Chinatown

Chinatown has undergone many reinventions over the years. Until about 20 years ago it was mainly residential, with Chinese restaurants and other attractions. It was the landing place for Asian immigrants with business in the Nation’s capitol. Chinese restaurants did and still do dominate the area, and are the best in the city. But now the place is full of sports stadiums and more mundane fare. Some of the old architecture does remain, and much of it is now on the Historic Register. The historic part of the neighborhood is walkable, but due to the stadiums the traffic is terrible. Try getting in or out of there just before or after a game! Crime is fairly low, although anytime there is a stadium there will be pickpockets. Likewise, parking is a nightmare. Many residents speak languages other than English, and if you aren’t Asian as a resident you will stand out. There are many ties to the Chinatowns in other US cities. Some area bars and restaurants are open late to cater to the game crowd. If you need to get somewhere though, even during games there is a Metro station. Decent choice for singles.

Chinatown continues to be a neighborhood undergoing a positive transition. The opening of the nearby Verizon Center, which is the home of the Washington Capitals (professional hockey) and Washington Wizards (professional basketball) was the defining moment of the re-vitilization of Chinatown. Previously this neighborhood was popular mainly with the Asian community, yet today it is a diverse and very popular place to visit as well as live. Besides the Verizon Center, this neighborhood boosts some of the best restaurants in Washington D.C as well as several near apartment and office buildings. The Metro Station at the Verizon Center and numerous bus stops provide affordable public transportation throughout the city as well as Virginia and Maryland. Recently, a Safeway grocery store was opened in the neighborhood making grocery shopping easy. I have always felt safe here as well as there is a significant Police presence in this neighborhood.

The downside to living here would be lack of parking, especially on the days something is happening at the Verizon Center. Traffic is pretty bad during the day as there are many office buildings in the area. In addition, you will see homeless people on the streets and in the nearby park.

"Chinatown, my Chinatown" has survived experiences that would have driven many other neighborhoods out of business. Originally founded by German immigrants, it experienced an influx of Asian Americans during the 1930s. They quickly built and rebuilt homes and businesses until the community became known as the local center of Chinese culture. Soon, having an eggroll or some wonton soup in Chinatown was considered a normal part of any visit to the nation's capital.
Unfortunately, the area suffered a major setback during the 1965 riots which followed the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King. Like many surrounding neighborhoods, much of Chinatown was burn or severely damaged. However, while many citizens fled to the suburbs, some determined second generation immigrants stayed behind and rebuilt what had been lost.
Today, Chinatown is characterized by some of the best restaurants in the area, along with a throbbing nightlife and multiple cultural events. Numerous little shops cater to both tourists and locals alike, offering both typical and unusual products available nowhere else.
For those who want to remain permanently, there are several elegant high rise apartments, many with Asian inspired trim and decor. Citizens and architects have worked hard to stay true to the area’s local flavor and personality.