Moving to Princeton Heights - 63109 (Kirkwood, Drexel: crime rates, house, safe area)

[Jacksmommy]

Hello to all,

I am a young single mom moving from Kirkwood to the city at the end of the month. I have a contract on a house on Blow, in the Princeton Heights neighborhood of 63109. I am looking for any thoughts from those familiar with the area, regarding the safety of the neighborhood.

Almost every time I have driven past the house, there have been children outside playing, which leads me to believe that the neighborhood is safe and family-friendly. However, I noticed that some businesses within walking distance have bars on their doors and windows - is this an area with high crime rates?

Also, would investing in a security system be worth it in this neighborhood? Ladies, do you feel safe walking alone at night? Parents, do you let your kids walk home from school without you? Like I said, the families seem to be great in the area - I just want to get a few more opinions.

Thank you all so much in advance for your help!

[anr_black]

I live just north of you in Southampton. You said on Blow--I'm assuming west of Kingshighway? Princeton Heights is a very safe area...in fact, I think it says on the neighborhood webpage it has the lowest total crime in the city. It's a pretty quiet place, not as busy as Southampton. You'll see older kids from the local parochial schools walking home from school (Hope Lutheran and St. Katherine Drexel), usually in groups. I have two kids and a husband who travels frequently for work, so we have an alarm system, which makes me feel safer at night. I would recommend it, but I also know several friends in the neighborhood who don't have one and feel just fine. Lots of walkers here...people walking their kids or dogs, or even to walk to the businesses on Macklind. I jog alone sometimes in the early morning/evening when it's dark and have never had a problem. Like anywhere, I'd keep your eyes open and be aware of what's around you, and I think you'd be fine. As for the bars on windows, you'll notice most people have bars on their basement windows for safety. Some businesses have bars on their windows to thrwart break-ins, but most don't. The longer you're here, the more you'll get a feel for the area, and I'm sure it'll grow on you. Welcome to the city!