Are you thinking about travelling to Washington, DC and you are wondering if it is safe? You are planning your trip but you are still unsure of which neighbourhoods you should avoid as a tourist?
The following article will help you understanding which areas of Washington, DC you should be avoiding and the neighbourhoods/points of concerns that you should pay attention to when passing or walking by.
Washington DC, is, actually, one of the best destinations you can travel to in the United States, whether, you go with your family, partner or as solo traveller. The city is really rich in history, art, culture, iconic museums, theatres, wonderful food and there are major attractions that drive an incredible amount of visitors each year.
The city is relatively safe, as Washington, DC is one of the top cities in the US with the steadiest economy. Of course, there are some areas to be avoided and some things to note, to minimise risks when exploring this gorgeous city.
Although, in 2017 it was ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the US, Washington, DC, has become a hotspot for vibrant cultural hubs in the last couple of years, followed by a significant decrease in crime rates.
Washington D.C. is a district located between Maryland and Virginia and it conforms the capital of the United States. Whilst, it was originally intended to be home for political affairs and government oriented tasks, it has become one of the most popular places in the world. This is, because there are attractions, such as, the White House, The National Treasure and many more emblematic places that attract tourist from all over the world, making Washington, DC, a very diverse city, where more than 160 languages are spoken.
It is a great city to visit, particularly, during the summer months of June, July through October, when the cold Arctic winds start. The temperature during the spring and summer are mild and humid but very pleasant when it comes to explore the city. This is another reason why the city is packed with visitors after the winter.
Although, Washington, DC is safe, generally speaking, such a big city doesn’t come without dangers, and unfortunately, there are a couple of areas that as a tourist, you have to be aware of, as they are really problematic, with high crime rates and they should be avoided.
Before we dive into which neighbourhoods you should not go to, there are some general safety tips when visiting Washington DC. Essentially, stick to the touristic and busy areas, don’t put the guard down when in the public transports, particularly, in the buses. Pickpocketing is definitely a thing in the public buses where foreigners and tourists are a target.
Be aware of your surroundings at night time when most mugs occur, even in places where many tourist go out for a drink or dinner. Lastly, don’t lose track of where you are and where you are heading towards to, Washington, DC is not a worry-free city to wander by yourself, as you can end up in a bad area.
Suburbs, streets and neighbourhoods to avoid when travelling to Washington, DC.
1- U Street Corridor
U Street Corridor used to be the heart of black culture in Washington, DC. It used to attract locals, tourists, and people of various backgrounds to enjoy the unique music, dinning and nightlife paradigm. It is both a colourful and history-rich neighbourhood. It is always busy and an area that never sleeps. This neighbourhood has experienced an increase in crime rates in the past decade.
Especially at night, there are vehicles tearing up around on sidewalks, there are no really driving rules, cars just drive pass on red lights, 4 am troubles and noise and essentially, the streets out of control. Although, the neighbourhood has come back recently, and it is packed with boutiques, eclectic food places, art galleries and really diverse people, still violent crimes do happen in this district. These crimes include stabbing, violent robberies and shootings. The nightlife in U street is one of the main attractions with popular vintage jazz clubs, depicting the historical culture of this district.
As a tourist, the recommendations are to be very aware of staying overnight in this area, staying late in the clubs, restaurants and bars and most importantly, to not wander off in those streets, particularly, as a solo female, as rapes are common in this quarter. Whilst, it conforms an emblematic area, it is also, one of the most dangerous ones in Washington, DC.
2. NoMA
NoMA neighbourhood, stands for, North of Massachusetts Avenue. Whilst, this area of the DC has recently experienced an upgrade and growing population of young professionals, due to its closure to the Downtown, still, it can be quite an unsafe community.
Is is known to be a transportation hub and the heart of specialty food halls and gourmet dinning. It is also home for Gallaudet University, dedicated to people with hearing disabilities and National Public Radio.
Despite its on going growing popularity, this area, is lately experiencing a big wave of crimes and the neighbours of this area are fed up. They have pleaded to the police for help.
Multiple violent crimes do occur regularly in NoMA, some of them fatal, like the murder of three working men and the fatal injury of two additional ones, close to the train station.
Lastly, data supported by MPC have revealed the increase in aggressive weapon assaults over a 1200 percent from 2019 to 2021 and being quite constant in 2022.
This area is to be walked with care after the sun is down, as there is also a big increase in prostitution in the locality, where the pimps are getting the residents and temporal visitors in trouble.
It can be a convenient and nice area to stay in as a visitor because it is really close to downtown DC but, convenience can come with risks of safety, as well. It is recommended not to engage with strangers, to avoid the dark alleys and to hang out at high hours on the streets.
3. Shaw
The Shaw is one of those areas that people feel conflicted about. This is because it is so rich in African-American history, with many places to visit, many retails and top-notch restaurants. However, it is still one of the areas with highest crime rates. The zone is well known for its hipster and indie vibes around the restaurant and bar areas. Unfortunately, around dusk time, the area can be a bit deceptive, as there are still active gangs and drug prevalence. Travelling around this area needs extra caution and it is advised that single female visitors avoid this area.
4. Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is one of the most popular places in the DC to visit as a tourist due to its vibrant nightlife, lively dining scene, the historic 19th-century row houses decoration landmark and to be home for the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court. Not only, it is highly desirable for tourists, but also, for residents of the district.
However, in the last 5 years, it has experienced an increased rate of crimes, especially, after the evening times, including violent thefts, carjackings, rape and even weapon assaults. It is advised to always care for your belongings, and never carry big amount of cash when touring the city.
Also, it can be a great place for tourism, but definitely an area to avoid at night, especially, if not driving back to your accomodation.
5. Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights is a history rich community that has evolved over the decades to be, not only, a great spot for shopping, but also, it is home for Mount Pleasant, the most beautiful parks in the country and it is full of the 19th century emblematic row houses.
Unfortunately, despite being fairly visited, it is still quite a violent area with high robbery events, gang activity, drug dealings and muggings being common too. Exploring Columbia Heights area on foot is, generally, safe during the day but high guard is required and avoiding trouble with strangers.
6. LeDroit Park
LeDroit Park is another community, very close to downtown, with a short bike ride and it is right in the heart of the city with multiple bus lines and a train station. During the day time, it can be pretty easy to walk by and to commute to all the touristic points in the city, however, later in the day it can get hectic.
Although, in the last years is recovering and more people are coming to this area to stay longer term, the open drug market that it can be during the night time, can push some visitors away. Still, some crime exists in this area, not so much violent killings anymore, although, 20 years ago, it used to be, but still some petty theft and drug dealings are very common in this neighbourhood.
7. Anacostia
Anacostia is one of those neighbourhoods that should be avoided. It is the poorest area of the city, where the unemployment rate is very high and incomes very low, so it is the perfect field for violent crimes, property thefts, car stealings and gang activities. It is recommended that visitors and lone travellers, tour around this area with a local companion, only, during the daytime, if possible, Bus transportation may not be safe and night strolls should be off limits.
8. Deanwood
Although, in the last 10 years, Deanwood is becoming more popular due to its closure to both Capitol Hill and Downtown DC in a very short train ride, still, it is one of the most sensitive areas in the district. The common crimes in this area are drug and gang violent acts. The area is frequently patrolled, making it a bit safer for tourists staying in accomodations in that area, but still, high crime rates are prevalent. It is recommended to keep your bags and purses out of sight, even, in public transportation and to avoid going out at night. Always, walk around in groups, rather than, by yourself.
9. Stadium Armory
This area is very popular amongst visitors and tourists, as hotels and accomodations are well rated and well priced. It is close to all the touristic points of interest and generally speaking, it is a good area. However, there is a high police presence, due to the common snatching and property theft that occurs in this area. Gunpoint robberies and shootings are not so common in this quarter, making it a better community to stay in when visiting Washington, DC. Still, avoid strolling alone at night around this area and it is advised to always Uber or to catch a Taxi to get back to the hotel, rather than, public transport.
Lastly, less concerning zones, but still, to be transited with extra care include:
- Georgetown
- Brookland
- Downtown
Downtown Washington, DC. - Petworth
- Fort Totten- Upper Northeast
- Brentwood
- Ivy City, Trinidad, Carver Langston
- Union Station
- Navy Yard Metro
Conclusion
Murders do not happen that often in Washington, DC, they are usually part of gang-banging activities and not targeted to residents and most definitely not to tourists or visitors. As we have discussed in this post, most of the violent crimes are very much focused and curbed to specific neighbourhoods that should be visited or transited with vigilance and caution. Enforcing standard precautions, such as, not being flashy with jewellery, carrying a big amount of cash and trendy devices (just like you would do in any other big cosmopolitan city) is enough to keep you safe in this city. This is particularly true around the public transport areas like buses and trains. Avoiding the dark alleys, isolated streets and not engaging in conflict with strangers are amongst the most crucial precautions you can take in this district.
There you go! Now you know which neighbourhoods and areas to avoid when visiting and/or staying in Washington, DC. Whilst Washington, DC has a crime rate proper of a metropolitan city, the safety warnings should not put you off when thinking about going to Washington,DC, as it is the capital of the US and a lovely place to visit, rich in history and places to explore, despite the risks that you would also encounter in other big cities like Chicago or New York.