[marakima]

Hi -- I grew up in East Haven in the 70s, lived in California for my adult life, and am now planning to move to New Haven. Single, no kids, used to urban life. Any opinions on the area around Chapel and Sherman? Have been considering a house purchase around there, like the proximity to both downtown and Edgewood Park.

[retiree2011]

Not a bad area, but New Haven property taxes are extremely high. You would be walking distance to downtown New Haven; since you like urban life that would be a plus.

[marakima]

Thanks. I know about the tax situation, which is why I need to be in a relatively inexpensive area.

[mitsene]

No, it is a bad area. I wouldn't move there. (and right now I live in amity/west rock, which isn't that great of a neighborhood itself, so that's saying something.)
Look at this map: Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed The neighborhood you're looking at is way on the 'not safe' end of the spectrum.
There is a reason the houses in that area are so cheap.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by mitsene

No, it is a bad area. I wouldn't move there. (and right now I live in amity/west rock, which isn't that great of a neighborhood itself, so that's saying something.)
Look at this map:Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed The neighborhood you're looking at is way on the 'not safe' end of the spectrum.
There is a reason the houses in that area are so cheap.

I kind of agree but I am a suburbanite who does not like to take chances. Your call if this is a safe area or not. Jay

[mels]

Right around St. Raphael is a pretty crappy area if you are talking about that exact intersection. All you have to do is go a few blocks towards Whalley Ave and things get better. In that area, you'd be better off shifting your search towards the Whalley/Boulevard intersection (Rt. 10) if your budget won't allow you to get closer to downtown.

[marakima]

Thanks for the sobering info. Will be in town during April, will try to hang out on street corners at night to suss it out.

[SeaDoo342]

Originally Posted by marakima

Thanks for the sobering info. Will be in town during April, will try to hang out on street corners at night to suss it out.

Wouldn't recommend that...

[smarcus]

I think it is worth going and seeing for yourself. While it is definitely not the safest area remember this is not New Haven in the 1980s. Two big things are happening. St Raphael's Hospital has a strong and growing presence especially now that it is part of the Yale New Haven Health System. Also, development on Chapel Street / Frontage Road area is creeping up toward Sherman and St. Raphael's. Currently there is an apartment/retail complex being built on Chapel Street at Howe Street. Also, the world HQ for Alexion is being build in the Frontage Road area. The area on Chapel toward Sherman will likely become more in-demand and valuable in the years to come. Good luck.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by smarcus

I think it is worth going and seeing for yourself. While it is definitely not the safest area remember this is not New Haven in the 1980s. Two big things are happening. St Raphael's Hospital has a strong and growing presence especially now that it is part of the Yale New Haven Health System. Also, development on Chapel Street / Frontage Road area is creeping up toward Sherman and St. Raphael's. Currently there is an apartment/retail complex being built on Chapel Street at Howe Street. Also, the world HQ for Alexion is being build in the Frontage Road area. The area on Chapel toward Sherman will likely become more in-demand and valuable in the years to come. Good luck.

This is true but the OP needs to know that doing that would make them an "urban pioneer" and there are costs for being that. Sure you can likely get in on the ground floor of an up and coming area but also you still have to deal with the issues that going along with living a possibly sketchy area. Jay