most dangerous sections in Boston (Newton, Heath: sales, to live, bus)

[ogre]

You're welcome. Now, take reasonable precautions, and go out and enjoy being a student in "The World's Biggest College Town."

[rranger]

Originally Posted by hartford_renter

Your babbling is totally incomprehensible. Consider a basic course in writing

Don't be so quick to judge! The poster's a budding James Joyce, no doubt

[mossie123]

what is charlestown like?
im going working there this summer

[that412]

Originally Posted by RC1981

As for Mission Hill, you'll probably have some friends that live down that way if you're going to Northeastern. In the 80's it was hell on earth out that way, but now (even though it looks really ratty and sketchy), it's more or less safe because it's become what is known as a "student ghetto" (same with Allston). It looks really run down, but it's safe to go there because most of the population is made up of students. I know there's some parts of Mission Hill that are still pretty bad and have problems with drugs, but I doubt you'll find yourself in those areas and even if you do the cops are pretty vigilant. Mission Hill's bark is a lot worse than its bite nowadays.

I've read through this whole thread and I'm glad someone finally posted something positive about Mission Hill...I went to NEU for a couple of years and lived on Mission Hill for a semester. The term "bark is worse than its bite" is very appropriate. Even around the time I was a freshman (about six years ago), people still looked towards the Hill with some trepidation, but even by the time I lived there, and certainly now (after having been back to visit numerous times), it hasn't quite become a full-fledged student ghetto, but it's got a lot of students living there, mixed in with a good number of "locals." That, IMO, is what made it fun - it was actually a diverse place to live, in one of the most segregated cities I've ever encountered. Shopping in the little neighborhood bodegas, bumming cigarettes from our Portuguese neighbors...it really was a great urban experience, if that's what you're into (and let's face it, you probably shouldn't be going to school in the heart of Boston if that's not what you're into).

And I've felt safe 100% of the time I've spent there. Day or night, in a group or by myself. Obviously, the typical common sense rules apply, be aware of your surroundings, don't act like an idiot or confront people, err on the side of caution by traveling with one or more other people when you can, etc. But, to NEUstudent, the purpose of this post is just to say that don't be afraid to take an opportunity to move onto "the Hill" a year or so down the road - it's still much cheaper than the dorms or anywhere off-campus in the campus area (i.e. Symphony, Hemenway, etc.), and I think it's a great environment. Plus the views are fantastic.

PS - there's a path that starts on Mass Ave. across from the Mass Ave. T station (with the Subway inside) that follows some urban greenways, public garden space, and back streets all the way to Dartmouth St., by the rear entrance of Copley Plaza Mall and the Back Bay T station. It's one of your neighborhood's best-kept secrets, and definitely worth checking out.

[ogre]

Originally Posted by mossie123

what is charlestown like?
im going working there this summer

Charlestown's fine. Mix of longtime blue collar area and some gentrification. Just use standard city smarts and you should be fine.

[Tombstoner]

Originally Posted by that412

PS - there's a path that starts on Mass Ave. across from the Mass Ave. T station (with the Subway inside) that follows some urban greenways, public garden space, and back streets all the way to Dartmouth St., by the rear entrance of Copley Plaza Mall and the Back Bay T station. It's one of your neighborhood's best-kept secrets, and definitely worth checking out.

I think this is called the SouthWest Corridor and it extends MUCH further west and south than Mass Ave (although the section you mention is arguably the most picturesque).

[that412]

Originally Posted by Tombstoner

I think this is called the SouthWest Corridor and it extends MUCH further west and south than Mass Ave (although the section you mention is arguably the most picturesque).

I never knew that, but looking at Google Maps, it looks like you're right...although some of the areas it runs through in that direction aren't the greatest, and it looks like good chunks of it are essentially just sidewalks along main streets...but I see it runs all the way to the Arboretum, wish I'd known that when I had access to a bike in the Hub.

[rranger]

Originally Posted by that412

I never knew that, but looking at Google Maps, it looks like you're right...although some of the areas it runs through in that direction aren't the greatest, and it looks like good chunks of it are essentially just sidewalks along main streets...but I see it runs all the way to the Arboretum, wish I'd known that when I had access to a bike in the Hub.

The entire length is beautfully designed and ALL areas it goes through are just fine, thanks. I live very close to it and use it all the time and I just felt that should be clarified.

[HenryAlan]

Originally Posted by that412

I never knew that, but looking at Google Maps, it looks like you're right...although some of the areas it runs through in that direction aren't the greatest, and it looks like good chunks of it are essentially just sidewalks along main streets...but I see it runs all the way to the Arboretum, wish I'd known that when I had access to a bike in the Hub.

It's dedicated, grade separated bike path along the entire route. It runs from Forest Hills, paralleling the Orange Line all the way to Back Bay station, is mostly beutiful, and makes for a fantastic bike commute if you are coming from Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, or JP. Nothing sketchy about the areas it runs through, either.

[rranger]

Originally Posted by HenryAlan

It's dedicated, grade separated bike path along the entire route. It runs from Forest Hills, paralleling the Orange Line all the way to Back Bay station, is mostly beutiful, and makes for a fantastic bike commute if you are coming from Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, or JP. Nothing sketchy about the areas it runs through, either.

Correction: It runs from Forest Hills, paralleling the Orange Line all the way to Back Bay station, is mostly beutiful, and makes for a fantastic bike commute if you are coming from Roxbury, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, or JP.