WASHINGTON — Everyone knows that parking in the D.C. area is a challenge, but where is the toughest place to park in the entire area? WTOP asked several area residents their opinions recently, and perhaps not surprisingly, almost everyone seemed to think their own neighborhood was the worst of all.
Bari Biern, of D.C., says that the main problem with parking in the District is the cost.
“I don’t even think you’re even allowed to use nickels” in the parking meters anymore, Biern says. “I think you have to have an American Express Gold Card in order to park for an hour in the District.”
Scott Sedar, also of D.C., says the worst spot in the area is at 14th and S, “rivaled only by 16th and S.” He says you can’t even park on those streets, because there are so many local-only spots. All of which makes it difficult to enjoy the night life.
“That is the worst place in town, if you’re going to the theater especially,” Sedar says.
Annette Woodside, of Bethesda, Maryland, however, says it’s “definitely Bethesda.” There just aren’t enough spots, she says, especially since a lot was recently replaced by apartments. The only areas with plenty of parking, she says, are places “I wouldn’t want to go to.” She’s not crazy about the fees, but is especially peeved that they’re in effect “until 10 o’clock on a Thursday.”
The only suggestion is patience.
“I know it’s going to be bad,” Woodside says, “and I just do it. … You have to kind of suck it up.”
Benjamin Lin, of Chevy Chase, Maryland doesn’t suck it up. He says the worst place to park in the area is near the National Mall, and he just avoids it. “I never park there.” He takes the Metro, although even then, he says, “the Red Line is pretty awful on the weekends.”
James Murphy, of Reston, Virginia is retired, so he can plan his day around finding off-peak times to park.
“People are very stressed in their cars, and they act it out,” Murphy says.
Downtown Bethesda can get lively on Saturday nights, but you won’t find Lisa Sorkin there. The Bethesda resident says you just can’t find a spot there. Adding that Friendship Heights can be a pain for parking as well, she says, “If the bus ran more frequently, I’d be more inclined to take it.”
Asked their suggestions on how to relieve the parking crunch, public transit was a common thread among most respondents.
Andrea, of Rockville, Maryland says of the problems, “I’m just as guilty, because it’s my car taking up space too,” and suggests people, “Try not to drive.”
The only suggestion Biern, of D.C., can come up with is from the distant future:
“Jetpacks, perhaps?”
Where do you think is the worst place to park in the area? Let us know on the WTOP Talkback line at 1-877-222-1035, post a comment in this story, comment on WTOP’s Facebook Page or use #WTOP on Twitter.
WTOP’s Dennis Foley contributed to this report.
