DC is basically a small town, and if you spend any amount of time here, you'll know what I mean. The good news is lots of people arrived here from somewhere else, and they remember being new, and it's pretty easy to meet people and make friends. Imagine moving to a town where everyone had known each other since kindergarten?! That's not DC. I moved here 18 years ago and I went on some of the walking tours (on a free tour weekend) to get to know various neighborhoods. I joined a couple museums (NBM, NWMA) at a level that would allow me to go to opening receptions or special events (where I could meet people with common interests). I went to happy hour when invited so I could meet people. I joined a book club. I got season tickets to a cool theater. I volunteered to work at events and a local women's shelter. I joined professional orgs and volunteered on committees. I picked an apartment that was absurdly small (300 sf) but located in the middle of everything (adams morgan) so i would be encouraged to get out, and it would be easy to do things without a long metro trip on either end. There are lots of ways to meet people. What do you like doing? What are your values? I assure you, you will find your tribe!

As for safety, basic common sense rules. Don't walk alone after dark - especially not with headphones on, where you can't hear what's around you. Take an Uber or a cab of you're headed home late. Don't leave your bike unlocked in public (highly recommend capitol bikeshare in lieu of owning an expensive bike). Don't leave a purse or laptop bag or backpack unattended or hanging on the back of a chair in a crowded location where it could be swiped. Be aware of your surroundings. If you are walking around and feel unsafe, get to a public location, or find someone to walk next to so it looks like you're together. Lock your doors at night. If you have a car and park on the street, don't leave tempting items in it overnight for thieves. Have Amazon or other deliveries go to a location where someone can receive them (door man, receptionist, or mail drop location), don't leave them on your doorstep for swiping. Don't talk to people standing on the street with clipboards "do you have a minute for the environment" they are persistent and will suck up half your day. Wear a condom.

MassachuseX

It's broken and they don't care. They just want you to get onto the bus and sit down.

I've brought my laptop in a backpack, no.problem. I once had a flight land late and I had to go with my rolling suitcase and meet my husband in the concert hall. No problem!

I've been here from 20s through 40s. I don't judge people who move on, just stating a lot of it happens around changes in family. And DC is very expensive to live in.

Yes, some people move in and out with each new congress or administration. But there are like 750,000 people who live in DC proper and 5.5M in the metro area. I think less than 10,000 actually work on the Hill, FWIW. I've been in DC for nearly 18 years and most of my friends have been here longer than me. Yes, there are people who come from all over to get a DC polish on their resume and then head back home to get married and have babies. But the upside of that is some of the smartest and most earnest people I've ever met flock to DC to change the world (through non-profits and institutions and even politics) and they keep the city interesting!

I live in Adams Morgan. It is a safe neighborhood and walkable to Woodley Park and Dupont metro stations. There are a lot of bars on 18th but there are a lot of bars on U street, in Shaw, H street, the SW Wharf and several other neighborhoods. It isn't as crazy as it used to be. All that being said, you should go check it out in person before you sign anything or send money. Be safe.

I feel like every restaurant is hiring right now.