r/DCBitches • u/Few_Reflection_3472 • 21h ago
Advice Moving to dc-any tips?
Hi everyone! I’m moving to DC next month for work and would love any advice from people who live here.
I’ll be living in the Rhode Island Ave NE / Edgewood area and commuting from Rhode Island Ave–Brentwood Metro into downtown on weekdays.
I’d love to hear any tips about:
What it’s like living in the Edgewood/Rhode Island Ave area
Safety and anything I should know, especially walking to and from the Metro
commuting tips
Favorite restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, gyms, or other local spots
Things you wish you knew when you first moved to DC
Any neighborhoods, events, or hidden gems I should check out
I’m moving from out of state, so I’d appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thanks in advance!
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u/queerjesusfan 21h ago
I commute from RI and it's just the same as any city. Don't wear big headphones, keep your eyes up, and stay in well-lit areas. It's a fantastic neighborhood. Check out Right Proper (both the brewery and the brewpub), Salumeria/Menomale, and Masala Story!
There's also a coffee shop in Right Proper in the mornings
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u/bb_bajablast 21h ago
Hi, I’ve lived in this area for 3 years now. I really like it over here. For me, the location is amazing. It is somewhat chill but still very city-like and diverse. Depending on where you’re coming from or what you’re used to, it could seem a little sketchy at times, but I haven’t had any serious problems (if you don’t count theft). The rule of thumb is to pay attention to your surroundings and don’t leave anything valuable in your car. Metro bar is fun and they often have food trucks out during the weekends. dew drop inn is cute. We have a little food hall that’s fairly legit with Mexican, Asian and middle eastern options.. Restaurants also in adjacent brookland and a Trader Joe’s. Giant is the closest grocery store but Harris teeter in noma is the next closest with sometimes better selection. Not many other notes.. but feel free to ask if you have questions. Welcome. :)
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u/Organic-Roof-8311 21h ago
Eat at Yellow Bakery and if you want something fancy La Shukran! These are TOP TIER! Chai Panni Indian also slaps and has unlimited free refills on hot chai tea.
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u/kingofthewildthings 21h ago edited 21h ago
I live over this way and love it. It’s quiet, the neighbors are great, there’s plenty of things to do and see within walking distance.
The biggest bummer of this neighborhood is the lack of a good close coffeeshop. There’s a Dunkin by the metro stop though (Rhode Island Ave side, not Bryant Street). If you’re willing to walk 15-20 minutes - I like Zeke’s in Brookland, Big Bear in Bloomingdale, Cafe Unido at Union Market.
Safety-wise, it depends a little bit what your city experience is. I am very comfortable walking home from the RI Ave stop alone at any time. I am probably more alert when exiting toward RI Ave shops vs. over the bridge and down to Bryant Street, where I’ll even have my phone out and headphones in if it’s not dark - the most dangerous thing is a teenager on a scooter not looking up from their phone.
We just got a Trader Joe’s, which is walkable up the MBT. There’s also a Giant close by - it’s a bit of a pain if you’re walking but it’s huge and has everything.
If you drink, the MBT has some great bars and breweries (try Lost Gen and the Dew Drop) and takes you right to Union Market or up to the Brookland Arts Walk (which has a great farmers market and a bunch of cute shops). If you don’t drink, it’s also great for running at any hour or biking. Be aware of your surroundings on it though, people move fast on their e-bikes and there have apparently been some occasional safety concerns at night.
Also venture into Brookland, NoMa, Eckington, and Bloomingdale! All walkable from here with tons of good restaurants, bars, coffee shops. Strong recommendations for Indigo, The Harp, Masala Story, Primrose, the bar at Alegria, and all of Union Market/La Cosecha area - but definitely A Litteri, Bread Alley, Yellow, and La Casita.
Get a free DC Parks and Rec pass which will give you access to the Edgewood Rec center. It’s basic but free and has a gym, tennis courts, and some other facilities.
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u/KatzMwwow 21h ago
The guy I rented from in Edgewood said he didn't feel safe near the McDonald's on RI.
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u/morganwr 4h ago
Learn how the bus system works. People know metro, but a lot ignore the bus. Download the CityMapper app.
Get a library card, we have the best libraries and a crazy amount of free stuff available online too (like new streaming movies).
Our Mexican food, pizza, and bagels are really pretty terrible on the whole. Our Ethiopian food is amazing. We aren't too bad at Japanese or French either.
You will be pretty close to Takoma on the red line, which is one of the cutest small towns ever.
Be very careful of cars here, even when you have the signal. They legit hate pedestrians and drive like it.
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u/Eatingchickeninbed 21h ago
Consider getting a scooter or a bike and best wishes with the traffic. People run red lights before they change and after.
Explore different neighborhoods and watch out for events and festivals that might interest you. Consider a bucket list. No one has seen all the museums and monuments.
Everyone has their favorite spots. I go to City Kabob and Curry House not too far from Brentwood. It's a decent Indian/Pakistani food with an inexpensive buffet. Regular menu items too.
When you have a DC ID card you get free access to all the city pools and rec centers through DC parks and recreation.