I am going to DC for a period of three months this fall. I have found a very nice apartment in Cleveland Park and a cute studio in Dupont Circle. How do I decide? Is Dupont Circle dangerous for a middle aged female who likes to walk at night? Is Cleveland Park dull? Please help me decide...

i only go to dc on business i have never felt uncomfortable in the dupont circle area. there always seemed to be people about going to dinner or to the many hotels in that area. i don't know the cleveland park area. good luck

Cleveland Park is a nice area. I almost rented an apartment there from Charles E Smith. It's way up Wisconsin Avenue, and it's by the National Cathedral, the Russian Embassy, and a Whole Foods Market, and other nice restaurants. Dupont Circle is where it's at, though, and if you want urban action, live in Dupont. If you want a more suburban atmosphere, live in Cleveland Park. Also, you're in the 2nd District (police district wise), which is almost "homicide" free. These neighborhoods are relatively safe, given urban living. Go visit mpdc.org if you want to see crime stats for the neighborhoods you're thinking of living in.

One other thing: if you're just going for three months, DEFINITELY Dupont Circle. That place is most decidedly where it's at, and close to all kinds of events, as well as two metro stations. Going to the National Mall is a piece of cake from Dupont Circle. Unfortunately, there are no Metros that are easy access from Cleveland Park. You have to walk quite a trek to get to a metro stop, or take a bus, which is no fun. So I'd say, go for Dupont Circle for sure!

DuPont Circle ... great location!!!

``Unfortunately, there are no Metros that are easy access from Cleveland Park.''

Not quite true.

There's the Cleveland Park Metro stop, which is right across from the Cleveland Park Post Office. That's in eastern Cleveland Park, but there are parts of the neighborhood that are not as accessible.

It depends where in Cleveland Park the apartment is. The neighborhood is somewhat sprawling and some areas that are referred to as the ``Cleveland Park area'' are not really in CP.

While there certainly is plenty of action in Dupont Circle, don't be so quick to dismiss Cleveland Park. As for ``dull,'' we all define that differently. CP has a bustling strip of dining (Palena) and shops along Connecticut, but has blocks of quiet residential. DP has a lot more action (and noise) for many more hours of the day -- and parking much more of a hassle.

Thank you all for your responses! Yes, I know that the word "dull" is very subjective, and did not mean it to demean Cleveland Park. I don't know what Cleveland Park is like and that is why I am asking. Others have called it suburban, and I am trying to find out what that means. I am middle-aged (geez I hate the sound of that) female, and will be in DC alone. I walk at night for exercise and entertainment. I like to window shop, I like bookstores. I don't go to bars alone. I travel some for my work, and sometimes end up staying places where I don't feel comfortable going out alone. This is what I am trying to avoid on this longer stay in DC. On the other hand, I want to experience DC and do not want a place just like my Colonial brick home on a cul-du-sac here at home. Thank you again for your thoughts.

I "live" between 2nd and 7th.
(For more info, ask your GP or consult an anatomy textbook.)

Cappa: Wasn't trying to be critical and I certainly didn't take it as demeaning CP. I was just trying to add a shade of gray that an area that's fine for a long-term visitor might be dull for whirlwind weekend. Guess I didn't phrase it well.

I like both areas. The way I'd break it down is that if you always want to be right at the doorstep of lively opportunities (and don't mind the longer hours of buzz that come with it), look in Dupont. If you want to be a bit more removed, you can do that and still be close in CP.

The best part is you're choosing between two very lovely places. Best of luck.