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But,... why would you walk through the common at night? To prove a point? That is just unnecessary, did it at like ~18 got very bad vibes (people shouting at me, groaning, lurking behind trees) and just made a quiet decision to not. I feel like it is totally unpatrolled and not very well-lit. Pretty sure that park is supposed to be "closed" at Sundown.
I don't walk through the common at night because for me it's not necessary or advisable. Just walk around it and add like 2 minutes to your walk. I don't feel ill be jumped or beat up or whatever due to my appearance/size and minding my business... I just don't even want to be approached by anyone lurking in the dark, at all.
I don't know what parks you walk through at night that are super seedy at night, but I haven't come across any in Baltimore- walk through Patterson Park or Druid Park at night (two biggest parks in the city- zero homeless. You would in the Wyman Dell, which is small not a pass-through to anywhere. Definitely there would be some in DC.
But I've read too many assaults in the Common (late) at night, pass. Not as bad as Franklin Park but not really a nice walk. Public Garden and Esplanade is a different vibe. Im good on the common after like 11 pm.
Not sure why you would (maybe you were intoxicated and traveling with a group of 20???), as everybody who knows Boston would advise against that. But I'm telling you, it's dangerous.
Maybe "at night" is too general. I'm not walking through after 2am anymore (though I've done it). But I have zero issue walking through (by myself or in a small group) between 10pm and around 1am when theaters are letting out, restaurants and bars are still open, and there are generally still people out and about. You'll find plenty of "normal" people are traversing the Common even between midnight and 1am.
I can certainly see it being a different story after 2am when nobody's filtering out of bars, restaurants, theaters, etc. anymore. It's a large, quiet, dark expanse in the heart of an urban area which is generally something to avoid in any city. The Common isn't unique in that regard, nor is it any more dangerous than similar places in peer cities. Again, I'd urge anyone to use common sense based on their own situation rather than making a sweeping "it's perfectly safe!" or "it's dangerous!" judgements. If you're a 19yo woman leaving the bar by yourself at 2:30am, maybe don't walk across the Common. But if you're a group of 4 20-something guys, you'll probably be fine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade
why would you walk through the common at night? To prove a point? .
We've got friends in Beacon Hill near the State House and it's easily the most direct route between their places and some of the Theatre District, South End, and Back Bay spots we go to.
Maybe "at night" is too general. I'm not walking through after 2am anymore (though I've done it). But I have zero issue walking through (by myself or in a small group) between 10pm and around 1am when theaters are letting out, restaurants and bars are still open, and there are generally still people out and about. You'll find plenty of "normal" people are traversing the Common even between midnight and 1am.
I can certainly see it being a different story after 2am when nobody's filtering out of bars, restaurants, theaters, etc. anymore. It's a large, quiet, dark expanse in the heart of an urban area which is generally something to avoid in any city. The Common isn't unique in that regard, nor is it any more dangerous than similar places in peer cities. Again, I'd urge anyone to use common sense based on their own situation rather than making a sweeping "it's perfectly safe!" or "it's dangerous!" judgements. If you're a 19yo woman leaving the bar by yourself at 2:30am, maybe don't walk across the Common. But if you're a group of 4 20-something guys, you'll probably be fine.
I agree I just think its actually fun with a group of guys late at night walking back to the car...
butby myself even at 11 when I just wanna kind of drift and listen to musimusic in my headpones? when people are in bars/ clubs (weekend) or at home (weekday) I just choose not to, because its not pleasant. And something could happen. Sometimes it does
We the parks powerwash and clean it everymorning.homeless and drug uses complete trash the park 24 7 .please call 911 also the mayors office as the park is dangerous. -
As the Boston Herald has reported this week, discarded syringes and needles on the grass, drug users harassing tourists, homeless people camped out overnight, and pot smoke thick in the air are the sights and scents now overtaking the crown jewel of the city’s Emerald Necklace of parkland. It’s pretty safe to assume this wasn’t what Frederick Law Olmsted had in mind when he designed the chain of city parks to connect to the Common.
Boston's 311 hotline has more than 2,000 complaints on file for the Boston Common. Many are about drug use and homelessness.
Two park rangers are recuperating from injuries they received when a suspected attacker stabbed the pair in Boston Common.
...
Over the past century, there have been many violent crimes on the Common, a place where residents, tourists, college students and office workers often gather to soak in the sun on blankets or grab a quick lunch.
Public sexual harassment is a very common issue for students who go to Suffolk University. This is a problem that endangers the lives of those who are being harassed and causes fear in these people. Change needs to be made urgently through. These changes can be in small ways, where we can start a peaceful protest in order to get rid of the harassers in Boston. Another can be to add more dorm security, including around the campus so it makes people feel more safe. Also women should download apps like “Noonlight”. This app instantly sends a notification out to the police in order to make sure those who pressed the button are okay. Another helpful idea would be to have Suffolk give their students whistles in order to call out for help.
From 2022: Person Shot Near Boston Common, Police Say Suffolk University sent an alert to employees saying the suspected shooter fled the area in the direction of a Red Line MBTA station
^Granted both the shooting were in broad daylight, so not at night. But so why walkthrough at night? naw.
Calling it childs play is very misleading ....you'd never let a child play there at night. There are some people that will call any level of crime in Boston child's play because they have personally been victimized. I have- multiple times, so I just take very easy nonburdensome precautions and it works out.
Last edited by BostonBornMassMade; 06-15-2023 at 03:07 PM..
We've got friends in Beacon Hill near the State House and it's easily the most direct route between their places and some of the Theatre District, South End, and Back Bay spots we go to.
I was gonna say, perhaps if on Beacon hill, then it makes sense! I thought that. I get it.
Maybe "at night" is too general. I'm not walking through after 2am anymore (though I've done it). But I have zero issue walking through (by myself or in a small group) between 10pm and around 1am when theaters are letting out, restaurants and bars are still open, and there are generally still people out and about. You'll find plenty of "normal" people are traversing the Common even between midnight and 1am.
I agree with this for the most part. However, I will say that I felt a lot better walking in the Common at night 5-10 years ago. It has definitely gotten sketchier.
To the OP’s question. I live in Cambridge and encounter panhandlers daily. Our local homeless population used to be more a part of the community. There are more transient troublemakers now.
Maybe "at night" is too general. I'm not walking through after 2am anymore (though I've done it). But I have zero issue walking through (by myself or in a small group) between 10pm and around 1am when theaters are letting out, restaurants and bars are still open, and there are generally still people out and about. You'll find plenty of "normal" people are traversing the Common even between midnight and 1am.
I can certainly see it being a different story after 2am when nobody's filtering out of bars, restaurants, theaters, etc. anymore. It's a large, quiet, dark expanse in the heart of an urban area which is generally something to avoid in any city. The Common isn't unique in that regard, nor is it any more dangerous than similar places in peer cities. Again, I'd urge anyone to use common sense based on their own situation rather than making a sweeping "it's perfectly safe!" or "it's dangerous!" judgements. If you're a 19yo woman leaving the bar by yourself at 2:30am, maybe don't walk across the Common. But if you're a group of 4 20-something guys, you'll probably be fine.
We've got friends in Beacon Hill near the State House and it's easily the most direct route between their places and some of the Theatre District, South End, and Back Bay spots we go to.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade
I agree I just think its actually fun with a group of guys late at night walking back to the car...
butby myself even at 11 when I just wanna kind of drift and listen to musimusic in my headpones? when people are in bars/ clubs (weekend) or at home (weekday) I just choose not to, because its not pleasant. And something could happen. Sometimes it does
We the parks powerwash and clean it everymorning.homeless and drug uses complete trash the park 24 7 .please call 911 also the mayors office as the park is dangerous. -
As the Boston Herald has reported this week, discarded syringes and needles on the grass, drug users harassing tourists, homeless people camped out overnight, and pot smoke thick in the air are the sights and scents now overtaking the crown jewel of the city’s Emerald Necklace of parkland. It’s pretty safe to assume this wasn’t what Frederick Law Olmsted had in mind when he designed the chain of city parks to connect to the Common.
Boston's 311 hotline has more than 2,000 complaints on file for the Boston Common. Many are about drug use and homelessness.
Two park rangers are recuperating from injuries they received when a suspected attacker stabbed the pair in Boston Common.
...
Over the past century, there have been many violent crimes on the Common, a place where residents, tourists, college students and office workers often gather to soak in the sun on blankets or grab a quick lunch.
Public sexual harassment is a very common issue for students who go to Suffolk University. This is a problem that endangers the lives of those who are being harassed and causes fear in these people. Change needs to be made urgently through. These changes can be in small ways, where we can start a peaceful protest in order to get rid of the harassers in Boston. Another can be to add more dorm security, including around the campus so it makes people feel more safe. Also women should download apps like “Noonlight”. This app instantly sends a notification out to the police in order to make sure those who pressed the button are okay. Another helpful idea would be to have Suffolk give their students whistles in order to call out for help.
From 2022: Person Shot Near Boston Common, Police Say Suffolk University sent an alert to employees saying the suspected shooter fled the area in the direction of a Red Line MBTA station
^Granted both the shooting were in broad daylight, so not at night. But so why walkthrough at night? naw.
Calling it childs play is very misleading ....you'd never let a child play there at night. There are some people that will call any level of crime in Boston child's play because they have personally been victimized. I have- multiple times, so I just take very easy nonburdensome precautions and it works out.
Some of the folks here remind me of Kramer eating the vintage movie theater hot dog. It's a perfectly SANE place to be after dark. Like it's hip to be nonchalant about places better avoided. I guess we've all got different tolerances for risk, but playing it safe and avoiding trouble spots has served me well for the better part of 70 years.
Some of the folks here remind me of Kramer eating the vintage movie theater hot dog. It's a perfectly SANE place to be after dark. Like it's hip to be nonchalant about places better avoided.
Yea, it's not so damning to just say its better to be avoided. I think you'll be fine, honestly- but just walk like an extra two minutes (unless you're going to Beacon Hill, not exactly a huge population block).
If the City's own Parks Department is telling you 'yea yo...were here every day, call the mayor, call 911- its dangerous'. Maybe listen?
There are more crimes I could post but it's already past overkill. And then all the unreporteds...
It's not sheltered either I currently live in a neighborhoods more dangerous than anywhere win Massachusetts- in one of Americas most dangerous cities. I've spent 9 years in Hartford CT and Baltimore MD.
There is not a single major park in either city that I know of with as much negative anti social activity at night as in the common. I remember a shooting in Paterson Park like 4 years ago. Never a needle, never litter. That's it.
Yea, it's not so damning to just say its better to be avoided. I think you'll be fine, honestly- but just walk like an extra two minutes (unless you're going to Beacon Hill, not exactly a huge population block).
I don't think it's particularly damning to say that at all. In most cases, it's a simple question of risk/reward. Unless it's saving you a significant amount of time, then even a slightly elevated risk might be enough to make it not worth it. Use common sense, have situational awareness, and make the call that works for you.
It's so strange reading this tonight, but I was in the Common tonight between 10 pm and 11 pm. Worst experience of my life? Umm...no.
Of course, I do know all about the shootings, muggings and stabbings in and around the Common over the years.
But I am there regularly in recent months as I wait for UberEats foot orders for food delivery. I sit near The Embrace, Boylston T stop, wherever. Sure, there are some anti-social or even some somewhat scary folks, at times. But I'd rather be on the Common perimeter than across on Tremont Street, especially near McDonald's and Burger King! I really dislike those "types" of individuals, plus they're smoking all kinds of stuff. And in the Common and the perimeter, I too often smell pot...and I, unlike some (most?) hate that smell!
There are dog walkers in a part of the Common at night, even 10 pm, as there's a small dog park. Tonight, the tennis and baseball areas were aglow with participants after 9 pm. Last week, people were setting up Pride structures at 10 pm. Plus, the new UnCommon Emerson stage next to Boylston T helps; it has live music and Trillium beer and a taco booth, until 9 pm, 6 pm on Sundays, until past October.
But...I heard a commotion around 10 pm at the Tadpole Playground near the Frog Pond tonight. Yikes! Turns out it was young children squealing in delight. I assume their parents were there or nearby, but it's a Friday warm night on Juneteenth weekend, and they felt comfortable being there! Not sure if "city" kids or nearby Beacon Hill kiddies; I didn't have my glasses on. Who knew?
And tonight I chatted with two young college gals, nursing students, who were on a bench IN the middle of the Common at 10 pm.. So much safer than Cleveland where they go to school, they said.
Dark? Actually, it seems rather bright nowadays! I had a pee emergency.late night there last week, and couldn't find a dark enough place to pee! Yes, there were some "normal" folks still out at that late hour whom I didn't want to offend. Years ago it was likely dark enough to get away with "it" for males.
No, I am not saying everyone should hang out there at night. And unfortunately, now that I've endorsed it as not always that wild west most think it is, now more crimes may suddenly happen.
I think The Embrace sculpture has already helped, as folks tend to gather there even at 10 pm in nice weather. Hopefully, that creates a presence and can deter some crime.
What really bothered me once or twice last month were antics across the street near Tremont on the Common apartments around 10 p.m. Lots of screaming and threats, not playful, even some females, from types you want to avoid in or out of the Common. Oh, and once on the sidewalk near The Embrace and Visitor Center involving a black female and a white young male taunting each other, he on a scooter and she furiously threatening and running after him trying to catch him. So that was indeed steps from the Common. But that's the anomaly for me there on the Common or feet away in recent months, lingering a few nights weekly.
Last edited by bostonguy1960; 06-17-2023 at 02:08 AM..
It seems a high percentage of the homeless or borderline homeless who ask me for money downtown are not aggressive -- even sometimes decent and friendly, so much so that I am saddened, in a way, that I don't have a dollar or even fifty cents to help at the moment.
Thus I try to carry quarters or dollar bills so I can occasionally give fifty cents or $1 when they ask for a dollar or more. But I can't give regularly, maybe once or twice a week, but do like to help occasionally as I've been helped so much financially by my brother in recent years for various reasons.
Plus I am in no position to donate hundreds or thousands of dollars to charity each year, so this is my small way to connect with a human in their moment, for whatever reason they'll really use it toward.
But...more and more in recent years, even this week, they'll walk right up to my face and ask for $ for "a sandwich." Whether true or not ..gee, ya know how much a sandwich costs nowadays! But most seem content with just $1. They sometimes even beg when I'm in line at McDonald's at South Station!
But thankfully, it's quite rare in this town, at least for me, that they're threatening or scary. Actually, they sometimes utter a "God bless" when I reject them. Probably same for most of you. But not sure if they treat males differently than females?
Yes, I realize giving the occasional dollar or fifty cents would anger other pedestrians, as obviously that just encourages the homeless to hang around, but...
What I don't like is being approached inside Park St. T station, some of whom are regulars. I'll usually not give inside the T station or on the train. On rare occasions they even ask on the red line car by shaking a paper cup, sometimes even begging to the entire car at once via a speech.
Not sure if it happens on the blue or orange lines, as I am usually just on the the red and green lines.
The green line seems off limits as the driver is present and may even try to deter it while trying to focus on driving. Plus, it's hard for people to even board a green line car without paying, unless the back door is sometimes open, as the driver sees the passenger tap their T pass, whereas it's so easy to trespass thru the gates of the subway stations -- even with cameras and ambassadors present -- by quickly following someone else who does pay or dangling a tote bag or guitar case over the other side, or just waiting for someone to exit.
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