safety in washington heights redux (New York, Amsterdam: low income, high crime, hotels)

[kennyg64]

Wondering if anyone knows the specific safety of the 160th and Amsterdam section of Washington Heights. We know it is Dominican--that's not a problem. But we wonder about violent crime, drugs, muggings, late night actvity...

[astrogal]

Another place I didn't have a problem, as a white woman....I lived over on 156th and Broadway.....BUT Yes, lots of drugs and muggings, but most of the problem would be late at night and if you were acting stupidly. I pretty much walked the streets as I pleased.....actually I had more trouble at like 6am on my way to work when the drunks were still trying to get change for '1 more beer'. Many people sit outside on the steps and smoke pot and drink. For all its problems though it is actually a very family oriented neighborhood, and once people know and see you coming and going, they are quite friendly. They will accept you faster in you speak Spanish.

REALLY GOOD FOOD at La Barca!!!!

It is pretty loud though.....if you are looking for quiet this is not the place to be....between the music and domino games and domestic disputes.

And watch your buildings. The reason we moved out was because of bedbugs. TALK to the people that live there!!!!

But all in all, a good place to do low income and still live in Manhattan.

[rlrl]

I go shopping at the Vitamin Shoppe and Modell's on 181 street and St Nicholas and I never feel unsafe. It feels safer than the bronx across the river

[NJ Chutzpah]

My company owns a building two blocks from that intersection.

I am there alot and have never had a problem with anyone except our tenants, but that is because I am there to collect rent.

The people are good in nature. They will not bother you.

[baylovers]

BUT Yes, lots of drugs and muggings, but most of the problem would be late at night and if you were acting stupidly

....

I had more trouble at like 6am on my way to work when the drunks were still trying to get change for '1 more beer'.

...

people sit outside on the steps and smoke pot and drink

...

pretty loud though.....if you are looking for quiet this is not the place to be....between the music and domino games and domestic disputes.

...

The reason we moved out was because of bedbugs

This isn't axactly a ringing endorsement. Why would any submit themselves to this behavior unless you did not have a choice or didn't know any better is beyond me. Do yourself a favor, KennyG, go somewhere else. There are a ton of drugs being baought and sold in the area. Robberies, shootings and general mayhem.... right after school gets out and then again after dark.

... and what would constitute "acting stupidly" as stated in the first quote?

[astrogal]

If you have to ask what acting stupidly means, then you have no business being in that area...or a big city for that matter.

I never said it was the perfect place for everyone, he asked how safe it was.

I related my experience.

Never once did I witness a stabbing, mugging, or shooting. Not to say they don't happen, but they happen all over New York. The kids getting out of school??? Oh come on! Kids horsing around are all of a sudden causing general mayhem?

I found it to be a nice area with good people, even the drug dealers. I worked on the Upper West Side and ran into more psychotics there by a long shot.

[SouthQueens149]

BUT Yes, lots of drugs and muggings, but most of the problem would be late at night and if you were acting stupidly....If you have to ask what acting stupidly means, then you have no business being in that area...or a big city for that matter.

I was born and raised in NYC and I have to ask what "acting stupidly" has to do with getting mugged or having to deal with drug dealers in your neighborhood? These types of criminal behaviors occur for many reasons. You "acting stupidly" or acting "not stupidly" is not going to change the fact that this is a high crime area. Much better than 15 yrs ago, but still high crime.

[baylovers]

I spent 40 years in the "big city" but I guess I don't belong there. That is why I left. I have seen many shootings, stabbings, arson, despair and desparation throughout the entire city. There are alot more nicer areas than 160 & B'way.

I am happy that your inner city experience was safe.
"But all in all, a good place to do low income and still live in Manhattan." is not my idea of ideal living.... just my opinion. Please don't take it personally.

[Elvira Black]

Bedbugs...oy vey. However, I've heard this is an epidemic in NYC, even in fancy hotels. Shudder...

[baylovers]

Worse than roaches... my cousins in Astoria had them and had to get rid of a majority of their furniture. The kids were waking up with little bites on their arms and legs. Yuck!