A. Short-Term Housing
B. Permanent Housing
C. Neighborhoods
D. Utilities

2. Dining and Entertainment

A. Dining Guides
B. Dance Events
C. Live Entertainment
D. Performing Arts
E. Theater Guide
F. Movie Guide
G. Shopping.
H. Hobbies and Recreation (Indoor and Outdoor)
I. Sports

3. Summer in D.C.

4. Sightseeing

5. Trains, Planes and Automobiles

A. Transportation
B. Airports

6. Other D.C. Resources

1. Moving to the D.C. Metro Area?

Welcome to the Department of Justice. Whether you are joining us for a few weeks, months, or have accepted permanent employment, you will benefit from knowing where to look for answers to some of your important questions.

A great source of information is the District of Columbia Home Page at www.dc.gov. It contains a broad range of materials about living, working, playing, dining and shopping in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.1. Housing

A. Short Term Housing

American University’s Housing Site-
www.american.edu/dccampus/

Georgetown University’s Housing Site-
http://och.georgetown.edu

Georgetown University Law Center’s Summer Associate Housing Program-
www.law.georgetown.edu/reslife/summer/index.html
Telephone: (202) 662-9290

University of Maryland’s Off-Campus Housing Site-
www.umd.och101.com

Housing for people working in the public interest-
www.DCHousing.net

The Housing Forum-
thehousingforum.com

Summer Sublet Web Sites-
www.washingtondc.craigslist.org/sbw

Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH)
www.internsdc.com/

B. Permanent Housing

Apartments.com- a free nationwide apartment search.
www.apartments.com

Rent.net- an on-line rental guide.
www.rent.net

“Find a Home”
www.rrc.dc.gov

Helpful information found on this site:

HomesDatabase- “The most comprehensive and up-to-date real estate website for the Mid-Atlantic region”.
www.homesdatabase.com

Washington City Paper- “The City Paper’s classifieds include housing for sale or rent, but it specializes in housing to share (roommate or group housing situations).”
www.washingotncitypaper.com/class/classifieds.html

The Washington Post- “The Real Estate section of The Washington Post provides information online to buy, sell or rent an apartment or home in D.C.”
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/realestate

The Washington Times- “Find an apartment or home for sale or rent in the metropolitan area using The Washington Times real estate section.”
www.washingtontimes.com/fhg

C. Neighborhoods

Neighborhood Information- Find out more about the place where you live and how to get more involved by visiting www.dc.gov. Select “Living and Working in D.C.” then “Live in D.C.”; neighborhood information is listed under “Civic Information.”

Capitol Hill - “Our Nation’s Neighborhood” is filled with things to see. The dome of the U.S. Capitol can be seen from every corner of Capitol Hill as well as throughout Washington, and summer concerts are often held here. Union Station is still an operating train station as well as a shopping mall and a cinema. Eastern Market, a farmer’s market/craft bazaar/flea market, is open every day except Monday. Also in the neighborhood are Folger Shakespeare Library, Navy Museum, Supreme Court, and Lincoln Park, as well as other historic sites. Metro: Union Station on the red line; Capital South and Eastern Market stations on the blue and orange lines.

Georgetown - Georgetown existed long before Washington, D.C., and is chock full of stores, restaurants, and bars. The college atmosphere makes this area an ideal location for young adults to live, although it tends to be more expensive than other areas. Some of the historic homes are available for tours. Though not directly metro accessible, Georgetown is located a short walk from the Foggy Bottom/GWU metro on the blue & orange lines.

Dupont Circle - Dupont has D.C.’s greatest concentration of cafes, bookstores, art galleries, restaurants, museums, stores, theaters, and historic residences. There are about thirty art galleries, most of which have an open house the first Friday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m.. Regardless of what you are looking to do, Dupont is filled with options. The vast array of activities draws a younger crowd to this area. Metro: Dupont Circle on the red line.

Adams Morgan - This neighborhood is known for its art, clothing, jewelry, antique stores and the D.C. Arts Center. Additionally, Adams Morgan is home to a variety of restaurants many of which double as bars or clubs. The active night life attracts many young adults to reside in this neighborhood. Restaurant choices include Caribbean, Ethiopian, Asian, French, and West African. Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan on the red line.

Foggy Bottom - Home of The George Washington University, Foggy Bottom has much to offer and is a popular location for many young people. Located between the Foggy Bottom/GWU and Farragut West metro stops on the blue and orange lines, this quaint neighborhood is also home to the Kennedy Center and the Watergate, and is a short walk from the Lincoln and Vietnam Veterans Memorials as well as the White House.

Chinatown - Although quite small, Chinatown is the best place to go for authentic Chinese food. Many restaurants hang roasted duck in their front windows. Many area stores sell authentic Chinese items including traditional medicines, books, etc. Location: G and H streets between 6th and 8th street, NW; Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown on the red and yellow lines.

Alexandria - Just south of National Airport is historic Alexandria, VA, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee and the stomping ground of George Washington. Like Georgetown, Alexandria was a thriving community long before the founding of Washington, D.C., and served as a significant port along the Potomac for the sea trade. The “Old Town” section of Alexandria features historic 18th century buildings that now house shops, restaurants, craftsmen and private residences. The quaint yet lively atmosphere makes this a great location for those looking for a mix between a historical town and an active social life. The heart of Old Town is located at the intersection of Washington Street (aka The George Washington (“GW”) Parkway) and King Street (Rte. 7). Follow the GW Parkway south, and you’ll end up in George Washington’s back yard at Mount Vernon. Metro: King Street on the yellow line (a 10-block walk from Old Town, but they are short blocks).

Arlington - The land that comprises the County of Arlington, VA, was part of the original land grant for the city of Washington. Ceded back to Virginia in the 19th century, Arlington takes its name from the family estate of Robert E. Lee’s wife, which sits in the center of what is now Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington is home to an eclectic mix of professional singles and families, as well as immigrants from Southeast Asia and Central and South America. The restaurants, bars, and shopping venues constitute an equally eclectic mix. Most of the social activity is centered along the “Orange Line Corridor,” on Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards between the Rosslyn and Ballston Metrorail stations. In the southern section of Arlington you’ll find Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Shirlington (a remodeled “village” with an artsy movie theater and restaurants galore). Metro: The orange line between Rosslyn and Ballston, including Clarendon and Courthouse stations; and Pentagon City and Crystal City stations on the blue/ yellow lines. Shirlington is located off of I-395 at the Shirlington/Quaker Lane exit.

Bethesda - Located in Montgomery County, MD, just northwest of Washington, Bethesda has long been a popular inner suburb with its quiet, tree-lined streets and older homes. In recent years, however, Bethesda has become a center for dining in the area, with restaurants in all price ranges serving cuisine from all over the world. You’ll also find L’Academie de Cuisine, a cooking school which offers half-day classes, tasting dinners, and other food-oriented fun for the “recreational cook” (www.lacademie.com). Central Bethesda is located on Wisconsin Avenue at Old Georgetown Road. Because of its ideal location and variety of activities, Bethesda is heavily populated by young adults. Metro: Bethesda station on the red line.

D. Utilities

Verizon- the local phone service. Verizon rates for Maryland and D.C. are comparable, but rates are slightly higher in Virginia.
DC: 202-954-6263
MD: 301-954-6260
VA: 703-954-6263

PEPCO & VEPCO- the local electric power companies. PEPCO is the local authority for D.C. and Maryland. VEPCO serves Virginia.
PEPCO: 202-833-7500
VEPCO: 888-667-3000

Washington Gas Company- The local gas company. They require at least 72 hours notice (excluding weekends and holidays) and may also require a security deposit.
For more information call (703) 750-1000.

WSSC- local water company.
Contact at: (301) 206-4001 or 1-800-634-8400

2.Dining and Entertainment

Washington has a seemingly endless list of exceptional restaurants and exciting events. For detailed information, visit www.dc.gov; “Living and Working in D.C.”; then select “Play in D.C.”, and visit the Entertainment Section.

Highlights on Entertainment-

A. Dining Guides:

Active Diner
The Washington Post Dining Guide
WashingtonDC.com
Washingtonian
DC Registry Dining Guide

For information about other dining options, visit the following websites:
www.washingtonian.com

B. Dance Events:

Helpful information from this site-

DC Dancenet- “Provides a listing of area dance events and classes, including swing, ballroom, country-western, salsa, tango, tap, clogging, and squares.”

C. Live Entertainment:

DC Pages- “Lists area entertainment, including comedy club, bars and pubs, amusement parks, dancing, billiards and concert halls.”
http://dcpages.com/Entertainment/index.html

D. Performing Arts:

Performing Arts- “Lists venues for performances in music, comedy, opera, and multi disciplinary arts.” (accessible from Entertainment”)

Highlights include:

Birchmere- “Music hall presents musical acts as well as dance events in the bandstand.”

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop- “Offers performances and exhibitions in music, drama, movement and dance, literary and visual arts.”

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center- “Six halls at the University of Maryland offer dance, music and drama.”

DAR Constitution Hall- “Hosts music concerts and other events.”

DC-Artbeat- “Presents experimental multimedia events.”

DC Arts Center- “Hosts performing arts events, including spoken-word evenings, monthly art salons, and comedy improv.”

Folklore Society of Greater Washington-“Presents traditional folk music, dance, and other folk events.”

Lisner Auditorium- “George Washington University offers music, opera, and other cultural events.”

Merriweather Post Pavilion- “Concert venue in Columbia, MD, hosts big-name rock, pop, and country acts.”

Strathmore Hall- “Multi-disciplinary programming includes music concerts, film festivals, artists’ talks, and art exhibits.”

The Warner Theatre- “Offers music, drama, comedy, and dance events in a surviving movie palace.”

The Washington Opera- “Presents operas, such as those by Verdi, Mozart, Puccini, Donizetti, and Barber.”

Washington Performing Arts Society- “Promotes multi-disciplinary performing arts and presents performances such as modern and traditional dance, jazz, Latino artists and traditions, classical European music, world music and contemporary performance work.”

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts- “Offers opera, music, dance and theater.”

E. Theater Guide:

Theater Guide- “Provides a listing of theaters in DC and an online guide to other area theaters.”

Highlights include-
Arena Stage- “Focuses on American classics, but also premieres new American plays, and is the area’s largest not-for-profit theater.

DC Arts Center- “Serves as a performance space for a number of small theaters, including Landless Theatre Company, Trumpetvine Theatre, and Venus Theatre.

Ford’s Theatre- “Produces musicals and plays that embody family values, underscore multiculturalism, illuminate the eclectic character of American life.”

GALA Hispanic Theater- “Seeks to preserve, promote, and expose the North American population to the Hispanic culture in the US, through the presentation of bilingual theater.”

Kennedy Center- Produces an unmatched variety of theater, musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular and folk music, and multimedia performances for all ages.”

National Theatre- “Features live stage attractions, movie showings, vaudeville performances, and some free programs.”

Shakespeare Theatre- “Focuses on the tradition of classical theater in America through productions that reflect the current world.”

Studio Theatre- “Produces contemporary theatre, provides opportunities for emerging artists, and offers rigorous dramatic training.”

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company- “Uses theater to reach out to the broader community. One of the first American arts organization to offer “Pay-What-You-Can” performances.”


F. Movie Guides:

Highlights include-

Movietickets- www.movietickets.com/default.asp
Moviefone- http://movies.aol.com
Fandango- www.fandango.com

G. Shopping:

Highlights on site-

DC Pages- “Lists places to shop by category.” www.dcpages.com/shopping/index.html

DC Visitor Information Center- “Lists places to shop.” www.dcvisit.com

H. Hobbies & Recreation (Indoor and Outdoor):

DC Registry- “Offers a listing of recreational activities in Washington, from scuba diving, to climbing, to yoga.”
www.dcregistry.com/recreate.html

Department of Parks and Recreation- “Provides swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, and recreation centers.”

National Aboretum- “Conducts research, provides education, and conserves and displays trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants to enhance the environment, in 446 acres with 9.5 miles of winding roadways.”

National Park Service- “Lists more than 25 parks, gardens, and memorials in the DC area.”

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club- “Lists places to hike and backpack within a six-hour drive of the city.”

Smithsonian National Zoological Park- “Home to more than 5,800 animals located in 137,000 acres of Rock Creek Park.”

I. Sports:

Local Sports Leagues- The D.C. area is teaming with organizations and opportunities to play or watch just about any game you can name: soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, biking, rowing and more. Visit www.dc.gov/; select “Living and working in D.C.”, then “Play in D.C.”, then “Sports” for information on the following:

Sports Teams
Washington Redskins - NFL Team for D.C.; www.redskins.com
Washington Nationals - D.C.’s baseball team; www.washington.nationals.nlb.com
Washington D.C. Capitals - D.C.’s hockey team; www.washingtoncaps.com
D.C. United - Washington’s Major League Soccer team; www.dcunited.com
Washington Freedom - D.C.’s women’s soccer team (WUSA); www.washingtonfreedom.com
Washington Wizards - D.C.’s NBA team; www.nba.com/wizards
Washington Mystics - D.C.’s WNBA team; www.wnba.com/mystics

3. Summer in D.C.

Fourth of July

Independence Day Parade - The parade takes place on the morning of the Fourth of July on Constitution Ave and runs from 7th to 17th Street.

National Folklife Festival - Located on the Mall, the festival features different ethnic groups and runs from late June until Independence Day.

PBS concert at the Capitol - The concert takes place the evening Independence Day and features the National Symphony. A spectacular fireworks display follows.

Annual Festivals

The Maryland Renaissance Festival - this entertaining event generally begins at the end of August and runs through the end of October. For more information call 800-296-7304 or visit their website at

Latin-American Festival - this festival features Latin-American food and culture as well as a parade. It takes place near the end of summer in downtown D.C.

D.C. Caribbean Carnival - This festival, which takes place in late June, showcases Carribean arts, fashion, music, & food and also features a parade.

Other Fun Events

Bastille Race - Get ready for France’s Independence Day on the 14th of July. Waitstaff across D.C. show up to demonstrate their keen balancing abilities as they run to the Capitol and back carting a tray of wine glasses and other breakables. Runners start at Les Halles restaurant located at 12th & Pennsylvania Avenue. For more information on this midday race consult the Washington Post in July.

Screen on the Green - Come see a free movie on the National Mall (at 17th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW) selected Monday nights during the summer. Movies start when the sun goes down. For more information call 202-333-2554

National Barbecue Battle - Contestants from all over the U.S. come to battle it out over BBQ. The rest of us get to eat it. Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 14th Streets in late June.

4. Sightseeing

Check out the following places to see why our nation’s capital is better than ever.

The White House - The White House is open to the public for free tours Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are distributed at the Visitor Center (15th and E Streets) beginning at 7:30a.m. for tours the same day only. Changes in tour schedules are occasionally made because of official events and notice may not be given until that morning. Call 202-456-7041

United States Capitol Building - The Capitol is among the most popular tourists attractions in D.C.. The building is located at the east end of the Mall and is open to the public everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. March through August the hours of operation are 9:30a.m. to 6:00p.m., and September through February the hours change to 9:00a.m. to 4:30p.m.. Thirty minute guided tours are available. 202-225-6827

Supreme Court - The Supreme Court offers a variety of educational programs such as exhibits, which are changed periodically, and a theater, where a film on the Supreme Court is shown. Lectures in the Courtroom are given every hour on the half-hour on days the Court is not sitting. The building is open from 9:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday and is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. Located at One First Street, NE, across from the Capitol Building, the closest Metro stops are Capitol South (Blue and Orange) and Union Station (Red).

Arlington National Cemetery - The National Cemetery is a great way to spend a few hours. Visit the Kennedy grave site with its infamous eternal flame, walk through General Robert E. Lee’s House, witness the changing of the guards, or just walk around the grounds. Metro: Arlington Cemetery on the blue line.

Smithsonian Museums - There are 14 museums and the National Zoo in Washington D.C., which are open every day and free to the public. For information on each museum, visit the general information website at www.si.edu/museums/ or call 202-357-2700.

Holocaust Memorial Museum - Adjacent to the National Mall, the Holocaust Memorial Museum tells the story of the Holocaust through an extraordinary collection of artifacts, films, videos, photos, and oral histories. It is located near the National Mall, just south of Independence Ave, SW, between 14th Street and Raoul Wallenberg Place. Hours are 10a.m.-5:30p.m. daily (closed for Yom Kippur and Christmas), and it’s a good idea to arrive in the morning to get tickets before they’re gone.

Ford’s Theater/Peterson House - If you have a particular interest in the Lincoln assassination, the basement of Ford's Theater should be on your list of sites to see. Afterwards, head across the street to the Peterson House, the place where Lincoln actually died. It is located at 511 10th St., NW, and the closest metro stop is Metro Center (red, orange, blue lines). For more information call 202-426-6924.

National Archives Building - Our country’s important historical documents such as The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, The Constitution, and The Emancipation Proclamation can be found here. It is located at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue and is open daily from 10a.m.-5:30p.m. in the winter and 10a.m.-9p.m. in the spring and summer (April 1-Labor Day). Research hours are Monday & Wednesday 8:45a.m. - 5:00p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:45a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:45a.m. - 4:45p.m.; Closed Sundays and Federal Holidays. Metro: Archives/Navy Memorial yellow and green lines. 1-800-234-8861; www.archives.gov/index.html

National Museum of Health and Medicine - See the bullet that killed Abraham Lincoln, what a kidney stone looks like, and an enormous hairball from an 11-year-old girl’s stomach. This museum is rarely seen by tourists, but it’s full of interesting (and somewhat disgusting) exhibits. Admission is free. Open 10a.m.-5:30p.m. everyday except December 25th. The museum is located at 6900 Georgia Avenue and Elder St., NW, Building 54 and is a short cab or bus ride from the Silver Spring or Takoma Park stops on Metrorail's Red Line. For more information call 202-782-2200.

5. Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

A. Transportation

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Bus and Subway) Home Page
www.wmata.com

Maryland Mass Transit Authority Home Page
www.mtamaryland.com

Virginia Railway Express Home Page
www.vre.org

Airport Express Limo
703-241-9247

Alexandria Yellow Cab Company
703-549-2500

Arlington Red Top Cabs
703-522-3333

Arlington/Falls Church Blue Top Cabs
703-243-8294

Diamond Taxi Cab Company
202-387-6200

Dulles Taxi Service
703- 481-8181

Washington Flyer Taxi
703-661-8230

NOTE: D.C. taxis operate on a “zone” or rate system rather than a meter system. Since D.C. has the most taxis, per capita, of any U.S. city, finding one is usually not difficult, particularly on well-traveled streets between 6a.m. and Midnight. Taxis in Virginia operate on a meter system, and in some jurisdictions, local laws do not permit taxis to pick up patrons who attempt to “flag” them on the street. Taxi stands can be found at hotels and most metro stations. Otherwise, call a local cab company for service.

B. Airports

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)- the best choice for easy access to downtown; it has its own metro stop on the blue and yellow lines (National Airport), and metro fares to downtown are under $2. The commute from DCA to Union Station takes approximately 40 minutes. Washington Flyer buses (approximately $8 one-way) and SuperShuttle vans (approximately $10 one-way) also serve DCA. (Approximately 10 miles from Metro Center).

Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)- the airport offers a free shuttle bus to its train station (approximately 10 minute ride). On weekdays the Maryland Mass Transit Authority runs its MARC trains from BWI to Washington’s Union Station for $5.00 one-way or $8.75 round-trip. The commute takes anywhere from 25 to 60 minutes (see train schedules). On weekdays and weekends the Amtrak trains run from BWI into the city for $24.00. SuperShuttle vans (approximately $30 one-way) also serve BWI. (Approximately 30 miles from Metro Center).

Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)- located in Loudon & Fairfax counties in Virginia, Dulles is accessible through Metrorail combined with Washington Flyer service from West Falls Church metro to the airport. The cost is approximately $10 one-way, metro and Flyer service combined to/from downtown. See www.linkinfo.org/flyer.html for schedule information. The commute takes approximately an hour and forty-five minutes from Union Station. SuperShuttle vans (approximately $22 one-way) serve IAD from downtown (approximately 35 minutes). A Washington Metro bus (Route 5A) also serves IAD – you can catch this bus at the Ground Transportation level of the airport. The bus leaves from port #4 every hour at 40 minutes after the hour. The cost is $1.10 and the bus stops at Herndon, Rosslyn Metro Station, Farragut West Metro Station and L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station. (Approximately 25 miles from Metro Center).

Additional transportation contact information:

Airport sites
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority: www.metwashairports.com

Transportation sites
Maryland Mass Transit Authority (for MARC train schedules): www.marylandmta.com
Virginia Railroad Express:www.vre.org
Amtrak: www.amtrak.com
Washington Metrorail: www.wmata.com
Washington Flyer: www.washfly.com
SuperShuttle: www.supershuttle.com or 1-800-BLUE VAN

6. Other D.C. Resources

The Washington Post Home Page - good site for everything from local
news, to apartment searches, to the city’s best restaurants; www.washingtonpost.com

The Washington Times Home Page- another good site for local news, classified ads, and information about the metro area; www.washtimes.com

The Washington D.C. Pages Home Page- one of the city’s best resources for information on events, concerts, clubs, and other activities in the D.C. area; www.dcpages.com

DOJ Resources

Justice Federal Credit Union Home Page- offering very competitive interest rates and low-fee accounts for Department of Justice employees; www.jfcu.org

Justice Gymnasium- offering limited health club services at a low monthly fee for interns; phone: 202-514-3930