Washington Heights. (crime, neighborhoods, quality of life)

[JerzeeGuy01]

Hey everyone...I have a few questions that hopefully some of you can help me out with. I am a 23 year old gay white male who is looking to move to Washington Heights(around 180th/181st) somewhere between broadway and cabrini. Is it safe? I am sure just like any part of the city there are shady things going on but generally speaking is it safe to just go about my business at any time of the day or night? I am definitely still into the whole party scene in midtown/downtown so I will probably be riding the A train at 4 am once a week or so. Is that a stupid thing to do? I lived on 42nd street and I obviously never encountered any problems so this move makes me a bit nervous. Is it safe to go outside at 4 am to the deli to get a snack? I just want to be completely comfortable and not scared every time i go down to the subway or walk around the neighborhood. Please let me know what you think. Thanks so much

[SuperMario]

Washington Heights is a neighborhood with a bad reputation and alot of quality of life issues. But crime has decreased in the neighborhood. The areas east of Broadway are the worst areas. Lots of garbage, graffiti, loitering and drugs. The population is almost entirely Dominican. But you're going to be living west of Broadway, which is good. That area becomes Jewish and Irish. You wont have many problems there. Just try not heading east, you'll be in the ghetto.

[Woozle]

Are there any issues with the housing stock east of Broadway in Washington Heights? Is it all walkups or there's a substantial number of elevator buildings?

[SuperMario]

Originally Posted by Woozle

Are there any issues with the housing stock east of Broadway in Washington Heights? Is it all walkups or there's a substantial number of elevator buildings?

Think big 5-6 story tenements, like the Bronx.

[tpk-nyc]

Check out The Gay Recluse (The Gay Recluse). It's a very smart and witty blog written by a guy man and his friends living in Washington Heights.

[lamexican]

I live in the heights and take the subway at all hours! I have never had any problems! I agree with the statement made of most of the problems are quality of life issues as supermario said! That part of Washington Heights is considered desirable and safe!

[cotb16]

Just be careful. Washington Heights is one of the most socially conservative neighborhoods, despite its vibrant character.

[Dark of the Moon]

I would just add that 181st Street is VERY busy, so expect a lot of traffic noise. Other than that, it should be fine.

[cotb16]

Originally Posted by squeezeboxgal

I would just add that 181st Street is VERY busy, so expect a lot of traffic noise. Other than that, it should be fine.

Ah yes, especially on afternoons and Saturdays. Many of us Bronxites go to The Heights for shopping, nightlife, and visiting families.

[NooYowkur81]

Originally Posted by SuperMario

Washington Heights is a neighborhood with a bad reputation and alot of quality of life issues. But crime has decreased in the neighborhood. The areas east of Broadway are the worst areas. Lots of garbage, graffiti, loitering and drugs. The population is almost entirely Dominican. But you're going to be living west of Broadway, which is good. That area becomes Jewish and Irish. You wont have many problems there. Just try not heading east, you'll be in the ghetto.

Dude Irish? You obviously barely been in the Heights. Irish people haven't been in the heights since the early 80's. lol.

There's still a Jewish presence because of Yeshiva, but the area is overwhelmingly Dominican.

It's not a dangerous neighborhood though. It's loud and dirty (mostly in the summer), but not very dangerous.

OP, have a chimichurri after a late night out partying! They are the best in the heights!