Will we feel out of place in Hamilton Heights

[Harlem resident]

Originally Posted by nykiddo718718

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.

First, things have actually worsened of late, perhaps some sort of last screech of ghetto culture before the Columbia building sweeps the anti-socials away once and for all. All who live here are keenly aware of this. The crime rates have not lessened recently; certainly, the statistics have been worked.

Second, there are not fewer amenities than the upper west side. There are basically ZERO decent amenities. A restaurant just opened, Maison Harlem, center of a real 'hood block - we will see what happens in the summer. It is quite good and packed every night because it is a kind of oasis of normalcy.

Having "whites" around has nothing to do with an area being better. There are plenty or working- to upper-middle class black people around. As opposed to ghetto culture as anyone white of the same social class - perhaps more so.

Finally, I do agree that the Columbia building will mean changes ... but when ? And what will happen on the way to that ?