Nervous about a worcester move (condo, crime, neighborhood)

[labat]

I am a single male paramedic who works in Worcester. I see the entire city, the best and worst of it. Overall my experiences as a medic in the city have been good, we see shockingly few assaults and drug related calls. I genuinely enjoy this city. That being said, I have been looking to buy a place in the city and have found what I feel is the perfect condo, only it's on Bell Hill.

I have never responded to any sort of emergency call on this particular street or any of the immediately adjacent ones (many in other parts of bell hill, never crime related). I have driven through the neighborhood several times throughout the day/evening and haven't seen anything concerning (but its winter).

The condo unit itself is perfect, everything I have wanted. The parking lot is mostly fenced off, off street and deeded; it also has cameras and is well lit. The building appears rather secure. Catholic elementary school next door and surrounded by triple deckers. I have pulled the crime logs for the past 6 months and there has been *some* activity in the area (some b/e on the other streets, one or two cars broken into and an assault or two, nothing in this building however). I even spoke with people in the building who said they enjoyed living there more than other parts of the city.

Ive read quite a bit of mixed reviews on this area and I'm curious if anyone has some insight on the Bell Hill neighborhood in particular, maybe someone who lives there....Is this a good idea? Perfect price, perfect condo, near my friends, no commute...not sure about the location.

[scorpio516]

Are you talking in the Elliot/Edward/Elizabeth area? South of Rte 9 from UMass Memorial?

If so, I can't add much to what you already know. Density is too high for my liking. A number of hoodlum-looking kids end up at the little strip mall with the BofA and Dunkin.

If your talking about behind UMass, between it and Green Hill park, I know a little more. I run through there every once in a while. Less dense, but always seems dingy to me, even in the summer. Always feel safe on foot though. The climb up Catherine street is killer too.

[labat]

Yeah its the Elizabeth street area. Hearing that you feel safe on foot is comforting though! I mostly drive and don't plan on walking around there a whole lot, maybe down to shrewsbury street for drinks.

[worcesterexpert]

Have you looked around the elm/highland area?