I grew up in DC metropolitan area. When I've said I jever have issues and someone like OP asks if I've ever been to DC
Graduation 1999. Constitution Hall
Many night at 9:30 Club
Remember SouthEast I was told never go.
High school in Bethesda
Hometown Rockville
People like OP probably stayed in capitol area for museums or fireworks
Us locals called it the tourist area.