posthuman
Joined: Unknown
Posts: 0
Area Safety?
June 29, 2003 at 08:39 PM UTC
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So this may sound like a totally lame question to ask, but how safe is the area that 930 is in?
I'm a Londoner interning in DC for the summer, so I'm pretty clueless about where is a good neighbourhood and where's not. I do realise however that the opinions of my flatmate's as to where is safe and where is not are pretty.. uh… conservative, and that probably, in her eyes, if you can't flash a wad of cash in the street then it's unsafe.
So anyway, is the 930 safe to go to on your own by metro and back? Can any of the UK people (I know you exist on here…) compare it to a London venue safety-wise? i.e. as 'safe' as going to a show in Brixton / safer / worse?
bags
Joined: October 30, 2001 at 06:01 AM UTC
Posts: 8545
Re: Area Safety?
June 29, 2003 at 08:59 PM UTC
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I can't equate it to a neighborhood in London, but you're fine to go and come from the metro. Plus, remember, when the show lets out, though it may be late at night, there are crowds of folks all headed to the metro as well.
I think people over dramatize the sketchiness of the neighborhood – that was true a number of years back, but the city is gentrifying east and U street is quite a hopping corridor these days.
GO to any show you want to see – it's a fantastic venue for shows and you *can't* miss it while you're here.
MindCage
Joined: May 14, 2001 at 05:01 AM UTC
Posts: 1282
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 01:07 AM UTC
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U St Corridor = New Georgetown :)
Area is safe, just like in any area…keep aware of the surrounds around you and you'll be fine!
I've lived in the neighborhood about 3 years now and haven't had any problems.
MindCage
Mindless Faith Deep6 Productions
paige
Joined: Unknown
Posts: 0
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 01:39 AM UTC
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Just be aware of what's around you and you'll be ok. It lessens the scary factor if you go with one other person for your first time though. Have fun! 9:30 is fabulous
andyrichter
Joined: September 17, 2001 at 05:01 AM UTC
Posts: 996
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 02:11 AM UTC
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not to worry posthuman, the neighborhood is ok, there's a busy street by the club. i've been to many shows there alone and never had a problem. just be aware of your surroundings like everyone said-which is basically true of any neighborhood. the club is like a 2 minute walk from the metro. its right across from a gas station. the scariest part of getting to the club is probably crossing the street ;) one thing to remember if you're taking the metro. when you get off at U street/cardozo station, EXIT THE VERMONT/10TH STREET SIDE, NOT THE 13TH STREET EXIT. if you exit on the 13th street side, you end up having to walk an extra 3 blocks or so and may get lost.
Jaguär
Joined: Unknown
Posts: 0
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 03:22 AM UTC
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Getting lost is a given in DC. ;)
mjnova
Joined: Unknown
Posts: 0
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 01:34 PM UTC
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Just look at 14th street around the Black Cat. Gentrification, is spreading really fast.
I've been to many shows solo at the 930 and never had a problem. Baring 1 flat tire, I've never had a problem parking on the street either, just keep an eye out for broken bottles.
I found the neighborhood around Nation to be a little less inviting. I feel very comfortable around U street, though.
chknfngrs
Joined: Unknown
Posts: 0
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 02:35 PM UTC
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here's the deal: if you look for or like trouble, it will find you. take your nosering out.
markie
Joined: October 15, 2001 at 05:01 AM UTC
Posts: 13178
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 02:54 PM UTC
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Err
Ok I am a brit on the board….confessional over.
The first time I went to the club about four years ago I though it was a scary area. We got cabs to the door and back again. Since then I have got more comfortable and the area has got better. Nowadays I always walk. I dont like U street metro very much though. I normally walk along U St to the 930, or along U then down 14th to blackcat. Both of those roads are fairly safe.
I have never been mugged but I have got scared by the homeless guys a couple of times. But then I guess I am always with my wife and she is pretty fierce.
markie
Joined: October 15, 2001 at 05:01 AM UTC
Posts: 13178
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 02:57 PM UTC
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I walked to and from the Brixton academy…. Leaving the academy at night all of a sudden there were no people about and walking along I felt very conspicuos as the only person walking. I whimped out and got a cab. I figure I would rather walk in the area around 930, there are always people around U st.
Rhett Miller
Joined: November 15, 2001 at 06:01 AM UTC
Posts: 17762
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 02:59 PM UTC
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I got mugged in Takoma Park, so really you can get mugged anywhere. Nowhere is truly safe. Try to travel with others, or latch onto (walk behind) other people who are coming or going. Find a nice boy to escort you to the show if you are a girl. Carry mace and wear some good running shoes. Don't make Kentucky Fried Chicken jokes until you get west of 16th Street.
Jaguär
Joined: Unknown
Posts: 0
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 06:05 PM UTC
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Look for some of us up front and center. ;)
Rhett Miller
Joined: November 15, 2001 at 06:01 AM UTC
Posts: 17762
Re: Area Safety?
June 30, 2003 at 06:40 PM UTC
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Originally posted by mjnova:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I got mugged in Takoma Park, so really you can get mugged anywhere. Nowhere is truly safe. Try to travel with others, or latch onto (walk behind) other people who are coming or going. Find a nice boy to escort you to the show if you are a girl. Carry mace and wear some good running shoes. Don't make Kentucky Fried Chicken jokes until you get west of 16th Street.
Of coures, if you want good farts, there's always Ben's Chili Bowl.
myuman
Joined: Unknown
Posts: 0
Re: Area Safety?
July 01, 2003 at 12:19 AM UTC
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If you do get lost you can always look for that 700 foot tower sticking out the top of the roof… what is that thing anyway?
twangirl
Joined: October 24, 2001 at 05:01 AM UTC
Posts: 704
Re: Area Safety?
July 01, 2003 at 12:49 AM UTC
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'that thing' is an actual radio tower. This building was the original home of WUST-AM, a gospel station. They used to broadcast from here and held many events over the years. Now, it makes a good landmark.