Will we feel out of place in Hamilton Heights (crime, neighborhoods)

[Riversidedr]

The Area has white, black, latin, asian people. Lots of college kids. Its safe.

[DAS]

Originally Posted by Febtober

My girlfriend and I live in the west 140's between Broadway and Riverside. We're a white couple in our 20's and while we're definitely the minority, its not like people stop and stare as we walk down the street. While you do see plenty of white people out in the neighborhood, now that I think about it, I can't recall seeing any caucasain children. I'm sure they're there, I've just never really looked.

Most of the mom and pop shops in my area speak little English, but between their limited English and my limited college Spanish its enough to get by. There's a good shopping center just a mile or two away, across the 145th St bridge in the Bronx with a Target, Best Buy, and some other places.

I've gotten people offering to sell me weed on the street from time to time, but that's about it. I was out in the meat packing district the other night and had two people try to sell me coke in five minutes, which has never happened back in Harlem.

I work odd hours and often walk to and from my car at all hours of the night and have never gotten any kind of trouble.

As everyone else has said, when the warm weather comes, it does turn into a bit of a zoo at all hours of the night. Fortunately my apartment faces the rear of the building, which helps a lot.

It is interesting how everyone can have different experiences in the same area.

I have seen White children in the area. They are usually with parents. They live in the area but don't go to school in the area. I see White families in the State park, and in the play ground on Riverside and 148th St. I have seen young White children under school age with parents, and nannies.

I think there will be a change in the public schools in the next 10 years. There are young White and Asian couples moving into the area buying HDFC coops, that intend to stay for the long term, and intend to place their children in the public schools.

There is an honors middle school, and a specialized HS both at City College Campus, there are 2 elementary schools that have the only students that are allowed to attend the honors middle school.

Columbia University will have a HS and possibly a middle school on it's new uptown campus.

[DAIRYDAD]

150 st IS DRUG CENTRAL CITY! GET OUT!

[Crosetti32]

Originally Posted by NZtoNY

I've been looking on urbanbaby, and the impression I get of Dalton is that its the school every family wants, is extremely hard to get into and then once you do a lot of kids get counselled out because the academics are so intense. I also get the impression that most of the student body is wealthy and from the upper east side, and the parents may be like the one in the Nanny Diaries book/movie. Its obviously a great school, but I don't want my children to be under too much pressure. I will obviously look into it once i'm there and obviously my perception from the other side of the world won't be completely accurate, i'm definately open to all schools and would prefer k-12 coed.

Did you make the move to Hamilton Heights? My family and I are moving to NYC and I'm wondering if this is a neighborhood for us.

[DoomDan515]

Take the Upper West Side apartment, trust me. Much better area.

[DoubleXAs]

Area is full of drugs, and I mean FULL of it.

[Seekingcreativity]

[quote=NZtoNY;18721055]We are a young family with 2 girls aged 3 and 1. Me and my husband are both caucasian and we are moving from NZ to NY. I am a kiwi he's an American.

What's a kiwi?

[r small]

What's a kiwi?[/quote]
A flightless bird from New Zealand.

[nykiddo718718]

Originally Posted by JeRrYcRaCk

i dont know where these last 2 posters come from (probably kansas) but the area is still hood no matter how many musicians from nebraska with tight pants move there. Where is SuperMario when u need him?

Oh please despite it's problems the area has improved significantly over the years. Many new businesses, more diversity, lower crime rates, healthier housing stock. The comparable affordability makes properties in the area a better deal then neighborhoods to the south. There are more quality of life issues but it's all about tolerance levels. You also not find as many amenities as the UWS for instance.

I say check it out, it's worth a shot. You find "Whites" all over NYC. Harlem in general has become a lot more non Hispanic White over the years. Black's aren't even a majority in Harlem anymore. Not to mention there are many Latinos (not a race) who are or maybe mixed but can easily pass for White. In all honesty no one cares if you are White.

I should also mention the Columbia University expansion is only going to drive up the desirability of this location.

[Shizzles]

Originally Posted by JeRrYcRaCk

u guys will look suspect without ur ebt card shopping in the local bodega so make sure u apply for one before u move then u will fit it. also make sure to apply for section 8 cuz u will look suspect if u dont pay for ur "hamilton heights" apt without ur voucher. also learn some spanish cuz u will be surrounded by non english speaking dominicans...also start smoking weed cuz u will be offered weed constantly in the summer while walking on broadway especially around 156th. good luck

Epic post, Bro.