Area Safety?

[posthuman]

So this may sound like a totally lame question to ask, but how safe is the area that 930 is in?
 
 I'm a Londoner interning in DC for the summer, so I'm pretty clueless about where is a good neighbourhood and where's not. I do realise however that the opinions of my flatmate's as to where is safe and where is not are pretty.. uh... conservative, and that probably, in her eyes, if you can't flash a wad of cash in the street then it's unsafe.
 
 So anyway, is the 930 safe to go to on your own by metro and back? Can any of the UK people (I know you exist on here...) compare it to a London venue safety-wise? i.e. as 'safe' as going to a show in Brixton / safer / worse?

[Bags]

I can't equate it to a neighborhood in London, but you're fine to go and come from the metro.  Plus, remember, when the show lets out, though it may be late at night, there are crowds of folks all headed to the metro as well.  
 
 I think people over dramatize the sketchiness of the neighborhood -- that was true a number of years back, but the city is gentrifying east and U street is quite a hopping corridor these days.
 
 GO to any show you want to see -- it's a fantastic venue for shows and you *can't* miss it while you're here.

[MindCage]

U St Corridor = New Georgetown  
 
 Area is safe, just like in any area...keep aware of the surrounds around you and you'll be fine!
 
 I've lived in the neighborhood about 3 years now and haven't had any problems.
 
 MindCage
 Mindless Faith
 Deep6 Productions

[paige]

Just be aware of what's around you and you'll be ok. It lessens the scary factor if you go with one other person for your first time though. Have fun! 9:30 is fabulous

[andyrichter]

not to worry posthuman, the neighborhood is ok, there's a busy street by the club.  i've been to many shows there alone and never had a problem.  just be aware of your surroundings like everyone said-which is basically true of any neighborhood.  the club is like a 2 minute walk from the metro.  its right across from a gas station.  the scariest part of getting to the club is probably crossing the street     one thing to remember if you're taking the metro.  when you get off at U street/cardozo station, EXIT THE VERMONT/10TH STREET SIDE, NOT THE 13TH STREET EXIT.  if you exit on the 13th street side, you end up having to walk an extra 3 blocks or so and may get lost.

[Jaguär]

Getting lost is a given in DC.  

[mjnova]

Just look at 14th street around the Black Cat.  Gentrification, is spreading really fast.
 
 I've been to many shows solo at the 930 and never had a problem.  Baring 1 flat tire, I've never had a problem parking on the street either, just keep an eye out for broken bottles.
 
 I found the neighborhood around Nation to be a little less inviting.  I feel very comfortable around U street, though.

[chknfngrs]

here's the deal: if you look for or like trouble, it will find you. take your nosering out.

[mjnova]

Originally posted by chknfngrs:
  here's the deal: if you look for or like trouble, it will find you. take your nosering out.

Going to see third eye blind = looking for trouble.  If ya get my drift.

[markie]

Err
 
 Ok I am a brit on the board....confessional over.
 
 The first time I went to the club about four years ago I though it was a scary area. We got cabs to the door and back again. Since then I have got more comfortable and the area has got better. Nowadays I always walk. I dont like U street metro very much though. I normally walk along U St to the 930, or along U then down 14th to blackcat. Both of those roads are fairly safe.
 
 I have never been mugged but I have got scared by the homeless guys a couple of  times. But then I guess I am always with my wife and she is pretty fierce.

[markie]

I walked to and from the Brixton academy.... Leaving the academy at night all of a sudden there were no people about and walking along I felt very conspicuos as the only person walking. I whimped out and got a cab. I figure I would rather walk in the area around 930, there are always people around U st.

[Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer]

I got mugged in Takoma Park, so really you can get mugged anywhere. Nowhere is truly safe. Try to travel with others, or latch onto (walk behind) other people who are coming or going. Find a nice boy to escort you to the show if you are a girl. Carry mace and wear some good running shoes. Don't make Kentucky Fried Chicken jokes until you get west of 16th Street.

[mjnova]

Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
  I got mugged in Takoma Park, so really you can get mugged anywhere. Nowhere is truly safe. Try to travel with others, or latch onto (walk behind) other people who are coming or going. Find a nice boy to escort you to the show if you are a girl. Carry mace and wear some good running shoes. Don't make Kentucky Fried Chicken jokes until you get west of 16th Street.

Of coures, if you want good eats, there's always Ben's Chili Bowl.

[paige]

Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
   Don't make Kentucky Fried Chicken jokes until you get west of 16th Street.

best advice given all year, rhett. well done.

[posthuman]

Originally posted by Andrew WK:
  I walked to and from the Brixton academy.... Leaving the academy at night all of a sudden there were no people about and walking along I felt very conspicuos as the only person walking. I whimped out and got a cab. I figure I would rather walk in the area around 930, there are always people around U st.

thanks everyone, you've kind of allayed my fears. I've got no issues with going to Brixton Academy on my own, so i should be ok *fingers crossed*. I've just got my ticket for placebo tomorrow