[jimmy77]

Hey guys, I was just wondering if any of you know Dwight street in New Haven? I'm moving to the US shortly and I'm looking at renting an apartment there and was wondering about the neighborhood. I've heard some mixed reports and while I don't care if its not an "affluent" area, I do want my family to be able to walk downtown in safety, or as much safety as you can reasonably have in life. I'd really appreciate your opinion if you know the area.
Thanks

[kidyankee764]

From what I understand it's a safe area. I know people who have lived there and never had issues. Just remember to never let your guard down and always use common sense when walking, especially at night.

[mels]

It is an OK area however you are knocking on the door of a relatively unsafe area right around St. Raphaels Hospital (Orchard St, that area is not good).

[inetlom]

It really does depend on what part of Dwight you're looking at. The section closer to N. Frontage Rd, as mels said, is close to a rough area. The other part of Dwight is better, but heavily populated with students and clears out a little bit in the summer. I'm not always comfortable walking around that area on my own, and I wouldn't walk down there in the evenings.

You'll also want to keep in mind that the section of Whalley Ave. that you would be near has just had three major stores (Rite Aid, Staples, and Shaw's) close within the last four or five months, and foot traffic will probably be down heading away from town. There aren't a lot of crime reports coming out of Whalley right now, but once you move west of Dwight you are moving into a rougher area.

If I were you, I would try to visit the area if possible - only you will know what you and your family are comfortable with. I personally would not choose to live there, but you might.

[Mrs. Carly]

Originally Posted by inetlom

It really does depend on what part of Dwight you're looking at. The section closer to N. Frontage Rd, as mels said, is close to a rough area. The other part of Dwight is better, but heavily populated with students and clears out a little bit in the summer. I'm not always comfortable walking around that area on my own, and I wouldn't walk down there in the evenings.

You'll also want to keep in mind that the section of Whalley Ave. that you would be near has just had three major stores (Rite Aid, Staples, and Shaw's) close within the last four or five months, and foot traffic will probably be down heading away from town. There aren't a lot of crime reports coming out of Whalley right now, but once you move west of Dwight you are moving into a rougher area.

If I were you, I would try to visit the area if possible - only you will know what you and your family are comfortable with. I personally would not choose to live there, but you might.

Whoooooo if you live ANYWHERE near that hospital it is what I would call an "undesirable area". I found that out the hard way. Hmm actually that whole area near Whalley is a not so great area. I guess it is all about perspective though. I've heard people say that my neighborhood is a "wonderful" neighborhood, yet I'm scared to do anything other than run to my vehicle from my home and back. I'm learning the street smarts I never learned as a kid/young adult.

[adamz]

I lived on Chapel and Dwight back when hair bands were big and grunge was just a gleam in Kurt Cobain's eye. It was not particularly safe or savory. Lots of prostitutes, and I had a couple of attempted break-ins. Things may have changed.

[Mrs. Carly]

Originally Posted by adamz

I lived on Chapel and Dwight back when hair bands were big and grunge was just a gleam in Kurt Cobain's eye. It was not particularly safe or savory. Lots of prostitutes, and I had a couple of attempted break-ins. Things may have changed.

Only if it is for the worse.

[AnonChick]

Dwight Street isn't in walking distance to Downtown. It's JUST far enough to be an inconvenience unless you're only walking on really nice sunny breezy spring afternoons, and plan to be home before it gets dark.

[inetlom]

Originally Posted by AnonChick

Dwight Street isn't in walking distance to Downtown. It's JUST far enough to be an inconvenience unless you're only walking on really nice sunny breezy spring afternoons, and plan to be home before it gets dark.

It's still closer than many other parts of the city (East Rock, Westville, etc.). Google Maps puts a walk from Dwight and Chapel to the middle of the green at 15 minutes.

Again, parts of Dwight probably aren't as bad as they used to be - a lot of students still live there - but I wouldn't want to move my family there.

[adamz]

I didn't find the walk to/ from downtown too far. I did mind some of the harassment from punks hanging around the YMCA. The conversations with the working girls were a mixed bag.