All the Targetses in the DC area are disappointing compared to the ones in the Midwest/West/South! No idea why, except lack of space.

I am so sorry this happened. It’s heartbreaking. I’m glad to see such supportive comments and that people are here helping you sort through what happened. Also, thank you to the subreddit mods for doing a good job with the comments here.

It might have been the car-vs-bike accident posted about elsewhere in this subreddit

The cherry tree allées off Brookside drive in Kenwood, just over the DC boundary into Maryland, are also insanely beautiful. The cops limit sightseer cars at peak times since it is a residential neighborhood, but it’s easy to park in the River Roads Whole Foods and walk over

I live pretty close to Lucky Buns and I have seen more rats around the kitchen door and trash area than anywhere else in what is already a generally very ratty neighborhood.

Even if there wasn’t a rat jamboree out back, I wouldn’t eat there just based on the prices and the pissed off vibes

I wouldn’t recommend it if you have any misgivings at all. It’s not a great neighborhood. Better to rent somewhere safer and then move over there a year later if you decide you’re ok with it.

On the other hand, people get shot all over this city lately so there’s no guarantees.

Georgetown is popping lately also- when I end up there on a weekend lately, I’m always shock at how many people are actively shopping. A few stores have closed but they’ve mostly been replaced, and overall it appears to be doing great as a destination.

There are often people just randomly lined up outside Gucci on a Saturday, I would hope that’s a good sign.

I know people who have bought houses based on video tours, it’s totally fine to sign a lease based on video, especially if you know exactly the neighborhood and amenities you want.

However, I think I may not be as picky as some folks on this thread- it literally would never occur to me not to rent a place because the refrigerator wasn’t fancy enough.

The only time renting without in-person visiting went badly for me was in another country, when I rented a six month sublet on VRBO for a posting, and when I arrived it turned out noisy construction across the street had not been included in the description. Live and learn lol

EDIT: I just remembered, be sure you are not in a scam if you transfer money remotely! This is a common pitfall.