I recently started a job in Northern Virginia (Tyson's Corner for those who know the area well) but moved to the Gallaudet/Trinidad/Capitol Hill North) neighborhood, which is in the NE section of The District. If you're not familiar with the various neighborhoods in Washington, DC, let me elaborate some.
Gallaudet University is the nation's national Deaf/Hard of Hearing university, a small federally charted institution. It also lies on the West Virginia Avenue run, which is probably one of the areas of the city one doesn't want to walk alone at night on. I happen to live off of the university. I was suspicious of moving into this area of town, however, the rent is cheap, I've got this kick ass balcony over looking a large garden (!!! green in the city-think an oasis from concrete!!) and I was in a pinch when looking for a place to live. I was nervous to walk around at night, worried about things getting stolen or what not. I've lived in my house for two weeks not and those fears have become less dominant. On my way to the New York Avenue metro stop every morning, I say hello to families out on their porch watching the kids board buses heading for DC public schools. On my way home, those same kids are outside playing. I've come home late at night several times and have been the only one out; it's quiet, well-lit and police cars often patrol the neighborhood. I feel safe for the most part. That's not to say that I'd recommend the faint of heart move in, but, its not as bad as people told me it would be.
Trinidad (having nothing to do with the tiny South American nation, but rather the last name of a wealthy land owner from the 1860's)/ Gallaudet is comprised primarily of middle class, black families. The neighborhood is 'developing' (not quite up and coming). More and more young people are taking advantage of lower rents and moving in. The District has poured money into the city (new rec/education centers, encouraged gardening clubs, etc) to improve the area and it is working, slowly but surely. Ten years ago this neighborhood was listed as 'endangered' today, its quite lovely actually. So far, I'm enjoying it. Its not exactly convenient to the sort of things I enjoy, but we are only ten minutes away from the H Street Corridor/Atlas District. H Street is very up and coming, lots of hipsters, young people and great cafe's, bars, pubs and locally owned businesses popping up everywhere. I'm excited to get to know the area this summer.
As part of the gentrification project, the city, in conjunction with Home Depot and the local non-profit group DC Greenworks planted four trees in my backyard this morning! Four lovely (all mid 20's people) came out and planted these glorious trees in about an hour in the backyard. The trees are quite lovely and once they take root will really help fill out the garden, which was already quite lovely to begin with. My landlady provided me with some pots so I could plant some shrubs or flowers on my balcony if I so wanted, that's also nice. Being a foot soldier of gentrification is quite nice and hope that I can help clean up this part of the city. I'm thinking about volunteering with DC Greenworks or another organization that helps clean up the city. I think that would be a great way for me to meet people and help clean up.
On a particularly lovely afternoon I decided to walk into the city and enjoy my new home. It was the weekend preceding Earth Day and the Mall was abuzz with plenty of people out and about enjoying the sun. AT&T, my wireless provider also had a booth out promoting eco-friendly charging stations. Basically, this solar and wind powered booth could charge your cell phone. Tiny lockers with a variety of mobile phone cords was set up. You could come in, drop your phone off in the locker, take the key with you and return in an hour to collect your phone...all charged up. This was a great idea as my phone was actually running low on juice AND it was all solar and wind powered. I love it. The Mall is one of my favorite areas of the city, of course. The Smithsonian is quite lovely and their almost secret gardens are a lost charm. This oasis of calm in the middle of the city serves as a respite of tranquility in the hustle and bustle of DC. It was amazing how quite the gardens were compared to the streets and Mall just meters away. Its a great place to collect your thoughts, enjoy some flowers and get a breath of air.
On my way home, I swung through Chinatown and the Verizion center. There I stumbled upon the Red Velvet Cupcakery. I decided to treat myself to a cupcake, cookies and cream frosting I believe. It was absolutely divine, albeit expensive. At $3.50 a cupcake, that is certainly more of a treat than anything else. I'm not sure why we suddenly have this blitz in the cupcake market, but people are loving them. As I walked home, I walked past Union Station and up Maryland Avenue, an area of lovely trees and turn of the century homes. I saw people out and about tending to their gardens and lawns, children playing soccer and people out for leisurely Sunday walks. My only incident still wraps me in awe. On the 700 block of Maryland Avenue, a woman was out putting things in her trash can. I smiled and said hello, and her response to me?
"Stay away from my Kit, Kat & Kabuddle!"
I'm not sure what that means, but she seemed the kind that often talks to herself and probably has a slew of foil hats in her basement to keep the government from reading her mind.
Living in inner-city Washington is going to be an interesting experience. I don't know how long I'll live in this part of the city (I have a six month lease) but I could maybe get used to it. As I am sans vehicle, perhaps I'd like to move slightly closer to the action and a metro stop. But, for now, I'm going to enjoy my garden, lovely balcony and access to H street.
No comments:
Post a Comment