more advice needed, this time: Roslindale (Cambridge, Washington: condo, crime, house)

[mmorgan7]

Hello, Some people have been so incredibly helpful to me over the past few weeks; I was about to buy a condo in Dorchester, but had a very scary home inspection and the whole deal fell apart. Someone suggested that since I am back to searching again, I expand my search to Roslindale... I know almost nothing about that area of the city (aside from the previous threads posted here and that two people were shot there recently in a gang-related incident). According to past posts, it's wise to stay west of Washington Ave. I'm interested in a property that's between Washington Ave and Poplar; Metropolitan and Beech. Does anyone know anything about this area? Is it safe? If one has a car and works in Cambridge, would that be do-able? Thank you to anyone who can give any advice.

[Urban Peasant]

Its kind of hard to say. The property you are looking at is a bit close to the projects at the corner of Beech and Washington where much of the criminal activity in Roslindale take place but that activity seldom spills too far into the neighborhood behind the projects. Living there should be safe and there should be ample parking but if you were to wait for the bus on Washington Street right in front of the projects during midday or late at night, then I'd be careful (there is a bus, the #50 that runs on Metropolitan Ave which allows you to avoid the projects but it doesn't run that frequently).

If you work in Cambridge, why not look into Allston/Brighton? Its closer than Roslindale.

[HenryAlan]

Overall I'd say safe, but it will vary a lot depending on proximity to the intersection of Washington and Beach. Beach St. by Poplar is fine. Anything bounded by Cornel/Washington/Metropolitan/Poplar is fine, and most of Beach is fine. The one exception is that corner by the projects. I agree with Urban Peasant that most of the crime does not spill out of the projects, and in fact, the two murders connected with the projects (about a year ago) involved a family that no longer lives there. The projects are also undergoing a transformation to mixed income and mixed rate (some at market, some subsidized) housing involving new construction. I think the area is likely moving upward, rather than downward.

My first house in Roslindale was just about centered by the square you've laid out, and my kids attend a school on Poplar street. Overall the neighborhood is a good place, and I'd recommend it unless the house itself is structurally flawed.