<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by s2417:
Hi. I was wondering, are you a resident of DC or did you go to school in DC? I haven't visited DC but wanted to know what the atmosphere there is like. I'm not sure if you've been to SF, Chicago, or LA, but I would consider those places ethnically diverse and culturally friendly. What do you think of DC in terms of these characteristics? Does DC have places to eat international food? And do they have fast food places, such as McD and Papa John's (pizza)? And do you know if GW has a good reputation in DC?
[This message has been edited by s2417 (edited March 29, 2001).]•
As a resident of DC and Northern VA on and off over the last 22 YEARS, who has a brother who has lived there nearly 20 years and a best friend born and raised there, perhaps I am a little bit more acquainted with the issue of crime in the district than more recent denizens.
While crime in the District is not as bad as it once was (Baltimore surpassed it in murders a few years back), DC is *consistently* ranked among the most dangerous cities in the US. For many years, the district led the nation in violent crime - murders, rapes, assault. It is still consistently ranked in the top 5 most dangerous cities per capita. Even more so than Philly, and certainly more so than Hershey, PA. And these are violent crimes, not crimes against property. Anyone patient enough can load the US Census Department stats and take a look - I was too impatient.
Reminds me of a famous Marion Barry quote in defense of the crime rate, "If it wasn't for the murders, we wouldn't have much crime at all." Classic, really.
However, the area around GW is nice and the Metro is close. The "fun" thing about DC is that you can literally walk a few blocks and go from upscale mansion and coffeehouse type area to burned out crack houses. With all that said, I've never been a victim of crime in DC because I take all normal precautions and I'm sure you will also find the same to be true for you.
Anyway, s2417 - it is obvious you've never been to DC. Let me assure you, it is a tourist destination (most popular vacation destination for Americans) and as such has all the "amenities" you desire. They do indeed have Papa Johns, McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell (although not nearly as many as California or Texas), Popeyes Chicken, Wendys, KFC, Round Table, Dominos, etc. They don't have Carls Jrs, but Hardees is basically the same. And of course, you have the requisite Starbucks on every corner!
They also have any number of fancy restaurants, shops, etc. to satisfy all your other needs.
While DC is not as cosmopolitan and sophisticated as San Francisco, there is a fair bit of ethnic diversity. An area of downtown called Adams Morgan has Ethiopian restaurants, Afghan, Soul food, Thai, Vietnamese, etc. and many interesting shops.
The population is much more ethnically diverse than in California as well. The African-American population is much greater than in California and given the local embassies you will also run into more international citizens. The Hispanic and Asian population has really increased in the area over the last few years.
Bear in mind that DC is much more conservative than SF and LA, and I expect, given the current administration, that that will continue. It is NOT a fashion forward area of the country!
Finally, with regard to local medical schools, IMHO GW ranks second to Georgetown in local reputation (deserved or not), and far ahead of Howard (again deserved or not). USUHS, the military school, is located in Bethesda, MD - just outside of the district and enjoys an excellent reputation, although I'm not sure many "civilians" know much about it. There is much more "ooh-ahh" factor for Georgetown and GW.
If you are concerned about sophistication, cosmopolitan and ethnically diverse population, then Hershey will disappoint you. They DO have Papa Johns, Wendys, McDonalds, BK, Taco Bell, etc. but a town of 11,000 simply cannot offer the diversity that a larger city can.
All 3 are excellent schools of medicine and you will do well training at any of these three. Choose whichever one makes you feel most comfortable.
Hope this helps.
[This message has been edited by kimberlicox (edited March 29, 2001).]
