Harlem (Lenox, Madison: apartments, living, restaurants)

[sargon_01]

Could someone describe the overall livability, amenities, and safety of 140's and fifth ave in harlem? My friend who is a young woman will be living there in a newly renovated building and we would like to know more about the area. Thanks.

[passdoubt]

140s and 5th is kind of the end of the world... look at a map and you'll see that the Harlem River curves around such that that's the east end of Central Harlem there. Both sides of 5th Ave are those large, project-style apartments set back from the street, although I'm pretty sure they aren't actually NYCHA. It's a quiet area, but I'd imagine you'll be heading over to Lenox Ave for shopping as there's not much else around there. Madison Avenue bridge traffic nearby. Easy walk to the 2/3 at 135th, but it might be kind of desolate at night.

[sargon_01]

cool thanks for the reply. we moved in friday and i spent the weekend there, definitely a quiet place, and your description overall is very accurate. i would add that it's mostly unprententious restaurants with good food, shopping was mostly daily essentials, and night time was similar to most residential parts of the city we'd been to in the past in terms of the safety etc.