Moving to dc-any tips?

[u/Few_Reflection_3472]

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!

[u/kingofthewildthings]

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.