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I've lived in Columbia Heights all my life, and it was crap 10-15 years ago. You would regularly see people do drugs on 14th street and nobody would say a word. Once it got dark outside, you'd be afraid to step out of your house in fear of what might happen, and granted, some probably still feel that way today, but things are safer than they were before. It's claim to fame is not Target, I disagree. It's Metro. That started everything off.
I agree that the condos are overpriced, $1700 for a studio apartment is insane but if you live near the Metro, its not a bad deal considering there's a supermarket, metro, mini-mall, 3 different cleaners, a Starbucks, three banks, and some little restaurants, i.e. Chipotle which is coming soon, Julia's empanadas, etc. Everything is within walking distance.
I think the CH haters are overstating things a bit. First, I don't think prices in CH are overpriced in comparison to U Street. Anything west of 10th and U will cost you a pretty penny. It would probably be more accurate to say that both areas are overpriced.
Second, while the Ledroit/Bloomingdale area is certainly attractive, it lacks basic urban amenities within walking distance. Like... a grocery store, a restaurant, entertainment, a bar, etc. That's one reason I'm planning to leave that area.
Columbia Heights certainly does have a violent crime problem. But, it tends to be fairly localized south of the metro stop. I don't feel anything like that vibe when I go to the 11th St. strip (Red Rocks/Wonderland/etc), or even up to Red Derby on upper 14th.
I think the CH haters are overstating things a bit. First, I don't think prices in CH are overpriced in comparison to U Street. Anything west of 10th and U will cost you a pretty penny. It would probably be more accurate to say that both areas are overpriced.
Gosh, nice to see me being labeled a "hater." If my comments are considered "hate" perhaps we should revisit what that term means.
I would happen to agree with you that properties in Columbia Heights and U Street are generally overpriced, but U Street has far more amenities than Columbia Heights does, and you don't have the gang wars problem.
I would happen to agree with you that properties in Columbia Heights and U Street are generally overpriced, but U Street has far more amenities than Columbia Heights does, and you don't have the gang wars problem.
I do have to say that one thing that I noticed while looking for places around U street was a pretty distinct lack of a large grocery store. U street has far more restaurants, bars and concert venues which are big stuff in my book.
I do have to say that one thing that I noticed while looking for places around U street was a pretty distinct lack of a large grocery store. U street has far more restaurants, bars and concert venues which are big stuff in my book.
There's the 14th & P St Whole Food and a Safeway or Giant at 7th & P.
There's the 14th & P St Whole Food and a Safeway or Giant at 7th & P.
Thats still like five blocks away from 14th and U and unless you've got a car, those five blocks become incredibly long when you've got groceries in your hands. Also, Whole Foods is incredibly spensive and 7th and P isn't too close to the main drag of U. See my previously stated lazy arms grocery stance.
Some of the parking lots behind the 930 club could definitely become a grocery store, although I read some crazy plan by a developer to make that area into "Howard Town Square." Maybe that would include a grocery store.
Thats still like five blocks away from 14th and U and unless you've got a car, those five blocks become incredibly long when you've got groceries in your hands. Also, Whole Foods is incredibly spensive and 7th and P isn't too close to the main drag of U. See my previously stated lazy arms grocery stance.
Some of the parking lots behind the 930 club could definitely become a grocery store, although I read some crazy plan by a developer to make that area into "Howard Town Square." Maybe that would include a grocery store.
There's a Yes! Organic Market at 14th and V, but man are they expensive.
I like the store at 15th and U called DC's Best Supermarket (or something like that). It's bigger and nicer than it looks from the outside, and has bread from Firehook bakery.
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