[cdepa513]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me where the safest and most dangerous parts of Hartford are. I just moved to CT earlier this year and see there are a bunch of restaurants and bars but am unsure about the area. All I keep hearing is people being stabbed lately on the news but I'm assuming an entire city can't be bad. Any suggestions or advice on the city? Thank you!!

[RogerAnthony]

The West End is the safest part and the North End is the most dangerous part. The downtown area with restaurants and bars is safe.

[JayCT]

I agree with Roger. Downtown is where most of the restaurants and bars are located and it is generally safe. The West End is also safe as is most of the South End. The most problematic area is the North End which is generally north of I-84 in downtown and the rail tracks north of Asylum Hill. But like any urban area, you do have to keep your eyes and ears open. You will see an occasional issue come up in the better areas but that happens just about anywhere in this country as well. If there are particular places you want to visit but are concerned, just let us know. I think there are several people here who know Hartford well enough to help you. Jay

[mels]

Like most urban areas, the more dangerous parts are pretty isolated and in general, you won't find trouble unless you're looking for it (of course random street crime can occur in any city). The North End wins the award for Hartford's worst neighborhood, so I would stay away from there. Most restaurants and bars (that I frequent, anyway) are found either downtown or in the West End, both are safe. Before the small handful of paranoid people we have on this forum show up stating that you will get shot if you set foot in Hartford, I will qualify my statement by saying I am a female with your average street smarts who parks her car and walks to said establishments in Hartford regularly.

Any particular restaurants/bars you have your eye on? I am always looking for new spots to try out in the area!

[MikefromCT]

Hartford like any city has its good areas and no-go areas. Downtown is where you'll find a decent restaurant and bar scene. This area is fine, but go off the beaten path a stone throw away and it changes radically. Immediately north of downtown past I-84 is Albany Avenue, the main east-west artery through the area known as the north end, and this area is dangerous. The area immediately south of downtown known as Frog Hollow is undesireable as well, though it's improved a lot over the last 2 decades. As mels pointed out, downtown and the west side are fine, and these are where you're most likely to end up if you're looking for places to go in the city. South end has a few good spots with its Italian restaurants and pastry shops, but lately it seems like it's been making the news for all the wrong reasons. Other than Franklin Avenue, there's not really any reason to go there. Same thing with the north end: there's nothing there to see or do, so there's a low probability that you'd end up in these high-crime areas to begin with.

[cdepa513]

Thank you all so much for your responses. I didn't have anywhere specific in mind, just looking for some fun and entertaining options. I'm from NYC so used to having everything I could want a cab ride away. I was hoping there would be some fun places to go dancing and good restaurants. I checked out the downtown areas and see there are a bunch of restaurants there so I'm going to check them out.

Thanks again so much for your help.

[NewJeffCT]

downtown also empties out at night when the big insurance companies close, so might not be the best place to just up & go for a long walk or anything like that if you're by yourself. Fine during the day and early evening, but not always so at night unless a sporting or other event draws people into downtown.

[JayCT]

Downtown Hartford is not completely deserted at night but it would be best to stick to major streets like Main, Asylum, Church and Trumbull. Jay

[goldenage1]

I recently had a good time at the Infinity Music Hall restaurant/music hall. It is near the Convention Center, and I felt quite safe walking alone for a couple blocks. Web site with upcoming attractions: http://www.infinityhall.com/