As my first time using airbnb, I could not have asked for a better host. Dan was readily accessible and patient, and helped me out when I needed his advice. The house is a few blocks down from the Columbia Heights metro station and I felt generally safe in the neighborhood. I had a conference in the DuPont area and I had to walk thirty minutes to get to it (public transportation would take the same amount of time) and I came back around 10 or 11 every night without any issues. That being said, depending on why you are coming to DC and where you have to be ( if it's on the metro line or not), it might be useful to consider distance. I walked a lot, even down to the mall - a roughly 50 minute walk. Columbia Heights is quiet and nice. Dan had great recommendations for restaurants in the area and his packet of info for me came in super handy as I was considering my stay. Overall, if you want to be in the city, without feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of busy areas, this is a great location, with great hosts!