What are good apartment choices in NW?

You have selected a wide variety of potential homes. Noise is relative. You should visit each of the buildings mentioned during the high traffic time of the day. It will give you an idea about the noise. Regarding crime, Washington DC is like any other metropolis. Crime can occur on any street corner. If you walk absently down the street, scrolling your iphone, it may be snatched out of your hand. It would be prudent to always be concerned about "crime". Personally, I am comfortable walking the streets of all those areas.