Yes. I emailed a few offers for a basement unit to myself ($900-1000, laundry included). Never heard back.
posted by dubious_dude at 8:37 AM on May 5, 2017
Hey, I've been reading all of your questions and am really happy for you that you've gotten to a point where you have a potential new apartment lined up that meets so many of your needs. That sounds like a step in the right direction for sure.
With regards to whether or not you should take this place, I think this is one of those questions where you could use the responses you're getting kind of like a coin flip: do you find yourself instinctively wanting to argue with people saying that you should take the place? Do you feel disappointed with responses saying you should pass it up? I find that to be a really helpful metric when I'm making a decision with no right or wrong answer (which is where I think you are now) - you're going to know what your gut wants by how you feel about the different answers you're getting.
Additionally, I'm going to gently suggest that no matter where you end up, there will be things you like and things that bother you - recognize that so you're not subconsciously comparing this place against some nonexistent "100% Perfect" place. (For whatever it's worth, I was very much in the minority as a white woman at my last place, and in the 7 years I lived there I never had problems with my neighbors or felt personally unsafe. Yes, people hung out a lot on the stairs and yes, there was crime in my complex, but I liked my neighbors and always had positive interactions with them).
posted by DingoMutt at 8:56 AM on May 5, 2017 [3 favorites]
With regards to whether or not you should take this place, I think this is one of those questions where you could use the responses you're getting kind of like a coin flip: do you find yourself instinctively wanting to argue with people saying that you should take the place? Do you feel disappointed with responses saying you should pass it up? I find that to be a really helpful metric when I'm making a decision with no right or wrong answer (which is where I think you are now) - you're going to know what your gut wants by how you feel about the different answers you're getting.
Additionally, I'm going to gently suggest that no matter where you end up, there will be things you like and things that bother you - recognize that so you're not subconsciously comparing this place against some nonexistent "100% Perfect" place. (For whatever it's worth, I was very much in the minority as a white woman at my last place, and in the 7 years I lived there I never had problems with my neighbors or felt personally unsafe. Yes, people hung out a lot on the stairs and yes, there was crime in my complex, but I liked my neighbors and always had positive interactions with them).
posted by DingoMutt at 8:56 AM on May 5, 2017 [3 favorites]
Yes, you should take it.
You should also consider reading this askme: How to grow past my racist fears?
posted by standardasparagus at 10:02 AM on May 5, 2017
You should also consider reading this askme: How to grow past my racist fears?
posted by standardasparagus at 10:02 AM on May 5, 2017
I think you should take it.
posted by purple_bird at 11:30 AM on May 5, 2017
posted by purple_bird at 11:30 AM on May 5, 2017
And it almost always are people who know each other and have beef. Not strangers.
Yeah you need to look at the TYPE of crime in this neighborhood, not just the overall level. I've felt safe in high crime areas because I'm not buying drugs, not in a gang, not getting involved in fights and not walking around at 2 am with a shiny new iPad.
Walk confidently, act like you belong, avoid eye contract with strangers, and get to know your neighbors. As a dude you're automatically subject to less harassment than a woman (oh, IIRC you're gay, so be extra careful if you're obviously effeminate, and either way I'd avoid rainbow flags).
posted by AFABulous at 12:37 PM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
Yeah you need to look at the TYPE of crime in this neighborhood, not just the overall level. I've felt safe in high crime areas because I'm not buying drugs, not in a gang, not getting involved in fights and not walking around at 2 am with a shiny new iPad.
Walk confidently, act like you belong, avoid eye contract with strangers, and get to know your neighbors. As a dude you're automatically subject to less harassment than a woman (oh, IIRC you're gay, so be extra careful if you're obviously effeminate, and either way I'd avoid rainbow flags).
posted by AFABulous at 12:37 PM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: True.
The more I think about it... I'll go ahead and apply. Nothing to lose, right?
Quick question. The process requires ID (it's a tax credit apartment, so probably has to go through the DC government for approval, hence the few weeks it takes). I still have my California driver's license; I don't have a DC ID. Should I still be okay? The address is my original home address in CA (my parents home, that is).
posted by dubious_dude at 1:11 PM on May 5, 2017
The more I think about it... I'll go ahead and apply. Nothing to lose, right?
Quick question. The process requires ID (it's a tax credit apartment, so probably has to go through the DC government for approval, hence the few weeks it takes). I still have my California driver's license; I don't have a DC ID. Should I still be okay? The address is my original home address in CA (my parents home, that is).
posted by dubious_dude at 1:11 PM on May 5, 2017
You should be fine. DC has a lot of people coming in from other places. :)
posted by mochapickle at 3:04 PM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by mochapickle at 3:04 PM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
When I first moved back to the DC area after grad school, the only place I could afford by myself anywhere near my job in Fairfax was a dumpy garden-style apartment in South Arlington. I was the only white person (young, single woman) working mids shift tech support (1pm-midnight), so coming home late. The surrounding neighborhood was way sketchier than what Google street view shows for Minnesota Ave., and there was a lot of property crime (smashed car windows) but no muggings or anything. Most of the people in my building didn't speak English (Ethiopians and Salvadorans, mostly) but I got to nodding/waving 'hi' levels with many of them and no one ever bothered me or made me feel unsafe. I would have jumped at the chance to live at a place like Park7DC instead of shared laundry, 1980s oak, and a camel cricket farm in my closet.
posted by candyland at 4:39 PM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by candyland at 4:39 PM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Another update:
The more I thought it through, the more I realized I wanted to give this apartment a try. I went in today and filled out the applications – they said it'd take about two weeks or so. Fingers crossed I'll get in!
Thanks for your help and insights, it's much appreciated.
posted by dubious_dude at 8:38 PM on May 6, 2017 [6 favorites]
The more I thought it through, the more I realized I wanted to give this apartment a try. I went in today and filled out the applications – they said it'd take about two weeks or so. Fingers crossed I'll get in!
Thanks for your help and insights, it's much appreciated.
posted by dubious_dude at 8:38 PM on May 6, 2017 [6 favorites]
Pretty sure one of my friends was going to live in that exact building. She ended up getting a place closer to work (Mt. Vernon Square area) in a reduced rent apartment building. I could ask her about it, if you'd like. Have to say that the Park7 rooms seem pretttty nice. I once got lost over there on a bike ride to Kenilworth Gardens and the sidewalk and road situation is definitely a mess, but should be fine if you're taking the bus. I'd take it.
posted by cichlid ceilidh at 5:09 PM on May 7, 2017
posted by cichlid ceilidh at 5:09 PM on May 7, 2017
As a small white woman who lived in a similar east-of-the-Anacostia neighborhood for a few years, I'm gonna say go for it and offer you a few additional suggestions.
First of all, unless your white friends close to your own age have personal experience living and/or working east of the river, ignore everything they say. This may sound a little harsh, but D.C. area media is awash in racist, sensationalist description of every crime that happens east of the Anacostia, when in fact the area is economically diverse and has pockets of safety and higher crime just like the other side of the river does. You wouldn't be far from Hillcrest, for example, and that's a higher income residential neighborhood with houses that wouldn't be out of place in Cleveland Park. Take every neighborhood block by block and keep your wits about you like you would anywhere else in DC and you'll be fine. Also, take a minute to think long and hard about why you assume that groups of high school kids hanging out outside might be looking for a fight.
Second, realize that the neighborhood around you has a lot of good to offer besides the apartment. Other posters have brought up the river trails andaquatic garden, but did you know about the Fort Circle trail? That starts right near the Minnesota Avenue metro station and takes you through some beautiful park land all the way across to Anacostia; I never felt unsafe hiking it alone. You're a short bus ride from the rec center in Deanwood, which has the nicest pool anywhere in DC by my estimation. Another short-ish bus rides to the Anacostia Community Museum. The nightlife may not be as sexy as other parts of D.C., but east of the river DC is totally charming in its own right.
Finally, start reading media about DC written by black people, especially folks living east of the river. The blog that springs to mind immediately for me is Congrees Heights on the Rise; that doesn't cover your potential neighborhood, but if you e-mail or tweet at the author (Nikki) I bet she'd have resources for you. There is a whole vast trove of writing out there about east of the river neighborhoods by people who love them and call them home and aren't coming from the same place of fear and othering that, say, the Washington Post does sometimes. I hope seeing that perspective might put you more at ease.
posted by ActionPopulated at 10:02 AM on May 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
First of all, unless your white friends close to your own age have personal experience living and/or working east of the river, ignore everything they say. This may sound a little harsh, but D.C. area media is awash in racist, sensationalist description of every crime that happens east of the Anacostia, when in fact the area is economically diverse and has pockets of safety and higher crime just like the other side of the river does. You wouldn't be far from Hillcrest, for example, and that's a higher income residential neighborhood with houses that wouldn't be out of place in Cleveland Park. Take every neighborhood block by block and keep your wits about you like you would anywhere else in DC and you'll be fine. Also, take a minute to think long and hard about why you assume that groups of high school kids hanging out outside might be looking for a fight.
Second, realize that the neighborhood around you has a lot of good to offer besides the apartment. Other posters have brought up the river trails andaquatic garden, but did you know about the Fort Circle trail? That starts right near the Minnesota Avenue metro station and takes you through some beautiful park land all the way across to Anacostia; I never felt unsafe hiking it alone. You're a short bus ride from the rec center in Deanwood, which has the nicest pool anywhere in DC by my estimation. Another short-ish bus rides to the Anacostia Community Museum. The nightlife may not be as sexy as other parts of D.C., but east of the river DC is totally charming in its own right.
Finally, start reading media about DC written by black people, especially folks living east of the river. The blog that springs to mind immediately for me is Congrees Heights on the Rise; that doesn't cover your potential neighborhood, but if you e-mail or tweet at the author (Nikki) I bet she'd have resources for you. There is a whole vast trove of writing out there about east of the river neighborhoods by people who love them and call them home and aren't coming from the same place of fear and othering that, say, the Washington Post does sometimes. I hope seeing that perspective might put you more at ease.
posted by ActionPopulated at 10:02 AM on May 8, 2017 [5 favorites]
That neighborhood does kinda suck in some ways, but you aren't going to find anything better that's nearly that convenient. You will almost certainly get faces from teenagers occasionally, and you'll get a little more attention, positive/negative/neutral, just by being conspicuously not from there. You'll probably be pan-handled a little harder. But there are generally a lot of people around at that intersection, so it's not unsafe in the same way an empty street is. I mean, you already live in NoMa right? Until a few years ago I would have felt safer at night around Minnesota x Benning than e.g. Florida x 3rd NE, for that precise reason. YMMV.
You'd be close to Kingman Island, the Arboretum, and Kenilworth, all of which are pretty cool.
unless your white friends close to your own age have personal experience living and/or working east of the river, ignore everything they say
This. A lot of what you'll hear about DC's neighborhoods is from closet (or overt) racist suburbanites who are playing the Disney version of city and are scared of black neighborhoods. Take that sort of thing with a grain of salt and maybe try out your practice commute a few times just to make sure you aren't too sketched out (and be honest with yourself about what's sketching you out).
I still have my California driver's license; I don't have a DC ID. Should I still be okay?
Yup.
posted by aspersioncast at 4:59 PM on May 8, 2017
You'd be close to Kingman Island, the Arboretum, and Kenilworth, all of which are pretty cool.
unless your white friends close to your own age have personal experience living and/or working east of the river, ignore everything they say
This. A lot of what you'll hear about DC's neighborhoods is from closet (or overt) racist suburbanites who are playing the Disney version of city and are scared of black neighborhoods. Take that sort of thing with a grain of salt and maybe try out your practice commute a few times just to make sure you aren't too sketched out (and be honest with yourself about what's sketching you out).
I still have my California driver's license; I don't have a DC ID. Should I still be okay?
Yup.
posted by aspersioncast at 4:59 PM on May 8, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
Disclaimer: I know nothing about DC neighborhoods, but I'm just going off of your post. It sounds like you're trying to convince yourself this is a good idea, but you have this internet stranger's permission to turn it down.
posted by sprezzy at 7:35 PM on May 4, 2017 [13 favorites]