Is it OK being in Washington DC as an 18 year old female and an international student?

Question

I'm planning to live alone. is that dangerous or something?

Answer 1

it depends on you.

Answer 2

Washington DC and the suburbs including Arlington and Alexandria, VA are just like any other moderately large city. There are some neighborhoods where it is not safe but for the most part it is just fine if you are a young, single female living alone. For DC itself, check the link below for a crime map. That will give you an idea of what is going on in your potential new neighborhood. You'll probably notice that most of the violent crime in DC is limited to only a small part of the city itself which just reinforces that most places in the city are safe. I am not sure if there is a similar resource for the suburbs though.

The same common sense will apply here as for all women living alone. Avoid ground-floor-level apartments if possible; keep windows locked or install devices that prevent them from being raised far enough for a person to squeeze in. Don't let people in the front door if you don't know them. If they say they are from FedEx or the telephone company or whatever, ask to see ID and verify with a call to that company if you're not expecting a service call that day. Don't flash large amounts of cash when you are out and about. But this is practical advice for any woman anywhere, not just in the DC area.

Answer 3

I moved to DC when I was 18. Was nervous at first but it was fine. I'd suggest living near any local university in the NW quadrant of the city (this includes American University, Georgetown U and George Washington U). These three campus's are in nice areas and you'll be in safe neighborhoods with lots of folks from ages 17- early 20's.

It'll be a bit pricy to find housing in these areas though- but it's worth the extra bucks to be safe and be accessible to the metro/subway transportation. Also - there are lots of opportunities for shared housing and other cheaper options if you are near a campus (if you don't mind living with a few other people).

As an international student - you'd probably feel quite comfortable pretty much anywhere in DC. A large portion of our population is international and the local universities are known as having a huge international student population.

Other advice - don't get scared about crime in DC. But on the other hand, it makes sense to be safe - be vigilant (just like in any city - don't walk alone late at night, etc).

Answer 4

Sure, why not?

Obviously don't venture into alleys at night, or walk around the city at all hours, and don't be gullable. Take general personal security precautions.

Don't live in SE or NE. Period. Some of those areas are fine, but at age 18 and if you've never been here before, you won't know the specific areas to avoid. Plenty of DC is fine.. but you just have to know the pockets of crime-prone areas.

Answer 5

When you go out into the city, do not go alone. DC is not the safest city in the world. Even though there are NPS police, capitol city police, and every other police service in the area, it is not a safe city. Use common sense. Carry pepper spray or mace and be careful. Just for your information, guns are illegal in the District.

Answer 6

DC is okay. I visit there all the time. Try to stay away from southwest!! My boyfriend never takes me to that area because he is from dc. Dont go to martin luther king boulevard either!! Just be careful. Maybe you should get a place near downtown. but it is going to be expensive. Just look in the washington post and find a anice 1 bedroom near that area . good luck

Answer 7

Pick a good neighborhood.

How much money do you have for housing? You may want to check out www.apartments.com.

Crystal City in Arlington is a good neighborhood.

Answer 8

you'de be better off living in the dc suburbs. there are several safe areas in dc, but most areas in dc are unsafe, especially at night. I can just imagine you walking around certain neighborhoods in dc by yourself at night and 3-6 guys walk towards you and demand you give them all your money or try to rape you.