Is Mott Haven Safe? (New York, Boston: low income, apartment, high crime) - City-Data Forum

Boston to NYC · 06-07-2008, 05:05 PM

I need advice from people who know this area. I am a 26-year-old white female moving to New York from Boston to teach. I have an interview at a school located at 339 Morris Ave. I plan to take the subway to 138th street and walk. Will I be safe walking by myself? Any and all information about this area will be greatly appreciated.

apvbguy · 06-07-2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boston to NYC

I need advice from people who know this area. I am a 26-year-old white female moving to New York from Boston to teach. I have an interview at a school located at 339 Morris Ave. I plan to take the subway to 138th street and walk. Will I be safe walking by myself? Any and all information about this area will be greatly appreciated.

there are many discussions of mott haven, you should use the search option, the consensus is that it is one of the worst parts of NYC, that said people usually will not hassle school teachers, be wary and careful but be aware this is a high crime very low income area

Green Irish Eyes · 06-07-2008, 05:57 PM

In what area of the city will you be living? Maybe you could take a bus or do a bus/subway combo? I work around Westchester & Forest and usually take the bus from my apartment in upper Manhattan. It's just slightly slower than the subway and, IMHO, a nicer trip.

Boston to NYC · 06-07-2008, 10:33 PM

Thanks. I think we'll live in the UES, but we're still looking for an apartment. Another question - the subway entrance is near the Mitchel Houses. I haven't read much about them - any info?

SuperMario · 06-08-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boston to NYC

Thanks. I think we'll live in the UES, but we're still looking for an apartment. Another question - the subway entrance is near the Mitchel Houses. I haven't read much about them - any info?

Mott Haven is one of the worst places in the entire city. Why are you even asking about housing projects? They are all bad and even worse in a place like Mott Haven. Please just look elsewhere.

SeventhFloor · 06-09-2008, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apvbguy

there are many discussions of mott haven, you should use the search option, the consensus is that it is one of the worst parts of NYC, that said people usually will not hassle school teachers, be wary and careful but be aware this is a high crime very low income area

i agree - do a search for mott haven, its arguably the most talked about neighborhood on the forum, and gather your own thoughts from that. not trying to be condescending, but you have no idea how many threads on this forum are about that neighborhood.

NooYowkur81 · 06-09-2008, 08:14 AM

It is not a safe area, but it is improving. You should be fine just going about your business there for work purposes. I'm sure you won't be the only white female teaching at the school.

analyticalkeys · 06-09-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NooYowkur81

It is not a safe area, but it is improving. You should be fine just going about your business there for work purposes. I'm sure you won't be the only white female teaching at the school.

Well, that's for sure.. since no one wants to work in these areas, it's very common that new teachers get assigned to them, and then when their time is up, they leave, and more new teachers come... not a very good sign for the education there, but that's how it is.

HereKittyKittyKitty · 06-09-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperMario

Mott Haven is one of the worst places in the entire city. Why are you even asking about housing projects? They are all bad and even worse in a place like Mott Haven. Please just look elsewhere.

Instead of trying to discourage this person, you should be thanking her for being willing to take on the challenge of working in a hard-to-staff school.

As others have said, you won't be the only young, white female teacher in the South Bronx, and I think you'll be fine. Chances are you'll find someone in your school who lives in your general area, or at least along the same subway line, and you'll be able to ride/walk together.

Best of luck to you!

Guywithacause · 06-09-2008, 10:27 AM

As a resident of Mott Haven..I can tell you there are plenty of white female teachers that travel to Mott Haven to teach...and they also do happy hours at some of the local establishments with other teachers. The area is definitely a low-income, higher crime community, nonetheless....teachers are not hassled. I recommend actually speaking with teachers at the school...they will give you a far better assessment of the area and their experiences than alot of the hype and misleading information form posters on this site..many of whom have deep seated hatred for communities of color, as well as the Bronx in general.

Talk to teachers...