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It is really not as bad as some are making it out to be. For starters, you will have NO problem getting a yellow cab, I have also seen them in Mott Haven as well (South Bronx). Secondly, there are alot of new developments across that area, and the demographics are alot more mixed, as well as the amenities. Thirdly, there is certainly NOT alot of tension there....that is alot of BS. There was far more tension there when it was a wasteland of crime and drugs..the fact remains that people are protected in the housing that they are in (Projects/rent controlled/stabilized), so all the gentrification in the world is not changing the bottomline. They are in fact happy the area is seeing real investment and find it strange that people woudl pay so much to live there!
Nevertheless, the area is still dense with housing projects, and crime is an issue. However, unless you plan on hanging out with the homies at the Bodega or Projects at 2am, normal common sense/street smarts should be fine. Train lines are not the best though..1 line..and can be crowded.
1 line is Westside. Local train is pack and the hills over there forget about it. The Bronx>Spanish Harlem.
I moved to 100 and 2nd ave last month. The surrounding area seems to be OK despite of its ugly pass. The residents are mostly blacks and Hispanics, there are also some Asians and East Europeans. NYCHA projects are everywhere with luxury rentals mixed in the area. You are save during the day, even walking through the Washington Project. People are all around. 100th street is very quiet at night, virtually no pedestrian after 9PM. If you come home late, better stick with 96th street and the avenues. FDR said, "Nothing to fear but fear itself". It may be well true here. But NEVER let your guard down.
I've not yet venture above 104st. Anyone has more experience, please share.
I wouldn't walk around that area at night. Once the sun goes down it can get dangerous up there. Even during the day I would be careful--keep your money and cell phone out of sight an don't take any shortcuts through the PJ's.
SouthQueens, there really isn't any reason to walk around the area at night in the first place, as that is not the kind of neighborhood it is. If you are out walking at midnight, you are more than likely looking for trouble..if you want to roam around at night, go to places that are appropriate for that..Union Square, Village, etc.
Sarah, I heard that people actually live past 104th street all the way up to 240th! In my experience, I have also heard of people that have bravely "ventured" past 104th and made it back alive, of course this is all rumors. Maybe you can amass a large group of friends, arm yourselves, and head past 104th street to see what all the hub-ub is about. But why bother right?
Yes, people "venture" past 104th street, but there are vastly different neighborhoods between 104th and 240th street. Personally, I'd much rather live somewhere between 150th and 225th streets than anywhere between 104th (on the East Side, I'd live up to 125th on the West Side) and 150th. Nobody is saying the entire upper half of Manhattan and the Bronx are horrible cesspools of crime and drugs, we are talking about specific areas of Manhattan. Mod cut
As for roaming around at night? Believe it or not, New York City is known for it's nightlife and the majority of people living in Manhattan and the surrounding areas take advantage of that once in a while. This can result in the need to walk around at midnight or later, and if doing so is likely to get you in trouble, it's not a place I'd choose to live. I used to live on 204th street while working in a bar and I never felt unsafe walking home, no matter if it was 4 am or 4 pm. I don't think I'd feel the same on 135th street.
Additionally, *seeing* cabs doesn't mean it's easy to find one. I've *seen* cabs in every neighborhood I've lived in, but I generally take cabs if I'm in a hurry and waiting for cabs in certain areas can mean 25 minutes of standing on a corner waving away gypsy cabs. My mom lives on West 107th street and cabs are scarce even there, unless I go to Broadway or further downtown.
As for your comments about the lack of tension due to fixed housing prices...I disagree, but that's a whole other discussion.
Last edited by Viralmd; 02-25-2010 at 03:17 PM..
Reason: Personal attack
SoBro, I was referring to having to come home late. Like you said, at night there isn't much around there unless you're looking for trouble.
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