A day in Youngstown....advice required (Cleveland, Boardman: neighborhoods, buying, costs)

[TightButLoose]

Hello,

A classmate of mine plans on taking a day trip to Youngstown to shoot some photos for a project she's doing. I'm going along for the ride just for something to do.

I realize that Youngstown does present some safety issues, but are things generally okay during the day if we're just walking around taking photographs of the city? Are there any specific spots or neighborhoods that should be avoided at all costs day or night?


Thanks for the help.

[CortlandGirl79]

Where are you planning on going in Y-town? I've been downtown and near Youngstown State during the day, and at night and never have felt scared. You just have to pay attention to your surroundings. Much like when you go to Cleveland or Pittsburgh. If a neighborhood looks unsafe, don't go there, it's that simple. I've never heard of anyone getting shot just for walking around town. Although i would stay away from the east side and a lot of the south side. Most bad things that happen in the Yo. usually happen to people w/in the criminal element, so if you're not buying or selling drugs you should be ok. Good luck on your trip!

[boardmanite]

My friend and I shot a makeshift documentary of Youngstown for a class project. We traversed the length and breadth of Youngstown's toughest ghettos on a skate board and a mountain bike! Yes, we looked quite rediculous. We started at YSU and went around some of the areas on the South Side (Oak Hill Ave/Indianola Ave/Hillman St) and then rode down Market St to Boardman. We also took the car out to the East Side and Campbell a couple times. IMO the East Side has the areas with the most decline. Actually the only place I consistently felt unsafe during the day was in Campbell off of Robinson Rd.

I would say definitely go for it. You shouldn't have any problems during the day time. Just be prudent with the camera and when you decide to whip it out and take pictures. Now night time is a different story. The only places I feel comfortable walking at night in the city are Downtown/YSU Campus, the northern section of Fifth Ave, the west side, and a couple areas on the far south side. Other than that it's not advisable. Hope that helped!