moved to Harlem and regret it? (Amsterdam: crime rate, neighborhood, living) - New York City - New York (NY) - City-Data Forum

elsewhere · 02-09-2011, 08:51 AM

Has anyone followed the gentrification trend and moved to Harlem only to find out they live in the middle of a ghetto?

I always loved Harlem for it's culture and music but crime rate was keeping me away. Now I'm close to moving there, but still hear negative opinions.

Yay or nay?

cocoaeve · 02-09-2011, 08:54 AM

Did you ever go to the neighborhood to see what the daily routine was.

Do ppl hang on on the corners? Is the block quiet, near the projects, etc?

I love Harlem period. There's no other vibe like it.

I'm moving back to Brooklyn from Jersey City in April and my first choice to own will be in Harlem.

You should do your homework before considering moving somewhere you are not sure about.

elsewhere · 02-09-2011, 09:01 AM

My homework is done, but you don't really know the neighbourhood until you live there. Commute at all hours of day and night, hear screams/sirens/party noise at night or not, know if neighbours become friends or not - you can learn these things as a visitor.

cocoaeve · 02-09-2011, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elsewhere

My homework is done, but you don't really know the neighbourhood until you live there. Commute at all hours of day and night, hear screams/sirens/party noise at night or not, know if neighbours become friends or not - you can learn these things as a visitor.

Where in Harlem did you move?

I lived in NYC all my life, that is until I moved out of NY three years ago, and also live briefly in Harlem on 148th & Amsterdam. Yes Harlem is noisy but I never had a problem living there.