Well, to address the taxi question first, that problem has been solved. Taxis in DC now use meters, just like NYC. That really simplified things.
DC has four quadrants, with SE being the least desirable -- more crime there. Most of what people think of as DC is actually just NW, along with small areas of NE, SE and SW around Capitol Hill, which are all quite safe.
NE is largely residential, mostly middle-class black neighborhoods, and SW is a very small sector along the waterfront.
Were you to visit, I would strongly discourage staying at hotels in Virginia. Although the way you did it, with a hotel shuttle from Pentagon City, etc. was probably a pretty good way to go.
But for other folks, although on a map I know it must look appealing -- sure, just quick drive up 95 and you're in DC. -- Not so. Especially if you choose to drive. I personally hate metro, so I'm the last person to ask about getting around town that way! It's so expensive and overcrowded, bah!
To get to DC from Virginia, you will need to cross a bridge and there are only so many. Thus the traffic problems. A safer bet -- probably just as affordable? -- would be to stay in Silver Spring, MD, which is safe, cosmopolitan and right at the DC line. There's a metro stop there, too, in case you don't want to drive.
To tell the truth, I have worked in downtown DC around the White House for umpteen years now, but have never taken the tour. It's also been many years since I've set foot in any of the Smithsonian museums, but I would recommend them since they are FREE!
If I could just impart one thing about downtown DC it would be that it's an immaculate, pristine city (your federal dollars at work!). Far from the sleepy, unsophisticated, quasi-southern city it was in the '60s when civil unrest and riots did so much damage, it is now a mecca for smart, educated young people from all over. Their influence can be seen in everything from the sky-rocketing housing costs, to the hyper-cool (and expensive) restaurants, bars and clubs. I'm talking about people in their mid-twenties making $65,000+, straight out of school.
It's a different reality from that in which I grew up, but I do like the fact that it now truly lives up to being what a capital city should be. I think our country deserves that.
Also, if visiting, I would recommend checking out Old town Alexandria, VA, which is quite picturesque. I believe it was supposed to have been a part of DC at some point. I'm not that clear on the hows and whys, but the reason DC isn't a true diamond shape as L'Enfant designed it (it now stops at the Potomac) is that Virginia reneged on the deal to cede its share of the land. Due to that, to this day, the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia belongs to Maryland.
Not too far away from DC is Maryland's state capital of Annapolis, also home to the USNA. It's a beautiful little city, which also offers a sense of Chesapeake Bay life, its beautiful scenery (rolling hills that meet up with The Bay), and GREAT local food.
Baltimore is also just up the road, and I am a big fan of Charm City. It's not on par with DC in terms of safety and it is far less neat and tidy, but I just love the people there. Whereas DC is mostly inhabited by people who've transitioned here from somewhere else, Baltimore has so many rich traditions, going back generations. Also, again, GREAT food, and a lot more affordable than DC.
ETA:
DC might be a nice place to visit, but it gets old living here with all the traffic and the high cost of living. What good is it to be around great stuff if it's too difficult or too expensive to avail oneself of what the area has to offer?
about 16 years ago when the market was hot for time sharing. The easy time share (not all the hoops you go through now days). We hired an agent that does the rentals and takes care of all the upkeep and cleaning, ect. Believe it or not we have made $$$ off it with the rentals...No a big amount, but enough for our share of the upkeeps and such.
lace a fresh slice of bread (uncovered) in the freedge. It will absorb most of the bad odor.
