Safe in Washington heights, west 176th and amsterdam (low income, apartment)

[newtoharlem]

My friends and I just signed a lease for an apartment on west 176th st. Im not from NYC (this is probably obvious) but someone advised me that this section of harlem was safe. It may be too late now, but in general, do you suppose this area is relatively safe for walking at night etc. Obviosuly caution would be taken as it would be in any city at night, but in this particular place? Other posts have led me to believe I may have my face slashed with a razor if I go out after dark. Is this really so?

[NooYowkur81]

Originally Posted by newtoharlem

My friends and I just signed a lease for an apartment on west 176th st. Im not from NYC (this is probably obvious) but someone advised me that this section of harlem was safe. It may be too late now, but in general, do you suppose this area is relatively safe for walking at night etc. Obviosuly caution would be taken as it would be in any city at night, but in this particular place? Other posts have led me to believe I may have my face slashed with a razor if I go out after dark. Is this really so?

Your doing things a bit backwards. You usually want to do your research before signing a lease.

Washington Heights is a separate neighborhood from Harlem. If people hear you calling it Harlem they will know your a noob, and lol, you don't want that. You wanna blend in, if possible.

176th and Amsterdam is the hood, ghetto, what have you. However, there are different degrees of ghetto. To answer your question, no it is not the type of place where you get your face slashed (well maybe if your a gang member) if your out late at night, but that being said try to keep your late night ventures to a minimum.

Most of the crime there is drug related. So if you are not a drug dealer it mostly doesn't affect you. However, the summer's tend to be very loud and a lot of quality of life issues arise.

[SuperMario]

Originally Posted by NooYowkur81

Your doing things a bit backwards. You usually want to do your research before signing a lease.

Washington Heights is a separate neighborhood from Harlem. If people hear you saying its Harlem they will know your a noob. lol, you don't want that. You wanna blend in, if possible.

176th and Amsterdam is the hood, ghetto, what have you. However, there are different degrees of ghetto. To answer your question, no it is not the type of place where you get your face slashed (well maybe if your a gang member) if your out late at night, but that being said try to keep your late night ventures to a minimum.

Most of the crime there is drug related. So if you are not a drug dealer it mostly doesn't affect you. However, the summer's tend to be very loud and a lot of quality of life issues arise.

Agreed with this. Is not nearly one of the best areas of the Heights. Im not to fond of the mid 170's in the Heights. I think Fort Washington consolidated are located there. This houses low income people and the area is very gritty as you can tell by all the graffiti on those rehabbed buildings. You won't get your face slashed, but it's the hood. And there is drugs in the neighborhood. But as long as you mind your buissness, you'll be fine.

[Viralmd]

This address isn't in Harlem, as other posters have stated: it's Washington Heights, and not where I'd live in Washington heights. Did you not visit the area before you signed?

[amcjap]

You should haven chosen Fort Washington Avenue, north of 181st Street. That's about the best part of Washington Heights. Always has been.

[NooYowkur81]

Originally Posted by amcjap

You should haven chosen Fort Washington Avenue, north of 181st Street. That's about the best part of Washington Heights. Always has been.

It's not easy to get an apartment there. They don't often go on the market. People hold on to them or keep them in family because they are usually huge, Fort Wash is close to a lot of parkland, and it's quieter than the surrounding area.

[msdree]

Originally Posted by NooYowkur81

Your doing things a bit backwards. You usually want to do your research before signing a lease.

Washington Heights is a separate neighborhood from Harlem. If people hear you calling it Harlem they will know your a noob, and lol, you don't want that. You wanna blend in, if possible.

176th and Amsterdam is the hood, ghetto, what have you. However, there are different degrees of ghetto. To answer your question, no it is not the type of place where you get your face slashed (well maybe if your a gang member) if your out late at night, but that being said try to keep your late night ventures to a minimum.

Most of the crime there is drug related. So if you are not a drug dealer it mostly doesn't affect you. However, the summer's tend to be very loud and a lot of quality of life issues arise.

I have to agree with everyone, I used to live there back in the day and during summer it can get loud, but you get used it...just keep your nose clean and to yourself, but hell it's NYC you gotta keep your nose clean.