The listing describes the neighborhood as “small-town feel”, “suburban,” and “close-knit,” making this location seem quaint and safe and clean. When we pulled onto the street, we immediately knew we couldn’t stay here. The grass was overgrown, the neighborhood was run-down, the adjacent neighbors had caution tape around their doorstep. We felt like we were in the hood (I apologize for lack of a better word). We were told there was ample street parking, but couldn’t find a spot anywhere nearby. With four kids, it would have been impossible to unload our car and carry everything down the street and up the huge flight of stairs. There’s no way we’d feel safe walking down the street with them. Later when we told a DC friend the area it was in, he confirmed that it was an unsafe area with a lot of news reports of crime and violence. We tried asking for a refund, but DaJuan refused, even though we felt that the description on the listing was inaccurate. His words were sugar-coated and manipulative.
I’m sure this home is lovely on the inside, but I was willing to watch over a thousand dollars go down the drain to keep my kids out of this neighborhood. I only wish DaJuan would have showed some kindness and given us at least a portion back.