Used to live on the other side of the convention center, which I loved. I always found it a bit grim over on the east side of the convention center - NY Ave is a drag to walk along there since it's basically a 395 extension at that point still, lots of parking lots, the highway itself, etc. The Walmart is a shitshow and I don't really care for Chinatown lately, so those aren't really pros in my book. I enjoyed the vibe of extreme southern Shaw more, with a mix of building types, less traffic, more interesting food and drink.

Mt Vernon Triangle has definitely filled out lately though, and I agree the location within the city is pretty great.