Relocation / Neighborhood Advice (crime, live, restaurants)

[fsmla3]

Hello!

I'm in my late twenties, and am relocating back to the DC metro area from the UK - I lived in Columbia MD the last time around, but would prefer to give urban life a go this time.

I'll be working just south of Laurel MD off 295 - haven't seen many people in the forums contemplating a commute from DC/NoVA up north, so I'd be interested to hear any comments on whether this is insane or doable. I'm trying to avoid the beltway. I think I've narrowed my choices down to the Capitol Hill/Penn Quarter/Waterfront areas or the bits of Arlington closer to 395/295.

What's important to me:
(safe) running routes,
commute preferably under 45 minutes - would rather drive 30 miles and keep moving than do 15 in stop-and-go,
reasonable walking distance to metro - grocery store/restaurants/bars a plus but if I can get to a metro I'm good

Trendiness and nightlife aren't important, nor is the demographic of the area - I'm not very social Gritty doesn't bother me as long as I'll be safe running/walking alone at night.

So, primary questions:

1) What's the 395 bridge like in the mornings, going from Arlington to DC? Crazy? I've driven from Capitol Hill to work in about 25 minutes, but not sure about the Arlington stretch into DC.

2) What's car crime like in DC/VA? I'll be travelling for business about 50% of the time and so will have to leave the car on it's own for extended periods - is it worth it shelling out extra for parking in a garage?

3) I'm contemplating rooming with a friend of mine that's also relocating - he'll be working in Fairfax. One of us will of course have to settle for a longer commute than the other - Arlington I suppose would be the best compromise?

Any and all input is appreciated.

Cheers
Michelle

[nbdinz]

1) What's the 395 bridge like in the mornings, going from Arlington to DC? Crazy? I've driven from Capitol Hill to work in about 25 minutes, but not sure about the Arlington stretch into DC.

A 1) The Mason Bridge (I-395 bridge) is terrible in the mornings as well as in the afternoons--in both directions. It's not as busy from about 9:45 am until 2:30 pm. But of course, this varies from day to day depending on events, tourist trap specials, and so on.

2) What's car crime like in DC/VA? I'll be travelling for business about 50% of the time and so will have to leave the car on it's own for extended periods - is it worth it shelling out extra for parking in a garage?

A 2) Car crime is average in DC when compared to Atlanta, Baltimore, Miami, and San Diego. Window smashes are common when parking on the streets in more residential areas (as compared to parking on K Street NW). Lately, it hasn't mattered if you leave things in plain view or not. See this (broken link) on my site. And I'm not sure of many places one can park on the street for extended periods of time (street cleaning, rush hour regulations, residential zones, etc.) so in all honesty, I believe the garage is worth it 100%.

3) I'm contemplating rooming with a friend of mine that's also relocating - he'll be working in Fairfax. One of us will of course have to settle for a longer commute than the other - Arlington I suppose would be the best compromise?

A 3) Arlington, in the Clarendon area would work nicely also.

All the best for your move...

[fsmla3]

Thanks for the info....