If you compare several major cities around the nation you will see that DC is very much one of the cleanest and nicest cities around. As long as you stay in NW where the major buildings are and the monuments, you are safe. Wander off into the depths of SE or NE where the housing projects are and then you get into some trouble. I have been to NY and all I can say is GARBAGE. People are rude, prices are outrageous and the streets are dirty. I went to see the statue of liberty, and me and my GF went to a park - nothing but nasty stench and homeless people inhabiting the benches.
My hometown of Detroit is the only city I would compare to be as bad as NY. Detroit is on its way to a comeback but it is still rundown and dirty just like NY. Good luck with your yellow cabs and crowded streets.
