I’m a frequent visitor rather than a local, but if you’re new to the area, why buy anything right away? Most people outgrow their first apartment in a new city, or find it’s not what they expected and regret it.

For the record, I’d choose DuPont.

How about the Post, lol.

Don’t they already have the entire states of Florida and Wyoming to use?

The old ebbitt. Old school ambiance with a classic menu. Most of the museums have cafes too if you just want a quick lunch.

Most minor rules are effectively on the honor system. Whether it’s free or not with depends on your personal ethics. I don’t like it either.

it’s no different than shoplifting. The people who follow the rules pay for the people who don’t.

But they could do periodic crackdowns. Just often and randomly enough that there a nonzero chance you’re spending the night in jail for it.

Word of mouth is best, but the most established and reliable general contractors with an actual company and office, are also going to be the most expensive.

You can also keep an eye out for signs on jobs in your neighborhood, then get their contact info and speak with them.

The reputation thing is tough. Most homeowners end up not liking their contractor very much even if they ultimately did a great job :(

Largely unsupervised teenagers turned loose in the city. What could possibly go wrong?

Omg this. I cringe now at the look on my face the first time I saw a $14 glass of wine.

It’s true everywhere, but you should keep some situational awareness of what’s going on around you. Try not to keep your head in your phone everywhere you go.

Also, you don’t have to greet everybody you see. In the city, that could be hundreds or even thousands of people just on your way to work. You show respect in a crowded environment like that by giving people their space and not engaging them unless it’s necessary or invited. Southern-style chitchat can easily be perceived as a time waster, or that you’re running a game.

On the other hand, there are exceptions to every rule, and that doesn’t mean you have to be mean like some sort of stereotypical New Yorker.

For better or for worse, people will ask what you do and talk about work in social settings. It’s also best to avoid politics and policy unless you also happen to be an expert. It’s likely whoever you’re speaking to already is.

PS- bring lots of money.

Well, if they’re going to include service, why add more? Especially when you didn’t get much?

This is Reddit, so there probably won’t be any consensus.

Just like their equipment has specifications, so do the people.

It’s pretty ridiculous. There’s a reason why actual publications don’t let their reviewers accept free stuff.

Isn’t your typical family of 4 or more from the distant burbs going to prefer driving anyway?

It makes sense. Washington metro includes suburban destinations that would be part of a different commuter rail system in those other cities, like Rer in Paris.

No, because I don’t really want to wait around days or weeks until it actually launches

Yeah. Fastening the tarp down like that is for after a hurricane tears part of the roof off and it’s obviously getting replaced.