Harlem vs. Wash Hts. vs. Inwood (Washington Heights: salons, unemployed, neighborhoods)

[EAG19]

My boyfriend and I are moving to NYC and need a place by March 1st. I've been getting some great advice on this board. We're down to a few places. 176 st. and pinehurst ave., 172 st. and haven ave., 181 st and fort washington ave. Those are the three right now. My boyfriend will be commuting to englewood cliffs, nj so we wanted to be near the GWB and we knew wash hts. west of broadway is a better area. my question is that someone recently told us that harlem is actually okay to live in and suggested a place on 124 st. between 5th ave and madison. I also hear that Inwood might be the best of the three. What advice do you guys have about the places I listed above vs. the harlem or inwood neighborhoods. Are there good areas in harlem I'm overlooking? IS there an area in Inwood that's safer than other areas in Inwood? I'm looking to be able to walk and get some groceries, go to the pharmacy etc. with ease. I'd also like to head downtown and be able to return late at night with caution but without being in fear all the time. Any suggestions?

[middle-of-nowhere]

I'd say 181st and Ft. Washington. It's probably the safest among all the areas you mentioned. 181st around Ft. Washington has some good stores and restaurants, close to the A train, and walking distance to the GWB bus terminal.

As for "good" areas of Harlem close to the GWB, you can also go to Morningside Heights. It's a student crowd because of its proximity to Columbia, but has all the services you'll need.

[EAG19]

That's what i thought. Of the three, 181st and ft. wash ave was the best location according to past posts here on the board. So, I shouldn't devote too much time to finding any harlem options even if they're a little further than the GWB? I looked at Morningside Heights and I didn't find anything in my price range. What are the border streets for morningside hts?

[UnemployedFinanceGuy]

Originally Posted by EAG19

I'd also like to head downtown and be able to return late at night with caution but without being in fear all the time. Any suggestions?

There is always a crowd getting off the A and 1 trains at 181st street at all hours of the night so this is perfectly safe.

[middle-of-nowhere]

I agree with UnemployedFinanceGuy.

To the OP: You will definitely feel safe in the 181st and Ft Washington area of the A train. If you can find something on Pinehurst or even Cabrini, that would be even better. There are occasional studios and 1-BR's on Cabrini, which has amazing views and a nice hill, something you won't find in the trendier areas of Manhattan.

[cotb16]

Originally Posted by middle-of-nowhere

I agree with UnemployedFinanceGuy.

To the OP: You will definitely feel safe in the 181st and Ft Washington area of the A train. If you can find something on Pinehurst or even Cabrini, that would be even better. There are occasional studios and 1-BR's on Cabrini, which has amazing views and a nice hill, something you won't find in the trendier areas of Manhattan.

181st and Fort Washington is the best of the 3. However, expect noise from trucks and buses heading to the George Washington Bridge. But the GWB would be a big plus for you if you want to head to New Jersey. There are buses at the nearby GWB terminal. But for shopping, don't be afraid to walk down the hill to St. Nicholas and 181st St.

[NooYowkur81]

Washington Heights and Inwood as a whole are not that dangerous.

I just don't want the OP to feel like they can't walk around and experience the whole area.

[cotb16]

Originally Posted by NooYowkur81

Washington Heights and Inwood as a whole are not that dangerous.

I just don't want the OP to feel like they can't walk around and experience the whole area.

You are very true on that statement. The whole Wash Hts-Inwood is not so bad. The best part of these areas is the convenience of shopping as there are bodegas, pharmacies, clothing stores, beauty salons, and barber shops everywhere on St. Nicholas Av and Broadway.

[EAG19]

i feel a lot better after hearing all this advice. i grew up in miami so i didn't think it would be too, too different than some of the slightly rougher (i.e. not trendy and polished south beachy) areas over there but i just wanted to make sure and not just assume and then be mistaken. this is a great group of people here on the board. thanks so much.

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by EAG19

My boyfriend and I are moving to NYC and need a place by March 1st. I've been getting some great advice on this board. We're down to a few places. 176 st. and pinehurst ave., 172 st. and haven ave., 181 st and fort washington ave. Those are the three right now. My boyfriend will be commuting to englewood cliffs, nj so we wanted to be near the GWB and we knew wash hts. west of broadway is a better area. my question is that someone recently told us that harlem is actually okay to live in and suggested a place on 124 st. between 5th ave and madison. I also hear that Inwood might be the best of the three. What advice do you guys have about the places I listed above vs. the harlem or inwood neighborhoods. Are there good areas in harlem I'm overlooking? IS there an area in Inwood that's safer than other areas in Inwood? I'm looking to be able to walk and get some groceries, go to the pharmacy etc. with ease. I'd also like to head downtown and be able to return late at night with caution but without being in fear all the time. Any suggestions?

i would actually choose 172 and haven. very quiet block.